My Beloved Pets

I’m fortunate that my home is a big family – seven members in total, three of whom have tails! Our cherished cats are Psipsinel, Papaias, and Tail. Each with her own unique personality, they brighten every day with play, purrs, and of course, mischief.

But our family doesn’t end there. Just a few floors down, two more wagging tails greet me with enthusiasm on our daily walks. Nestor and Petra are two incredible dogs living with my parents. Despite their age, they overflow with love and authenticity. Walking them fills me with joy and dedication.

Through my relationship with animals, I deeply perceive and enjoy the bond between humans and animals – a relationship built on love, respect, and acceptance. This experience guides me as I offer space, understanding, and meaning to those who care for and say goodbye to a beloved pet.

Professional Experience

British Psychological Society (BPS) – As a psychological assistant at the Centre for Outcomes Research and Effectiveness, UCL, I coordinated research on service satisfaction among individuals with severe mental health conditions, while providing emotional support to participants.

National Autistic Society, UK – In roles as a Psychoeducational Officer and Senior Education Worker, I provided psychosocial education and emotional/practical support to autistic children and adolescents in residential settings. I designed, implemented, and evaluated bespoke therapeutic and educational programs, and supported parents and families. I also participated in multidisciplinary meetings and supervised a team of colleagues.

Whipps Cross University Hospital NHS Trust, UK – As a Trainee Grief Counsellor for adults at the Psychological Support Service, Margaret Centre, I counselled adults facing loss. Later, I extended my grief counselling to children through the Zig Zag Children’s Service within the same centre.

Cancer Black Care, UK – During my placement, I counselled adults with chronic, terminal illnesses, helping them manage their conditions.

Place2Be, Garfield Primary School, UK – As a trainee counsellor, I provided individual play therapy to primary school children, supporting their mental health and wellbeing.

Changing Faces, UK – As a Child Specialist, I offered therapeutic play-based counselling to children with facial/body dysmorphia (genetic or acquired), and counselling to parents and families. I organized and delivered experiential psychoeducational workshops for children, families, and support groups, and wrote educational manuals.

Psychosynthesis, Greece – As a psychologist and mental health counsellor, I provided play therapy for children and counselling for parents.

Private Educational Support, Greece – I supported a primary-school student on the autism spectrum (Asperger’s) within a school context. My responsibilities included facilitating the student’s psychosocial and educational integration in collaboration with teachers and a multidisciplinary team. I developed, implemented, evaluated, and revised an individualized educational program. A key factor in the student’s emotional stability and educational progress was strengthening the bond with companion animals.

How I Can Help

My experience in counselling and psychological support enables me to offer specialised psychological support services to pet guardians and professionals in the care of animals:

• Personalised pet loss counselling

• Support groups

• Support for grieving children and families
• If you’re experiencing the loss of a beloved pet and need support, I’m here to listen and understand. In a safe, supportive environment, you can express your feelings and find ways to move forward at your own pace.

I have experienced the loss of beloved animals many times. Each farewell is unique, just like the relationship that came before it. The pain doesn’t disappear – it changes form. Every journey through grief brings us closer to the deeper meaning of life and to the true value of the bond we shared. I continue to live with gratitude for all the love and the invaluable lessons my animals have offered me with such simplicity and humility.

Since childhood, I have been fascinated both by the immediacy and simplicity of animals and the complexity of human nature. What began as a desire to become a veterinarian gradually evolved into a deep interest in psychology.

Academic & Professional Training

I pursued academic and professional studies in the fields of psychology, counselling, and psychotherapy:

• BSc in Psychology – University of Essex, UK
• MSc in Health Psychology – University of Kent at Canterbury, UK
• Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy – University of East London, UK
• Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills – Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK
• Diploma in Pet Bereavement Counselling – Centre of Excellence, UK

I am a registered member of the Hellenic Psychological Society (SEPS, registration no. 1999) and hold a professional license to practice as a psychologist (no. 5367/10, Prefecture of East Athens). I am also a member of the Association of Pet Bereavement Counsellors (APBC, UK, member no. 2024024). I pursued academic and professional studies in the field of psychology, counselling, and psychotherapy:

• BSc in Psychology – University of Essex, UK
• MSc in Health Psychology – University of Kent at Canterbury, UK
• PgDip in Counselling and Psychotherapy – University of East London, UK
• Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills – Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK
• Diploma in Pet Bereavement Counselling – Centre of Excellence, UK

Voluntary Work

The Smile of the Child, Greece:
Provided creative engagement for children with serious medical conditions hospitalized in paediatric wards, as well as support for their family members (e.g. Haematology and Oncology Department, Transplant Unit, Cardiology Ward, etc.). I also cared for children living in the hospital due to parental abandonment or under protective custody by court order.

Summer Camp for Children and Adolescents with Type I Diabetes:
Responsible for delivering psychoeducational activities through creative play and offering emotional support.

P.I.K.P.A – Children’s Recovery and Rehabilitation Centre of Voula, Greece:
Offered emotional, educational, and practical support to children with autism, Down syndrome, and physical disabilities.

Age Concern, UK:
Provided emotional and practical support to elderly individuals.