On September 14-15, 2023, The American College of Greece (ACG) proudly welcomed the globally acclaimed psychiatrist, researcher and best-selling author Dr. Bessel van der Kolk for a masterclass hosted at the Pierce Theater.
This event, marking Dr. Bessel van der Kolk’s inaugural visit to Greece, offered participants an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the intricate realm of trauma and trauma therapies.
Organized by Trauma2Therapy, an institute co-founded by trauma therapists Sofia Vasilakos (Deree Alumna), Despina Ploussiou, and lawyer/entrepreneur Konstantinos Ploussios, Dr. Van der Kolk’s masterclass initiated attendees to a wide array of topics, including groundbreaking findings in neuroscience, the effects of complex trauma on the nervous system, the social implications and intergenerational repercussions of trauma, as well as the potential of Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy.
The masterclass, which included an evening lecture and a full-day workshop, was attended by mental health professionals, physicians, therapists, educators, and students. Attendees, whether present in person or virtually, explored evidence-based techniques in trauma therapy that pave the way for recovery and post-traumatic flourishing.
Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, who is also the founder of the Trauma Research Foundation, signed books for his bestseller The Body Keeps the Score (published in Greece under the title Το Σώμα Δεν Ξεχνά).
In addition to Dr. van der Kolk’s contributions, one of his associates, Sensorimotor Psychotherapist Dr. Jennifer Gardner, delivered a workshop for Deree students seeking to expand their knowledge of somatic approaches to trauma treatment on September 12th.
Dr Bessel van der Kolk gave an interview to Apostolos Mangiriadis, the News Anchor of Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT). The interview was hosted and recorded at the ACG Events Hall.
The interview was broadcast on “Epilogos” and you can watch it below: