Health professionals for Psycotherapy LGBTQ in Nea Ionia

Mamo Xrysovalanto - Eirini is a Psychologist specializing in Clinical Psychology and Counseling, holding a Master of Science (MSc) degree from the University of Derby, as well as a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Applied Psychology. Her experience includes professional and voluntary work across a wide range of psychological needs and interventions. She has collaborated with organizations such as the Hellenic Network of European Women, IASIS, and Ithaca Laundry, providing counseling sessions and contributing to programs that promote social inclusion and psychological well-being. Additionally, she actively participates in continuous education, currently undergoing a four-year training program in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). In the past, she has completed specialized training programs in Psychodynamic Therapy, Systemic Counseling, and Counseling Psychotherapy. She has an extensive research portfolio, with publications exploring topics such as "emotional nourishment," attachment, mental disorders, and innovative psychological interventions.

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.

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.

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.

Xaroutiounian Roza is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Piraeus. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Psychology from the University of East London and has been trained in Integrative Counseling and Psychotherapy by the Psychological Support, Therapy, and Education Society – E.PSY.TH.E. She has also completed the program "Couples and Family Counseling and Therapy," as well as the "Medical Psychology" program at the Center for Training and Lifelong Learning (KEDIVIM) of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, further enhancing her scientific expertise in relationship issues, family dynamics, and the connection between mental and physical processes, contributing to comprehensive and holistic support for her clients. In her practice, she manages a wide range of cases, always focusing on providing the best possible service tailored to the individual needs of each person she works with.

Panagiotis Tagaris holds an MSc and is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with private practices in Nea Filadelfeia and Neo Iraklio. He has extensive experience managing a wide range of clinical cases. He holds a BSc in Psychology from Panteion University, a BSc in Primary Education from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, an MSc in School Counseling and Guidance from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the University of Cyprus, as well as an MSc in Educational Sciences from the University of the Aegean.

Additionally, he has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) by the Society of Cognitive and Behavioral Studies, recognized by the European Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Therapies (EABCT), and is a Certified Career Counselor (Certified Ariston Counsellor – CAS).

He works privately, providing individual psychotherapy sessions for adults, children, and adolescents with a broad spectrum of interpersonal difficulties (separation, grief), depression, anxiety disorders (Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Phobias), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and also offers parental counseling sessions.

He is employed as a Psychologist at the Ministry of Education, providing psychological support and counseling to students, educators, and families. He has many years of experience in mental health, education, and social service, actively participating in initiatives for the prevention of school bullying and adult education.

He has participated as a speaker in numerous conferences and training sessions and has been honored by the Hellenic Cardiological Society and the European Resuscitation Council for his longstanding contribution to the education of citizens and healthcare professionals in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

Galani Xristina is a Psychologist with a private practice in Neo Iraklio. She studied Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and completed postgraduate studies in Work Psychology at the University of Nottingham. She is certified in Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) by the Hellenic Institute of Emotion-Focused Therapy and specializes in Systemic Psychotherapy at the Institute of Education and Research in Systemic Psychotherapy "Logos Psyche." Additionally, she is certified as a Parenting Trainer by Gordon International and as a Coach by the ICF (Solution Focused Coaching, Solution Surfers). She also collaborates as a consulting psychologist with private educational institutions and has significant experience as a psychotherapist.

Vaitsou Dimitra is a Mental Health Counselor - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Neo Irakleio. She holds a degree in Psychology from Athens Metropolitan College and the University of Preston in the United States. During her studies, she attended the HND Edexcel Success through qualifications BTEC Higher National Diploma program, European Educational Organization care practice. Simultaneously, she received additional training in Systemic - Family Psychotherapy through the four-year program at the "Laboratory of Human Relationships Exploration." In her professional career, she has collaborated with "The Smile of the Child," providing psychological and moral support to children; continued as a scientific associate at the "Bioanelixi" Center, heading the Counseling Psychology department by conducting individual sessions and group workshops on self-awareness, self-image, and self-esteem. Additionally, she worked as a coordinator for self-awareness groups and educational seminars at the Alternative Wellness Center "Sharmilla," provided individual counseling and family therapy at the Municipal Polyclinics of Lykovrysi, and at the Day Care and Daytime Care Center for people with disabilities in the Prefecture of Fthiotida. To date, she delivers educational lectures and seminars in schools, addressing parents, children, and educators.

Anagnostou Maria Kai Synergates is a Psychologist, Psychotherapist, and Clinical Supervisor. She maintains a private practice in Halandri. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences. She has completed her training in Synthetic Psychotherapy at the Athens Synthesis Centre. Additionally, she has attended psychology seminars in Clinical Psychology, Psychodynamic Therapy, and other approaches.

Skylitsi Ioanna Mag.Phil., MEd is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience supporting adults and couples, maintaining a private practice in Marousi. In her work, she creates a safe and meaningful space aimed at an in-depth understanding of the challenges affecting daily life, relationships, and internal balance. She has worked in Greece and Austria, both privately and within organized institutions, and for over ten years provided psychological support to women survivors of gender-based and domestic violence. She practices based on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and the Systemic approach for couples. She offers in-person and online sessions in Greek and German.

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).

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.

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.

Alexandra Xatzistaurou is a Psychologist working at the Aeromedical Centre of the Air Force General Hospital, while also maintaining her private practice "My Family Nest" in Chalandri, where she provides psychotherapeutic services to children and adults. She holds a professional license to practice Psychology. She has a degree in psychology (B.Sc. in Psychology, University of Central Lancashire, UK) as well as a postgraduate degree in Counseling Psychology (M.Sc. in Person-Centered Counselling, University of Strathclyde, UK). Additionally, she completed her studies in music, obtaining a degree in violin, and is a graduate of the three-year Master’s Educational Program in Music Therapy, conducted in collaboration with the Thessaloniki Music Therapy Centre, the Thessaloniki Music College, and New York University (USA). Furthermore, she is certified in the use and interpretation of the MMPI-2 personality psychometric test (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory®-2). She has teaching experience in undergraduate and postgraduate programs at British universities as well as experience in the design and implementation of corporate staff training. She also has teaching experience in conservatories in Thessaloniki, as well as at the Music Schools of Drama and Karditsa. She has clinical music therapy experience with children with autism, Down syndrome, emotional difficulties, learning disabilities, and behavioral disorders. She provides counseling to parents on issues related to education, emotional empowerment, and the development of social skills in children and adolescents. Additionally, she works with adults individually and in groups on Personal Development, integrating Expressive Arts into the psychotherapeutic process. Finally, she is a collaborator with Attachment Parenting Hellas and a member of the Professional Association of Art Therapists (ESTheT).

Dimitriou Tatiana MSc, PhD is a Neuroscientist with a private practice in Chalandri. She holds a degree in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and a postgraduate specialization diploma in Occupational Psychology with a focus on Vocational Guidance for Adolescents & Adults from Kingston University, London. She earned her PhD from the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, specializing in Dementia, and has experience in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, as well as in the cognitive strengthening of her patients. In her private practice, she provides specialized solutions tailored to her patients' needs, addressing a wide range of disorders including anxiety disorders, panic attacks, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorders, grief management, and depression. Group counseling sessions are also available on topics related to obsessive-compulsive disorders, phobias, relationship issues, family matters, and sexual orientation concerns.