Core Team

My approach to life and therapy has always been guided by the following: "Simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures. Simple in actions and thoughts, you return to the source of being. Patient with both friends and enemies, you accord with the way things are. Compassionate toward yourself, you reconcile all beings in the world”
Lao Tzu
Charles Watkins
Clinical Psychologist M.Sc. · Licensed Psychotherapist · Founder
Born in 1985 in Osnabrück, Germany
Having graduated with a master’s degree (with distinction) in clinical psychology and completing his clinical training at the world-renowned University Medical Center of Princeton, Charles continued to use his passion to inspire positive change and advance the field of psychology in areas new to the psychological approach. Working in his private practice has been complemented by lecturing on various topics around the world. His devotion towards identifying places of need for dealing with stress and depression has led him to the maritime industry. Through the team’s profound research in the maritime industry, Charles has been able to create training videos and safety plans for the crew and on-shore personnel.
Charles has been researching the area of maritime stresses and psychological illnesses to develop preventive measures for the maritime industry. Charles is continuing to find helpful psychological solutions for real life problems on ships and on shore.
Languages: German, English
His main areas of specialisation include the following:
- Systemic Therapy
- Emergency Counselling
- Mindfulness Techniques
- Crisis Management
- Self-Compassion Therapy
Helping to treat with the following symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
- Culture Specific Syndromes
- Trauma
- Disproportionate Sadness
- Disproportionate Anger
Susann Rüsch
Licensed Psychotherapist · Founder
Born in 1966 in Bremerhaven, Germany
Having started out her career as a journalist, Susann quickly realised her real calling as a psychologist and after qualification set up her own practice in Hamburg in 2007 with a number of medical colleagues. As well as her private client work, Susann has focussed on the maritime sector, in particular dealing with the stresses and demands faced by crew/employees on board and ashore.
Susann has lectured on the above topics and has contributed to various publications and training videos, most recently „Mental Health Essentials for Masters“.
Languages: German, English
Her main areas of specialisation include the following:
- Hypnotherapy
- Business Coaching
- Relaxation Therapy
- Sport and Mental Coaching
- Trauma Therapy
- Crisis Management
Helping to treat with the following symptoms:
- Stress
- Anxiety / Fears
- Grief
- Depression
- Sleep Deprivation
- Concentration Inability
- Trauma / Shock
- Accident Recuperation
- Family Relations
- Cancer and Terminal Illness
- Psychosomatic

The health of the body, soul and mind are inextricably linked. If the soul is struggling because of surrounding circumstances, it affects the body. More than 50% of all physical illness is caused by mental health issues. A seafarer who is worried about events at home and/or cannot sleep or concentrate as a consequence, will quickly become physically ill and will be unable to do his job effectively. He could also expose his colleagues to dangers because of his mental and physical ill-health.

Alexander Dimitrevich
COO of MHSS Eastern Europe · Clinical Psychologist M.Sc.
Alexander is a Clinical Psychologist, who did his master’s degree scientific work at Odessa National State University, and is also candidate for a PHD in Clinical Sociology. Since March 2016, he has been working for Sailors’ Society as Regional Crisis Response and Wellness Programme Co-ordinator. Alexander is trained and experienced in organising and providing support for trauma survivors, helping seafarers affected by piracy and their family members. He has a Maritime Lloyd’s Academy Diploma in Crew Management and is a March on Stress associate. Alexander is qualified in Trauma Risk Management (TRiM Practitioner/Manager) and previously worked as Maritime Piracy Humanitarian Response Programme (MPHRP) Regional Director in Eastern Europe. Alexander is co-author and trainer of Three Layer Psychosocial support system for trauma survivors which has been utilized as a basic training model for non-psychologists in Ukraine.
Languages: Ukrainian, Russian, English
Güven Kale
Clinical Psychologist M.Sc. · Chief Clinical Officer
Güven is a Psychotherapist, certified Emotionally Focused Therapy practitioner for individuals and couples. She was born in Turkey, completed her BA in Middle East Technical University in the Psychology department. She continued her MSc degree in Clinical Psychology for individuals, families, and organizations department at the University of Bergamo in Italy. Her work as an intern clinical psychologist started at Erenköy Mental and Neurological Hospital, then she went through with Anthropos Psychotherapy Center under the supervisor of Dr. Elda Arpaia.
The approach she emphasizes is not placed on the individual alone, but instead explores behavior patterns and human experience of individuals and, their relationship and interaction with their environment in larger systems. Client-centered, evidence-based, sex-positive, LGBTQ-positive approach is taken throughout sessions. She maintains online confidential individual psychotherapy, couples therapy, and counseling in English and Turkish to clients around the world.
Languages: Turkish, English
Her main areas of specialisation include the following:
- Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Couple Therapy
- Self-Compassion Therapy
Helping to treat with the following symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma
- Self-Esteem
- Relationship Issues
- Adjustment to Life Stressors
- Stress Management

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”
Leo Buscaglia

"When the other person is hurting, confused, troubled, anxious, alienated, terrified; or when he or she is doubtful of self-worth, uncertain as to identity, then understanding is called for. The gentle and sensitive companionship of an empathic stance… provides illumination and healing. In such situations deep understanding is, I believe, the most precious gift one can give to another.”
Carl R. Rogers
Jannik Grothues
Clinical Psychologist M.Sc. · Data and Analysis Specialist · Managing Director
Having completed his bachelor's degree in psychology at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel and his master's degree ("cum laude") at the renowned Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium, specializing in clinical and health psychology, Jannik gained experience working in an acute psychiatric ward for two years, where he was confronted with a wide range of psychiatric disorders and various challenging situations. From the very beginning of his training, Jannik had the desire to become a licensed psychotherapist and began additional training in 2021 to pursue his ambition. Years of living abroad have awakened his interest in encountering various people and cultures. Therefore, he especially likes to travel all over Europe with his self-built camper.
Languages: German, English and Dutch
His main areas of specialisation include the following:
- Psychological First Responder
- Crisis Management
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
- Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET)
- Self-compassion Therapy
- Mindfulness Techniques
Helping to treat with the following symptoms:
- Stressful Life Events
- Anxiety / Fears
- Depression
- Trauma
- Grief
- Sleep Deprivation
- Stress
- Anger
- Borderline Pattern
Anna Jurkea Brörken
Psychotherapy Practitioner (HeilprG) · Clinical Psychologist M.Sc.
Anna is a clinical psychologist (M.Sc.) and Psychotherapy Practitioner (HeilprG), medical fitness trainer and yoga teacher based in Hannover. After her studies in Hamburg, she completed trainings in couple and sex therapy, as well as in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
Alongside her studies, she worked as a fitness trainer, where her interest in preventive work developed. She constantly strives to combine her passion for sport and nutrition with her work as a Psychotherapy Practitioner (HeilprG), aiming for a holistic approach in Therapy and Counseling. In doing so, she applies methods that are individually tailored to each person and their goal, always resource- and goal oriented.
Languages: German, English
Her main areas of specialisation include the following:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Mindfulness Techniques
- Relaxation
- Psychological Yoga Therapy
- Sports and Exercise Therapy
Helping to treat with the following symptoms:
- Depression
- Stress
- Anxiety / Fear
- Trauma
- Relationship Issues
- Sleep Deprivation

"I think we ripple on into others, just like a stone puts its ripples into a brook. That, for me, too, is a source of comfort. It kind of, in a sense, negates the sense of total oblivion. Some piece of ourselves, not necessarily our consciousness, but some piece of ourselves gets passed on and on and on.”
Irvin D. Yalom

"Probably the biggest insight… is that happiness is not just a place, but also a process. Happiness is an ongoing process of fresh challenges, and it takes the right attitudes and activities to continue to be happy.”
Ed Diener
Julia Oppermann
Clinical Psychologist M.Sc.
Julia graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology in Cologne, Germany. Currently, she is finishing her master’s degree in Forensic Psychology at the University in Bonn, Germany. In recent years, Julia worked as an intern in a department for integrative addiction and trauma therapy in an inpatient care setting and as an assistant in a practice for behavioral therapy. She also gained experience as a psychological consultant in a project for performance diagnostics of the Rheinisches Bildungszentrum for the support of short-term and long-term unemployed people in Germany.
Languages: German, English
Her main areas of specialization include the following:
- Forensic Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Helping to treat with the following symptoms:
- Stress
- Grief
- Depression
Stella Kiss
Clinical Psychologist M.Sc.
Stella is a clinical psychologist whose passion for exploring different cultures and their psychological nuances has led her to focus on depth and cultural psychology. Having completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the Regents University in London, followed by her Master’s degree in developmental and health psychology at the University of Amsterdam, she furthermore gained valuable insights by working in a psychosomatic facility in Germany.
Stella is especially passionate about the topic of depth psychology, which is a branch of psychology that focuses on exploring the unconscious mind and its impact on human behavior. Studying the approach, she gathered experiences with various techniques for accessing the unconscious, such as free association, dream analysis, and active imagination. She believes in the importance of acknowledging that everyone has their own unique journey, and that psychological healing and growth requires a deep exploration of the individual's personal history and experiences.
Languages: English and German
Her main areas of specialisation include the following:
- Depth Focused Psychology
- Self-compassion Therapy
- Developmental and Health Psychology
- Cultural Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Inclusive Leadership
- Mindfulness Techniques
Helping to treat with the following symptoms:
- Anxiety / Fears
- Stress Management
- Psychosomatic
- Addiction
- Depression
- Trauma
- Grief

"The mind, once stretched by a new idea, never returns to its original dimensions.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Veronika Cernakova
Head of Marketing and Communications
Born in 1998 in Latvia, Veronika moved to the UK after finishing High School. Having graduated with a Politics and International Relations degree from Goldsmiths, University of London, she gained a better understanding of the world's processes and issues. Growing up, there was and still is social stigma attached to the subject of mental health. However, having worked and volunteered in different sectors during her time at university, Veronika was able to fully recognise the significance of psychological wellbeing in personal and professional life. In recent years, Veronika has been actively advocating for an open conversation around mental health. She believes that through collective efforts we will be able to change the narrative and normalise the subject. This is why she is dedicated to raising awareness and promoting the importance of mental wellbeing in the modern society.
Languages: Russian, Latvian and English

Our Consultants

Aina Nur Azmi
Languages: English, Bahasa Malaysia, German, Japanese
Aina has been practicing as a Clinical Psychologist since 2011 in both government and private sectors. She obtained her Psychology degree from University of East London, United Kingdom and Master of Clinical Psychology from HELP University, Malaysia. She provides therapy sessions for children, adolescents and adults. Aina is able to converse and conduct therapy sessions in Malay, English, German and Japanese. Aina has experienced on the topics of building self-confidence (among children and adults), self-care, anger management, and body image. Currently, she meets clients on the topics of school refusal, family problems, self-confidence issues, grief. She focuses on promoting good mental health through talk therapy and creating awareness through talks and education. Aina is able to communicate and establish good rapport with clients across all ages, culture and religious backgrounds.

Alexandra Gherman
Languages: English, Romanian, Italian
Alexandra is a Clinical Psychologist, Psychotherapist
"I've been practising psychotherapy since 2012 in the private sector. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology, Psychological Counseling and Psychotherapy both from Babes-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca and I'm currently a member of the College of Psychologists of Romania. In my current role I provide clinical evaluations, career counseling and psychotherapy both for adolescents and adults. In my free time I enjoy practising meditation and breathwork on a daily basis, traveling and staying current and informed about the latest advancements in my field and I make it a priority to regularly read publications and attend relevant conferences and workshops. My main areas of specialisations are: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Schema Therapy, Compassionate Therapy, Somatic Approach, Relaxation Techniques, Mindfulness Practices. Helping to treat the following symptoms: Trauma related disorders, Emotional Distress, Anxiety Disorders, Mood disorders,Sleep Disorders, Attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder, Attachment and Relationship concerns."

Ana Miletic
Languages: Croatian, Serbian, English
Ana is licensed psychologist and gestalt psychotherapist with extensive experience in psychotherapy, individual and organizational development. She has graduated Psychology at University of Zagreb and completed training for gestalt therapy from IGW Zagreb for which she holds The European Certificate of Psychotherapy. She has been working as a consultant for organizational and personal development for 8 years and has her private practice for psychotherapy and counseling since 2016. During her career she has been working with individuals affected by anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, career challenges, workplace stress and supported individuals and organizations in development and growth. Her approach to therapy is partnership, balancing between exploration of root causes of symptoms so her clients could have long-term effect and day-to-day improvement of functioning and being.

Angela Kundegraber
Languages: German, English, French
Angela graduated with a master´s degree in Psychology, Philosophy and French after having studied in Vienna, Austria and at the Sorbonne, Paris, France. She then spent several years in France doing field research for her doctorate. She received her doctorate in linguistics in 2007. In addition, she studied psychotherapy ( person centered therapy ), and is working in her private practice since 2018 working with people all over the world. She works as well as a reader at the private University SFU in Vienna and has additional training in Online counseling, EMDR and couples counseling.

Ana Gvinianidze
Languages: Georgian, English
Ana has been working as psychotherapist in private practice since 2016 year. She is accredited cognitive - behavioral therapist by European Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT). Her main area of interest is helping people with neurotic, stress related and somatoform disorders and various personality disorders. She has been fascinated with integrating schema focused cognitive therapy in her practice. She is interested in implementing mindfulness in day to day living and practices for better mental health. From 2017 year till 2020 year she was actively involved in creating and reviewing psychoeducational sources in Georgian language.

Ariadna Mayoral
Languages: Spanish, English
Although Ariadna was born in Madrid, Spain's capital city in the middle of the country, her entire working life has been connected with the sea and with ships. Ariadnas innate talent for exploration and for getting involved in multicultural environments led her to develop her entire professional career in the maritime sector (6 years as an officer on board ships and 9 years in shipping companies on land). Life at sea was, undoubtedly, an adventure and a life-changing experience that meant a before and after for her. Since then, her passion has become her profession, and she devotes her life to accompanying other seafarers in finding their balance on board and getting the most out of everything that shipboard life can offer.

Atul Kumar Mehra
Languages: English, Hindi, Spanish, Punjabi, Urdu
Atul Kumar Mehra is an author, international speaker and registered psychotherapist in Ontario, Canada. He participated in panel discussions with Dr. John Gray, spoken at an international event headlined by Dr. Deepak Chopra and a guest speaker on hundreds of TV & Radio shows.
He published his International Best-Selling book on Amazon, "The Unseen Wisdom of the Unborn," and the second one is under editing "The Need for Disease." He is currently working on two others, "Addiction is Survival and not Guilt" and "My Unconscious Self," to share his experience and wisdom from more than 20 years of working with the unconscious mind. Since childhood, he was intrigued by the mind's power, which led him to start meditating at the age of four years with guidance from his father.

Benjamin Low C.Y.
Languages: English, Mandarin-English combinations
Having studied psychology in Australia, Ben is an alumnus of the University of Melbourne, the University of Queensland, and James Cook University. His professional training is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council. In addition to receiving his honours degree in psychology, he furthered his knowledge of Clinical psychology completing his masters in Singapore. Having lived in three multicultural cities, Ben works well with individuals of different backgrounds and his biggest passion is to help people live more fulfilling lives, both on individual and corporate levels. Ben has run educational programmes for employees, doctors, and university students. He has also been commended for his service to various portfolios under the Singapore Psychological Society and received multiple awards for his research in the field.
His main areas of specialisation include the following:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), CBT for Insomnia (CBT-I), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Behavioural Activation, Schema Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT).

Carmen Leiser
Languages: English, German
Carmen graduated with a master’s degree (with distinction) in Psychology and a certificate in Organizational Development after having studied at the University of Konstanz, Germany and Humboldt State University, USA. She is a published author in the International Journal of Training and Development and spent years contributing to academic research, in different therapeutic settings, at The Gottman Institute and at a management-consulting firm before joining Lufthansa Airlines as a manager. Carmen is a Design Thinking Coach and has a strong interest in workplace culture, organizational psychology and leadership development. She is a people person though and through and eager to help people make the most of life.

Domen Pardo
Languages: ...
Domen is an MSc psychologist, originally from Slovenia. He received his Master’s degree in clinical psychology from Erasmus University Rotterdam, in the Netherlands. He speaks native Slovenian, English, and fluent Serbo-Croatian. Thus far he obtained clinical experience in psychiatric and addiction settings, while currently working as a therapist in a GP-practice as well as his own private practice. In his work, he relies on methods from the cognitive-behavioural, acceptance, and mindfulness modalities. He practices a client-centered approach, whereby he tailors his therapeutic approach to the needs and goals of each individual client.

Ee Lynn Wong
Languages: English, Chinese (Cantonese & Mandarin), Bahasa Malaysia
Ee Lynn is a Clinical Psychologist who is always enthusiastic and vested in working with children, especially those with developmental disorders. She is trained in conducting psychotherapy, psychometric testing/ assessments, behavioral interventions and training. Besides that, she has been part of a research team consisting of mental health professionals, working with refugee teachers in providing training and classroom consultation. Furthermore, Ee Lynn is also one of the authors of “Happy Teacher, Happy Teaching; Happy Student, Happy Learning: A Refugee Teacher Handbook”.

Eka Lashaghashvili
Languages: Georgean, Russian
Eka is cognitiv-bihavioral therapist,certified EABCT- European Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies. She was born in Georgia, she gradueted with Georgian Medical University. She started her career as a neurologist, than she gradueted with Masters degree at Saint King Tamar University of Clinikal psychology. She works in Mental Center on the base this University.Eka also works at American Hospital Tbilisi.
Helping to treat with the following symptoms:
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trauma
• OCD
• Psychosis

Faye Jessa D. Egargo
Languages: English, Waray, Cebuano (Bisaya), Filipino
Faye is a licensed psychometrician and psychologist who deeply appreciates the opportunities and experiences that have shaped her career. As an Assistant Professor at the University of Makati, she feels blessed to share her knowledge and love for psychology with her students. Faye obtained her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of the Philippines Visayas Tacloban College and her Master's degree in Psychology with a specialization in Social Psychology at San Jose Recoletos-Cebu City, which has provided her with a solid foundation for her academic and professional achievements. Faye's recent research publications, including "Existential Hope And Humanism In COVID-19 Suicide Interventions" and "The Role of Social Networks in Children's Psychosocial Resilience: A Case Study in the Countryside," demonstrate her dedication to advancing the field of psychology. She cherishes the opportunities to collaborate with her colleagues and contribute to the growing body of knowledge in her field.

Harmehak Singh
Languages: English, Hindi and Punjabi
Harmehak graduated with an M.Sc (with distinction) in Clinical Psychology for Individuals, Families, and Organizations from the University of Bergamo, Italy. She is a Ph.D. candidate at Liverpool Hope University, UK, and has practiced as a psychologist with Mindtribe Healthcare Pvt Ltd, based in India. She emphasizes an evidence-based and client-centered approach to help her clients experience subjective well-being and personal development. Her focus is on identifying negative thought patterns and behaviors and restructuring cognitions to help her clients overcome their concerns. She is keen to help people who experience challenges, including stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, overthinking, trauma, and relationship/marital issues. She works with clinical psychologists in different settings and comfortably interacts with clients from distinct backgrounds

Jonathan Martin
Languages: English
Jonathan is a psychotherapist, CBT practitioner, life coach, and mediator who specialises in trauma and bereavement. His Bachelor’s degree in 1980 introduced him to the study of Psychology (University of Northampton). This was followed by a Master’s degree in 2007 (University of Wales). Trained at the Emergency Planning College Easingwold Jonathan is experienced at deploying within 30 minutes notice to respond to death, bereavement, and kin forming duties.
Jonathan has worked with seafarers for twenty years, both in the Royal and Merchant Navy, boarding a thousand or so ships to assist the crews of container, cruise, bulk, tanker, cargo ships and Ro-Ro’s. Jonathan was awarded a Certificate of Commendation by the Merchant Navy Welfare Board for his service to the welfare of seafarers.
Apart from his work in the maritime sector Jonathan has piloted new initiatives to improve wellbeing among patients attending GP surgeries, and amongst those living with mental health challenges seeking to return to the workplace.

Karen Gail C. Ibanez
Languages: English, Filipino
Karen started her career in the mental health service in 2007 as an assistant psychologist focusing more on assessment and diagnosis. She is a licensed psychologist and psychometrician and is currently affiliated with a local government university in the Philippines as an Assistant Professor. She is also an academic officer since 2012 at Careerline Courses Ltd., an online education provider in Australia.

Kuba Grzegrzolka
Languages: Polish, English
Born in Warsaw, Poland, Kuba is a psychotherapist practising in the UK. He likes to take an individual approach to each person. His clinical practice is informed by modern and evidence-based approaches to therapy, including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Method of Levels (MOL), and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Amongst his qualifications are a BSc in Psychology, MSc in Clinical & Health Psychology, and PgCert & PgDip in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) from reputable Universities such as the University of Manchester, the University of Sheffield, the University of Bradford in the UK, and Maastricht University in the Netherlands.

Lucy Courtney-Brisbane
Languages: English
Born in Birmingham, Great Britain, Lucy is a HCPC registered Forensic Psychologist with a deep interest in organisational and systemic wellbeing and functioning and in therapeutic work supporting those with complex needs. Over the last twenty years, Lucy has worked in a range of settings including prisons, secure mental health services, community substance misuse services and criminal justice systems. Her work has deepened her commitment to supporting the development and growth of policies and systems that enable healthy functioning and performance in workplaces and organisations where high stress, challenge and trauma are inherent parts of day to day work life.
Outside of work, Lucy has a keen interest in writing and in music.

Marta Castro
Languages: Portuguese, English
Marta graduated with a Masters degree in Social and Organizational Psychology and has a Master in Human Factors in Transportation Systems, she published her thesis about “Irregular Working hours and Fatigue of Cabin Crew” at WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation.
Marta is a certified coach and studying towards becoming a certified Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist. She has developed her private practice since 2020 focusing on expatriates and immigrants. Having more than 10 years in the Aviation Industry and lived abroad in Spain, UK and Japan, she is passionate about intercultural psychology, well-being abroad and workplace culture.

Mattia Casartelli
Languages: Italian, English
Mattia is a Clinical Psychologist, graduated with a master’s degree in Psychology at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University of Milan, Italy. He is a Psy. D. Student in Clinical Psychology at IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital (Milan, Italy). He has always been interested in psychotherapy research and evidence based treatment. He completed trainings in DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), including mindfulness techniques and emotion regulation skills. He provides online psychological support and counselling, client-centered and goal oriented.

Mayture Yap
Languages: English, Chinese (Cantonese & Mandarin)
Mayture is a practicing Clinical Psychologist whose focus is on providing psychological interventions that involves assessment, psychotherapy and trainings related to mental health issues. Her therapeutic services are delivered through an array of humanistic and cognitive behavioral techniques with the aim of facilitating individual’s cognitive, emotional and psychosocial development.

Ming Yin
Languages: English, Chinese, Japanese
Ming graduated in Applied Psychology. Her expertise lies in understanding the pathology and psychological treatment of depression as well as bipolar disorders, which she has been studying in patients for 11 years. Additionally she completed the Psychological First Aid Training from Johns Hopkins University, as well as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) training from the Associations for Psychological Therapies (ATP).

Dr. Mila Petkova
Languages: ...
Dr. Mila Petkova obtained her PhD in Psychoanalysis and Cultural Philosophy from the University Complutense in Madrid in February 2016. To further enhance her educational background, she participated in four-year education in the Clinical Section Freudian Field in Barcelona. Since 2020 she is a member of the International Neuropsychoanalysis Association. Her main professional interests include incorporating advances in neuroscience and modern technologies in the therapeutic process. Since 2016 she treats clients around the globe online in Bulgarian, English, and Spanish languages. Other areas of her expertise include crisis management, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), mindfulness techniques, and solution-focused brief therapy. Dr. Petkova helps clients with the following issues: trauma, stressful life events, fear and anxiety, grief, depressive episodes, anger, and problematic alcohol consumption among others.

Mortatha Alkhafage
Languages: German, English and Arabic.
Born 1989 in Bad Mergentheim, Germany. Mortatha received his master's degree in clinical psychology from the Medical School Hamburg in 2018. He is currently in advanced clinical training to become a psychological psychotherapist (CBT). His strengths include crisis intervention, diagnostics, strong communication skills and strong empathy. He speaks German, English and Arabic.

Munavvar Karimli
Languages: Azerbaijani, Turkish, Russian, English
Born in 1995 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Munavvar graduated from the Middlesex University London with the degree in Counselling Psychology (BSc Honours). She also graduated with the degree in Business Psychology (MSc Honours) from the Heriot-Watt University. She also obtained certificates from the Professional Therapeutic league of Russia. At the same time, she took part in different psychological conferences, workshops and trainings that focused on Business Psychology, Coaching, Counselling skills, Neuro Linguistic Programming, General Psychotherapy and EMDR Psychotherapy. She has since worked as a counselling psychologist and conducted Psychotherapeutic sessions with adults to improve their psychological well-being. Her main area of interest is to provide psychological first aid in a cross-cultural setting to individuals who need mental health support. She is constantly learning and practicing new psychological methods to maximize the positive effect of emergency psychological counselling on seafarers.

Nikolaos Karampinas
Languages: Greek, English
Nikolas has studied psychology in both the UK and Italy. He is of Greek origin and maintains his practice in the country, working in Greek and English, with individuals and organisations. He has a strong background in local and intergovernmental organisations, such as the United Nations, where he led the psychosocial protection, caring for displaced persons.
Psychodynamic clinical interventions were introduced to him by Clara Mucci and are occupied alongside other types of interventions based on a personalised model.

Nikoleta Gehrmann
Languages: ...
Nikoleta is a clinical psychologist (M.Sc. obtained at the Erasmus University Rotterdam) and psychotherapist (HPG). She is trained in several approaches, such as CBT, DBT, client-centered and psychodynamic psychotherapy. She has experience working in a psychiatric clinic, private practice and a crisis hotline, supporting people with a broad range of challenges, such as anxiety, depression, stress, trauma and emotional disregulation. In her work with clients she values working collaboratively, taking things at the client’s pace and together finding out what works the best.

Oana-Miruna Stinga
Languages: Romanian, English, Spanish, French
Having completed her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree at Ecological University of Bucharest, in Romania, specializing in clinical psychology. Oana-Miruna gained experience in her private practice, with adults and adolescents. She focuses on anxiety, depression and burnout as well as systemic couple-family therapy. Her work manner integrates clinical evaluation, psychoeducation and therapy sessions. She is also a licensed psychotherapist with extensive training in Brief Therapies (Solution Focused Brief Therapies, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative, Contextual-Modular Therapy) and actively participates to conferences and workshops focused on trauma.
Her main areas of expertise: Brief Therapies, Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (CBT), Systemic Couple-Family Therapy, Relaxation techniques, Mindfulness, Virtual Reality (anxiety, phobias), Corporate Wellbeing
She is helping with the following symptoms: Stress management, Anxiety, Depression, Burnout, Trauma, Sleep disorders, Relationships

Ruanna Darllen
Languages: Portuguese, English
Ruanna Darllen is a licensed psychologist specializing in psychoanalysis. She obtained her degree in psychology at Vega de Almega University in Rio de Janeiro and has been practicing for four years. She works with clients dealing with anxiety, depression, and issues related to self-esteem, using psychoanalysis techniques. She believes that every client's experiences and perspectives are unique, and she provides personalized and compassionate care tailored to their individual needs.

Sahara Perera
Languages: English, Sinhalese
Sahara is a trained Psychologist specialized in Clinical and Counselling Psychology with 10 years experience in the mental health field. Upon graduating from the Colombo Institute of Research and Psychology Sri Lanka, she obtained a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Applied Psychology from Coventry University, UK. Since then, she has completed numerous additional qualifications in psychology and psychotherapy. She is a member of the Australian Association for Psychologists, the American Psychological Society and the British Psychological Society.
Sahara is an artist, an avid reader and an animal lover. She loves to learn about people and understand their life stories. No matter where you are, she will accompany you in your healing journey and show you how you can be the best version of yourself.

Selina Stanfield
Languages: English
Born in Beverly, UK to a father that worked as a naval surveyor for Lloyds Register of Shipping, Selina's early memories are of visiting the bridges, engine rooms and launches of impressive ships. It was no real surprise that in 2000 she set off on a 62m private motor yacht going to Southern Chile from Europe. Selina then worked in the yachting industry as a chef for the next 18 years. Working on a variety of sized yachts, sail, and motor, usually with a world-wide itinerary. She has worked with many crews as a chef supporting and nurturing them with my food. Since 2018 she has been shore based offering practical and emotional support to Yacht Chefs. "I’ve spent the last year learning to be an Integral Coach so that I have a robust method that helps bring about change and gives people tools to support them mentally for the rest of their lives."

Shar Gupta
Languages: English, Hindi
Having spent over a decade studying, living and working in multiple multicultural cities overseas in Europe and North America, Shar’s journey to develop her own sense of self has played a significant role in her desire to help adolescents and adults navigate their unique issues around cultural identity, adjustment, assimilation, and multicultural families and relationships.
Shar earned a dual Masters in Psychological Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University and her primary clinical experience has been treating a range of conditions including but not limited to anxiety disorders, depression, Autism, ADHD, body image, relationship concerns and multicultural issues.
For her impactful work, she earned the title Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of New York after several years of inpatient and outpatient work with children, adolescents and adults from diverse backgrounds.
Shar is also passionate about social justice, and believes that the therapeutic process is a unique, powerful, collaborative and professional relationship that has the potential to help foster awareness, change, and growth. She is hoping that her practices will have a positive impact on those in maritime industry who need help.

Shikainah Champion
Languages: English, Tamil, Hindi, Urdu
Shikainah is a psychological therapist in the National Health Service (NHS) in London, UK, where she has been working in a Primary Care psychological therapies service for the last 14 years. Prior to this, for around 10 years, she worked in India in the Charity sector. Her core training is in Clinical Psychology and later in the UK, she specialised in evidence-based therapies like CBT, EMDR, Behavioural Couples Therapy (BCT) and Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET). She treats clients who present with Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Childhood Trauma, OCD, Specific Phobias, GAD, Health Anxiety, Social phobia, Panic & Agoraphobia, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and Bulimia nervosa. She has been instrumental in delivering bespoke psychological interventions for Refugees and Asylum seekers. The clinics she helped establish in their communities have now been cited as an example of best practice in the British Psychological Society (BPS) manual for Community Psychologists. The maritime sector is not new to her as she grew up in a Navy cantonment where she also started her career on the Psychiatric ward of a Naval hospital seeing the unique problems of enforced separation, substance abuse etc. experienced by the Armed Forces personnel. She was also a visiting faculty member at the Naval Maritime Academy.

Soh Teng Kuann
Languages: English, Chinese (Cantonese & Mandarin), Bahasa Malaysia
Soh Teng Kuann has a Master of Social Science (Counselling Psychology) and a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology).
Expertise/ Strength
• Helping people to work through difficulties in their life and making changes that they wanted.
Skills
• Facilitating interaction between individuals in group to foster group dynamic, cohesiveness and growth.
• Working through difficult issues with relevant and achievable steps by attending to emotions and thoughts.
• Administer and interpret psychological assessments tools for personal growth & career development.

Sophia Georgiadou
Languages: Greek, English
Sophia was born in 1975 in Kozani, Greece. Having started her career in public administration and coping with every day life, she realized the importance of finding harmony between one’s inner self and behaniour. she studied psychology in Aristotelian University, Greece in 2014. Psychodynamic clinical interventions were introduced to her from Institute of Psychology and Health where she studied for 2 years and where she has been teaching since 2020. She also acquired her Master’s degree in “Clinical Mental Health” in 2022. Having deep faith in peoples tend, need and perspective to be a better person, she accompanies them in this journey.

Tamás Frey
Languages: English, French, Hungarian
Tamás has been working as a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist since 2017. He is based in Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, and he is used to receiving seafarers in his private practice. He works in three languages (English, French, Hungarian) and also speaks some Spanish and German. Experienced in cross-cultural psychotherapy, he has worked with clients from over 50 countries. Tamás earned his psychology degree at Université Paris 7 (today Université Paris Cité, an heir of the Sorbonne). He also holds an MA in English Studies from University ELTE Budapest and, before becoming a psychologist, he worked in the field of communication. He has been providing support to the British Consulate in Marseille since 2019 and provides coaching support to remote workers. His psychotherapeutic approach is integrative, based on his psychodynamic university training, as well as humanistic, existentialist and emotion-focussed approaches. He also uses mindfulness-based CBT techniques. He is passionate about questions of consciousness and phenomenology.

Urmilah Dass
Languages: Bahasa Melayu, Tamil, Malayalam, Indonesian, English
Director / Clinical Psychologist
Urmilah Dass established Valley Psychological Services in 2006 and quickly gained a reputable name in her practise among her clients and peers. She sees individual clients from all ages, couples and families. Her extensive experience in various parameters of psychological environments as well as her empathy and compassion make her an excellent therapist. Urmilah is the first clinical psychologist who kicked off the Sensory Motor Instructional Learning Experience (S.M.I.L.E.) programme for children with special needs at Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM). She was also part of the multi-disciplinary team that ran the Obesity clinic for children and adolescents. Upon completion of her post-graduate training she worked with Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors without Borders / Belgium chapter) in Kuala Lumpur, the UNHCR and other NGOs. She conducted training for NGOS and provided supportive therapy for refugees at MSF clinics as well as at the Semenyih Detention camp. At her private practice, Urmilah sees clients, provides de-briefing services and training. Her strength lies in selecting and using from a wide range of psychotherapy and psychometric assessments that serves the client’s best interest. Urmilah is often pursued by the media and NGOs for her expertise in various psychological capacities. She is also a sought-after speaker to spread awareness on various mental health issues.

Vishnu Aravind
Languages: English, Malayalam, Hindi, Kannada, Tamil
Vishnu Aravind is a Registered Clinical Psychologist, who has completed his M.Phil and Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. He is also a certified Solution Focused Brief Therapy practitioner. He was born in Kerala, India and completed his BA in Psychology, Criminology and Sociology from University of Mysore. He continued his MSc Clinical Psychology from Kuvempu University Karnataka, India and completed his M.Phil Clinical Psychology which recognized by the Rehabilitation Council of India, from Post Graduate Institute of Behavioral and Medical Sciences, Raipur India. He has an extensive experience of working with child, adolescents and adults in clinical as well as rehabilitation settings. He has trained in various psycho-therapeutic techniques like solution focused brief therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, psychoanalysis, couple therapy and group therapy as well as in various psychological assessments including IQ, personality and neuropsychological testing’s. He also provides psychological support, individual psychotherapy, couple therapy through online platform with consideration regarding confidentiality of the clients in English around the world. Being a licenced clinical psychologist he always believes in working towards the empowerment of peoples suffering from various psychological difficulties and upbringing the importance of mental health in our society.

Yuko Suzuki
Languages: ...
Yuko is a psychologist licensed in New York State, USA. She worked as a staff psychologist in a mental health clinic in the New York City. One of her roles was a clinical supervisor for undergraduate psychology interns. She currently lives in France, and is certified and registered as a Psychologist/Psychotherapist here France. She is also registered as a Certified Public Psychologist in Japan and has a private practice while also working as a subcontract psychologist/psychotherapist, providing individual and couples psychotherapy online to Japanese and English speakers who are living and working in Europe and Japan.
Commercial Team

Daniela Kiel
Business Development Manager and
Clinical Psychologist M.Sc.
As a clinical psychologist, Daniela Kiel first worked in forensic medicine and then in business, where she quickly moved into the consulting business. With a lot of experience in personnel and business development, management consulting and in cooperation with well-known forms such as Hermes, BMW Group, Airbus and MSC, she focuses on topics such as recruitment, HR processes, communication, conflict management, diagnostics, employer branding and coaching.
Ms. Kiel has many years of experience and success as an entrepreneur, trainer and coach. Through her coaching training at the Zurich ISMZ on the topics of self-management and motivation (CRM), she also has a strong connection to motivation and business.

Yiannis Fafalios
Commercial Advisor and
Shipping Expert
Yiannis is the CEO of Care4C, a start-up which specializes in creating a better workplace for crew. An ex-cadet, fully trained mental health first aider and a certified 45001:2018 internal Auditor. Through Care4C he provides a holistic approach to mental health audits, policies and via high-tech wearables gathers data to enhance practises for the wellbeing of seafarers. Yiannis comes from a 7th generation ship operating family, has sailed as a cadet and worked for a Class society and an insurance broker, now supporting the family business as Operations Manager in addition to his start-up ventures and has received the Rising Star Award by ShipTek for his work within the sector.
He has studied at Warsash Maritime Academy, graduating in Marine Operations with first class honours, following which he has worked for Lloyd’s Register and Miller Insurance Services LLP. Furthermore, he has obtained the Level 3 Certificate in Insurance by the Chartered Insurance Institute.
Care4C is a reflection of his passion and mission when he left the ship for shore, to create a better and safer place for seafarers, one that offers them a work environment as close to that of a job ashore. It is also noted he has an unparalleled taste in music.

Marinos Kokkinis
Business Partner
Marinos Kokkinis is the Managing Director of OneCare Solutions, a leading health and wellbeing platform, and OneLearn Global, a leading maritime training provider. Under his leadership, these two entities are forging a holistic approach to everything needed to make individuals healthier and more productive, thereby fostering the potential of human capital.
Possessing a deep background spanning the multiple industries that play a role in health, wellbeing, and training, Marinos has held senior positions in the maritime, hospitality, pharmaceutical, and financial industries during the past 25 years. Key positions included Director for Merchant Fleet and Support Services with leading marine services provider Oceanic, senior financial analyst with major pharmaceutical company Pharmascience, and numerous roles throughout the hospitality and cruise ship industries, including the Ritz-Carlton and Celebrity Cruises.
Marinos speaks regularly on the topic of human capital and the importance of well-managed health and learning initiatives. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of South Australia, a Bachelor degree in accounting and finance from the University of West London, and he completed an executive programme on the topic of the digital transformation in health care from Harvard Medical School.