Maria Baliakou (Co-Trainer)

What inspires you to be a teacher?
Working for many years in the field of addiction, I feel privileged to have witnessed people finding the courage to face themselves, embrace their vulnerabilities, and transform what they once perceived as weaknesses into sources of strength.

These experiences have deeply shaped my professional journey and my belief in people’s capacity for change. They inspire me to support and encourage others in discovering their own potential, while developing an authentic professional style grounded in self-reflection, empathy, and respect for each person’s unique journey.

About me
I have a background in Psychology and Philosophy, with a master’s degree in Criminal Law and Addictions. For more than 25 years, I have worked in the field of addiction treatment, family therapy, and recovery, including leadership roles in therapeutic communities and the supervision of multidisciplinary teams.

I am a systemic psychotherapist, with extensive experience supporting individuals, couples, and families through addiction, relationship difficulties, and major life transitions. My professional journey has also included coaching and counselling training in the Netherlands, where I continue to develop my skills and broaden my perspective.

Having worked in different roles and cultural contexts, I value lifelong learning and the opportunity to connect professional knowledge with real-life experience.

My expertise and passion
My main areas of expertise are addiction and recovery, systemic family dynamics, relationships, and life transitions. I am particularly interested in understanding the function of behaviour: what lies beneath it, what purpose it serves, and how it connects to a person’s relationships and environment.

My passion is to accompany people on their journey of self-discovery, helping them build resilience and recognise their own strengths. I am particularly drawn to working with people who have experienced trauma and are seeking to make sense of their experiences and find their way forward. I am equally passionate about supporting those who have experienced social exclusion or discrimination and are looking for a space where they can feel safe, valued, and accepted for who they are.

Why have you chosen to teach for the ACC?
What attracted me to ACC from the very beginning was the combination of professionalism and warmth, together with a genuine sense of care for one another. I felt that this was a place where professional development goes hand in hand with human connection, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to learning and growing together. This is an environment I truly value and would love to contribute to.

For me, being part of ACC is an opportunity to connect my experience in psychotherapy and addiction recovery with my enthusiasm for coaching, counselling, and the development of future professionals.

Who is my hero and why?
I do not have one single hero. I am inspired by people who have the courage to look honestly at themselves, and continue to grow even when life becomes challenging.

In my professional life, I have met many people who have shown extraordinary resilience in the face of addiction, loss, and difficult life circumstances.

I also admire professionals who combine knowledge with humility and compassion, who can acknowledge what they do not know, and who approach others without judgment.