About Dimitra

I believe that writing is a powerful tool for our personal development and healing. Through this, we can express our feelings and thoughts, narrate our personal stories∙ understand who we are and what is important to us. As we read and listen to the words we wrote, new perspectives open up in front of our eyes that help us move on with our lives. In short, paper becomes our mirror.

My name is Dimitra Didangelou and I’m an officially licensed English speaking psychologist based in Brussels.

I hold a Master of Science Diploma and I’m recognized by the Belgian Commission of Psychologists (no 812333003). I’m the founder of “Expressing MySelf Institute” which offers mental health services.

After filling thousands of pages for personal and professional purposes, I quickly discovered the power of the written word. I strongly believe that the written language is a powerful tool for our personal development and therapy. As Margaret Atwood said, “A word after a word after a word is power”. Through special techniques, we can express our feelings and thoughts and narrate our personal stories. We can understand who we are and what is important to us. As we read and hear the words we have written, a new perspective of our self, our life, and the world are revealed in front of us. We become more confident and capable in order to move forward with our lives.

I offer one-on-one or group sessions, and I also facilitate workshops and seminars. In my approach, I use writing as the main tool in combination with the trauma therapy tecnhiques. I, also, do a synthesis of the various methods from additional training I have received, such as systemic approach, philosophical counseling, book therapy, meditation, and so on. All these, always based on the needs of the participants, the special elements of personality and individual background, in a climate of security and trust. I also strongly believe in the benefits that man can have from his contact with nature and in my approach – where possible – I include this dynamic.

Indicative cases I work with: burn out, traumatic experiences (CRM trauma therapy model), long- COVID psychological symptoms, chronic diseases, Highly Sensitive Persons (HSP), identity and sexual identity issues, relationship improvement, decision making, loss-mourning, transitions (pregnancy, divorce, unemployment, immigration, retirement, menopause etc.), communication, assertiveness, behavioral problems, personal growth, career consultation, burn out of medical staff  etc.

In addition, I have developed an autoimmune diseases program which consists of a set of 8 individual sessions designed specifically for people suffering from autoimmune diseases. The aim is to process the psychosomatic consequences of an autoimmune disease, any psychological processes that may have contributed to its trigger (traumatic experiences, chronic stress, loss, etc.) and also the psychological support of the person after diagnosis or due to changes that occur because of this (on physical, psychological, social level etc.). In this program, I use a combination of therapeutic writing techniques and the CRM model.

I teach and organize therapeutic writing training and seminars for mental health professionals and also I supervise expressive writing groups.

My research interests focus mainly on the healing effects of the act of writing and reading.

In the winter I work in Brussels and in the summer in Greece through the internet or doing sessions and retreats in the inspiring mountain of Pelion – the homeland of mythic healer Chiron Centaurus. In this astonishing place, I organize retreats  where we write expressively watching the sunset at the beach or under the trees after a long walk in the forest, coming closer and closer to nature and thus to the authentic self. You can learn more about this here.

For several years I was facilitating workshops and seminars for The Reader Berlin, Write CY in Cyprus, and collaborated with various universities and educational institutes in Greece and Cyprus.

Training

My training includes an Advanced Study in Therapeutic Writing (The Center for Journal Writing in Denver, CO, USA), a Master of Science Diploma in Psychology and Mass Media, a Bachelor Degree in Psychology and a Certificate in Philosophical Counseling and Psychotherapy. Additionally, I have been trained in the Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM, trauma therapy) by Lisa Schwarz, Systemic approach, Bibliotherapy, Meditation guidance, and Career Consultation.

During my studies, I followed the clinical psychology direction and I did my practice at the General Hospital of Karditsa (Greece) and a deinstitutionalization guest house (Psychargos program).

I have an official license to practice the profession of psychologist and I’m a member of: Belgian Commission of Psychologists (no 812333003), Association of Greek Psychologists (no2671), Lapidus International, Mental Health Europe, Hellenic Network of Women in Europe, Science View.

Among my professional distinctions is the invitation to speak at the European Parliament (Strasburg, European Youth Event, 9-11 May 2014) in order to inspire young entrepreneurs to begin their own online business.

In the past, I have worked as a scientific journalist aiming to raise public awareness about mental health issues, and currently, I’m the founder and chief editor of the psychology web magazine, Psycho-grafimata.

I’m a published author and I love writing fiction based on real stories because I believe that the unbelievable stories life brings surpass even the most powerful imagination.

I’m a regular columnist on Huffington Post Greece. 

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The workshops and the sessions I conduct are held in an environment of safety and support, with empathy and respect for each participant’s personality. You can feel comfortable and express yourself freely, without concern about criticism.

Therapeutic writing doesn’t demand any previous writing experience or writing skills.

You can contact me at the email
dimitra@expressingmyself.org

INFO

Belgium
Rue Americaine 36, 1060 Saint Gilles, Brussels

Greece
Pinakates, 37010, Pelion, Magnisia

There is also the option to conduct sessions outside in nature. 

Languages: English, Greek

You can have partial reimbursement of psychotherapy sessions depending on your insurance (mutuelle/mutualiteit). Learn more here.

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If you’re interested in learning more about how it was living in a tiny village of 50 residents while working with people from all over the world, you can watch my TED talk here.

List of published work

• A thank you for every day. Gratitude Journal. Kastaniotis, 2021 (Athens)
• Gratitude. For a fulfilling life. Kastaniotis, 2020 (Athens)
• Wabi Sabi (the imperfection). Short Stories Collection, Iolkos, 2017 (Athens)
• Syvi and Daddy. Novella, Gavrielides, 2013 (Athens)
• Media, Information and Communication in the Digital Age: Psychological, Cultural and Philosophical Approaches. Collective Volume, Oasis, 2021 (Athens)
• Grow 2. Dioptra, 2021 (Athens)
• Conversations with people of ’21. 25 Grammata, 2021 (Athens)
• ’21. Collective Volume, Cultural Centre of Ioannina, 2020 (Ioannina)
• The Time Collection. Collective Volume, Paraksenes Meres, 2014 (Rethymnon) (publishing after distinction in international writing contest)
• Under a Shade. Collective Volume, Ekdoseis ton Synadelfon, 2015 (Athens)

Short stories published in literary magazines & webpages. Distinctions in literature competitions.