Health professionals for Psycotherapy LGBTQ in Athens

Despoina Papaggeli MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist for adults, children, and adolescents. She completed her undergraduate studies in the Department of Psychology at Panteion University and holds a master's degree titled "Mental Health and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry" from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. 

She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling.

She has attended multiple seminars related to various fields of mental health, including Drama Therapy, Psychoeducation, Special Education, Play Therapy, and LGBTQI+ counseling.

She has been active in the mental health field privately for several years, conducting online psychotherapy sessions with adults and, in collaboration with specialized therapy centers, sessions with children, adolescents, and families. In the past, she has volunteered in providing mental health and creative activity services to individuals with disabilities, as well as to patients at the Piraeus Anti-Cancer - Oncology Hospital "Metaxa". 

Her goal, through the therapeutic process, is to help each individual acquire the necessary tools to manage emotional and behavioral difficulties they face; essentially, to become the therapist of themselves. 

Papadopoulou Georgia (Tzia) is a Psychologist - Integrative Psychotherapist, graduate of the Department of Psychology at the University of East London and holder of a master's degree in Counseling & Psychotherapy. She applies the integrative psychotherapy model, tailoring the approach to the unique needs of each individual client. She combines techniques from cognitive, psychodynamic, and person-centered approaches with the aim of improving emotional well-being, personal development, and self-understanding. She provides individual sessions for adults and young people over 18 years old who wish to address issues such as anxiety, stress, emotional difficulties, low self-esteem, relationship challenges, losses, or identity crises.

She does not undertake a diagnostic role but focuses on psychological support and counseling, offering a safe, confidential, and warm environment for the client. She deeply believes in the power of acceptance, authenticity, and internal change. Her goal is to provide high-quality and scientifically supported psychological care, with humanity, empathy, and respect for each person's needs.

“I am not here to tell the client what to do. I am here to explore together what is happening within and around them, and to find, step by step, the path that fits their unique personality.”

Papazoglou Sakis is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in the Ampelokipoi area. He is a graduate of the Psychology Department of the European University Cyprus and has completed a four-year training in group analysis at the Hellenic Organization of Education and Psychotherapy in Group Analysis (HOPE in GA). Additionally, he has completed the training program: Basic Principles for Counseling and Psychotherapy with LGBTQ+ individuals, at ORLANDO LGBT+, Mental Health Without Stigma, as well as the Training Program in Learning Psychotherapeutic Techniques and Tools in the Synthetic Approach. Within the framework of his ongoing education, he is currently attending the postgraduate program Gender Studies: Methodologies, Theories, Politics at the Hellenic Open University (HOU). As a psychotherapist and group analyst, he has volunteered in various settings with psychiatric cases (Air Force General Hospital - 251 GNA), economically vulnerable social groups (Synypaksi - Network of Social Solidarity, Mental Support, and Culture), as well as rheumatic diseases (Hellenic Society for Rheumatic Disease - EL.E.AN.A.). At the Hellenic Organization of Education and Psychotherapy in Group Analysis, he is a lecturer for the seminars "LGBTQI+ Sensitization and Group Analysis" and "Violence in Society. Domestic Violence, A Psychodynamic Approach." In his private practice, he offers services across the full spectrum of Psychology, providing appropriate support to his clients.

Pararas Polyvios has 26 years of experience as a Psychologist. He studied psychology at the University of Athens and subsequently received further training in Cognitive Therapy at I.E.TH.S. He has also been trained in early intervention for autism and in the diagnosis and rehabilitation of learning disabilities at DIKEPSY, as well as in Clinical Psychopathology at EPIPSY. He served as a scientific collaborator at the Medical School of Athens and worked at Aeginiteio Hospital in the specialized Crisis Intervention Clinic. He then worked in home care for severe mental disorders at the non-profit organization Anodos. He has also worked at the Naval Hospital of Salamis, in the Preventive Mental Health Office of the Navy, in the Municipality of Naxos, in the Child Psychiatry Clinics Galinos, in the daycare centers of D.E.H., and at the speech therapy center KADMOS. During the 2023-2024 period, he collaborated with ICPA in the internship of students from the University of Athens and New York College. In the academic year 2024-2025, he was certified in Sports Psychology by the University of Athens. He is a volunteer Sports Psychologist for the Euroleague, participating in the Olympiacos Piraeus basketball team ONE TEAM. Concurrently, he specialized in Adolescent Crisis at IPSYPE from 2024 to 2025. He maintains a private practice in Ampelokipoi.

Patera Aliki is a psychologist and psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Ilisia. She has extensive experience in psychological support and psychotherapy for adults, children, and adolescents, as well as in parental counseling. Since 2013, she has been working at the Child and Adolescent Service of the Community Mental Health Center of Vyronas – Kaisariani (1st Psychiatric Clinic, Aeginiteio Hospital), where she is a member of the interdisciplinary team involved in clinical, diagnostic, and research activities. She also participates in community prevention and awareness initiatives and educational programs.

She graduated from the Department of Psychology (Faculty of Philosophy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens) and holds a postgraduate degree in "Mental Health Promotion and Prevention of Psychiatric Disorders" (Medical School, NKUA). She has received further training in Clinical Psychopathology (annual seminar "Panagiotis Oulis," 1st Psychiatric Clinic NKUA) and has attended a series of specialized seminars and conferences at recognized institutions. Indicatively, she has deepened her expertise in topics such as parenting and mental health, psychiatry and gender identity in adolescence, adolescent romantic relationships, as well as anxiety symptoms and impulsive behaviors.

Previously, she worked (2010–2012) in the Adult Short-Term Hospitalization Unit of Aeginiteio Hospital, where she provided psychotherapeutic support to hospitalized patients.

She is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Hospital Psychologists and the Hellenic Society of the New Lacanian School, while also participating in the educational program of the Academy of Clinical Studies of Athens (ACSA). Additionally, she teaches and supervises undergraduate and postgraduate psychology students.

In her private practice, she provides psycho-emotional assessment and psychotherapy, either short-term or long-term, tailored to the uniqueness and specific needs of each client.

Anastasia Perikleous is a Psychoanalytically-Oriented Psychologist with a professional license and maintains a private practice in Athens. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, BSc(Hons), from the University of Greenwich in the United Kingdom and has been undergoing Clinical Training at the Lacanian Psychoanalysis School in Athens since 2022. She has participated in numerous seminars and workshops (NKUA, University of the Aegean, DI.K.E.PS.Y, Therapeutic Riding Association, K.E.PS.P, etc.) and collaborates as a psychologist with mental health institutions in Greece. She is also a founding and active member of an online platform focused on psychological support, with an emphasis on eating disorders.

Petra Sara is a Mental Health Counselor and Social Worker with experience in supporting individuals facing daily life challenges. She holds a degree from PADΑ (Former Technological Educational Institute of Athens). Since 2021, she has been undergoing further training at the Athens Center for Human Studies (AKMA) as a systemic psychotherapist. She works as a social worker in a mental health unit with individuals suffering from schizophrenia and concurrently manages her own cases through video calls and in person on specific days. Her goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and confidential environment.

Pliakou Maria BSc, MSc is a Clinical Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Kaisariani (near Karavel - Evangelismos metro station). She studied Psychology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, completing her fourth year of studies at Universität Konstanz in Germany, following a scholarship she received. During her studies, she completed clinical training at the Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki (P.H.Th.) and at the Day Care Center for Individuals with Memory Disorders. After completing her undergraduate studies, she gained significant experience in the assessment and support of patients with severe mental disorders, within the framework of clinical training in mental health at the Psychiatric Clinic of Papageorgiou General Hospital of Thessaloniki. She specialized in Clinical Psychology through postgraduate studies at Leiden University in the Netherlands, completing clinical training at the Leiden University Treatment and Expertise Centre, providing psychological support to university students. She followed a four-year specialization in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies (SCBS), and received theoretical training in therapy for children and adolescents. She worked for several years as a psychotherapist in the Adult Therapy Department of the Institute for Research and Behavior Therapy (IRBT), and has worked in numerous therapy centers, providing individual psychotherapy to adults, children, adolescents, as well as counseling for parents.

Ο Δούκας Πρωτόγηρος είναι Ψυχολόγος (Πάντειο Πανεπιστήμιο) με άδεια ασκήσεως επαγγέλματος (Αρ. Πρωτ. 1536) και τακτικό μέλος του Συλλόγου Ελλήνων Ψυχολόγων. Στο ιδιωτικό του γραφείο στα Εξάρχεια, παρέχει ατομική ψυχοθεραπεία σε ενήλικες, ενώ ειδικεύεται στην Ψυχαναλυτική / Ψυχοδυναμική Ψυχοθεραπεία μέσα από το πολυετές κλινικό πρόγραμμα του ΔΙ.ΚΕ.Ψ.Υ. Η προσέγγισή του εστιάζει στην αποκωδικοποίηση των βαθύτερων αιτιών που επηρεάζουν την καθημερινότητά μας, διευκολύνοντας μια πορεία προς την αυτογνωσία και τη σταδιακή εσωτερική ενδυνάμωση. Όπως υποστήριξε και ο Σίγκμουντ Φρόιντ: "Το να είναι κανείς απόλυτα ειλικρινής με τον εαυτό του είναι μια καλή άσκηση", και αυτή ακριβώς η ειλικρίνεια αποτελεί τον πυρήνα της θεραπευτικής εργασίας.

Η κλινική του διαδρομή διαμορφώθηκε μέσα από την πολυετή εργασία σε απαιτητικά περιβάλλοντα διεθνών οργανισμών, όπως η Διεθνής Επιτροπή Διάσωσης (International Rescue Committee) και ο Διεθνής Οργανισμός Μετανάστευσης (International Organization for Migration), προσφέροντάς του πολύτιμη εμπειρία στη διαχείριση του τραύματος, της κατάθλιψης και του άγχους. Πέρα από την αντιμετώπιση των συμπτωμάτων, η θεραπευτική διαδικασία εστιάζει στην ολόπλευρη υποστήριξη του σύγχρονου ενήλικα, καλύπτοντας ζητήματα που αφορούν την προσωπική ταυτότητα, τη σεξουαλικότητα και την αυτοεικόνα.

Η κλινική του πρακτική πλαισιώνεται από συνεχή εβδομαδιαία εποπτεία από ψυχαναλύτρια της Ελληνικής Ψυχαναλυτικής Εταιρείας, διασφαλίζοντας την επιστημονική αρτιότητα και τη δεοντολογία της διαδικασίας. Έχοντας εκπαιδευτεί στη Διαπροσωπική Θεραπεία και την Κλινική Ψυχοπαθολογία, ο Πρωτόγηρος Δούκας βοηθά στη βελτίωση της ποιότητας των διαπροσωπικών σχέσεων και την επεξεργασία σύνθετων βιωμάτων. Σε ένα περιβάλλον ασφάλειας, συμπερίληψης και εχεμύθειας, στόχος είναι να δημιουργηθεί ο απαραίτητος χώρος ώστε η εσωτερική σύγκρουση να δώσει τη θέση της σε μια πιο ήρεμη και συνειδητή καθημερινότητα. Κάθε συνεδρία αποτελεί μια ευκαιρία να ακουστεί η δική σας αλήθεια και να ξεκινήσει μια ουσιαστική συνομιλία με τον εαυτό σας.

Pyrovolisianos Dionysis is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Kypseli. He holds a degree in Psychology from Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and a Master's degree in "Research Methods and Psychology" from City University of London. Additionally, he has been trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Society for Cognitive Behavioral Studies and the Institute of Behavioral Research and Therapy. He specializes in anxiety and mood disorders, as well as issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity.

Pyromali Xristiana is a Mental Health Counselor and operates her private practice in Gkyzi. She holds a degree from the School of Philosophy, Pedagogics, and Psychology (F.P.Psi) with a specialization in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, as well as an MSc in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of Derby and an HND in Counselling & Psychology from the Mediterranean College. In her pursuit of continuous professional development, she has completed numerous postgraduate programs and seminars at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens as well as at the Counseling and Psychotherapy Center "Peri Psychis." In her private practice, she manages a wide range of cases, always focusing on the best possible service tailored to the individualized needs of each person.

Sakaloglou Nikos is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains private practices in Keratsini and Ilisia. He studied Psychology (BA in Psychology) at the European University Cyprus and completed the four-year clinical training program in Psychotherapy at the Institute of Training and Research in Systemic Psychotherapy "Logos Psychis". He holds a professional license to practice as a Psychologist and is a regular member of the Hellenic Psychological Society. He has collaborated with various mental health structures, both private and public. In recent years, he has been working privately as a psychologist – psychotherapist, providing services to adults, couples, families, and therapeutic groups.

Sideri Xristina is a Psychologist with a psychoanalytic orientation based on Lacanian theory.

She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology of the Faculty of Philosophy at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and of the Postgraduate Program “Psychotherapy: Theoretical Frameworks, Clinical Applications, and Comparative Approaches” (MSc in Psychotherapy) at the Medical School of the same University. She has received additional training in Clinical Psychopathology, completing the one-year seminar “Panagiotis Oulis” organized by EPIPSY, the First University Psychiatric Clinic of Aeginiteio Hospital, and the company “Promotion of Knowledge in Mental Disorders.” Since 2020, she has been attending the educational program of the Athens Academy of Clinical Studies of the Freud Field Institute and actively participates in working groups, seminars, and conferences of the Hellenic Society of the New Lacanian School of Psychoanalysis. Concurrently, she is a member of the “Addiction and Alcoholism” network of the Freud Field. She completed her practical training and subsequently worked voluntarily in the field of addictions. From 2020 to 2025, she was employed as therapeutic staff at the Center for the Treatment of Dependent Individuals. She is a collaborator of the Galinos Institute of Mental Health and Personal Development.

In her independent clinical practice, she aims to prioritize the uniqueness of each individual and accompany them in the search for their distinctive way to cope with their subjective difficulties.

Skolarikou Eleni is a Psychologist, Child Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Neos Kosmos. She holds a degree in Psychology from the Open University UK. Subsequently, she completed postgraduate studies (MSc) in Applied Psychology at Derby University as well as in Child Development Psychology at the University of Central Lancashire. Additionally, she has completed a three-year postgraduate training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling and has attended a postgraduate seminar in Positive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Positive CBT) at the Society for Cognitive Behavioral Studies. She has worked as a Psychologist in various settings, gaining valuable experience such as at the Red Cross Hospital, Korgialeneio - Benakeio, and the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling. In her private practice, she handles cases across the full spectrum of Psychology, conducting sessions with adults, children, adolescents, and parents.

Spanou Zeta is a Psychologist and Systemic Psychotherapist with a private practice in Ambelokipi. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Crete and license number 905-31/5/2016. After completing her undergraduate studies, she pursued postgraduate studies in the Department of Criminology at the University of Leicester, specializing in Clinical Criminology, with official recognition of the degree by DOATAP. She subsequently completed a five-year training program in Systemic Psychotherapy at S.K.E.PSY.S. (Systemic Center for Education and Psychotherapy), where she was trained in individual psychotherapy, couples therapy, as well as group psychotherapy and counseling.

She has completed a one-year specialization program in trauma treatment and the seminar "Versions: Narrative Tools in Therapeutic Practice" [Self and family descriptions, Fiction Tool, Childhood memories, Life stories (life lines, life story interview, prototypical scene), Drawings as stories (DARP, DBN, HTP)], a 30-hour course at the "Logos Psychis" Institute, and is currently specializing in Couples Therapy at the same institute.

Additionally, she has attended training seminars to enhance her therapeutic skills, the most notable of which are the two-day seminar on skills and techniques in Couples Therapy at Logos Psychis, the two-day workshop on children's drawings by Animus Corpus, and the seminar on systemic reframing at the Center for Personal Development and Psychotherapy of Cyprus.

Moreover, she has volunteered at the Municipality and various NGOs, gaining extensive experience working with vulnerable populations, which has enriched her professional practice and understanding of social issues.

Stamatelopoulos Ioannis is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist, graduate of the Psychology Department at the University of East London with honors and holds a professional license to practice Psychology (License No.: 1459842). He maintains his private practice in Akadimia. His postgraduate studies at the University of Central Lancashire focus on the field of Psycho-Sexology with a specialization in Psychosexual Therapy. Additionally, he has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults and Clinical Hypnosis - Bio-Rhythmical Psychotherapy at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling (K.E.PSY.SY). During his academic career, he has attended numerous educational seminars on topics such as Neurobiology of Learning, Anger and Anxiety Management, Suicide Prevention, Attachment Theory and Adult Relationships, Criminological and Forensic Psychology related to Femicide, Perinatal Psychology, and Contemporary Issues in Sexology. He has also completed a training seminar on Psychoeducation, as well as an annual specialization seminar in School Psychology at the University of Patras. In his practice, he accepts adult cases presenting with anxiety disorders, emotional disturbances, or sexual dysfunctions.

Sotiropoulou Amantela is a Clinical Psychologist with a psychoanalytic orientation and maintains a private practice in Exarchia. She studied Psychology at Panteion University and pursued postgraduate studies in Clinical Psychology and Psychoanalytic Psychopathology with a specialization in the medical field in Paris (Paris Diderot VII). Concurrently, she trained at the School of Psychoanalysis of the Lacanian Field in Paris and Athens. She is a member of the School of Psychoanalysis of the Lacanian Field in Athens and participates in Lacanian-oriented psychoanalytic working groups, seminars, and conferences concerning the psychopathology of the contemporary era for children, adolescents, and adults. She has worked as a clinical psychologist in various mental health settings in Greece and France, as well as a psychologist in public primary and secondary education. Currently, she provides psychotherapeutic work with adults, adolescents, children, and parents wishing to address psychological difficulties. Psychological difficulties manifest in diverse ways for each individual (interpersonal, emotional, professional, learning difficulties, anxiety, sleep disorders, etc.) and differently impact daily life. The clinical training of the mental health professional enables them to receive and alleviate these difficulties through therapy based on dialogue. Individual sessions are also conducted in French.

Tampaki Mairi is a licensed Psychologist and a certified Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapist. She maintains a private practice in Zografou, offering both in-person and online sessions to adolescents and adults. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with postgraduate studies in the "Science of Stress and Health Promotion" program at the Medical School of the same university. During her academic career, she collaborated with Aeginiteio Hospital as well as Day Centers, providing psychological support and participating in the therapeutic process of individuals facing various psychological challenges. As a mental health professional, she has worked with private therapeutic centers, school environments, and psychosocial rehabilitation structures, undertaking the support of children, adolescents, and adults. Concurrently, she holds an active role in voluntary programs, offering support to vulnerable social groups, while also engaging in research focused on the study of issues related to mental and physical health. Ms. Tampaki consistently invests in continuous education, participating in scientific conferences and specialized seminars related to clinical practice and contemporary approaches in psychotherapy. At the same time, she ensures systematic supervision and personal development, aiming to continuously enhance her professional quality and the therapeutic care provided. Using scientifically supported methods and individualized approaches, Ms. Tampaki supports her clients in managing their concerns, promoting their mental health and personal development.