Achilleas Prokopiou

(1957-2017), child psychiatrist- psychotherapist. Worked many years as psychiatrist and child psychiatrist in Mental Health Institutions of Greece. After completing his training in Systemic Therapy at Athenian Institute of Anthropos, as one of the first students of George & Vaso Vassiliou, he developed an important activity in Greece as a teacher and family therapist. Since 1994 he offered psychotherapy to individuals, couples, families, groups and networks, as well as community intervention programs, initially in the public sector and later in private practice. He also co-directed the Institute of Family, Systemic Counseling and Therapy in Chania (EFTA-TIC member).
Until the last moment of his life he did what he loved, supporting and empowering people. He always used to say: “Whatever I tell you, you should always do what your soul wants…” and would often ask: “For what good reason?”

Αnastasia Sarri: He taught us in the most self-revealing and funny way what it means to reframe the constant periods of self-doubt that a therapist can go through. Here is the story I wish to tell:
“I don’t know what to do with my sadness. I’m afraid I cannot do this job (therapist). I’m a coward.” I once said to him and he answered: “In Systemic Thinking, our weaknesses are our strengths. Constantly questioning yourself is always for a good reason. You know what saved me in my life? This!” and shows us his belly.
I’m laughing and ask: “Why did it save you?”
Achilles answered:  “If I didn’t have this flaw, I would have been destroyed by my narcissism. I had everything I needed, I was young, handsome, a doctor with money and no empathy. The belly is there to remind me of my imperfect nature that connects me to people”.