Health professionals for Αdolescent counseling

Dr. Maria Livanou, PhD, MSc, Senior Lecturer, is a Psychologist and Psychotherapist specializing in child and adolescent therapy, with a particular emphasis on the psychodynamic approach. She has an academic background in the United States and the United Kingdom and holds an academic post at King’s College London (KCL). Her research focuses on child and adolescent mental health.

Her therapeutic approach is primarily grounded in psychodynamic therapy, aiming to understand deeper emotional processes and relationship patterns. At the same time, it remains individualized and holistic, responding to the unique needs of each child, adolescent, adult, and family.

During sessions, parental counselling and parent therapy are offered—from pregnancy through the early years of the child—along with support for families during early parenthood. Discussions may include topics related to early child development and the parent–infant relationship. She places particular emphasis on addressing communication difficulties, enhancing psychological well-being, building self-confidence, and improving social relationships.

She works with a wide range of issues concerning childhood and adolescence, including:

• Anxiety and anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, panic attacks)
• Phobias, separation anxiety, and attachment issues
• Depressive mood, depression, social withdrawal
• Adjustment difficulties and emotional distress
• Psychosomatic symptom
• Low self-esteem
• Difficulties in communication and social relationships, family conflicts, and adaptation to change (e.g., divorce)
• Grief and loss management
• Eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image concerns
• School-related difficulties, academic stress, and performance anxiety
• Issues of identity, self-image, and adolescent development
• Conduct problems, anger management difficulties, delinquent behavior
• Family counselling and therapy
• Neurodevelopmental difficulties (e.g., autism, ADHD)
• Trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), developmental trauma, and adverse childhood experiences

Vlaxou Georgia is a Systemic Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Marousi. She completed her clinical postgraduate studies in Psychiatry at the Medical School of Athens, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and continues her specialization in Systemic & Family Psychotherapy at the Institute of Education and Research in Systemic Psychotherapy SANE. She has additionally specialized in the therapeutic treatment of addictions and psychological trauma.

She provides individual psychotherapy for adults, counseling for parents, children, and adolescents, couples therapy, and group therapy. She specializes in managing anxiety, depression, addictions, and interpersonal difficulties. She has particular experience in managing psychological and intergenerational trauma, as well as supporting individuals who have experienced narcissistic abuse and dysfunctional relational dynamics, aiming to enhance self-regulation, self-esteem, and the capacity for healthy boundary-setting.

Specializations

Couples counseling – enhancing communication, conflict resolution & relationship restructuring

Parent counseling – support in the parenting role & cultivation of healthy family relationships

Anxiety, panic attacks & phobia management

Treatment of depression & mood disorders

Support for addiction issues (substances, alcohol, gambling)

Improvement of interpersonal relationships & boundary-setting

Processing of psychological trauma & intergenerational patterns

Recovery from narcissistic abuse & toxic relationships

Empowerment of self-esteem & personal identity

Drakoutou Maria is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Gerakas. She holds a degree in Psychology from Panteion University and is a graduate of Nursing A' from the School of Health Professions and Welfare of ATEI Athens. She holds a Specialization Diploma in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy from the Institute for Research and Therapy of Behavior, recognized by the European Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies. Consequently, she provides individual sessions for adults, children, and adolescents, parent-child counseling sessions, and coordinates psychoeducational programs in small groups of youth and adults. She is a regular member of the Hellenic Psychological Society, registered in the volunteer psychologists registry of SEPS for psychosocial interventions following Mass Disasters, and has obtained certification in administering psycho-pedagogical diagnostic tools, including Questionnaires for Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Adjustment of Children and Adolescents and the Athena Test for the Diagnosis of Learning Disabilities. She also holds certification for the Learning Difficulties Intervention Program based on the Athena Test. She has worked as a Mental Health Counselor in various settings, such as the Group Intervention Program for Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) at the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies and at a residential facility of the Regional Development and Mental Health company (E.P.A.PSY). Additionally, she has volunteered at the Pediatric Medical-Pedagogical Center of Pallini, Psychiatric Department – Children and Adolescents Unit. Currently, she collaborates with the Institute for Research and Therapy of Behavior as a final-year Mental Health Counselor - Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapist.

Ο Κωνσταντίνος Μαθιουδάκης είναι Ψυχολόγος και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στη Νέα Σμύρνη. Είναι απόφοιτος του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών. Είναι κάτοχος άδειας άσκησης επαγγέλματος από το 2016 και έχει ολοκληρώσει επιμορφώσεις στην Εφαρμοσμένη Συμβουλευτική Ψυχικής Υγείας, την Ειδική Αγωγή, τη Σχολική Ψυχολογία και την Πρώιμη Παρέμβαση στον Αυτισμό. Επίσης έχει ολοκληρώσει Εκπαιδευτικό Πρόγραμμα στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία (CBT). Έχει συμμετάσχει σε πολυάριθμα σεμινάρια και εκπαιδευτικά προγράμματα που αφορούν την παιδική προστασία, την ψυχοκοινωνική στήριξη ευάλωτων πληθυσμών, την έμφυλη βία και τις σύγχρονες κοινωνικές προκλήσεις. Πιστεύει στη δια βίου μάθηση και φροντίζει να εμπλουτίζει διαρκώς τις γνώσεις και τις δεξιότητές του.

Διαθέτει εκτενή εμπειρία στον τομέα της ψυχικής υγείας, έχοντας συνεργαστεί με δομές και οργανισμούς του δημόσιου και ιδιωτικού τομέα. Έχει προσφέρει υπηρεσίες ψυχολογικής αξιολόγησης, συμβουλευτικής και υποστήριξης σε Δομές φιλοξενίας προσφύγων και αιτούντων άσυλο, σε Δομές υποστήριξης ασυνόδευτων ανηλίκων, σε κατασκηνώσεις και προγράμματα παιδικής ψυχοκοινωνικής ανάπτυξης. Έχει εργαστεί σε Συμβουλευτικό Κέντρο για την αντιμετώπιση της έμφυλης βίας και των πολλαπλών διακρίσεων και σε ιδιωτικά Κέντρα Ψυχικής Υγείας και Συμβουλευτικής.

Lykourentzou Xrysanthi is a Mental Health Counselor with a private practice in Glyfada. She studied Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a diploma (HPD) in Counseling & Psychology from the Mediterranean College. She possesses a Training Certificate in "Couples and Family Counseling and Therapy" from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, as well as a Training Certificate in "Cluster B Personality Disorders." She has worked at the Psychological Support & Therapy Company (E.PSY.THE), providing individual sessions to clients. Her specialties include Counseling, Anxiety Disorders, Person-Centered Approach, Personality Disorders, as well as Couples and Family Counseling and Therapy.

Gianna Papadopoulou is a Mental Health Counselor - Msc Cognitive Counseling with a private practice in Exarcheia. She holds a Psychology degree from the American College of Greece and a postgraduate degree (Msc) in Applied Social Psychology from the University of Sussex, United Kingdom. Additionally, she has specialized in Cognitive Counseling at the Cognitive Psychotherapy Unit of the Hellenic Center for Mental Hygiene & Research (E.KE.PSY.E.). She has worked as a Scientific Associate on European and psychoeducational programs in Primary Education in Achaia and in Primary Education structures (public & private kindergartens). She has also worked as an External Collaborator with public and private organizations for the oversight and design of large children's initiatives. Finally, Ms. Papadopoulou specializes in Cognitive Counseling.

Elisavet Diakatou BSc, MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Ilisia, Athens. She holds a degree in Psychology from the Department of Social Sciences at the University of Greenwich, UK, and a master's degree in Developmental Psychology from Lancaster University, UK. The therapeutic approach adopted by the specialist is Systemic Psychotherapy, with particular expertise in individual psychotherapy, family therapy, group therapy, empowerment of LGBTQI+ individuals, parent and child counseling, and child and adolescent mental health. Finally, Ms. Diakatou is a member of the Hellenic Society of Systemic Family, Individual, and Group Therapy (ELESYTH).

Gerontidi Eleanni BSc, MSc is a Psychologist - Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapist for Children & Adults with a professional license. Her undergraduate and postgraduate studies were conducted and completed through the University of Central Lancashire in England, with full recognition by the corresponding Greek authorities. Subsequently, she trained in Cognitive and Behavioral techniques related to procrastination, assertiveness, mental imagery, among others, through seminars conducted by distinguished PhD holders. Additionally, through the Hellenic Society of Cognitive & Behavioral Studies, she has been trained in the approach of Cognitive & Behavioral Therapy for children and adolescents. Her personal and professional principles focus on mutual respect, unconditional acceptance of people, empathy, and collaboration as essential components for building a strong therapeutic relationship. A good therapeutic relationship - collaboration is defined in the literature as one of the most important factors for the positive outcome of therapy - counseling (Flückiger, Del Re, Wampold, & Horvath, 2018). Professionally, she has worked in Human Resources Management aiming to improve working conditions by conducting relevant research. However, she has placed greater emphasis on psychotherapy, aiming to support individuals in finding and obtaining what they need to live a full and healthy life. In her clinical experience, she has focused, among others, on trauma, ADHD, self and body image, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, emotion regulation, assertiveness, and more. Finally, in addition to individual therapy for adults and adolescents, she provides counseling for parents, couples, and career (e.g., interview preparation) in both Greek and English.

Elena Petsa is a Psychologist-Psychotherapist, graduate of the Psychology Department of Panteion University, and maintains a private practice in Ilioupoli. Following her undergraduate studies, she pursued postgraduate training in Clinical Psychopathology at the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and a Behavioral Psychotherapeutic approach at EPIPSY. She has completed internships at the Vyronas Family Association for Mental Health, the Behavior Therapy Unit of the Hellenic Center for Mental Health and Research, and the Special Behavior Therapy Clinic of Aeginiteio Hospital. She specializes in anxiety disorders including panic attacks, specific phobias, generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, agoraphobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and hoarding disorder in adolescent and adult populations. Appointments available by request. Online sessions are offered.

Pilavios Mixalis (MA) is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains private practices in Kolonaki and Marousi, working with both adolescents and adults. Simultaneously, he works as a Psychologist at the Mind Balance Psychotherapy Center. He earned his master's degree in Process Oriented Psychology from the Process Work Institute in Portland, Oregon (USA). He also holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Newcastle, United Kingdom. He completed his clinical training through River's Way Clinic in Portland (USA) and is a member of the International Association of Process Oriented Psychology (IAPOP) and Process Work Greece. His primary areas of focus include anxiety and stress (particularly school-related), low self-esteem, difficulties in friendships and peer relationships, family tensions, romantic relationships, management of emotions such as anger and sadness, identity and self-determination issues, as well as balancing school, friends, and family.

Η Τζαννετάκου Αυγερινή είναι Ψυχολόγος - Παιδοψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια με ιδιωτικό γραφείο στην Καλλιθέα. Κατέχει Άδεια Ασκήσεως Ψυχολόγου (Αρ.Πρωτ. 243931) και είναι Τακτικό Μέλος του Συλλόγου Ελλήνων Ψυχολόγων. Είναι αριστούχος απόφοιτος Ψυχολογίας του Πανεπιστημίου Ουαλίας (University of Wales, Bachelor of Science Hons in Psychology, BSc). Κατέχει Μεταπτυχιακό τίτλο στην Κλινική Ψυχολογία με «Άριστα» από το ίδιο Πανεπιστήμιο (University of Wales, Master of Science in Clinical Psychology, MSc).

Έχει Μεταπτυχιακό Δίπλωμα στις Βιωματικές Τεχνικές Συμβουλευτικής και στις Τεχνικές Προσωπικής Ανάπτυξης (Experiential Counselling Techniques and Techniques of Personal Development) από το Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA). Είναι κάτοχος Ευρωπαϊκού διπλώματος Τραυματοθεραπείας με τη μέθοδο EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) από το Ινστιτούτο Τραυματοθεραπείας Αθηνών.

Έχει ειδικευτεί στην Ψυχοδυναμική-Ψυχαναλυτική Ψυχοθεραπεία (Psychodynamic-Psychoanalytic approach) Παιδιών, Εφήβων και Ενηλίκων στο κέντρο ΔΙ.ΚΕ.Ψ.Υ. (Διεπιστημονική & Ερευνητική Ψυχοκοινωνική Υποστήριξη Παιδιών και Ενηλίκων), με πιστοποίηση από τη Βρετανική Ένωση Συμβουλευτικής και Ψυχοθεραπείας (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy – BACP) και της Eυρωπαικής Εταιρίας Ψυχοθεραπείας (European Association of Psychotherapy - EAP).

 Έχει εκπαιδευτεί σε ένα εύρος διαγνωστικών Ψυχομετρικών και Προβολικών δοκιμασιών όπως επί παραδείγματι, το Ερωτηματολόγιο Προσωπικότητας της Μιννεσότα MMPI®-2, το Τεστ Θεματικής Αντίληψης (Thematic Apperception Test-T.A.T), το Τεστ Θεματικής Αντίληψης για παιδιά (Children’s Apperception Test-C.A.T), το Τεστ κηλίδων μελάνης Rorschach. Ερευνητικά έχει ασχοληθεί εκτενώς με το θέμα του Γονεϊκού και του Ενήλικου Συναισθηματικού Δεσμού (Αttachment Τheory) σε διάφορες Ψυχιατρικές οντότητες και έχει εκπαιδευτεί σε σύγχρονα θέματα ψυχαναλυτικής σκέψης και Βρεφικής ανάπτυξης μέσω σεμιναρίων παρατήρησης βρέφους.

Στα πλαίσια της πρακτικής άσκησης και της εθελοντικής της εργασίας έχει απασχοληθεί σε κέντρα ψυχικής υγείας και αποκατάστασης όπως: το Ψυχιατρικό Νοσοκομείο Αττικής «Δρομοκαΐτειο» σε Τμήματα οξέων περιστατικών, τη Νευροψυχιατρική Κλινική «Γαλήνειον Μέλαθρον», τη Μονάδα Φροντίδας και Αποκατάστασης Ηλικιωμένων με Alzheimer και συναφείς άνοιες-ΆΚΤΙΟΣ. Κατέχει τιμητική βράβευση για την εθελοντική της εργασία στο Κέντρο Διημέρευσης και Ημερησίας Φροντίδας Ατόμων με αναπηρίες του φορέα Κ.Ε.Ε.Π.Ε.Α «Ορίζοντες». 

Έχει συνεργαστεί με το Ερευνητικό Κέντρο Aegean Research Centre (ARC) σε πειράματα που αφορούν ψυχοκοινωνικά θέματα και έχει συμμετοχές σε επιστημονικά συνέδρια.

Ακαδημαϊκά, έχει διδάξει ως λέκτορας μαθήματα ψυχολογίας και ψυχοθεραπευτικής βιωματικής εκπαίδευσης σε Ιδιωτικό Φορέα Εκπαίδευσης στην Αθήνα και στον Πειραιά. Έχει εποπτεύσει επίσης διπλωματικές εργασίες σε προγράμματα σπουδών Ψυχολογίας. 

Κλινικά, έχει εργαστεί σε Κέντρο Ειδικών Θεραπειών και Ψυχοθεραπείας παρέχοντας ατομική Ψυχοθεραπεία και Συμβουλευτική σε Παιδιά, Εφήβους και Ενήλικες.  Συντονίζει επίσης Ομάδες Παιδιών ψυχοκοινωνικής ανάπτυξης και παρέχει Συμβουλευτική Γονέων.

Danesi Xristina Theodora is a Psychologist-Psychotherapist specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She holds an honors degree in Psychology from the BSc (Hons) Psychology program at CCCU. She has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at K.E. PSY. SY, as well as in the Mood Disorders treatment program at BipolarLab. She has received additional training in School Psychology from the University of the Aegean, as well as in Child Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Regarding her volunteer work, she has provided her services at "The Smile of the Child" and milamou.gr. She has attended numerous seminars and has delivered lectures on a variety of topics. She provides her services with lifelong education and respect for the individualized needs of each person. Finally, the specialist uses Standardized and Internationally Recognized Psychometric Tools for Personality Disorder Assessment, Structured Neuropsychiatric Evaluations, Questionnaires Investigating Early Dysfunctional Experiences and Traumas, and Standardized Psychometric Tools for the Assessment of Personal Beliefs.

Maria Krokou is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist, currently running a private practice at Kotzia Square, in the center of Athens. She graduated with distinction (grade: 8/10) from the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, having been awarded a merit-based scholarship following an entrance examination. During her studies, she completed part of her academic training through an Erasmus scholarship at the Autonomous University of Madrid, where she focused on cognitive and behavioral techniques. In parallel, she participated for one year in the psychoeducational program of the Madrid City Council, Educamoscontigo, offering weekly online psychological support sessions to a secondary school student. She later completed a practical training program, also through an Erasmus scholarship, at the Las Torrecillas Therapeutic Educational Center of the NGO DIANOVA España, where she conducted psychoeducational classroom interventions as well as individual and group psychotherapy with adolescents facing recent addiction-related and emotional difficulties. Maria has also worked at the private psychotherapy center Moebius, where she participated in individual, family, group, and couples’ sessions, with a particular focus on psychosomatic conditions. Her supervisor there was Alicia Golijov, founder of the Iberian Neuropsychoanalysis Association. Currently, she works as a self-employed psychologist – psychotherapist, offering individual therapy for adolescents and adults. Her clinical focus includes supporting individuals in their parenting role, exploring ambivalence in relationships, promoting self-awareness, interrupting dysfunctional repetitive patterns, reducing distressing symptoms, building self-confidence, and enhancing relational capacity, among others. In the past, she has also worked at the “Anagennisi” Creative Employment Center for Individuals with Autism, supporting individuals with co-occurring symptoms such as ADHD, selective mutism, social withdrawal, and relational difficulties. Additionally, she worked as a shadow teacher for a first-year high school student facing emotional, social, and learning challenges. Maria completed her internship through an ESPA program at the Family Therapy Unit of the Psychiatric Hospital of Attica, where she participated in observation groups of family therapy sessions as well as systemic psychotherapy groups. She has also completed, among other programs, the one-year Postgraduate Clinical Training Program for Psychologists at the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of the University of Athens (Aiginiteio Hospital), where she coordinated group sessions with individuals on the psychotic spectrum at the hospital’s Day Unit. She is currently completing her training at the Hellenic Association for Analytic Group and Family Psychotherapy.

Therapy sessions are also available in Spanish.

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.

Stauroula Ntymenou is a Psychologist maintaining a private practice in Cholargos. She graduated from the University of East London and completed her postgraduate studies at the same university with a Master of Science in Clinical and Community Psychology. She specializes in Systemic - Family Psychotherapy at the "Logo Psychis" Training and Research Institute, which offers an enriched form of systemic therapy based on the SANE model (System Attachment Narrative Encephalon - System, Attachment, Narrative, Brain). Additionally, she specializes in the Diagnosis and Psychotherapy of Children and Adolescents through a Systemic approach. Concurrently, she collaborates with the E.P.A.P.S.Y. (Company for Regional Development and Mental Health) structure, where she is a member of the center's interdisciplinary team and provides psychotherapy services to the adult population. She has also worked with the Social Protection & Solidarity Organization of Vrilissia, offering counseling to parents and adolescents. Furthermore, she has served as a lecturer at the Metropolitan College teaching Applications of Psychology. Finally, to stay abreast of all scientific developments related to the science of psychology and the practice of psychotherapy, she continuously attends seminars and conferences and keeps herself updated.

Dott.ssa Prudente - Kreouzi Nicoletta is a Clinical - Developmental Psychologist and maintains a private practice in Glyfada. She holds a degree in Psychology with a specialization in Developmental Psychology and a master's degree in Clinical Psychology from the Università "La Sapienza" of Rome. Additionally, she has considerable experience in Individual Psychotherapy, Family Psychotherapy, and Therapy for adolescents and children, and has served as an External Collaborator at the All4therapy Center. Furthermore, she participated in the Ministry of Labor’s Summer Camp Program for People with Disabilities and volunteered at the "Theotokos" Foundation. In her private practice, she offers specialized solutions tailored to her patients' needs, with sessions also conducted in French and Italian. Remote sessions are also available.