After studying psychology, specializing in cognitive- behavioral therapy and psychoanalysis in the UK, Dimitra, who is originally from Greece, worked in research in collaboration with the Max Planck institute. She then did a postgraduate degree in transpersonal psychotherapy to then move to Barcelona, where she studied a 4 years Master course in Family therapy and founded Hestía, the international center of psychotherapy where she is still working as the director. It has been 10 years since Hestía was founded and Dimitra describes herself as a therapist who is still learning and growing together with the team, to integrate new ideas and findings.
What is your favorite travel memory?
For me times when I was truly immersed in a culture were always more powerful than “only” holidays. Being and exchange student in the United States made me grow a lot personally, so has living and studying in the UK. I owe who I am, my strengths and abilities to these experiences and to the people in them.
Working at hestía both my colleagues and my patients allow me to travel to different countries and cultures every day, they allow me to understand the world, more than any travelling ever could.
What does the future hold for Hestía International Psychotherapy - any exciting new programs to share?
The most exciting project is the gradual transformation from a therapy center into a place to train in psychotherapy, combining different approaches that are present in the centre. Part of this step is the internship program. Besides we are currently creating liaisons with universities and therapy schools in the United States and in Italy.
Why is language learning and cultural immersion important to you?
In my experience languages can build bridges between people and bring them together. What we have in common is much more than what makes us different. Speaking languages is the key to communication and to opening our minds. Cultural immersion helps us to define who we are.
Only by changing our surroundings we can see ourselves clearly. A red person in front of a red background is invisible, the red of that person can only be seen and appreciated when the person moves to, let´s say, a yellow background. Building a strong self and a strong identity while remaining respectful both for the (red) self and the (yellow) culture can make us truly citizens of the world.
What unique qualities does your company possess?
The internationality of the staff and the clients makes working here uniquely enriching. I am travelling all over the world thought them and don´t only become part and aware of different cultures but also am surrounded by different psychotherapeutical cultures.
At hestía we are all united thought a deep feeling of respect of human nature, we are learning and growing together, we are curious and open.
Describe a time when you felt especially proud to be part of the Hestía International Psychotherapy team.
In moments in which we are all together, when we are sharing our ideas and experiences I rediscover the beauty of the people that surround me.
Lately we had a lot of visits from professionals that I highly admire and that are an institution in the world of psychotherapy- their reaction to our team and center makes me very proud.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
In our area the company's goal is to be in service of people so I define success in that way. I believe we are open to best understand and respond to the needs of people. Also we are constantly developing and learning. Being open, flexible and respectful to the staff and the patients is the most important thing.
