Nikos Pagkalos

Νίκος Πάγκαλος

Nikos Pagkalos - Graduate of the Department of Psychology

Nikos Pangalos is a Psychology graduate of Staffordshire University (United Kingdom) through its former franchise partnership with the College of Crete MBS, where he studied on a full scholarship.

Nikos Pagkalos as an alumnus of the College, shares his personal experience as a graduate of the undergraduate Psychology program. He chose the College of Crete MBS due to its reputation for high-quality and internationally oriented education. What he misses most from his student years, as he himself notes, is the daily interaction with fellow students and professors, as well as the overall academic atmosphere.

In short, Nikos explains that during his college years, he managed to gain practical experience as a psychology intern at an organization while also training as a psychodramatist at PSY.K.A.P. in Heraklion. His professional career includes many years of experience in mental health, social care, and special education settings, as well as collaborations with organizations that support minors, asylum seekers, people with disabilities, and families in vulnerable situations. She has worked in Reception Centers, Mobile Mental Health Units, and psychotherapy centers.

At present, Nikos works at KETHEA in Agios Nikolaos as a Psychologist – CBT Psychotherapist, with responsibilities in Open Support Structures for legal addictions (alcohol, gambling, internet), coordinating self-help groups for inmates, and participating in therapeutic groups for families, adolescents, and young adults.

Studies, Career & Memories from MBS

Q: Describe MBS in three words.

ΝP: Acceptance, support, relationships.

Q: What made you decide to study at MBS? How did you hear about us?

ΝP: MBS offered me the opportunity to study Psychology with international recognition through a full scholarship. It was the ideal choice to begin my academic journey.

Q: Is your current job related to the degree you obtained from MBS?

ΝP: Absolutely. Today, I work as a psychologist, and my studies at MBS provided the foundation for my professional development.

Q: Briefly describe your professional activity.

ΝP: I work as a psychologist at KETHEA, where I am responsible for open support structures, coordinate self-help groups at the Neapoli Correctional Facility, and participate in therapeutic programs for families, adolescents, and adults. In the past, I have worked in hosting programs for minors and asylum seekers, as well as in psychotherapeutic settings and the field of special education.

Q: What do you miss most from your student life at Crete College MBS?

ΝP:The daily interaction with fellow students and professors, the academic discussions, and the academic atmosphere.

Q: If you were not practising your current profession, what would you choose to pursue?

I would pursue a career in education, as I find meaning in supporting and inspiring young people.

Q: Alumni Tip: What advice would you give to a new student at MBS College of Crete?

ΝP: Take advantage of every opportunity the College offers you. Collaborate with professors and peers, and participate in activities and experiences beyond the classroom.

Professional Profile

  • 06/2024 – Present Psychologist

    KETHEA, Agios Nikolaos

Key responsibilities:

  • Head of Open Support Structures for legal addictions (Alcohol, Gambling, Internet).
  • Coordinator of self-help groups for inmates at Neapoli Correctional Facility, Lasithi.
  • Member of the therapeutic staff, participating in support groups for families, adolescents, and young adults.

Info point: Σημείωση πως το Κέντρο Θεραπείας Εξαρτημένων Ατόμων (συντομογραφία: ΚΕΘΕΑ) είναι ένας οργανισμός που προσφέρει θεραπευτικά προγράμματα ψυχοκοινωνικής προσέγγισης για αποδέκτες με εξάρτηση. Από 01-02-2025 το ΚΕΘΕΑ έχει ενταχθεί στον νέο Εθνικό Οργανισμό Πρόληψης και Αντιμετώπισης Εξαρτήσεων (ΕΟΠΑΕ) και πλέον λειτουργεί ως αποκεντρωμένη μονάδα του τελευταίου. Ο ΕΟΠΑΕ ιδρύθηκε βάσει του ν. 5129/2024 και λειτουργεί ως μη κερδοσκοπικό ΝΠ υπό την εποπτεία του Υπουργείου Υγείας .

  • 01/2022 – 12/2022 Psychologist

INEDIVIM, Shelter for Unaccompanied Minors, Anogeia

  • 06/2021 – 04/2022 Psychologist

Heraklion Development Agency S.A., Local Government Organization of Heraklion

  • 12/2020 – 06/2021 Psychologist

Mobile Mental Health Unit of Lasithi (NGO “I AROGI”)

  • 04/2016 – 04/2020 Psychologist

Psychotherapeutic Center of Heraklion, “PSYCH.I.”

  • 05/2017 – 10/2019 Psychologist / Caregiver for Persons with Disabilities

Special Education Center “Zoodochos Pigi,” Heraklion

  • 05/2016 – 08/2017 Supervised Psychologist (trainee)

 Special Education Center “Zoodochos Pigi,” Heraklion

Academic Profile

  • 2022-2024

Master of Science (COGNITIVE-BEHAVIOURAL PSYCHOTHERAPY) CBT CBT

University of Central Lancashire, United Kingdom / ICPS College

  • 2014-2017

BSc (Hons) Psychology - 2:1

Staffordshire University, UK / Crete College MBS

Full 3-year Scholarship

Professional Training / Education

  • 2022

One-Year Program in Integrative Psychotherapy

Educational Institute of Integrative Approach (EK.ISY.P)

  • 2020-2021

Specialization in School Psychology

University of the Aegean, Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning Center

  • 2018-2019

Specialization in Child Psychology

University of the Aegean, Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning Center

  • 2015-2019

Certification in Psychodrama Psychodramatic

Center for Personality Development, “PSY.K.AP.”, Heraklion

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