MICHAEL BATAKIS — PSYCHOLOGIST, CBT
Who am I?
I am a psychologist based in Athens since 2004. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy — an approach that does not stay in theory, but gives practical tools that you use from the next day. My office provides specialized anxiety therapy, depression therapy, as well as couples therapy. Sessions are held in person in Athens, but also through online psychotherapy for clients throughout Greece and Greek expats living in European Union countries and seeking scientific support in their own language.
How do I work?
I work with people who want to understand what is happening to them and change it.
Most people who come to me, many times, don't know exactly what's wrong with them. They know that something is wrong — in their stress, in their mood, in their relationship, in the way they think. That's enough to get us started...
"We went for couples therapy. Mr. Batakis is qualified, he listened to us carefully and gave guidelines that work. Very good, we recommend him"
— grigoria, CBT · Couple Therapy
Structured, practical, with direction from the first session.
I don't endlessly analyze the past. I focus on the now — on the thought patterns that keep you where you are — and we systematically work to change them.
01
First session: Together we understand what brings you here and lay the foundation for a personalized plan. No rush, no judgment.
02
Along the way: Each session has a goal. You learn techniques that you apply in everyday life — outside the office, in difficult times.
03
Result: Become your own healer. No dependency — autonomy.
"He remembers every detail from previous sessions, doesn't "give away", and gives practical advice where needed — from the very first meeting."
— Nikos, CBT · Anxiety
Studies and Education
The education behind every session.
I studied psychology in London, did a postgraduate degree in social psychology at Brunel University and specialised in Counselling and Career Guidance. My training in CBT was 4 years — 2 theory and 2 supervised clinical practice — at the Institute of Behavioural Research and Therapy (IBRT) and Schema Therapy at the Hellenic Society of Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy.
Education
BSc Psychology, London · MSc Social Psychology, Brunel · Education GSTH - IBRT, Athens
Clinical experience
Lyrakou Psychiatric Clinic · General Directorate of Public Health · Kalfopouleio Municipal Clinic · ISON Psychometrica Collaborator
Associations
Panhellenic Association of Psychologists · British Psychological Society
Research and Writing
Clinical work continues outside the office.
I have written research studies in the field of mental health, I write articles in print and electronic media, and I have participated in radio and television shows. I am the author of the book “Anger: Become Your Own Scientist” — a CBT-based manual for anger management that comes with an Android app.
What those who worked with me say
Trust is built in the session — and confirmed afterward.
"Excellent! From an early age, he made me feel comfortable, learned how to manage negative thoughts and anxiety"
— Christos
"From the very beginning, he creates a climate of safety and meaningful communication. What I appreciated most is his ability to transform theory into practical tools with real application in everyday life."
— Orpheus, CBT · Anxiety
"Excellent, his advantage is that he immediately understood the problem and gave targeted advice for solutions. He helped us a lot in couples counseling and our lives have improved a lot on all levels"
— Fotis, Couples Counseling
If you want to talk first — that's okay.
You do not need to have decided that you want therapy. You just need to feel that something is worth examining. Sessions are held in person in the center of Athens (Panepistimiou 39, opposite Panepistimiou Metro Station), as well as remotely. Online psychotherapy (CBT) is conducted through secure platforms, with flexible appointments that adapt to the needs of clients from all over Greece and abroad (taking into account the differences in EU time zones -and not only-).
You can send a message or call — no commitment, no rush.
I am a Psychologist, holder of a professional license (2004), which allows me by law to offer mental health services and psychotherapy, with postgraduate education in London, a specialization diploma in Counseling and career guidance and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.
I have been trained abroad (Rome, Berlin, Munich) by leading experts in the use of neurofeedback, an alternative way of managing disorders in patients who either do not wish to or do not respond to conventional interventional psychotherapeutic procedures. Psychotherapeutically, I specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (certified 4-year theoretical and practical training with supervision) and I continue my lifelong learning by participating in specialized workshops for mental health specialists regarding interventions in adults, adolescents and children, in Greece and abroad.
My experience was acquired during my many years of collaboration as a psychologist in public and private mental health institutions and medical centers, dealing with a multitude of cases such as anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, phobias, bipolar disorder, intrusive unwanted thoughts, mood disorders, as well as relationship and communication issues of couples. I am a certified psychologist-psychotherapist associate of ISON Psychometrica, author of the book 'Anger: Become Your Own Scientist', I have been a member of the National Fostering and Adoption Council, scientific advisor to psydesk.org, I have authored a number of research studies in the field of mental health, I occasionally write articles in the printed and electronic press, and I have participated in radio and television and radio broadcasts.
I have created a safe and supportive space in the center of Athens, helping people manage anxiety, the difficulties of daily life, intrusive negative and depressive thoughts and common phobias (agoraphobia, social phobia, microphobia, fear of heights, astrophobia, etc.) in order to regain balance and quality of life. Improving communication, safe conflict management and strengthening the emotional connection of partners are the core of my therapeutic interventions for couples.
Biography
Studies
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Degree in Positive Psychology, London
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Postgraduate Studies in Social Psychology and Lacanian Psychoanalysis, London
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Postgraduate Program in Counseling & Careers, Athens
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Postgraduate Program in Clinical Psychopathology and Differential Diagnosis, Athens
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Training, (2 years Theory + 2 years practical training in clinical cases with supervision), IETHS, Athens
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Training in Schema Therapy, EEGSPS, Thessaloniki
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Specialized workshops for clinical psychologists in Greece and abroad
Professional experience
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Licensed to practice since 2004
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Psychologist, Lyrakou Psychiatric Clinic
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Scientific Manager of psydesk.org
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Psychologist, General Directorate of Public Health, Athens
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Private practice, Kolonaki
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Scientific Advisor on Psycho-Social Reintegration, PEPSAEE, Athens
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External Associate Psychotherapist, 1st Municipal Clinic Kalfopouleio Health Center, Athens
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Teaching Professor of Psychopathology and Nutrition, University of Crete
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ISON Psychometrica Associate
Participation in conferences
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Participation in numerous conferences in Greece and abroad with presentations related to psychotherapeutic practice and e-Health
Club member
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Panhellenic Association of Psychologists
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British Psychological Society
Academic publications
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Correlation between response time and symptomatology in the psychometric tool SCL90-R
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The effect of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on brain structures
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An introduction to neurofeedback (EEG) and the use of individualized therapeutic protocols
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Applying Kelly's theory of personal constructs: The conceptual grid as a catalyst in Career Guidance counseling
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CBTWebHelper: A versatile online tool for monitoring patient progress and formulating research proposals
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Author of the book: "Anger: Become a Scientist of Yourself"
