Child psychologists

Drivakou Despoina MSc, PhD(c) is a Child Psychologist with a private practice in Thessaloniki. She also provides supervision to early-career psychologists and mental health professionals in the initial stages of clinical practice. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a Master's degree in Basic Methodology of Medical Research - Social Medicine - Public Health and Epidemiology from the Medical School of the same university. Additionally, she is a PhD candidate at the same institution. She has also trained in Systemic Family Psychotherapy, is a certified Life Coach, and consistently attends seminars and conferences related to the systemic approach. Other psychotherapeutic programs she has trained in include Psychodrama - basic training, Emotionally Focused Therapy - couples therapy, and developmental models specifically for couples in crisis due to substance, alcohol, and medication use, domestic violence, and narcissistic disorder. She has worked as educational staff in private adult education and currently works with children, adolescents, and couples, conducting systemic approach therapies and services related to young parents (parenting), fatherhood education, parental divorce, children's social skills, and sexuality. She regularly appears on Vergina TV, radio stations, and contributes articles to various magazines and her personal blog. Concurrently, she coordinates the Family Health forum, which has been organized over the past three years addressing issues related to family and children, involving many professionals from the health sector. Finally, she is a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society, the Hellenic Neuropsychological Society, the Systemic Society of Northern Greece, as well as other associations in Thessaloniki.

Maria Merantza is a Psychologist - Child Psychologist and maintains a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. She was born and studied in Athens. She holds a degree in Psychology from Panteion University and is a graduate of the Master's Program in Child Psychology (MSc in the Psychology of Child Development) at the University of Central Lancashire, UK. Additionally, she completed a three-year training program in Person-Centered Counseling/Psychotherapy, earning a Postgraduate Diploma in Person Centered Counselling/Psychotherapy from ICPS College in collaboration with the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. She gained clinical experience at the University Child Psychiatry Clinic at the Children's Hospital "Agia Sofia," through collaboration with the interdisciplinary team of the Outpatient Unit, participating in taking psychosocial histories of children and administering diagnostic tests, as well as in the operation of the Special Clinic for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Furthermore, she attended an annual Special Education and Training Program organized by the Developmental Pediatrics Unit of the University Clinic of Athens and received certification for her training in the projective testing programs Children’s Apperception Test (C.A.T) and Thematic Apperception Test (T.A.T) for children and adults, respectively. Additionally, she participated in the pilot adult mental health program within the framework of the Care & Health Promotion programs of the Municipality of Athens, in collaboration with the NGO "Aktaia."

The Center for Specialized Therapies Development of Speech and Work is located in Kaisariani, with the scientific director being Special Educator Kentro Eidikon Therapeion Anaptyksi Logou Kai Ergou. The Center is staffed by highly trained therapists with many years of experience, covering a wide range to provide a more effective approach and treatment for each individual patient. Specifically, the team includes a Speech Therapist, Mental Health Counselor, Special Educator, and Occupational Therapist, offering personalized therapeutic programs tailored to the needs of each person with respect for their personality and particularities. Some of the services provided at the Center for Specialized Therapies Development of Speech and Work include the treatment of articulation and phonological disorders, addressing learning difficulties, autism, ADHD, as well as psychological support and counseling for children and adolescents.

Nikolidaki Eleni is a Child Psychologist, School Psychologist, and Systemic - Family Psychotherapist. She completed her undergraduate studies in Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Additionally, she trained in Synthetic – Systemic and Family Psychotherapy (SY.MO.SY.TH) at the Laboratory for the Investigation of Human Relations. Concurrently, she holds certifications in Special Education from the University of Patras, in the Psychology of Children's Drawing from the Hellenic Open University, and in School Psychology from the University of Western Attica. She works as a Psychologist in public school units and institutions in both Primary and Secondary Education, while also collaborating privately with special education centers, nursery, and kindergarten schools, providing psychological support to children and parental counseling. She also conducts parenting schools as well as training sessions for educators and parents. Moreover, she volunteers as a psychologist at the Non-Profit Organization "EXARTISI," based in Thessaloniki, which aims to promote mental health and combat addictions. Together with the team, she has created a series of children's books concerning the addiction cycle and the "Smoking Cessation Diary for Adolescents aged 15-18." Previously, she has worked as a psychologist and mental health counselor on the nationwide counseling line 11525 "Union, Together for the Child," with the "Health Allies" of the Medical School of the University of Athens, and as a trainee psychologist at the Hellenic Center for Mental Hygiene and Research in the child and adolescent unit (E.KE.PSY.E.). She currently practices in her private office in Neo Psychiko, primarily conducting individual sessions with adolescents and adults.

Karanika Elli, Clinical Psychologist - Psychotherapist for children, adolescents, and young adults, maintains a private practice in Thessaloniki. She studied Educational Sciences (Dipl.-Päd.) at Johann Wolfgang Goethe University in Frankfurt and Psychology (B.Sc.) at Goethe University. She also completed postgraduate studies in Psychology (M.Sc.) at the same university, focusing on Clinical Psychology in the field of Psychoanalysis, and received further training as a Psychotherapist for children, adolescents, and young adults, specializing in psychodynamic psychotherapy, at the Rhein Main Seminar training institute. She has extensive clinical experience at the Psychiatric Center and Clinic of Dr. Härtling in Frankfurt and completed her clinical internship in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University Hospital Frankfurt. Additionally, she undertook further clinical training in child and adolescent psychiatry at the General Hospital Hippokration of Thessaloniki.

Vogiatzi Gogo is a Child Psychologist and maintains her office in Aigaleo. She studied Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and is completing a postgraduate program in Applied Developmental Psychology of children and adolescents at the Hellenic Open University, during which she is undertaking her practical training at the Child Psychiatry Department of the General Children's Hospital "P. & A. Kyriakou". Within the framework of her clinical training, she has specialized in ADHD, special education, child and adolescent psychiatry, child and adolescent psychopathology, the application of cognitive and behavioral techniques in children and adolescents, as well as psychoeducation and parental counseling. Additionally, she has been trained in administering the Achenbach Assessment Tool (ASEBA), which evaluates the emotional and behavioral functioning of children and adolescents. She has experience in psychological support for children and adolescents and in parental counseling. As part of her continuous education and training, she attends numerous seminars and educational programs and supports her personal development through participation in personal therapy and supervision.

Η Αλεξανδροπούλου Ελένη είναι Ψυχολόγος - Παιδοψυχολόγος και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στην Αγία Παρασκευή. Σπούδασε Ψυχολογία BSc (First Class Hons) στο Πανεπιστήμιο UCLan του Ηνωμένου Βασιλείου και πραγματοποίησε στο ίδιο Πανεπιστήμιο μεταπτυχιακές σπουδές στην Παιδοψυχολογία (Merit). Ολοκληρώνοντας τις σπουδές της, έκανε πρακτική άσκηση στο Κέντρο Ψυχικής Υγείας του Δήμου Πεντέλης και εργάστηκε σε Κέντρα Ειδικών Θεραπειών. Αυτή τη στιγμή εκπαιδεύεται στη Συνθετική Ψυχοθεραπεία στο Athens Synthesis Center, καθώς της αρέσει να συνθέτει, πιστεύοντας πως δεν υπάρχει μόνο μία συγκεκριμένη προσέγγιση που μπορεί να εφαρμοστεί στο άτομο. Ασχολείται ενεργά με την παροχή φροντίδας και στήριξης σε ενήλικες και σε γονείς. Επιπλέον ασχολείται με παιδιά και εφήβους που δυσκολεύονται στη μάθηση, στην κοινωνικοποίηση, στη διαχείριση των συναισθημάτων τους και/ή έχουν διαγνωστεί με νευροαναπτυξιακές διαταραχές όπως: Διαταραχή Ελλειμματικής Προσοχής - Υπερκινητικότητας και Διαταραχή Αυτιστικού Φάσματος. Στο πλαίσιο αυτό, αναπτύσσει μια σειρά εξατομικευμένων θεραπευτικών προγραμμάτων που ποικίλλουν ανάλογα τις ανάγκες κάθε παιδιού ή εφήβου, με έμφαση στην παροχή υποστήριξης για θέματα όπως ο σχολικός εκφοβισμός και η διαχείριση του άγχους. Παραλληλα, στηρίζει γονείς και φροντιστές, μέσω της συμβουλευτικής για την καλύτερη κατανόηση της συμπεριφοράς του παιδιού και την ανάπτυξη στρατηγιών για την ψυχική του ευεξία. Διαθέτει πιστοποίηση στα Προγράμματα Παρέμβασης Γραπτού Λόγου (Playbox) και έχει εκπαιδευτεί στη χρήση διαγνωστικών εργαλείων όπως ΛΑΜΔΑ και Παιδικό Ιχνογράφημα. Επίσης, είναι συγγραφέας δύο βιβλίων: ενός παιδικού με τίτλο "Η καρδιά μου πού ανήκει;" και ενός βιβλίου ενηλίκων με τίτλο "(Α)Κατάλληλο timing". Το πρώτο της βιβλίο "Η καρδιά μου πού ανήκει;", έχει κερδίσει Β’ Βραβείο Παιδικής Λογοτεχνίας στον 10ο Παγκόσμιο Λογοτεχνικό Διαγωνισμό του Ελληνικού Πολιτιστικού Ομίλου Κυπρίων Ελλάδος. Τέλος, είναι συνδημιουργός του podcast και vidcast #Sxeseistalk, όπου στο μικροσκόπιο μπαίνουν διάφορες μορφές ανθρωπίνων σχέσεων με ψυχολογικό και καθημερινό πρίσμα.

Aleksandra Krasari is a Child Psychologist, Parent Counselor, and conducts online sessions. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at Suffolk University and a master's degree in Play Therapy from Roehampton University.

She has worked in Special Therapy Centers in Greece, as well as providing parallel support to children with learning difficulties and other developmental challenges both in Greece and abroad. 

Additionally, she has worked as a Play Therapist in schools in the United Kingdom, as well as a Hippotherapist at the Scientific Society of Therapeutic Riding & Hippotherapy of Greece.

Furthermore, she has previously conducted forensic psychological evaluations in specific cases. To date, she continues her professional career as a Child Psychologist - Play Therapist - Parent Counselor at the Special Therapy Center "Helios".

Logos Kai Ekfrasi is a Special Education Center that has been operating for 17 years and has been based in Kaisariani since 2008. It provides parent counseling services, individual psychotherapy for children and adolescents, as well as individual and group psychopedagogical programs. The Child Psychologists at the center offer parent counseling on issues concerning parents, such as painful transitions, more specifically, managing divorce, coping with grief/death/illness in the family, difficulties in handling everyday situations like setting boundaries for children’s behavior, addressing difficulties with children’s nutrition and sleep, toilet training, managing the child’s refusal to attend school or complete homework, behavioral problems such as conflicts within family relationships, managing aggression and angry outbursts, addressing internet addiction, emotional problems including managing bullying experienced at school, phobias, insecurity, introversion, passivity, and jealousy towards a sibling. Additionally, they provide individual psychotherapy for children and adolescents facing emotional or behavioral difficulties such as anxiety, phobias, low self-esteem, obsessions, psychosomatic issues, eating disorders, selective mutism, aggressive or passive behavior, delinquent behavior, internet or electronic game addiction, and difficulties in social and interpersonal relationships. Finally, they offer individual or group psychopedagogical programs for children who demonstrate difficulties in communication and social skills, meaning they struggle to communicate effectively with others, behave appropriately in various social situations, make friends, share, wait their turn, follow rules, accept defeat, and understand others’ intentions and emotions.

Tzoumerka Viky MSc is a Psychologist specializing in Systemic Psychotherapy at the Athens Center for the Study of Man (AKMA). She completed her undergraduate studies in Psychology at the University of Derby and holds a Master's degree in Clinical and Community Psychology from the University of East London. Additionally, she graduated from the Department of Philosophy, Pedagogy, and Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with a focus on Psychology. She has experience in various mental health settings, having collaborated with private therapeutic centers as well as organizations supporting children, adolescents, and vulnerable populations. She has also been actively involved in psychosocial empowerment interventions at individual and family levels. Currently, she maintains a private practice in Exarcheia, where she conducts individual psychotherapy sessions for adults, children, and adolescents.

Soulakoudis Stylianos is a Child Psychologist practicing professionally in Volos. He graduated from the Department of Psychology at the University of East London in England. Subsequently, he pursued postgraduate studies in Child Psychology with a specialization in educational settings at the same university. Additionally, through the e-learning programs of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, he holds certification and specialization in counseling management, treatment, and therapy for children as well as adults with autism. Furthermore, he attends specialization programs at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens related to Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Psychotherapy. Moreover, he is an external collaborator at Speech Therapy Centers in the Volos area. Finally, he has volunteered at a Disease Center for individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

Papalitsas Athanasios MSc is a Psychologist and Child Psychotherapist based in Nea Erithraia. He specializes in child and adolescent psychotherapy, parent counseling, and group psychoeducation programs. His office is a modern and welcoming space for psychological support, designed to provide every individual with the opportunity to freely express their thoughts, emotions, and difficulties.

Ms. Gkioka S Maria is a Psychologist - Child Psychologist and maintains her private practice in Aigaleo. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Indianapolis (license no.: 1070) and a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology. She has been trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy as well as in Systemic Counseling and Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents & Parent Counseling. She has attended continuing education seminars to update and enhance her knowledge, always aiming for accurate assessment and therapeutic treatment of each individual's personalized needs. She has served as a Scientific Collaborator/Counseling Psychologist at the Adolescent Health Unit, 2nd Pediatric Clinic, University of Athens, "P. & A. Kyriakou" Children's Hospital, the Hellenic Institute for the U.N., and other private centers and NGOs with the goal of providing psychological support and well-being to minors and youth. In her private practice, she works with children, adolescents, and young adults and has particular experience with Eating Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Anger Management, Interpersonal Relationships, School Bullying, Excessive Use of Gaming and Internet, Learning Disabilities, and ADHD. Additionally, she conducts parent counseling sessions on the above topics.

Η Τουρκοχωρίτη Δήμητρα είναι Παιδοψυχολόγος MSc - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και διατηρεί από το 2020 ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Κολωνάκι, όπου παρέχει ατομικές ψυχοθεραπευτικές συνεδρίες σε ενήλικες, παιδιά και εφήβους. Σπούδασε Ψυχολογία στο Πάντειο Πανεπιστήμιο Κοινωνικών & Πολιτικών Επιστημών και πραγματοποίησε μεταπτυχιακές σπουδές στο Τμήμα Ψυχολογίας του University of Central Lancashire, UK (MSc in Psychology of Child Development). Ειδικεύτηκε με τετραετή μετεκπαίδευση στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφοριστική Θεραπεία Ενηλίκων, παιδιών και εφήβων στην Εταιρεία Γνωσιακών και Συμπεριφοριστικών Σπουδών και πιστοποιήθηκε σύμφωνα με τα Training and Supervision Standards της European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT). Βρίσκεται στη διαδικασία ολοκλήρωσης λήψης διπλώματος της ως Mindfulness teacher από το Πανεπιστήμιο της Οξφόρδης (Oxford Mindfulness Foundation), στο πλαίσιο του διετούς προγράμματος εκπαίδευσης στη Γνωσιακή Θεραπεία Βασισμένη στην Ενσυνειδητότητα (Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy – MBCT). Έχει αποκτήσει άρτια κατάρτιση και επάρκεια στον συντονισμό παρεμβάσεων MBCT για ποικίλα ζητήματα, όπως άγχος, διαταραχές διάθεσης, χρόνιος πόνος και διαχείριση σωματικού βάρους, καθώς και για την ενίσχυση της ψυχικής ανθεκτικότητας, της ποιότητας ζωής και της αποτελεσματικής διαχείρισης των καθημερινών προκλήσεων. Παράλληλα, ολοκληρώνει τη μετεκπαίδευσή της στη Θεραπεία Σχημάτων, έχοντας λάβει πιστοποιήσεις παρακολούθησης των απαραίτητων σεμιναρίων από την Ελληνική Εταιρεία Θεραπείας Σχημάτων και βρίσκεται σε εποπτική φάση και διαδικασία αξιολόγησης, με στόχο την πιστοποίησή της από τον οργανισμό International Society of Schema Therapy. Η Θεραπεία Σχημάτων αποτελεί μια ολοκληρωμένη και συστηματική θεραπευτική προσέγγιση γνωσιακής- συμπεριφοριστικής προέλευσης, η οποία επεκτείνει τις δυνατότητες παρέμβασης σε χρόνιες ψυχολογικές δυσκολίες, εστιάζοντας στον εντοπισμό και την αλλαγή βαθιά ριζωμένων μοτίβων σκέψης και συμπεριφοράς που επηρεάζουν τις σχέσεις, τη συναισθηματική ρύθμιση και την γενικότερη αυτοεκτίμηση του ατόμου. Διαθέτει επαγγελματική εμπειρία ως Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια ενηλίκων, έχοντας συνεργαστεί με Αστικές Μη Κερδοσκοπικές Εταιρείες, Κέντρα Ημέρας, κοινωνικές υπηρεσίες και επιστημονικούς φορείς, καθώς και στο πρόγραμμα του Υπουργείου Υγείας και Κοινωνικής Αλληλεγγύης για την ψυχολογική υποστήριξη σχετικά με την COVID-19. Επιπλέον, έχει συνεργαστεί με φροντιστήρια μέσης εκπαίδευσης, κέντρα ξένων γλωσσών και ιδιωτικά εκπαιδευτήρια, παρέχοντας ατομικές και ομαδικές συνεδρίες σε παιδιά και εφήβους, υπηρεσίες σχολικού επαγγελματικού προσανατολισμού, συμβουλευτική γονέων και ψυχοεκπαιδευτικά σεμινάρια για γονείς και εκπαιδευτικό προσωπικό. Τέλος, έχει δημοσιεύσει άρθρα σε επιστημονικά περιοδικά, συμμετέχει ως ομιλήτρια σε επιστημονικά συνέδρια και παρακολουθεί συστηματικά εκπαιδευτικά σεμινάρια, όπως το σεμινάριο βασικής εκπαίδευσης στη Θεραπέια Αποδοχής και Δέσμευσης (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-ACT) κ.α.

Mpaloti Maria MA is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in the Kifisia area. She holds a degree in Psychology from Panteion University and postgraduate studies from the University of Nottingham, UK. She has specialized in the systemic approach, following extensive training at AKMA (Athens Center for the Study of Man). The Psychologist has participated in European conferences and has many years of experience in psychotherapy for adolescents and adults, as well as in group and family therapy.

Diamantis Akis PhD is a Child Psychologist, Doctor, and a graduate in Psychology from Panteion University, maintaining a private practice in Holargos. He completed postgraduate studies in Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology at the University Paris 7-Denis Diderot within the Doctoral School of Research in Psychoanalysis. Since 2008, he has been working at the University Child Psychiatry Clinic of the General Children's Hospital "Agia Sofia," and for a period, he served as the head of the Training and Psychosocial Support Center for Adolescents. He possesses specialized knowledge in psychoanalysis and adult psychotherapy, as well as child psychotherapy. He has published articles in psychoanalytic journals and has presented papers at Greek and international conferences. Finally, he is a member of the Hellenic Psychoanalytic Society and the International Psychoanalytic Association.

Pasxalidi Eirini is a psychologist with a private practice in Ilisia. She is a graduate of Panteion University of Political and Social Sciences. She holds a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Counseling Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the Democritus University of Thrace. Additionally, she has completed foundational training in Mentalization-Based Treatment at the Anna Freud National Centre and has attended postgraduate programs related to Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics. Within the framework of her education and work, she has been active in mental health facilities and has gained clinical experience with a wide range of psychological difficulties. She also has research activity and presentations at psychology conferences. She practices privately in counseling and psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults across a broad diagnostic spectrum, addressing issues such as self-esteem, identity, separation, grief, relationships, interpersonal difficulties, and more.

Gaugiotaki Xrysoula is a Psychologist - Child Psychologist with a postgraduate degree in Child and Adolescent Psychology. Within the framework of her postgraduate studies, she was trained in the diagnosis and treatment of psychopathology in children and adolescents, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. Concurrently, she has been trained in Systemic Therapy and has completed basic training in Compassion Focused Therapy. Additionally, as part of her continuous professional development, she is training in Gestalt psychotherapy. She works as a psychologist with adults, adolescents, and children, specializing in a wide range of difficulties such as anxiety and mood disorders, panic attacks - phobias, interpersonal relationships, among others.

The Speech Therapy - Occupational Therapy - Psychological Support Center En Arxi In O Logos - Lygkouri Athanasia Kai Synergates is located in Aigaleo. Operating since 2008, it provides services in Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Special Education, Psychological and Counseling Support. It caters to children presenting with autism, ADHD, articulation difficulties, language delay, stuttering, sensory processing difficulties, learning disabilities, dyspraxia, verbal dyspraxia, behavioral issues, emotional disorders, lack of self-confidence, and specific language impairment. The Center's Child Psychologist is Despina Papadopoulou, a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Panteion University. She is trained in systemic psychotherapy, family art therapy, and regularly attends seminars and professional development programs.