Health professionals for Psycotherapy LGBTQ in Acharnes

Ioanna Psomiadi MSc is a Mental Health Consultant - Psychotherapist with private practices in Voula and Acharnes. She holds a degree in Psychology from the American College of Athens and possesses a Certification of Specialization in Cognitive Behavioral Theory & Clinical Practice from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). Continuing her studies, she obtained a Master's degree in Human Resource Management for large enterprises (HR) from Bolton University and completed the Group Psychotherapy program at the Athens Center for the Study of Human Behavior (AKMA), as well as the one-year One-Way Mirror Seminar: Effects of mirrors on individual human behavior program. Subsequently, through a series of seminars and clinical training, she has worked in group psychotherapy programs at various psychological support centers in Athens, where she has developed extensive experience in emotional disorders, interpersonal relationships, mood disorders, separations, management of low self-esteem, and generally psychological monitoring and support of adolescents and adults. Since 2022, she has collaborated and contributed articles as a Scientific Associate on Mental Health topics for health and wellness blogs and magazines (Vita.gr, Shape.gr, etc.). In February 2025, she was awarded by the HEALTH EAGLES for patient preference and trust as a psychotherapist. Finally, she undertakes individual therapies providing flexible sessions outside regular office hours, conducting daily appointments by telephone and via Skype for urgent issues, for individuals residing abroad, and for those with difficult and inflexible work schedules and daily obligations.

Η Εξαρχου Αργυρώ είναι Κλινική Ψυχολόγος MSc (αρ. αδείας 4385), Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και υποψήφια Διδάκτωρ Ψυχολογίας στο University of Greater Manchester. Έχει εξειδικευθεί στη Γνωστική Συμπεριφορική Ψυχοθεραπεία ενηλίκων και εφήβων (Cognitive Behavioral Τherapy), καθώς επίσης και στη Συμβουλευτική και Θεραπεία ζεύγους και οικογένειας.

Έχει αποκτήσει στο παρελθόν πολύτιμη κλινική εμπειρία μέσα από τη συνεργασία της με δομές όπως το Best Buddies Greece και TACT Hellas, όπου παρείχε υποστήριξη σε άτομα με νοητικές και αναπτυξιακές δυσκολίες και συμμετείχε ως Assistant Psychologist σε θεραπευτικές ομάδες και ατομικές συνεδρίες ενηλίκων.

Έχει συμμετάσχει ως ομιλήτρια σε συνέδρια, παρουσιάζοντας ερευνητικές εργασίες της, οι οποίες εστιάζουν στις ανθρώπινες σχέσεις, καθώς επίσης και στον τρόπο κοινωνικοποίησης των ανθρώπων.

Επιστημονικά άρθρα της έχουν δημοσιευτεί σε ελληνικά και ξένα journals, με θεματολογία όπως συναισθηματική νοημοσύνη, πένθος, ψυχική ανθεκτικότητα.

Έχει εργαστεί ως Ψυχολόγος σε ποικίλα πλαίσια, διεξάγοντας ατομικές συνεδρίες ενηλίκων, θεραπευτικές ομάδες, καθώς επίσης και συμβουλευτική ζεύγους.

Παρέχει συνεδρίες εξ’ αποστάσεως (online) και δια ζώσης (in person) στην ελληνική και αγγλική γλώσσα σε θεραπευμένους σε Ελλάδα και εξωτερικό.

Τα δυνατά σημεία της είναι η διαχείριση πένθους - απώλειας, η κατάθλιψη, η διαχείριση άγχους, οι φοβίες, η κρίση πανικού, η διαχείριση θυμού, η θεραπεία ζεύγους, η συμβουλευτική γονέων και εφήβων, οι σχέσεις, η διεκδικητικότητα και η ιδεοψυχαναγκαστική διαταραχή.

Maria Rapti is a Psychologist who has dedicated her professional career to psychology with a strong emphasis on Systemic Psychotherapy. Her studies began in 2009, and since then she has expanded her knowledge through specialized training and professional experience. Since 2024, she has been enrolled in a postgraduate program in Systemic Psychotherapy, while concurrently continuing her education at the Human Relations Laboratory. Previously, she completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (2020-2023), as well as studies in Counseling Psychology (2012-2014). Additionally, she holds an HND in Speech Therapy (2011-2012) and has completed a Foundation in Speech Therapy (2009). In her professional practice, since 2024 she has been providing online sessions and collaborating with a Neuropsychiatric Clinic, offering individual online psychotherapy. Prior to this, she completed an internship at the same clinic and worked with children with learning difficulties, providing counseling to parents. Her experience also includes internships at "Arogi" (KDAP-MEA), the "Exelixi" center with a focus on autism, as well as supporting bilingual children in an institution. She remains active in continuing professional development through seminars, including training on LGBTQ+ awareness and counseling issues, psychodrama, Art Therapy, and dramatherapy. Maria Rapti consistently seeks to develop her skills further in order to provide optimal support to her clients.

Bpokou Anastasia is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Kifisia. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Subsequently, she completed her postgraduate studies (MSc), earning a master's degree in Liaison Psychiatry from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. As part of her psychotherapeutic training, she participates in the Educational Program in Cognitive Psychotherapies at the Research University Institute of Mental Health (EPIΨY). She has also completed basic training in EMDR Therapy at TACT HELLAS as well as in the administration, interpretation, and scoring of diagnostic tools (WAIS-IV, WISC, SCID II, SCID-5, MMPI II). She has gained experience through her internship in Psychology and Psychotherapy at the Hellenic Institute for Rational Emotive and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and collaborates with the Neurodevelopmental Disorders department of the 1st Psychiatric Clinic at Aeginiteio Hospital. Finally, she specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy and clinical psychology.

Empeoglou Varvara holds a Professional Practice License, a degree in Psychology from the University of Essex, and a postgraduate degree in Applied Clinical Psychology from the University of Central Lancashire. She has certified training in Group Analytical Psychotherapy, Couples and Family Counseling, as well as the international four-year postgraduate program at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Systemic, Dialogical, and Narrative Approaches, focusing her therapeutic practice on postmodern forms of psychotherapy. Additionally, she possesses certifications in brief therapeutic interventions such as Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Narrative Therapy. These approaches, with their practical and immediately applicable nature, complement long-term therapy by facilitating small, actionable steps of change that empower the therapeutic process. Her clinical experience includes internship at Sismanoglio Hospital, in the Adult Psychiatric Clinic and the Eating Disorders Unit, as well as collaborations with clinics, care and rehabilitation units, specialized therapy centers, and mental health centers. Currently, she works as a Clinical Psychologist in a group of elder care units and maintains a private practice in Nea Erythraia, providing psychotherapeutic support to adults, adolescents, couples, families, as well as parent counseling. Concurrently, she actively participates in scientific conferences, seminars, and workshops, enhancing her therapeutic practice with insights from the continuous advancement of science.

Eleni Yoldasi is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Kifisia. With specialization in Person-Centered Psychotherapy, she offers a safe and supportive environment for personal development, self-awareness, and enhancement of mental well-being. Her goal is to help clients discover their potential, focusing on the values and needs that lead to an authentic and fulfilling life.

She completed her studies in Psychology at the **University of Essex** and is currently completing her training in **Person-Centered and Focusing-Oriented Counseling & Psychotherapy** at the **Hellenic Focusing Centre**. In parallel, she holds a diploma in **Health and Wellness Coaching** from the **International Authority for Professional Coaching & Mentoring**, while she continuously expands her knowledge with courses in philosophy, focusing on fundamental questions concerning life and human existence.

**Person-Centered Psychotherapy** is a therapeutic approach developed by **Carl Rogers** in the 20th century. Its core idea is that every individual has the potential to grow and resolve their issues when they feel accepted and understood. The therapist does not guide or judge the client but supports them with empathy and unconditional positive regard. This allows the client to explore their emotions, thoughts, and concerns in a safe space.

The therapy focuses on the person and their needs, rather than on the problem or diagnosis. The essence lies in the development of a genuine and honest relationship between therapist and client, which enables the latter to discover their own solutions and strengthen their self-esteem. Person-Centered Psychotherapy believes that we all possess the capacity for self-actualization and to live a life that truly satisfies us, as long as we have the appropriate environment of support and understanding.

Η Λαγιάκου Λυδία και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στα Άνω Πατήσια. Ολοκλήρωσε τις σπουδές της στην Ψυχολογία (BaHons) στο Αμερικανικό Κολλέγιο Ελλάδος Deree αποκτώντας διπλό πτυχίο από το εν λόγω ίδρυμα αλλά και από το Open University της Αγγλίας. Κατά τη διάρκεια των σπουδών της είχε λάβει υποτροφία από το International Honors Program του κολλεγίου, ενώ τα τελευταία δύο χρόνια των σπουδών της συμμετείχε σε πρόγραμμα εθελοντισμού και μετεκπαίδευσης στο Γενικού Στρατιωτικού Νοσοκομείου Αθηνών 401 στο τμήμα της Διασυνδετικής Ψυχιατρικής. Στη συνέχεια ολοκλήρωσε το μεταπτυχιακό της πάνω στη Συμβουλευτική Ψυχολογία και Ψυχοθεραπεία (MSc). Ταυτόχρονα, παρακολούθησε ποικίλα σεμινάρια όπως Ψυχοθεραπεία με επίκεντρο το συναίσθημα (Emotion-Focused Therapy) και Άβατον - Οριακές Περιπτώσεις (με θέμα την οριακή διαταραχή προσωπικότητας ιδωμένη μέσα από την ψυχαναλυτική σκοπιά). Επίσης, έχει παρευρεθεί στο 1ο Συνέδριο Ψυχοθεραπείας της Ψυχιατρικής και στο Διεθνές Συνέδριο Υπαρξιακής Ψυχοθεραπείας του 2023. Τέλος, πραγματοποιεί συνεδρίες βραχείας ψυχοθεραπείας εθελοντικά στην Εταιρεία Περιφερειακής Ανάπτυξης και Ψυχικής Υγείας (Ε.Π.Α.Ψ.Υ.).

Επί του παρόντος, είναι εκπαιδευόμενη ψυχοθεραπεύτρια Συστημικής προσέγγισης σε εγκεκριμένο εκπαιδευτικό κέντρο στην Αθήνα και παρακολουθεί ποικίλα σεμινάρια και εκπαιδεύσεις πιστοποίησης.

Mariana Florou is a Psychologist-Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Kifisia. She is a distinguished graduate in Psychology from Panteion University (License number 2955/18-01-2019). Additionally, she is a distinguished graduate in Sociology from the same university. She has completed her studies in the four-year enriched systemic SANE model at the Institute of Education and Research in Systemic Psychotherapy - Logo Psychis, obtaining a diploma in psychotherapy recognized by the European Association for Psychotherapy (EAP). At the same institute, she has also completed a one-year training program in couples therapy. She regularly receives supervision and has undergone over ten years of personal therapy. She has completed a six-month internship in the psychiatric clinic of the 414 Military Hospital as a prerequisite for her undergraduate studies. Furthermore, as part of her specialization in psychotherapy, she completed a 30-month practical training in a psychologist’s office, where she actively participated in the therapeutic process of a psychotherapy group. Since 2019, she has been working in her private practice with adolescents, adults, couples, and families addressing a wide range of issues and difficulties. Additionally, she collaborates with a counseling and psychotherapy center as a psychotherapist for adults, families, and couples. Acknowledging the challenges of the contemporary era, the rapidly changing social landscape, as well as developments in psychology and neurosciences, she continues to attend various educational programs for her further professional development. Her aim is for the psychotherapeutic relationship to function as a reparative framework of safety, in which clients can discover silenced aspects of themselves and develop a revised perspective on themselves and their lives.

Elisavet Pantazakou is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist, a graduate of the Psychology Department at the University of Hertfordshire.

She holds a master's degree in Work and Organizational Psychology from the University of Hertfordshire.

She has been trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Pantelis Vranas is a Mental Health Counselor with a integrative approach, holder of a diploma in integrative counselling from COSCA (Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland), and maintains a private practice in Ano Patisia. He provides individual and group support using a comprehensive therapeutic method that integrates various approaches, emphasizing counseling for individuals facing difficulties, as well as supporting couples wishing to strengthen their relationship or resolve conflicts. He focuses particularly on counseling individuals from the LGBTQ+ community and addressing issues of loneliness and interpersonal relationships. He is a graduate of the Athens Synthesis Center and has attended educational programs at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) on "Psychology of Religion" and "Interpersonal Relationships: The Phenomenon of Loneliness in the Modern Era," as well as workshops on LGBTQ+ counseling (Psychopedia). He is a regular member of the Hellenic Society of Integrative Counseling and Psychotherapy (EESTP).

Despoina Zagka is a Psychologist with a private practice in Agioi Anargyroi. She has experience in private practice as well as in public and private institutions, where she has worked with adults, adolescents, and the elderly through psychotherapy and counseling sessions. She has also coordinated and facilitated experiential group sessions, both psychoeducational and therapeutic in nature, emphasizing the power of the group and interaction. She is completing the Master's Degree Program at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, titled "Psychotherapy: Theoretical Frameworks, Clinical Applications, and Comparative Approaches," and has specialized in MI Therapy (Music Therapy Technique). Additionally, she has completed the postgraduate seminar at the University of West Attica titled "Mental Health and Wellbeing of Children and Adolescents," as well as an online course from Yale University titled "The Science Of Well-Being." Her therapeutic approach is based on elements of integrative and person-centered approaches, emphasizing the relationship, authenticity, and individualization: each person is unique, and her goal is to create a safe space where they can express themselves, better understand themselves, and find new ways to cope with their difficulties.

Η Χαρά Ντούλια είναι πιστοποιημένη Σύμβουλος Ψυχικής Υγείας, σύμφωνα με τις προδιαγραφές της Ελληνική Εταιρεία Συμβουλευτικής. Είναι κάτοχος του Diploma in Integrative Counselling από την COSCA και τακτικό μέλος της Ελληνικής Εταιρείας Συμβουλευτικής.Είναι απόφοιτος Φαρμακευτικής Σχολής και εργάστηκε ως φαρμακοποιός για αρκετά χρόνια, πριν στραφεί στον χώρο της Ψυχολογίας. Σήμερα συνεχίζει τις σπουδές της στο Marconi University, όπου είναι τελειόφοιτη στο Τμήμα Ψυχολογίας. Στο πλαίσιο της συνεχούς επαγγελματικής και προσωπικής της εξέλιξης, παρακολουθεί εκπαιδευτικά σεμινάρια και επιμορφωτικά προγράμματα, ενώ παράλληλα συνεχίζει την προσωπική της θεραπευτική διεργασία και την επαγγελματική εποπτεία.Διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στην Αθήνα, όπου πραγματοποιεί ατομικές συνεδρίες συμβουλευτικής και συνεδρίες ζεύγους. Παρέχει συμβουλευτική υποστήριξη και σε LGBTQI+ άτομα, με στόχο να προσεγγίσουν τον εαυτό τους με ελευθερία, αποδοχή και ασφάλεια. Παράλληλα, αποτελεί μέρος ενός δικτύου συνεργασίας ψυχιάτρων και άλλων επαγγελματιών ψυχικής υγείας, με σκοπό τη συνολική υποστήριξη της πορείας κάθε ανθρώπου, όταν αυτό κρίνεται απαραίτητο. Οι συνεδρίες πραγματοποιούνται τόσο δια ζώσης όσο και διαδικτυακά, ανάλογα με τις ανάγκες και τη διαθεσιμότητα του κάθε ατόμου.Το ενδιαφέρον της για την ψυχική υγεία, σε συνδυασμό με την προσωπική της εμπειρία, την οδήγησαν να αφοσιωθεί στην Ψυχολογία, αρχικά μέσα από τη δική της πορεία αυτογνωσίας και στη συνέχεια ως επαγγελματίας. Πιστεύει βαθιά ότι κάθε άνθρωπος έχει τη δυνατότητα να κατανοήσει τον εαυτό του και να εξελιχθεί, όταν βρεθεί σε ένα περιβάλλον ασφάλειας και αποδοχής.Ως σύμβουλος ψυχικής υγείας, ακολουθεί τη συνθετική προσέγγιση, ενσωματώνοντας στοιχεία από διαφορετικά θεραπευτικά μοντέλα, όπως η προσωποκεντρική, η γνωσιακή-συμπεριφορική, η ψυχοδυναμική και η Gestalt. Η προσέγγιση αυτή επιτρέπει η θεραπευτική διαδικασία να παραμένει ευέλικτη και προσαρμοσμένη στις ανάγκες του κάθε ανθρώπου, αναγνωρίζοντας τη μοναδικότητά του πέρα από τους περιορισμούς ενός μόνο θεωρητικού πλαισίου.Βασική της πεποίθηση είναι ότι όλοι οι άνθρωποι είναι εκ φύσεως άξιοι εμπιστοσύνης και διαθέτουν τη δυνατότητα αλλαγής, εξέλιξης και αυτοκατανόησης. Πιστεύει στην έμφυτη ικανότητα της αυτοθεραπείας και θεωρεί πως ο ρόλος της είναι να συνοδεύει το άτομο στην αναζήτηση της προσωπικής του σοφίας, με σεβασμό στον δικό του χρόνο και τρόπο.Για την ίδια, κάθε συνεδρία αποτελεί μια μοναδική συνάντηση δύο ανθρώπων που συνειδητά επιλέγουν να συνεργαστούν. Μέσα σε ένα ασφαλές και υποστηρικτικό πλαίσιο, δημιουργεί τον χώρο ώστε το άτομο να μπορέσει να δει και να ακούσει τον εαυτό του όπως ακριβώς είναι, με πλήρη αποδοχή για όλα τα συναισθήματα, τις σκέψεις και τη σιωπή. Στόχος της είναι η οικοδόμηση μιας θεραπευτικής σχέσης που βασίζεται στην ειλικρίνεια, τον σεβασμό, την εμπιστοσύνη και την κατανόηση, καθώς πιστεύει ότι η ίδια η σχέση αποτελεί τον σημαντικότερο παράγοντα ανάπτυξης και αλλαγής.Δεσμεύεται να λειτουργεί ως συνοδοιπόρος και υποστηρικτική παρουσία στο ταξίδι της αυτογνωσίας, της συνειδητότητας, της ελευθερίας και της βαθύτερης σύνδεσης με την ανθρώπινη ύπαρξη.

Ioannis Papadimas is a licensed psychologist, holding a degree in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and a full member of the Hellenic Psychological Society (SEPS) since 2020. He has specialized in Psychoanalytic–Psychodynamic Psychotherapy through his training at the European Institute of Counseling and Psychotherapy, and he has also completed postgraduate training in Psychoeducation and Behavioral Family Therapy.His professional background includes collaborations with well-established mental health and social care organizations. He has worked as a psychologist at The Smile of the Child, as well as at the Lilian Voudouri Foundation, where he served as coordinator in a Supported Living Residence (SYD). In addition, he has held the position of psychologist and scientific supervisor at the Association for the Care of Minors and Youth. He completed his internship at the Attica Psychiatric Hospital (Dafni) and offered voluntary psychological support through the Social Services of the Municipality of Fyli.Currently, he provides online psychotherapy services from his private practice based in Ano Liosia, working with adults and adolescents on a wide range of psychological issues, including anxiety, panic attacks, depression, emotional disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), self-esteem and identity issues, and interpersonal relationship difficulties. He also offers parental counseling and family support.His therapeutic approach focuses on building a stable, authentic, and safe therapeutic relationship, where individuals are encouraged to explore their inner world, process past experiences, and strengthen their psychological resilience in order to bring about meaningful and lasting change in their lives.

Polina Flevari is a Psychologist MSc - Psychotherapist, graduated with honors from Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, holder of the legal license to practice psychology, and a certified psychotherapist (ECP) by the European Association for Psychotherapy (EAP). She has been trained in existential-humanistic psychotherapy and possesses extensive clinical experience through her work in mental health and psychosocial rehabilitation settings. In the context of her professional and personal development, she participates in private supervision and personal therapy, respectively. Based in the Northern Suburbs, in an aesthetically pleasing space in the Nea Erythrea area, she provides psychotherapy, psychoeducation, and counseling services, both online and in person, to adults and adolescents. Within her psychotherapeutic work, she collaborates with the individual, addressing a wide range of difficulties, including but not limited to depression, anxiety disorders, psychological trauma, loss, interpersonal relationship challenges, chronic illness, and generally, the need for self-awareness and personal development. The philosophy she consistently follows in therapeutic practice is founded on the development of an equal therapeutic relationship that respects the needs, desires, and difficulties of the individual seeking psychotherapy. The adoption of a professional stance adhering to the Principles of the Code of Ethics stems both from her continuous pursuit to promote and maintain high standards in her professional practice and from her deep commitment to the Hippocratic Principle of “beneficence and non-maleficence” as a Psychologist.

Emmanouela-Marina Vintiadi was born and resides in Athens. She is a Psychologist-Psychotherapist. She has been trained in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy and continues her education through seminars, clinical groups, study groups, and individual and group supervision. Her postgraduate specialization is in Criminology. She has worked in psychosocial rehabilitation units, municipalities, and psychological support centers with adults, children, and socially vulnerable groups. Additionally, she has participated in research as a scientific collaborator and is a key speaker in webinars and conferences for the training of health professionals as well as for raising public awareness on mental health issues. She collaborates with the Day Center "Galini" of the Non-Profit Organization Prometheus as a psychologist and maintains a private practice in Kifisia, where she conducts in-person and online psychotherapy sessions for adults, adolescents, and couples.

Sessions available in English.

At the ARKESIS Mental Health Center, a comprehensive psychotherapeutic and psychiatric framework is offered for adults, adolescents, and children. Through the integration of psychodynamic/psychoanalytic approaches, systemic and group therapy, as well as specialized psychiatric support, a safe environment is created for recognizing individual needs, with the ultimate goal of personal development and mental well-being. Psychiatric services are also provided at the center. The founder of the center, Melina Arkesis Tzakou, based in Nea Ionia, Attica, provides mental health services as a Psychologist - Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist. She is a graduate of the European University Cyprus (EUC), a regular member of the Hellenic Psychological Society and the British Psychological Society (BPS). Currently, she is completing her specialization in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (DIKEPSY) and a Master's degree in Applied Developmental Psychology at the Hellenic Open University. She has received additional training in Clinical Psychopathology and Clinical Skills at the Panagiotis Oulis Clinical Psychopathology program at EPIPSY. At the same time, she has been trained in Synthetic Approach Mental Health Counseling at the Athens Synthesis Centre. She is certified to administer projective tests such as TAT, CAT, Child Drawing Test, and the Rorschach Inkblot Test. Melina Arkesis Tzakou, together with her scientific team of experienced and qualified psychotherapists specializing in Systemic and Psychoanalytic approaches, achieves the appropriate provision of mental health services for adults, adolescents, couples, and parents. The team always operates under the supervision of Ms. Melina Arkesis Tzakou, who ensures the maintenance of scientific rigor, the proper therapeutic approach, and the uninterrupted progress of psychotherapies.