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	<title>Abuse &#8211; Maria Baliakou MSc</title>
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	<description>Expat Counselling - Psychologist</description>
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		<title>When addiction affects your life or someone you love</title>
		<link>https://www.mariabaliakou.nl/when-addiction-affects-your-life-or-someone-you-love/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Maria Baliakou]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 10:37:08 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Abuse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Addictions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Burn out]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Expats]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family support]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recovery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[alcohol]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[drugs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gambling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[individualized treatment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[migration]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mariabaliakou.nl/?p=1020</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Find  support and a realistic path forward There comes a moment for many people struggling with addiction , whether it involves alcohol, medication or gambling , when they begin to see clearly that something is no longer working. Problems increase, relationships become strained, and the sense of control slowly fades. At the same time, the [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>Find  support and a realistic path forward</h2>
<p>There comes a moment for many people struggling with addiction , whether it involves alcohol, medication or gambling , when they begin to see clearly that something is no longer working.</p>
<p>Problems increase, relationships become strained, and the sense of control slowly fades.<br />
At the same time, the idea of change can feel overwhelming. Recovery may seem like a mountain that is too difficult to climb.</p>
<p>Not knowing where to start often leads to staying stuck.</p>
<h2>Change is a process, not a single decision</h2>
<p>In my work within addiction counseling, I have seen that change does not happen all at once. It unfolds through a series of stages, each with its own challenges, doubts and possibilities.</p>
<p>You may find yourself moving between awareness, hesitation, preparation and action. This is not a failure , it is part of the process.</p>
<p>What matters is not perfection, but support, guidance and a realistic way forward.</p>
<h2 class="western">A structured and evidence-based approach</h2>
<p>My work is grounded in scientifically supported and effective treatment approaches. These include well-established models used internationally in addiction care, such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral strategies and stage-based models of change.</p>
<p>Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all solution, I tailor the process to the individual. Together, we take into account:</p>
<ul>
<li>the level and type of dependency</li>
<li>your personal history and emotional needs</li>
<li>your readiness and motivation for change</li>
</ul>
<p>This allows us to create a path that is both realistic and sustainable.</p>
<h2 class="western">You don’t have to do this alone</h2>
<p>Addiction rarely affects only one person. It often impacts partners, parents and family members who may feel confused, overwhelmed or helpless.</p>
<p>I offer support not only to individuals, but also to those close to them. Together, we can work on understanding what is happening, improving communication and creating healthier boundaries, so that support becomes constructive rather than exhausting.</p>
<h2 class="western">Taking the first step</h2>
<p>You don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin.<br />
The first step is simply being willing to look at your situation honestly.</p>
<p>From there, we can work together to clarify what is happening, what you need and what your next steps could be.</p>
<p>If you feel that this might be the right moment for you, you are welcome to reach out for an initial conversation.</p>
<p>You don’t have to go through this pr<span lang="en-US">ocess on your own.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<title>Step by Step Addiction Therapy</title>
		<link>https://www.mariabaliakou.nl/step-by-step-addiction-therapy/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Maria Baliakou]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 31 Jul 2025 09:25:11 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Addictions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Abuse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[individualized treatment]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mariabaliakou.nl/?p=581</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[When a person struggles with an addiction issue, either on drugs or on alcohol and gambling, even thought he realizes the impasse he may be in, as his problems daily multiply, at the same time he may probably ignore where to begin the efforts towards solution of his problem. The majority considers that kind of [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2></h2>
<p>When a person struggles with an addiction issue, either on drugs or on alcohol and gambling, even thought he realizes the impasse he may be in, as his problems daily multiply, at the same time he may probably ignore where to begin the efforts towards solution of his problem. The majority considers that kind of effort as difficult as climbing to the top of a mountain.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>The stages of change</h2>
<p>During my experience in addiction treatment, i have been trained in various theoretical models that attempt to describe one addict&#8217;s therapeutic journey and the path to change.</p>
<p>The intertheoretical model of change, by Prochaska and Diclemente, is one of the most representative models, describing the stages as a path  each person will necessary pass through to achieve the complete cure. Furthermore, it is considered the most innovative model in addiction counselling as well as treatment thanks to its flexibily and implementation into various types of addiction issues. Additionally it can be responsive to the different needs of the individual guiding them, according to the stage they are as well as their readiness for change.</p>
<p>Generally, the stages are five and describe the points on which the person needs to focus by an expert&#8217;s guidance. The process comprised of the unconcern phase, followed by the concern phase, the preparation, the action and, last but not least, the maintenance phase.</p>
<p>Addiction recovery theories emphasize that both the therapist and the patient need to carefully study the above stages and, afterwards, they are able to design together an individualized treatment plan based on the triptych  that consists of the type of addiction, the personality assessment and the readiness for change.</p>
<p>In conclusion, when it comes to addiction therapy methods, of a great importance is the encouregement and the empathy the patient needs to remain stable on the path of recovery. It is also vital for the patient to be aware of the benefits of seeking solution towards such a complicated problem as addiction is.</p>
<p>Let&#8217;s keep in mind that whatever the stage may be in, once the therapy journey starts, the possibilities to achieve a good result are being multiplied.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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