Health professionals for Addictions in Attica

Karalis Georgios is a Specialist Psychiatrist with 9 years of experience in psychiatry and addiction treatment, and maintains a private practice in Ilion as well as within the Kostarelos Medical Center in Markopoulo. He is a graduate of the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and has completed basic training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) through the Karolinska Institute within the framework of his specialty. During his career, he has been trained in psychiatry, addiction treatment, geriatrics, and neurological rehabilitation. He has worked in emergency departments, counseling groups, and outpatient psychiatric and addiction clinics, both in Sweden and Greece, managing patients with complex conditions. Furthermore, he has served in numerous on-call shifts as a primary on-call physician in Psychiatric Emergency Units and Addiction Emergency Clinics. He has also served as a physician in the Hellenic Armed Forces, where he was the responsible doctor at a military base in Leros and additionally provided medical care in a refugee camp with the NGO Praxis. At the 401 General Military Hospital in Athens, he gained experience in emergency care, hospitalization, and rehabilitation. Finally, the physician has participated in over 20 continuing education seminars within the field of psychiatry and has completed relapse prevention training for patients with addictions.

Η Θάνου Καλλιόπη είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στον Κορυδαλλό. Είναι απόφοιτη του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών και έχει πραγματοποιήσει μεταπτυχιακές σπουδές στην Κυβερνοψυχολογία, με αντικείμενο τη σχέση ανθρώπου και ψηφιακού περιβάλλοντος. Αποτελεί μία από τις πρώτες επαγγελματίες στον χώρο της Κυβερνοψυχολογίας που δραστηριοποιήθηκαν θεραπευτικά στην Ελλάδα, εστιάζοντας στις επιδράσεις της τεχνολογίας και των social media στην ψυχική υγεία και στις ανθρώπινες σχέσεις.

Παράλληλα, έχει λάβει τετραετή εκπαίδευση στη Γνωσιακή και Συμπεριφοριστική Θεραπεία Ενηλίκων (CBT) στην Εταιρεία Γνωσιακών Συμπεριφοριστικών Σπουδών.

Στο ιδιωτικό της γραφείο παρέχει υπηρεσίες ψυχοθεραπείας ενηλίκων και εφήβων, ψυχοπαιδαγωγικής υποστήριξης παιδιών και συμβουλευτικής γονέων. Στόχος της είναι η δημιουργία ενός ασφαλούς και υποστηρικτικού χώρου, όπου κάθε άνθρωπος μπορεί να εκφραστεί ελεύθερα, να κατανοήσει βαθύτερα τον εαυτό του και να ενισχύσει την ψυχική του ανθεκτικότητα.

 Η θεραπευτική της προσέγγιση βασίζεται στη συνεργασία, την ενσυναίσθηση και τον σεβασμό στις ιδιαίτερες ανάγκες κάθε θεραπευόμενου, με στόχο τη βελτίωση της καθημερινότητας και της ποιότητας ζωής.  

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 Σγουράκη Δήμητρα BSc είναι Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και Σύμβουλος Ψυχικής Υγείας με εξειδίκευση στην Ψυχοτραυματολογία και την Ψυχοδυναμική Ψυχοθεραπεία, συνδυάζοντας με εξαιρετική αποτελεσματικότητα τις δύο προσεγγίσεις για την ολιστική κατανόηση και θεραπεία των ψυχικών τραυμάτων. Η προσέγγισή της επικεντρώνεται στην επεξεργασία τραυματικών εμπειριών και στη βαθύτερη κατανόηση των ασυνείδητων διεργασιών του ατόμου, επιδιώκοντας να ενισχύσει τη σύνδεση των βιωμάτων με τις ψυχικές διαδικασίες. Εστιάζει στη δυναμική αλληλεπίδραση μεταξύ του παρελθόντος και του παρόντος, βοηθώντας τους θεραπευόμενους να αναγνωρίσουν τις βαθύτερες αιτίες των δυσκολιών τους και να αναπτύξουν πιο λειτουργικές στρατηγικές διαχείρισης. Έχει εμπειρία στη συμβουλευτική ενηλίκων, παρέχει θεραπεία σε ασφαλές θεραπευτικό πλαίσιο βασισμένο στην εμπιστοσύνη, την ενσυναίσθηση και τη σταθερότητα σε άτομα που αντιμετωπίζουν ζητήματα άγχους, κατάθλιψης, φοβιών, συναισθηματικών διαταραχών, διατροφικών θεμάτων καθώς και δυσκολιών στις διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις. Με δέσμευση στη διαρκή επιμόρφωση και επαγγελματική ανάπτυξη, παρακολουθεί τακτικά εξειδικευμένα σεμινάρια και εργαστήρια, παραμένοντας ενημερωμένη για τις τελευταίες επιστημονικές εξελίξεις στον τομέα της ψυχολογίας και της ψυχοθεραπείας. Στόχος της είναι να προσφέρει ένα ασφαλές, υποστηρικτικό και θεραπευτικό περιβάλλον, όπου οι θεραπευόμενοι μπορούν να επεξεργαστούν τις εμπειρίες τους, να κατανοήσουν βαθύτερα τις ψυχικές τους ανάγκες και να χτίσουν μια πιο ισχυρή, ισορροπημένη και αυθεντική ζωή.

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.

Aggelopoulou Marianna is a Psychologist (MSc) licensed to practice professionally, maintaining a private practice in Rafina. She holds a degree in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, has completed her postgraduate studies in Clinical Mental Health at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and has extensive training in Lacanian Psychoanalysis. She has clinical experience in both public and private institutions, specializing in the management of mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and addictions, as well as adult and adolescent psychotherapy, psychological support for children, and parental counseling. In her private practice, she offers personalized psychotherapeutic interventions, respecting the needs of each patient and creating a safe and supportive environment.

Nikolaos Sxoretsanitis is a Clinical Psychologist - Psychoanalyst, graduate of the Department of Psychology and the Master's program in Clinical Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), and is also a PhD candidate at the same University. Since 2011, he has worked in community mental health services. For the past 10 years, he has been a psychologist at the Babel Day Center. He has been an active member of the Freud Lacan Psychoanalytic Society in Athens from 2010 to the present. He is also a collaborator of Le Pari de Lacan in France and the Irish School of Lacanian Psychoanalysis in Ireland.

Mara Ktena studied Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, where she also completed a three-year postgraduate program in Clinical Psychology. Since 2017, she has been training in Lacanian psychoanalysis within the framework of the Athens Academy of Clinical Studies (AKSPA). In 2025, she became a member of the Hellenic Society of the New Lacanian School. She has been trained and worked in public and private institutions, including the Vyronas-Kaisariani Mental Health Center, the Multipurpose Mental Health Nursing Unit of Attica (formerly Dafni Psychiatric Hospital), the Mental Health Center of the General Hospital of Athens Gennimatas, the telephone support line 10306, among others, working psychotherapeutically with adults, children, and adolescents.

Additionally, she has engaged in research, and her articles have been published in Greek and international journals. Her diploma thesis focused on the experience of grief following the loss of a companion animal. She has participated with presentations at scientific conferences and workshops.

Ioanna Marmarou BSc, MSc, PhD is a Clinical - Counseling Psychologist who maintains a private practice in the center of Athens, in Exarchia. She holds a PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of East London, a master's degree in Clinical & Community Psychology, and a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the same university. The therapist is a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society with professional license number 309612. The therapeutic process follows the Integrative Approach, which successfully incorporates Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, and Gestalt therapy. She holds certifications in School Psychology, Sexual Education for Children and Adolescents, and Drama Therapy. At Ioanna Marmarou's private practice, the counseling and psychotherapeutic process focuses on the uniqueness of each individual, allowing them to express every right - wrong, good - bad, normal - abnormal, realistic - imaginary, light - dark aspect of themselves and their broader life. The purpose of this therapeutic process is to serve as a journey for the client to explore their own self and their relationship with themselves, as well as the relationships and boundaries they have established within their social environment. A core principle of the therapist is the empowerment of the individual, aiming to build healthy relationships, achieve inner fulfillment, and maintain functionality in daily life.

Maurandrea Nota is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist, PhD Candidate at the Medical School of the University of Athens, and maintains a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. She works with adults and adolescents facing mental health challenges such as eating disorders, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, addictions, difficulties in interpersonal relationships, low self-esteem, and others. Additionally, she supports parents in strengthening their role. Her approach is based on developing a therapeutic relationship in which the patient can safely and confidently understand and connect with themselves. Regarding her education, she is a graduate of the Psychology Department of the University of Crete with postgraduate studies in Addiction Treatment. She is specialized in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy and concurrently specializes in the Treatment of Eating Disorders at Aeginiteio Hospital, where she also serves as a Scientific Collaborator in the respective Unit.

Joy Papapostolou is a Psychotherapist specializing in Person-Centered and Focusing Experiential Counseling & Psychotherapy (Hellenic Focusing Center).She has further specialization in ADHD through the postgraduate program of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), “Detection, Diagnosis and Management of Preschoolers, Children and Adolescents with ADHD”, in collaboration with the Hellenic Society for the Study of ADHD.Her academic background in Sociology & Criminology at Panteion University initially led her to a long professional career in Marketing. For over ten years, she worked as a Marketing Manager in multinational companies, gaining valuable experience in the structure and demands of a fast-paced professional environment. However, guided by her inner need for authentic human connection, she decided to change paths and dedicate herself to what she always loved: psychotherapy.She has offered her services on a voluntary basis in organizations such as:the Social Services Department of the Municipality of Glyfada the Hellenic Focusing Center (mainly with ADHD-related cases)She has completed more than 300 hours of personal therapy and has been in consistent supervision since the beginning of her professional journey.She actively participates in conferences, seminars, and training programs, constantly enriching her knowledge and therapeutic tools.Joy is a member of the Hellenic Person-Centered & Experiential Society (PCE Greece), a trainee member of the International Focusing Institute, New York (TIFI), and a regular member of the Hellenic Counseling Society.She chose the Person-Centered Approach because she deeply believes in the unique strength that every individual holds within, in how much each person can achieve, and in the way they can flourish when provided with a safe and supportive environment.

Anastopoulou Filippa is a Psychologist (MSc) offering online sessions. She holds a degree from the Department of Applied Psychology at the University of Derby and a postgraduate qualification in Clinical Psychology and Counseling. She continually enhances her knowledge through specialized seminars on mental health and psychotherapy topics, while also undergoing training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She is a member of the Cyprus Association of Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapists (S.G.S.P.K.) and the EABCT. She possesses significant clinical experience, having worked in mental health facilities, including a Psychiatry department, providing support to individuals with various psychological difficulties. Her work focuses on the management of anxiety, somatoform and depressive disorders, grief, addictions, and other mental health issues. With scientific training and a person-centered approach, she delivers high-quality psychological support and therapy services.

Mpardaka Semeli MSc, MA is a Psychologist, Integrative Systemic Psychotherapist, as well as a Career Counseling Advisor. She is a graduate of the Psychology Department of the University of Strasbourg. She holds a postgraduate diploma in Counseling, Career Guidance, and Lifelong Learning from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Additionally, she has specialized at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Clinical Social Psychology of Addictions, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Art Therapy. She has also been trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) by the EFT Greek Network, as well as Compassion-Focused Therapy. She has attended seminar series and has participated as a speaker in conferences. She completed her supervised internship at the company CVexperts as a career counselor and at the service center for people with disabilities "To Ergastiri – Lilian Voudouri" as a psychologist. Furthermore, she collaborates with the psychosocial services center Amphiaraos, Child and Family, where she handles a wide range of cases. Lastly, she maintains her private practice in Kifisia and Peristeri, providing individual psychotherapy, parent and family counseling, couples counseling, as well as career counseling services.

Η Γεωργία Σαλάκου είναι Ψυχολόγος με άδεια ασκήσεως επαγγέλματος και απόφοιτη του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Παντείου Πανεπιστημίου. Διατηρεί ιδιωτικό χώρο, όπου παρέχει ατομικές συνεδρίες σε ενήλικες και εφήβους.

Εκπαιδεύεται στη Συνθετική Ψυχοθεραπεία στα Σύγχρονα Αμφιαράεια σε συνεργασία με το Πανεπιστήμιο Κρήτης. Παράλληλα, έχει ολοκληρώσει μονοετή εκπαίδευση στο Ψυχικό Τραύμα και την Ψυχική Ανθεκτικότητα, καθώς και επιμορφώσεις στο Mindfulness και στη Σωματική Ψυχοθεραπεία. Η συνεχής επιστημονική κατάρτιση και η κλινική εποπτεία αποτελούν σταθερά στοιχεία της επαγγελματικής της εξέλιξης.

Η επαγγελματική της εμπειρία περιλαμβάνει συνεργασίες με τον ΟΚΑΝΑ και τη Μέριμνα, καθώς και με το Κέντρο Ημέρας «Franco Basaglia» της Εταιρείας Περιφερειακής Ανάπτυξης και Ψυχικής Υγείας (Ε.Π.Α.Ψ.Υ.). Παράλληλα, έχει εργαστεί σε σχολικό πλαίσιο, αποκτώντας εμπειρία στην ψυχολογική υποστήριξη παιδιών και εφήβων. Η εμπειρία της περιλαμβάνει ακόμη τη συμβουλευτική γονέων, την ψυχολογική αξιολόγηση και την υποστήριξη παιδιών με διαφορετικές αναπτυξιακές και συναισθηματικές ανάγκες. Έχει επίσης συνεργαστεί με ψυχαναλυτικό γραφείο, συμμετέχοντας σε κλινική πρακτική και εποπτεία.

Η θεραπευτική της προσέγγιση βασίζεται στις αρχές της Συνθετικής Ψυχοθεραπείας, η οποία αντλεί στοιχεία από διαφορετικές ψυχοθεραπευτικές κατευθύνσεις και επιτρέπει τη διαμόρφωση της θεραπευτικής διαδικασίας με βάση τις ανάγκες, την προσωπικότητα και τη μοναδική ιστορία κάθε ανθρώπου. Δίνει ιδιαίτερη σημασία στην κατανόηση όχι μόνο των δυσκολιών που εμφανίζονται στο παρόν, αλλά και των βαθύτερων συναισθηματικών και σχεσιακών μοτίβων που μπορεί να επαναλαμβάνονται στη ζωή του ατόμου. Η διερεύνηση προηγούμενων εμπειριών και σημαντικών σχέσεων μπορεί να συμβάλει στην κατανόηση του τρόπου με τον οποίο σχετιζόμαστε σήμερα με τους άλλους και με τον εαυτό μας.

Κεντρική θέση στη θεραπευτική της δουλειά έχει η σχέση που διαμορφώνεται ανάμεσα στον θεραπευόμενο και τον θεραπευτή. Μέσα σε ένα πλαίσιο ασφάλειας, αποδοχής και εμπιστοσύνης, ο θεραπευόμενος έχει τον χώρο να εκφράσει και να διερευνήσει ελεύθερα όσα τον απασχολούν, ακόμη και όταν αυτά δεν είναι εύκολο να κατανοηθούν ή να αποτυπωθούν σε λέξεις.

Στόχος της θεραπευτικής διαδικασίας είναι η βαθύτερη κατανόηση του εαυτού, των αναγκών και των τρόπων με τους οποίους το άτομο σχετίζεται και αντιμετωπίζει τις εμπειρίες της ζωής του. Μέσα από αυτή τη διαδικασία μπορεί σταδιακά να επεξεργαστεί τις δυσκολίες που το απασχολούν και να αναπτύξει νέους, περισσότερο λειτουργικούς τρόπους κατανόησης και διαχείρισής τους.