Dr. Maria-Christina Kosteli , BACP

Dr. Maria-Christina Kosteli brings an academic and clinical background to her counselling work, combining advanced study with hands-on client care. She trained at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, earned an MSc in Counselling Psychology from Springfield College in the United States, and completed a PhD in Psychology at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom. She holds professional credentials in psychology and counselling, including BPS Chartered Psychologist - a chartered qualification from the British Psychological Society, registered EuroPsy Psychologist - a European professional recognition, and BACP registered counsellor - membership of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Her practice is grounded in the Person-Centered approach, which emphasizes self-development and the pursuit of personal growth, and she integrates techniques from Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy to address patterns of thinking and behaviour. Over a decade of clinical experience has seen her work in diverse settings such as universities, clinics for chronic conditions, prevention centres, athletic teams, and private practice, giving her exposure to a wide range of presenting issues.

Dr. Kosteli supports people coping with anxiety, stress, relationship difficulties, bereavement, loss of purpose, and low self-esteem. She also specialises in pregnancy-related challenges, including miscarriage and baby loss, and supports couples facing infertility. Her training includes stress management methods like progressive muscle relaxation and mental skills techniques such as visualisation. In addition to her clinical work, she serves as an associate professor of psychology at the university and offers online counselling during evening hours to accommodate clients with busy schedules.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Dr. Maria-Christina Kosteli uses client-centered therapy to create a respectful, accepting environment where the individual’s own goals and insights guide the work; this approach supports personal growth, self-understanding, and coping with life transitions. She also draws on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours to reduce symptoms of anxiety, low mood, and stress. When appropriate, elements from Emotionally-Focused approaches are used to help clients explore and shift emotional responses that affect relationships and personal well-being.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Dr. Kosteli works with each person to understand their needs, goals, and preferences, and together they choose or blend methods that fit the client’s situation and pace.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging - making it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, connect across distances, and maintain continuity of care. These options allow licensed professionals to provide consistent support while adapting format and frequency to what works best for the client.