COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY INTODAY’S
GREECE
Maria Malikiosi-Loizos
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
Abstract: In this article the current status and future directions for counselling psychology in
Greece are discussed. Specifically, the article is based on SWOT analysis, focusing on topics
such as the identity of counselling psychology in Greece, its strengths and weaknesses,
opportunities for development, objectives and strategies for its advancement. Beginning with
a brief history of the development of counselling psychology in Greece, the article proceeds
by identifying its strengths, which include a rapid growth of professional and research activity,
and an increasing demand for specialized graduate education as well as counselling services.
Weaknesses include the small recognition counselling psychology has as a specialty of
psychology, compared to clinical psychology, as well as the lack of a clear professional
identity. Opportunities concentrate around the possibility offered by the newly started
graduate programs in counselling psychology to prepare qualified professionals, as well as
around the possibility to incorporate counselling psychology services not only in mental
health agencies but also in many other education and employment organizations. Steps like
that will clarify to the general public what exactly is counselling psychology and will
contribute to its recognition and acceptance as a separate specialty of psychology. One of the
major threats but also challenges facing counselling psychology in Greece has to do with
those who, without appropriate qualifications or professional experience, identify themselves
as counselling psychologists without experiencing any impunity.
Key words: Counselling psychology, SWOT analysis
Address: Maria Malikiosi-Loizos, Faculty of Early Childhood Education, National and
Kapodistrian University of Athens, Navarinou 13a, 106 80 Athens, Greece. Phone: +30-210-
3688533. E-mail: mmalik@ecd.uoa.gr
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