Dr Zoi Simopoulou
About Zoi:
Works as Counsellor/Psychotherapist at First Psychology Online
Languages spoken:
- English
- Greek
She is particularly experienced in working with children and young people with a history of traumatic abuse (domestic, emotional, physical); emotional and relational concerns; existential challenges; learning difficulties; and physical difficulties.
Zoi is fluent in Greek and is happy to work with people who would feel more comfortable speaking in this language.
Zoi's way of working
Zoi takes a relational approach to therapy. She aims to provide a safe space where each client can share and explore their experiences and concerns and to attend together to the meaning that these hold for them. Her work focuses on exploring existing and new ways of relating through the therapeutic relationship.As a qualified art therapist Zoi also works with creative making and play as a familiar means to expressing and attending to feelings and experiences that we might have no words for. Along with the therapeutic relationship, she attends to the relationship to the artwork, the materials/toys, and the process of art-marking/play.
Zoi's background and training
Zoi has a background working with children, young people and families who have experienced domestic abuse.Zoi has a BA Hons in Philosophy and Pedagogic Psychology from the University of Athens, Greece, an MSc in Art Therapy from Queen Margaret University, and a PhD in Counselling, Psychotherapy and Applied Social Sciences from the University of Edinburgh. She undertook additional training in Therapeutic Work with Children and Young People (PgDip) at Human Development Scotland. Zoi also works as a lecturer in counselling, psychotherapy and applied social sciences at the University of Edinburgh.
Zoi is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and she is a member of the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT).