CV

Irina Popova is a psychologist, mental health counselor and psychotherapist with a person-centered approach, with a deep dedication to the promotion of mental health and human development. With many years of clinical experience in public and private institutions, she has supported children, adolescents, adults, couples and families, creating therapeutic environments that promote safety, authenticity and personal development.

Her professional career is characterized by consistency, scientific training and deep empathy. She has collaborated with numerous therapeutic organizations, while maintaining an active private practice offering sessions both in person and online, as well as in physical environments  (in english, greek and russian languages). Her experience extends from psychotherapeutic support to psychological assessment, clinical observation and participation in research programs, as well as writing scientific articles in newspapers and magazines.

A significant part of her education and professional development was shaped through her collaboration with Aiginiteio Hospital, where she participated in clinical visits, psychological assessments and research projects, concerning higher mental functions and psychopathology in different populations. She has also worked in community structures, SOS Children's Villages, community centers and psychiatric clinics, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the needs of people at different stages of their lives.

Her therapeutic approach is based on the principles of Carl Rogers' Person-Centered Therapy: empathy, unconditional acceptance and authenticity. She deeply believes that every person has the internal resources to heal and evolve, when they find themselves in an environment that supports them with respect and understanding. At the same time, she incorporates elements of mindfulness, focusing and psychotherapeutic practices through arts and play, adapting her work to the needs of each client.

Irina holds a degree in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has completed two MSc postgraduate programs in Person-Centered Counseling and Psychotherapy (University of Strathclyde Glasgow, ROOTS - ICPS), as well as numerous specialized trainings in clinical psychopathology, child psychiatry, psychodynamic theory, psychological assessment and mindfulness. Continuous education is an integral part of her professional identity, as she believes that psychotherapy evolves with the person.

She has participated in conferences, workshops and scientific presentations, and has made oral presentations on topics such as meeting groups, group psychotherapy, school bullying and psychological resilience. At the same time, she has contributed to research projects concerning the effectiveness of psychotherapy and the ecological sensitivity of the person-centered approach.

At the center of her work is the deep belief that the therapeutic relationship can become a space of transformation. A space where the person can be heard, understood and rediscover their strength, wisdom and inner direction. Irina works with respect for the uniqueness of each individual, creating an environment that enhances self-awareness, mental resilience and meaningful connection with oneself and others.

Based on a collection of evaluations of patients, co-workers, supervisors and teachers