The psychologist, Joanna Karkanevatou, is a licensed psychologist and a graduate of the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
With respect and dedication, she combines theoretical training with many years of practical experience, offering support grounded in understanding and trust.
She receives regular clinical supervision and is committed to continuous professional and personal development.
Throughout her studies and professional career, she has participated in numerous seminars and conferences on mental health, both in Greece and internationally. These include the one-year training program in Psychoanalytic Theory at the Athens Psychiatric Hospital, lectures at the General Children's Hospital, national conferences on developmental psychology, training in Positive Behavior Support, Trauma-Skilled Practice, and Interpersonal Counseling, among others.
ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens - Bachelor in Psychology
Edinburgh Napier University – MSc in Applied Criminology and Forensic Psychology
Edinburgh Napier University – Leadership, Strategy and Innovation
WORK EXPERIENCE
My academic and professional background has been shaped both in Greece and Scotland. I have worked with individuals across a wide range of age groups and have experience in psychological assessment, diagnosis, support planning, and providing one-on-one support sessions.
My work has been deeply focused on providing compassionate psychological support to adults with a history of trauma, guided by a centred approach. Alongside this, I have had the privilege of supporting adolescents and adults on the autism spectrum (ASD), including those living with neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD and specific learning difficulties. Through these experiences, I have nurtured strong communication and interpersonal skills that allow me to connect with empathy, clinical sensitivity, and a genuinely supportive attitude—always honouring and responding to the unique needs of each individual.
I continue to collaborate with international organisations, offering advice and emotional support to families, parents, and carers of neurodiverse children and young adults. Recognising that many parents face their own mental health challenges, physical health concerns, and socioeconomic difficulties, my approach is holistic and compassionate. I strive to empower them with practical strategies, psychoeducation, and coping tools to enhance their well-being, resilience, and capacity to support their loved ones effectively.
Additionally, I have extensive experience providing mental health support to vulnerable individuals aged 60 and over, gained through various professional roles and settings. One notable aspect of this work was my involvement in a project with Doctors of the World, which received formal recognition in 2022 for its impact and effectiveness. Throughout my career, I have delivered tailored psychological support addressing the unique challenges faced by older adults, including social isolation, chronic health conditions, grief, and age-related cognitive changes. My approach emphasises dignity, respect, and empowerment, helping the people I support enhance their emotional well-being and quality of life during this particularly vulnerable stage.
Internship – Work Placement
My experience as an intern psychologist at the General Children’s Hospital ‘Agia Sophia’ in Greece involved therapeutic work with children and adolescents aged 0 to 18. This role deepened my understanding of the vital importance of recognising and addressing mental health needs early in life. It reinforced my belief that supporting children’s emotional well-being is both a clinical and ethical priority. During this time, I developed skills in conducting sensitive assessments, delivering age-appropriate interventions, and collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams to provide holistic and compassionate care.
Following this, I completed my MSc internship at a Juvenile Secure Care Unit in Edinburgh. There, I provided psychological support to children and young adults living in a secure environment, while assessing the quality of care they received. My role included observing and understanding their unique experiences, creating individualised support plans, and producing detailed reports that informed positive reintegration strategies. These plans focused on building resilience, managing risk, and fostering social inclusion to support their successful return to the community.
These experiences have given me deep insight into the complex challenges faced by young people with psychosocial difficulties, shaped by family dynamics as well as broader social influences. They have also strengthened my commitment to trauma-informed, empathetic, and culturally sensitive approaches that prioritise each individual’s dignity and potential.
Volunteering
Volunteering has always been an important part of my personal and professional journey. Through my involvement in supporting refugee families in Greece, I gained firsthand insight into the significant challenges they face. Despite limited time and resources, I was able to contribute meaningfully to efforts aimed at protecting their welfare. This experience taught me the value of working in a non-discriminatory environment, where embracing diversity and finding creative ways to provide support under challenging circumstances are essential.
Working in such a diverse, non-discriminatory environment helped me embrace differences wholeheartedly and find creative, empathetic ways to support people during times of crisis. It also strengthened my ability to remain calm and resourceful in critical situations, balancing empathy with professional boundaries to provide effective and respectful care.
In addition, my two years volunteering with KETHEA, Greece’s largest drug rehabilitation network, enriched my understanding of the complexities surrounding addiction and social exclusion. This hands-on experience equipped me with practical skills in assessing risk, developing tailored interventions, and fostering a sense of belonging and dignity for those striving to rebuild their lives.
Member of associations
The British Psychological Society (BPS)
The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC)
