Health professionals for Αdolescent counseling

Dimitra Xristoforidou is a Psychologist - Systemic Psychotherapist and maintains her private practice in Thessaloniki. She studied at the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (A.U.Th.) and trained in systemic family therapy through the four-year training program at the Institute of Systemic Thinking and Psychotherapy. She has completed postgraduate studies in "Counseling Psychology and Counseling in Special Education, Education, and Health" at the University of Thessaly. From 2011 and for a decade, she worked as a psychologist in the Air Force, providing individual counseling services, psychological assessment, crisis intervention, and staff training and sensitization on mental health issues. She has also collaborated with the special therapy center "Logou Interventions," providing psychotherapy services to children, adolescents, and families, and with the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling, managing supervision and personal development groups for trainee counselors and psychotherapists, as well as teaching courses in systemic psychotherapy. Furthermore, she has provided psychological services during her postgraduate studies as a trainee at the Counseling and Psychological Support Center of A.U.Th. and at KETHEA Anadyksi, and as a volunteer at the Volos Mental Health Center, in parent schools, with Doctors of the World, and in a special elementary school. In her private practice, she works with individuals, couples, and families.

Rodokanakis Manolis is a Psychologist and maintains a private practice in Piraeus. He is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete and holds a master's degree in Counseling from the University of Edinburgh. He specializes in the treatment of acute anxiety cases and provides solutions for interpersonal relationship issues as well as cases of emotional difficulties. Finally, Mr. Rodokanakis is a member of the British Psychological Society and actively participates in nationwide conferences and counseling psychology seminars.

Apostolopoulou Pinelopi is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains her private practice in Gkyzi. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Derby in England and an MSc (Hons) in Child Psychology from the University of Central Lancaster. She trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Children, Adolescents, and Adults at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling, and has attended numerous continuing education seminars related to her scientific field. She works in Speech Therapy centers, provides parallel support, and in her private practice, she manages a wide range of cases covering the entire spectrum of her specialty, always focusing on the optimal service of the individualized needs of each person she undertakes.

Petrou Vilma MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and conducts online sessions. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Athens with honors. She has held a professional practice license since 2021 and has specialized in stress management and anxiety disorders through the postgraduate program "Science of Stress and Health Promotion" at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Her psychotherapeutic approach is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), in which she was trained through the four-year training program of the Institute for Research and Behavioral Therapy (IEΘS). Simultaneously, through her participation in a holistic stress management and lifestyle change program for heroin-dependent users at the OKANA Unit of Sismanogleio Hospital, she gained valuable experience in the management of addictions, providing both individual and group sessions. In recent years, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, offering psychotherapy and counseling on issues such as anxiety disorders, depression, emotional difficulties, and interpersonal relationship challenges. Her experience includes individual adult sessions (both in-person and online), as well as sessions with children and adolescents through her collaboration with Special Therapy Centers. Her goal is to tailor the techniques she applies to the individualized needs of each client, aiming to improve their mental health and quality of life.

Stathaki Aleksia Kai Synergates is a Psychologist - Child Psychologist maintaining private practice offices in Thessaloniki. She completed her studies at the Department of Psychology of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She has collaborated with the Center for Abused Women/E.K.A.PSY, the Support Association for Psoriatic Patients "KALYPSO," and the Psychiatric Clinic of the University General Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, both clinically and in research. Always up to date with scientific developments through conferences, workshops, and seminars, she directs and writes for the website PSYCHOLOGUEIA, and has published her first book entitled: Child and Nutrition. Furthermore, she specializes in depression, parental counseling, and anxiety and mood disorders.

Drakakidou Xara is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Kalamaria. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and has completed her postgraduate studies at the University of Thessaly, specializing in "Counseling Psychology and Counseling in Special Education, Education, and Health." She has been trained in "Child Psychology and Child Psychiatry" at the University of the Aegean. As part of her postgraduate studies, she completed her internship at the Child Psychiatry Department of the General Hospital of Thessaloniki "Hippocratio," where she gained significant experience in the assessment and psychosocial support of children and adolescents, as well as their families, in a clinical setting. During her professional career, she worked as a trainer at a Higher Vocational Training School (S.A.E.K.), imparting her specialized knowledge to future professionals. Since 2018 until today, she has served as a Psychologist in Primary and Secondary Education, supporting parents, students, and educators in managing emotional and learning challenges. Her therapeutic approach is systemic, emphasizing relationships, communication, and the interaction of the individual with the systems to which they belong, such as family, school, and work. Her goal is to enhance self-awareness, improve functionality, and provide meaningful support to the individual for the effective management of their difficulties.

Farantakis Giannis is a Mental Health Consultant - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Ano Patisia. He is a graduate of the four-year Psychology program at Athens Metropolitan College and holds a postgraduate degree in Reichian Body Psychotherapy "Body Posture and Character" from the Hellenic Institute of Neurophytotherapy & Character Analysis "Wilhelm Reich". Concurrently, he has specialized as a Psychotherapist in body psychotherapy at the "Wilhelm Reich" Center. He has gained significant work experience, having served as a workgroup coordinator for the improvement and development of interpersonal and client relations at the company Web-Net Digital Agency, as well as working as a Psychotherapist at the mental health service provider company Man Of Style. He also provided psychological support on the counseling helpline "Together for the Child 11525". In his private practice, he offers a wide range of services, respecting the unique needs of each client.

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.

The Kentro Meletis Kai Eidikon Therapeion Eksypni Anaptyksi consists of a specialized team of professionals providing psychological support for parents and children, as well as services in speech therapy, occupational therapy, and special education. Eksypni Anaptyksi has over 15 years of experience in the field of private education and therapy. The team's passion for children is the foundation and driving force that motivates them to continue delivering their services to the fullest extent of their capabilities. They remain constantly vigilant, updating their teaching methods and the implementation of the center’s therapeutic programs by following the most modern and validated standards.

Despoina Ntina is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist who offers online sessions for adults, children, and adolescents. She holds a degree in Psychology from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a Master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology from the University of Thessaly. Specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), she provides support for issues such as anxiety and mood disorders, panic attacks, phobias, and personality disorders. She also works with individuals on anger management, personal development, relationship difficulties, trauma recovery, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Despoina also supports individuals seeking guidance on matters related to sexuality, gender identity, and self-acceptance. Her approach is inclusive and respectful of each person's uniqueness, focusing on managing thoughts and behaviors that impact mental well-being. She offers a safe and affirming space for LGBTQ+ individuals to explore topics related to sexual orientation, gender expression and identity, and the challenges that may arise from social stigma or internal conflicts. Provides parental counseling, family support, and guidance on issues related to family dynamics and relationships. The goal is to enhance communication, manage conflicts, and support parents in their role. She offers online sessions in both Greek and English, ensuring flexibility and accessibility regardless of location. Over the past four years, she has worked with adults and children who have experienced domestic violence, as well as with minorities and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Η Τασίου Ασπασία (Μάρσια) είναι Ψυχολόγος, αριστούχος απόφοιτος του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών και κάτοχος Μεταπτυχιακού Διπλώματος Ειδίκευσης στην Κλινική Ψυχολογία στο ίδιο πανεπιστήμιο. Είναι, επίσης, πτυχιούχος του Τμήματος Βιολογίας του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών. Ακόμη, είναι πτυχιούχος της σχολής Πιάνου του Εθνικού Ωδείου. Μετά τις σπουδές της στην Ψυχολογία, έλαβε πλήρη ψυχοθεραπευτική εκπαίδευση στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφοριστική Ψυχοθεραπεία από το Ινστιτούτο Έρευνας και Θεραπείας της Συμπεριφοράς, εμπλουτίζοντας έκτοτε τη θεραπευτική της εργασία με κατάρτιση στα μοντέλα του Τρίτου Κύματος της Γνωσιακής, της Θεραπείας σχημάτων αλλά και της σύνδεσης της Γνωσιακής με την Υπαρξιακή ψυχοθεραπεία και τις θεωρίες του δεσμού. Διαθέτει 20ετή εμπειρία στην ψυχοθεραπεία και συμβουλευτική παιδιών εφήβων και οικογένειας καθώς και στη συμβουλευτική γονέων νευροτυπικών και μη παιδιών και εφήβων. Επιπλέον, προσφέρει ατομική ψυχοθεραπεία ενηλίκων με θέματα άγχους και θλίψης καθώς και διαχείρισης στρεσογόνων γεγονότων ζωής. Έχει ειδική εκπαίδευση και εμπειρία στην υποστήριξη και επεξεργασία διαδικασιών πένθους μετά από απώλεια αγαπημένου καθώς και άλλων τραυματικών γεγονότων ζωής, όπως σοβαρή ασθένεια και ειδικό ενδιαφέρον σε θέματα καρκίνου και καρκινοπαθών με ca μαστού και παρέχει συμβουλευτική και βελτίωση της επικοινωνίας ζεύγους.

Έχει εργαστεί στην γραμμή ψυχοκοινωνικής υποστήριξης 10306 για υποστήριξη του πληθυσμού επί COVID αλλά και μετά επί 2,5 έτη και, προηγουμένως, εθελοντικά. Επί σειρά ετών αναπληρώτρια σε ΚΕΔΑΣΥ και άλλες δομές του υπουργείου παιδείας, και εμπειρία επίσης από δομές, όπως ιατροπαιδαγωγικά κέντρα και δομές παιδιών εφήβων. Σημαντικό ζήτημα στη θεραπεία είναι ότι η θεραπευτική σχέση θεραπευτή-θεραπευόμενου, είναι η βάση για κάθε αλλαγή. Αυτή η σχέση είναι μια σχέση εμπιστοσύνης και συνεργασίας ισότιμων ανθρώπων, που αυτή τη στιγμή της ζωής τους συναντιούνται και προωθούν αλλαγές για το θεραπευόμενο, μέσα από τις οποίες, επιπροσθέτως- και μέσα από τη δική του προσωπική θεραπεία,-εμπλουτίζεται και ο θεραπευτής. Είναι μια δουλειά που απαιτεί αντοχή, εμπιστοσύνη και πίστη στη δυνατότητά μας να αλλάξουμε, ακόμα κι αν αυτό φαίνεται αδύνατον ή είναι πολύ δύσκολο, που συνήθως είναι. Είναι μια διαδικασία πιο πολύ υπομονής, ενσυναίσθησης και κουράγιου, παρά μαγείας και γρήγορου εντυπωσιασμού. Πολλές φορές είναι μια επώδυνη διαδικασία αναζήτησης μιας αλήθειας για τον εαυτό μας και για τις σχέσεις μας με τους άλλους, αλλά και συνειδητοποίησης ότι η όποια αλήθεια συχνά δεν είναι μόνο μία. Είναι μία συζήτηση με Νόημα για κάποιο Νόημα που μπορεί να αναζητούμε, το οποίο συχνά μας διαφεύγει, και που είναι σημαντικό να το βρίσκουμε σε κάθε πτυχή της ζωντανής μας ύπαρξης, που συνδέεται με τους άλλους και με μας τους ίδιους .

Anastasia Koutoumatsioti is a Clinical Psychologist and maintains a private practice in Ampelokipoi, Attica. She holds a degree in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with a postgraduate specialization (MSc) in Clinical Psychology from the same University. She is a licensed practicing psychologist (License No. 8714) and a full member of the "Association of Greek Psychologists." She has been trained and continues her training in programs related to psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy for children/adolescents and adults. Additionally, she has been trained in administering, scoring, and interpreting psychometric and projective tests. Furthermore, recognizing the need for continuous education and updating on the latest advances in the field, she has completed a specialization program in Autism Spectrum Disorder and actively participates in numerous seminars, conferences, and workshops related to mental health. She possesses clinical experience in the psychopathology of children, adolescents, and adults through collaboration and internships with public institutions such as the Children's Hospital "Agia Sofia" - University Child Psychiatry Clinic, the General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas" - Psychiatric Department, as well as the Korydallos Prison. In recent years, she has also worked as a Psychologist in Primary and Secondary Education School Units and collaborates with private centers. She maintains a private office where she provides psychosocial support, information, and counseling guidance to Children/Adolescents, Adults, Couples, and Parents.

Pasxalidis Theodoros is a Clinical Psychologist specializing in anxiety, panic attacks, and overthinking, as well as learning and school-related difficulties. He assists individuals experiencing continuous stress, pressure, or difficulty calming their minds to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and acquire practical tools for daily life. Additionally, he supports cases involving low self-esteem, interpersonal relationship challenges, professional stress, and school-related issues, approaching each person with respect and aiming for meaningful change. Acknowledging that one is not invincible or omnipotent and taking the step to speak with a psychologist is not a sign of weakness but an act of strength and honesty towards oneself.

Zaxaropoulou Eleni is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Heraklion, Crete. She is a graduate of Luton University in England, specializing in Psychology with Health Studies, and holds a Master’s degree from Derby University in England in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy (MSc Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy). Since 2017, she has been a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). She possesses extensive and broad-ranging experience, having worked with organizations such as NELE as a public trainer, in KAPI (Open Care Centers for the Elderly), KIFI (Centers for the Care of the Elderly with Disabilities), and municipalities in the Heraklion Prefecture. She has served as a coordinator for parent schools in many schools in the city of Heraklion as well as in rural areas. Additionally, she has previously collaborated with various social structures, such as the Child Protection Center of Heraklion, providing counseling and psychological support to children, adolescents, and young girls who have been removed from their family environments. She has also worked in private and municipal kindergartens (KEPA), in the Creative Occupation Center (KDAP) of the Gorgolaini municipality, the CALCETTO football academy, and in elderly care units (Libyan and Friendly Hearth). She specializes in the integrative counseling and psychotherapy model, trauma therapy, and couples counseling. Since 1995, she has maintained a private practice in Heraklion, Crete, and understanding the demands of the modern era, she also conducts sessions via Skype. She works with adults, adolescents, and children, specializing in relationship problems, divorce, grief, anxiety, phobias, depression, self-awareness, self-improvement, obsessive-compulsive disorders, panic attacks, and psychosomatic issues. In parallel, she is active in individual counseling as well as marriage and family counseling.

Papaioannou Natassa is a Psychologist - Child Psychologist and maintains her private practice in Alimos. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the Open University of the United Kingdom and completed her postgraduate studies in developmental psychology with distinction (Master of Science in Child Psychology) at the University of Central Lancashire, England. As part of her ongoing education and training, she is being trained in the approach of Systemic Family and Couple Therapy at EPIPSY (Research University Institute of Mental Health), as well as in the theoretical foundations and practice of the modern and innovative therapeutic approach ‘Play Therapy.’ Additionally, she is a certified member of Play Therapy (PTUK - Play Therapy UK) in England. She has served as a Psychologist at the largest special education school in the Balkans (EEEAK of Agios Dimitrios) and in child protection structures in both the public and private sectors, most notably at SOS Children’s Villages, where she continues to provide her services always with the aim of the best possible service tailored to the individualized needs of each person she undertakes. Since 2020 and to the present, she has also been working at the Aiginiteio University Hospital of Athens (1st Psychiatric Clinic) as a Psychologist in research projects. The pioneering results of the research conducted so far have been published in two reputable international scientific journals. Finally, it is worth mentioning that sessions are available for both adults and children, offered in-person as well as online.

Mauridi Afroditi is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Pangrati. She began her studies in Psychology in Groningen, Netherlands, and completed them in Cyprus. She has specialized in the diagnosis of children and adolescents through the systemic perspective SANE-System Attachment Narrative Encephalon and in systemic psychotherapy for adults at the Institute for Training and Research in Systemic Psychotherapy "Logos Psychis". Additionally, she has received training in various areas, including School Psychology, Psychosomatic Health, and Crisis Management. She possesses notable experience, having worked in various public and private institutions. Furthermore, she has significant research experience, participating in conferences and seminars, where she has also presented her work.

Το Κέντρο Ειδικών Θεραπειών η Γέφυρα λειτουργεί από το 2016 στους Αγίους Αναργύρους Αττικής. Παρέχει υπηρεσίες:

• Λογοθεραπείας
• Εργοθεραπείας
• Ειδικού μαθησιακού
• Συμβουλευτικής γονέων
• Ψυχοθεραπείας παιδιών και ενηλίκων

Η Ομάδα μας

Η διεπιστημονική ομάδα μας απαρτίζεται από έμπειρους και καταρτισμένους θεραπευτές: λογοθεραπευτές, εργοθεραπευτές, ψυχολόγους, κοινωνικούς λειτουργούς και ειδικούς παιδαγωγούς.

Η Προσέγγισή μας

Το κέντρο μας εφαρμόζει μια ολιστική προσέγγιση στην αντιμετώπιση των δυσκολιών κάθε παιδιού και συνεργάζεται με κάθε πλαίσιο στο οποίο ανήκει.

1. Αξιολόγηση: Με βάση τη διάγνωση και τις συστάσεις των αναπτυξιολόγων και παιδοψυχιάτρων, πραγματοποιούμε αξιολόγηση.
2. Σχεδιασμός: Στοχοθετούμε και σχεδιάζουμε το θεραπευτικό πρόγραμμα κάθε παιδιού ξεχωριστά.
3. Παρακολούθηση: Η θεραπευτική πορεία εξετάζεται συνεχώς από την ομάδα, αξιολογείται και η θεραπεία επαναστοχοθετείται εάν χρειαστεί μέχρι να ολοκληρωθεί.

Η Φιλοσοφία μας

Στη Γέφυρα οι θεραπευτές λειτουργούν με γνώση και επαγγελματισμό απέναντι στις οικογένειες αλλά κυρίως με ταλέντο, αγάπη και σύνδεση με το παιδί.

• Η θεραπευτική σχέση είναι ο πυλώνας της δουλειάς μας.
• Κύριο μέλημά μας είναι τα παιδιά να έρχονται με χαρά στις θεραπείες.
• Στόχος είναι να απολαμβάνουν τη διαδικασία ακόμα και με τις δυσκολίες που μπορεί να υπάρχουν.

Τι θα βρείτε στο χώρο μας: Η οργάνωση, τα όρια, η καλή διάθεση, η ευγένεια, η επικοινωνία, η κατανόηση, η στήριξη, η καθοδήγηση, η συνεργασία, η επιβράβευση και η αποδοχή είναι όσα θα βρείτε στη Γεφυρα.

Ο σεβασμός, η τήρηση των κανόνων λειτουργίας και η συνεργασία είναι όσα ζητάμε από εσάς για να καταφέρουμε μαζί να προσφέρουμε στο παιδί τη στήριξη που θα το βοηθήσει να εξελιχθεί και να ενταχθεί καλύτερα σε κάθε κοινωνικό πλαίσιο.

Giannopoulou Maria is a Psychologist practicing privately in Katerini. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She has also volunteered at the Katerini Mental Health Center for 3 years.