Health professionals for Psycotherapy LGBTQ in Attica

Aretaki Dafni is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Ymittos and Corinth. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, possesses a Master's degree in Political Science and Sociology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and has completed four years of training in Group Analysis. She has worked as a trainer in intercultural training programs for public sector personnel nationwide (detention centers, local government, and municipal police) and as a supervisor of the cultural mediation team at the General Thoracic Diseases Hospital "Sotiria." She has collaborated with the Hellenic Society for the Rheumatic Diseases, mainly providing psychological support to individuals with rheumatic conditions through a helpline and support groups. She currently works privately, offering psychological support and analysis for adolescents and adults in both individual and group settings. She follows the psychodynamic approach and provides individual, group, and couple therapy sessions.

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.

Dimitra Smaragda, MSc., PgD., is a Forensic Psychologist, Systemic (Family) and Person-Centered Psychotherapist, licensed to practice professionally. She obtained her primary degree from the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete and specialized in individual counseling (PgD Person-Centered Counseling, University of Strathclyde). She holds a postgraduate diploma in Systemic - Family Psychotherapy. She has worked as a Psychologist in the Psychiatric Clinic of Metropolitan Hospital, served as a scientific collaborator at the Agios Nikolaos Clinic (substance abuse rehabilitation program), and was a scientific advisor at the Ministry of Citizen Protection. She was a scientific associate at the "Elpida" Association in the field of parental counseling and since 2006 has maintained a private practice as a Psychologist - Family Counselor. She has participated as a speaker at scientific conferences, attended numerous training seminars, and contributed to the writing of the book "Dictionary of Psychology," 2005. She is a Forensic Psychologist, member of the Hellenic Psychiatric Forensic Society, and exclusive collaborator - expert witness at the Rhodes Prosecutor's Office until 2015 and since then continues in the Athens Prosecutor's Office.

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.

Pauletsi - Stefani Aleksandra is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and operates a private practice in Neo Psychiko. She holds a degree in Psychology with a postgraduate qualification in "Mental Health Promotion and Prevention of Psychiatric Disorders" from the Medical School of the University of Athens and has been trained in Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT). She is also a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society, works as a psychologist in a kindergarten, and contributes articles on psychological topics to various websites. Additionally, her voluntary experience and participation in numerous conferences, seminars, and research projects related to various issues in the fields of Psychology and Psychiatry have provided her with extensive knowledge in her field. She offers therapy for adults, adolescents, and parent counseling. Her office provides specialized interventions for anxiety and stress, depression, grief, interpersonal relationship problems, eating issues, psychosomatic conditions, professional goal setting, and more generally for managing difficulties related to mental health and enhancing self-esteem.

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).

Lamprinopoulou Margarita is a Psychotherapist - Family Counselor and maintains a private practice in Marousi. She holds a degree in Psychology from the Open University of Edinburgh and a Bachelor in Art and Science from Deree College. She is a certified therapist in the "Walking in your shoes" method and has attended educational and experiential training seminars related to mental health at the Laboratory for the Exploration of Human Relations. She has served as a Trainer and Coordinator in numerous seminars and also participates voluntarily in many of them. Additionally, she has taken part in various conferences aimed at expanding her knowledge in her field. Finally, she is a member of the Hellenic Counseling Society and the European Counseling Association and is fluent in English and French.

Ioannis Tsakiris is a Psychologist with an academic background in Psychology and a postgraduate specialization in Neuropsychology. He studied at the Universiteit van Amsterdam and at the Mitropolitiko College, where he completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies, deepening his understanding of the relationship between brain function, cognition, and behavior.Since 2025, he has been practicing as a Psychologist in Greece, providing online therapy sessions within a safe, confidential, and supportive environment. He has experience supporting individuals dealing with depression, anxiety and mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, anger management difficulties, and challenges in interpersonal relationships. He also works with trauma-related experiences and is committed to the empowerment and psychological support of LGBTQI+ individuals, approaching each person with respect for their uniqueness and identity.His therapeutic approach is grounded in empathy, scientific evidence, and individualized care, aiming to foster meaningful personal growth, emotional resilience, and overall psychological well-being.

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.

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 Παξινού Χριστίνα είναι Κλινική Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Κολωνάκι. Διαθέτει πτυχίο Ψυχολογίας από το Εθνικό & Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών και παρακολούθησε μεταπτυχιακό πρόγραμμα στην Ψυχιατροδικαστική του τμήματος Ιατρικής του ίδιου εκπαιδευτικού ιδρύματος. Μετεκπαιδεύτηκε στην Κλινική Ψυχοπαθολογία, στην Α’ Ψυχιατρική Κλινική του Αιγινήτειου Νοσοκομείου. Επιπλέον, εκπαιδεύτηκε στην Αναλυτική και Δικαστική Γραφολογία, στη Συστημική Συμβουλευτική, στη Διαχείριση Χωρισμού - Διαζυγίου Γονέων, στη Διαχείριση Πένθους, στις Διατροφικές Διαταραχές και στην Κοινωνική Κλινική Ψυχοπαθολογία των Εξαρτήσεων. Τέλος, είναι εξωτερικός συνεργάτης του φροντιστηριακού οργανισμού ΣΠΟΥΔΗ ενώ έχει συνεργαστεί με φορείς της Ελλάδας και του εξωτερικού, όπως τον Οργανισμό Κατά των Ναρκωτικών, το Ειδικό Κατάστημα Κράτησης Νέων Αυλώνα, το Κέντρο Διάγνωσης, Διαφοροδιάγνωσης και Υποστήριξης Β' Αθηνών και την Association de Santé Mentale στο Παρίσι (ASM13).

Marina Cresta is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist, holding a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology & Psychotherapy. She completed her clinical training at Evangelismos General Hospital of Athens, Attikon University General Hospital, and the 6th Municipal Medical Center of Athens, gaining experience in supporting individuals facing mental health challenges and chronic health conditions.

She has been trained in group therapy by the Hellenic Society for Existential Psychology and actively participates in seminars and conferences across various therapeutic approaches. Her work integrates psychodynamic thinking with an existential and person-centered stance, always tailoring the therapeutic process to each individual's unique needs.

In her sessions, she emphasizes building a relationship based on trust and authentic connection, providing a safe space where individuals feel heard, understood, and accepted.

Elena Vrettakou MSc is a Clinical Psychologist, graduate of Panteion University of Athens, and maintains a private practice in Ampelokipoi. Concurrently, she works in programs focused on the development and empowerment of interdisciplinary and supportive structures. She has undergone postgraduate training in Educational Psychology and subsequently specialized in Psychotherapy (MSc) at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Since 2010, she has worked in various mental health and educational settings, providing support to adults, adolescents, children, as well as LGBTQ+ individuals. Furthermore, she actively participates in numerous advanced trainings related to clinical psychopathology, psychoanalytic theory, and practice. In her private practice, she applies a psychodynamic approach, focusing on the unconscious processes governing the psyche and aiming not only at symptom elimination but also at in-depth understanding and care of the self.