Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Throughout history, individuals with OCD (i.e., Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) have often faced stigma and misunderstanding…
"Your mind is your most powerful tool. Use it to shape your reality."
About me
Meet Me
Ioanna (pronounced Y AH – n uh) Xenophontos was born and raised in Cyprus. She works as a Counseling Psychologist licensed to practice in Cyprus and Illinois (USA). She completed her Bachelor’s degree with Honors in Psychology at University of Kent (UK) and her Master’s degree at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (IL, USA) and gained valuable experience at the Intensive Outpatient Program of AMITA Health Saint Joseph Hospital Chicago. She had the opportunity to train under leading figures in the field of psychology in Chicago, such as Dr. Siegel, who is widely recognized in the psychology community. Her training and collaboration with acknowledged professionals in psychotherapy contributed to shaping her experience and skills, enabling her to develop a broad spectrum of knowledge and approaches that she applies in her practice.
Furthermore, Ioanna focuses on the study of identity and intergenerational trauma, since she believes that a therapy plan, for a client, should be tailored and adjusted to their culture and needs. As a psychologist, Ioanna believes in the necessity of evaluating individuals holistically, since people are not one-dimensional. Instead of only focusing on the symptoms or problems presented by an individual, she understands the complete framework of each person’s life and experiences. With this approach, Ioanna creates a safe and empowering environment where clients can explore and process their personal experiences and challenges.
- Culturally Competent
- Adaptive Approach
- Flexible Schedule
Blog Post
Latest articles and news
Understanding Emotional Eating
The first time I was introduced to the term “emotional eating” was during my…
What It Takes to Truly Belong
Belongingness refers to the experience of being accepted, valued, and connected within a group,…
Services
This is how I can help you
The purpose of therapy is to enrich your quality of life; either by helping you overcome past or current challenges or/and by giving you the tools to reach your potential.
Considering the limitations of traditional psychotherapy, I use my skills and knowledge of different schools of psychology to tailor my approach to the needs and personality of each individual.
Therapy can be done online or in person. The frequency and duration of the sessions are customized to the needs of each individual. Sessions can be done in Greek and English.
Individual therapy sessions are designed to help you gain insights into your personal experiences, develop coping strategies, and promote personal growth and well-being. With a compassionate and non-judgmental approach, we work collaboratively to address concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, and life transitions.
Drawing from evidence-based practices and utilizing a client-centered approach, we empower you to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and enhance your overall quality of life. Our goal is to create a therapeutic alliance built on trust, empathy, and confidentiality, ensuring that you feel heard and understood throughout your therapeutic journey.
Take the first step towards positive change and contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation. Together, we can explore your strengths, navigate obstacles, and work towards achieving a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
Psycho-educational workshops are thoughtfully designed to educate and inspire individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of various psychological topics and acquire practical skills to enhance their lives.
Through our engaging and interactive workshops, we cover a wide range of subjects such as stress management, mindfulness, communication skills, self-care, and resilience building. These workshops offer a unique opportunity to learn evidence-based strategies, gain valuable insights, and develop practical tools that can be applied in everyday life.
These workshops create a supportive and inclusive environment where participants can connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. We believe in the power of collective growth and encourage active participation and collaboration during our sessions.
Whether you are seeking personal growth, stress reduction techniques, or strategies to enhance your overall well-being, our psycho-educational workshops are tailored to meet your needs. Join me and embark on a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and transformation.
Parental counseling services offer a safe and non-judgmental space for parents to explore their concerns, gain valuable insights, and develop practical strategies to foster healthy parent-child relationships. Whether you are facing issues related to behavior management, communication, discipline, or parenting styles, we are here to help.
Together we will collaboratively to address specific concerns and provide personalized guidance tailored to your family’s unique needs. We employ evidence-based approaches and draw upon our expertise to offer practical tools and techniques that promote effective communication, positive discipline, and emotional well-being for both you and your children.
In our supportive counseling sessions, we will create a space for you to share your thoughts and concerns openly, while also offering guidance and resources to enhance your parenting skills and confidence. I believe in the transformative power of strengthening the parent-child bond and fostering a nurturing environment that supports healthy child development.
Group therapy offers a unique and powerful way to address a variety of mental health concerns and personal challenges. In a supportive and confidential group setting, individuals have the opportunity to share their experiences, gain insights, and receive support from both the psychologist facilitator and fellow group members.
Group therapy sessions are tailored to meet different needs and interests. Whether you are seeking support for anxiety, depression, stress management, self-esteem, relationship issues, or personal growth, our groups provide a safe space for exploration and healing.
Group therapy sessions create a nurturing environment where participants can feel understood and supported. Through guided discussions, experiential exercises, and interpersonal interactions, group members develop valuable insights, learn new coping strategies, and build meaningful connections.
Consultation and collaboration serve as invaluable resources for those seeking expert guidance, support, and collaboration in various domains. Whether you are an individual seeking guidance on personal growth, a professional seeking consultation for clinical cases, or an organization in need of specialized expertise, we are here to help.
Professional Consultation: As a professional in the mental health field, it is crucial to have access to consultation and collaboration to enhance your clinical practice. Professional consultation services offer support in areas such as case conceptualization, treatment planning, and navigating complex clinical scenarios.
Organizational Collaboration: For organizations seeking to optimize employee well-being, improve team dynamics, or implement mental health initiatives, our consultation and collaboration services can provide valuable insights and expertise.
Contributions and conferences
Considering the dynamic nature of the human mind and society
…we have to be updated on what applies and be an advocate using our knowledge to help those in need.
Carvalho, A. (2021, September). Adults Education against Abuses of Power, Amarante, Portugal
Holthoff, T. (2021, January). Transformative Learning – Global Citizenship Education for Radical Change, Nicosia, Cyprus
Hagerty-Branch, E., & Hedglen- Smith, J., (2019, June). How Far is Too Far? Understanding Child Sexual Behaviors, Chicago, IL
Cutler, M. (2019, June). Clinical Assessment of Trauma in Children and Adolescence, Chicago, IL
Siegel, S., & Robinson, L. (2019, February). Understanding the History of Chicago’s West Side African American Community: Clinical Implications, Chicago, IL
Piszczor, R. (2018, October). An Introduction to Sleep and Sleep Interventions Across Lifespan, Chicago, IL
Larson, P., & Moss, D. (2017, November). Fundamentals of Hypnosis. Continuing Education Activity, Chicago, IL.
Siegel, S. (2017, September). The Biological Aspects of Addiction: The Hijacked Brain and the Integration into the Holistic Model, Continuing Education Activity, Chicago, IL.
Marder, J. (2017, September). An Overview and Application of Emotionally Focused Couples, Continuing Education Activity, Chicago, IL.
Institute of Psychotherapy, Professional & Personal Development 2016-2017 (IPSEPA), Nicosia, Cyprus
Accredited courses specialized in the application of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Personality theories, ethics
Introduction to CBT – assessment – case formulation – therapeutic plan- intervention
Depression
Phobias
Panic Disorder
Suicidal ideation
It takes courage and patience to flesh out the stereotypes which covertly lie in the Cypriot routine. Being part of such an initiative can only make me feel flattered. When I started thinking of what to include, I was unsure of how to condense my thoughts and feelings on a piece of paper to accurately illustrate the social roles in Cyprus.
Θκυό Λόγια / Thkio Logia is a Cypriot initiative that started with four wonderful women. Their work is not good; it’s great and this book proves why. Happy to have met such ambitious and empowering women.
Nowadays, most people follow a career that speaks for their identity. Considering the amount of energy and time we spend at work we tend to also become attached to the people in our work environment. In this podcast, we discuss different attachment styles and how they impact our work quality.
Special Thanks to Anna Michael for the invitation and opportunity to discuss such a topic.
Enjoy,
On the occasion of Nayia T. Karacosta’s and her team’s monologue, the #Under/pants; a candid monologue reflecting on #shame, questions, and the guilt of #sexuality , I had the pleasure to facilitate a safe discussion between the actress and professionals from the Cyprus Family Planning Association, Dr. Dora Georgiou and Mr. Demetris Parperis, around the topics of #sex education, #stereotypes, and how to help young people.
Contact me
Reach out
with the contact information below or send a message using the form. For individual therapy and personal development sessions, you can also book online.
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