Health professionals for Treatment of ADHD in Athens

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 .

The Center for Special Therapies “Words and Deeds” is a facility created with love, awareness, and care for children. The primary goal of the team is to meet the therapeutic needs of each child and to guide parents in order to strengthen and highlight their child’s skills. The center provides specialized evaluation, diagnosis, and therapy services to children, adolescents, and adults presenting developmental disorders, speech and language difficulties, learning disabilities, behavioral problems, as well as psychological support and parental counseling. The founder and Scientific Director of the Center is Darla Eleni, a graduate of the Speech Therapy Department of the School of Health Professions at the Technological Educational Institute of Epirus, a member of the Association of Speech-Language Pathologists of Greece, and holds a professional practice license. She has been providing speech therapy services for the past 14 years to children and adults with communication, speech, and language disorders. Her work includes the evaluation and therapeutic intervention in children with conditions such as delayed speech and language development, articulation disorders, phonological disorders, autism spectrum disorders, stuttering, and hearing impairment. She has attended numerous seminars related to Speech Therapy and Special Education issues and continues to pursue scientific training at both theoretical and practical levels. Notably, she has been certified in widely recognized therapeutic methods such as TEACCH, Makaton, among others. She has also completed a nine-month training seminar on “AUTISM” at the University of Patras.

Argyropoulou Xristina is a psychotherapist trained at the 'Laboratory for the Investigation of Human Relations.' She holds two postgraduate degrees: a Master of Science in Psychology and a Master of Education in Autism, specializing in the psychoeducation of children and adolescents with autism. She has worked in specialized therapy centers. In recent years, she has maintained her own practice, focusing on adult psychotherapy as well as parent counseling.

Tzoumerka Viky MSc is a Psychologist specializing in Systemic Psychotherapy at the Athens Center for the Study of Man (AKMA). She completed her undergraduate studies in Psychology at the University of Derby and holds a Master's degree in Clinical and Community Psychology from the University of East London. Additionally, she graduated from the Department of Philosophy, Pedagogy, and Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with a focus on Psychology. She has experience in various mental health settings, having collaborated with private therapeutic centers as well as organizations supporting children, adolescents, and vulnerable populations. She has also been actively involved in psychosocial empowerment interventions at individual and family levels. Currently, she maintains a private practice in Exarcheia, where she conducts individual psychotherapy sessions for adults, children, and adolescents.

Klonizakis Markos is a psychiatrist-psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Kypseli. He is a graduate of the Medical School of Democritus University of Thrace and completed his psychiatry specialty at the Psychiatric Hospital of Attica, the Mental Health Center of Nea Filadelfeia - Agioi Anargyroi, the General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas," and the 18 ANO Addiction Program. Additionally, he received training in Systemic-Family Psychotherapy from the Family Therapy Unit of the Psychiatric Hospital of Athens and the Athens Center for Human Studies. Alongside his private practice, he serves as the Scientific Director at the Day Care Center for People with Disabilities in Salamina. He manages cases of anxiety disorders, panic disorder, depression, character difficulties, interpersonal and couple relationships, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. His therapeutic approach includes psychopharmacological treatment, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. Finally, Dr. Klonizakis is a member of the Athens Medical Association, the Hellenic Psychiatric Society, and the Hellenic Society of Systemic Thinking and Family Psychotherapy.

The Skepsis Kai Logos Center operates in the Zografou area, providing high-level psychotherapeutic, speech therapy, and occupational therapy services to children and adults. The scientific director of the center is Clinical Psychologist - Occupational Therapist Skepsis Kai Logos Kentro Psyxologikon Therapeion, with studies in Psychology and Child Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well as Special Education & Training. Additionally, he possesses extensive experience, having worked both privately and in various facilities for children and adults. The center is staffed with experienced and specialized personnel consisting of Psychologists, Psychotherapists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech Therapists. The goal is the prevention, diagnosis, and rehabilitation of speech, language, and voice disorders through the application of valid and individualized scientific methods each time.

She was born in Athens and obtained her degree from the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) (psychologist professional license, No. 1064783). She continued her education by completing a three-year training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling, followed by additional training in Systemic Psychotherapy at the Systemic Counseling and Psychotherapeutic Center. Subsequently, she earned her certification in trauma therapy – EMDR, at the Institute of Trauma Therapy. Additionally, she has attended various seminars and received training in biofeedback (a non-pharmacological therapeutic approach). She works as a Psychologist – Psychotherapist and collaborates with the Stress Management Center SMS (Stress Management Solutions). She specializes in anxiety and stress management, panic attack treatment, depression treatment, and eating disorder issues. She also specializes in the treatment of children and adolescents with anxiety-related issues, such as performance anxiety and the management of various other distressing emotions, as well as in parental counseling. The intervention is personalized and collaborative with the individual, considering various factors that become clear through individual interviews and questionnaires, aiming at the overall enhancement of the individual's quality of life across all domains.

Matthaiou Dimitrios is a Psychologist and Child Psychologist trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Psychotherapy and Counseling Center and maintains a private practice in the Gyzi area of Attica.

Theleritis Xristos is a Psychiatrist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in the Evangelismos area. He holds a PhD from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has specialized in Neurology at the Neurological Clinic of the Red Cross and in Psychiatry at Aeginiteio Hospital. He has been trained in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Group Analytical Psychotherapy, and Cognitive Psychotherapy, and holds a Diploma in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy from the Institute for Research and Behavior Therapy. His additional training abroad is of notable importance, having received advanced education from Harvard University, the University of Oxford, the University of Bern in Switzerland, and the Collège de France in Paris. To date, he is a Scientific Collaborator - Psychiatrist at the Psychiatric Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aeginiteio Hospital, and Scientific Director - Psychiatrist of the SOPY Day Center. Simultaneously, he is a Research Associate at the Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, and an Academic Scholar at the University of Maryland in Baltimore. He is a member of Greek and international associations and actively participates in numerous conferences and workshops in Greece and abroad, delivering many lectures. Additionally, he is a member of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Emergency Mental Health and serves as a consultant editor for 19 other scientific journals. In his clinic, he offers a wide range of services and creates Support and Psychoeducation Groups for separated parents, where members are trained in anger and anxiety management techniques, anti-stress techniques based on Herbert Benson’s model, aiming to develop a positive self-image, increase self-esteem, and cultivate healthy communication skills.

The Center for Special Therapies Development of Speech and Work is located in Kaisariani, with the Special Educator Kentro Eidikon Therapeion Anaptyksi Logou Kai Ergou as its scientific director. The Center for Special Therapies is staffed by highly qualified therapists with many years of experience, covering a wide range for a more effective approach and treatment of each patient. Specifically, there is a Speech Therapist, Psychologist, Special Educator, and Occupational Therapist providing individualized therapeutic programs tailored to the needs of each person, respecting their personality and unique characteristics. Some of the services offered at the Center for Special Therapies Development of Speech and Work include the treatment of articulation and phonological disorders, the management of learning difficulties, autism, ADHD, as well as psychological support and counseling for children and adolescents.

Η Καράμπαλη Ελένη MSc είναι Κλινική Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στα Εξάρχεια. Είναι απόφοιτος του Πανεπιστημίου Καρόλου της Πράγας, με άδεια ασκήσεως επαγγέλματος (Αρ.πρωτ. 8234) και πολυετή εμπειρία στην υποστήριξη ενηλίκων, εφήβων και παιδιών. Έχει εκπαιδευτεί στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία (CBT) και στην Art Therapy, καθώς και σε πρωτόκολλα παρέμβασης σε τραύμα και ψυχολογική παρέμβαση σε κρίση. Στην πορεία της καριέρας της έχει εργαστεί σε διαφορετικά περιβάλλοντα ψυχικής υγείας στην Ελλάδα (Παιδικά Χωριά SOS, Ελληνικός Ερυθρός Σταυρός) και στο εξωτερικό, υποστηρίζοντας κυρίως ευάλωτες ομάδες. Σήμερα διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο κέντρο της Αθήνας και εργάζεται στο Ελληνικό Συμβούλιο για τους Πρόσφυγες, αναλαμβάνοντας την ψυχολογική στήριξη παιδιών, εφήβων και γονέων. Εξειδικεύεται στη διαχείριση άγχους, κατάθλιψης, μετατραυματικού στρες, πένθους, φοβιών, κακοποίησης και δυσκολιών στις διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις. Παράλληλα, έχει εμπειρία στη διάγνωση ψυχοπαθολογίας και στη χρήση ψυχομετρικών εργαλείων, προσφέροντας εξατομικευμένες παρεμβάσεις με σεβασμό στις ανάγκες του κάθε ατόμου. Στη θεραπευτική της προσέγγισης αξιοποιεί κυρίως τη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία (CBT), μια επιστημονικά τεκμηριωμένη μέθοδο που βοηθά το άτομο να αναγνωρίσει και να τροποποιήσει τις σκέψεις και τα μοτίβα συμπεριφοράς που ενισχύουν τη δυσφορία του. Η CBT δίνει πρακτικά εργαλεία, ενδυναμώνει και καλλιεργεί νέες, πιο υγιείς οπτικές απέναντι στη ζωή. Παράλληλα, ενσωματώνει στοιχεία Θεραπείας μέσω Τέχνης (Art Therapy), ειδικά όταν δουλεύει με παιδιά, εφήβους ή ενήλικες που δυσκολεύονται να εκφραστούν λεκτικά. Η δημιουργία γίνεται ένα ασφαλές “κανάλι” έκφρασης συναισθημάτων, αναμνήσεων και εσωτερικών συγκρούσεων, χωρίς τη χρήση λόγου. Δεν ακολουθεί μία αυστηρή “συνταγή”. Κάθε άνθρωπος είναι μοναδικός, και κάθε συνεδρία προσαρμόζεται στις ανάγκες του - με σεβασμό στον ρυθμό του, στην ιστορία του και στις αντοχές του. Οταν δουλεύει με παιδιά, δίνει ιδιαίτερη σημασία στη συνεργασία με τους γονείς. Ο στόχος δεν είναι μόνο η “αντιμετώπιση” μιας δυσκολίας, αλλά η ενδυνάμωση της σχέσης γονιού - παιδιού, ώστε το ίδιο το σπίτι να γίνει χώρος θεραπείας, εμπιστοσύνης και ανάπτυξης. Τέλος, προσφέρει συνεδρίες και στα αραβικά και στα τσεχικά.

Polyxronaki Panagiota is a clinical psychologist - psychotherapist providing online sessions.

She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete and a master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Leiden University, Netherlands. She has been trained in the Cognitive Behavioral Approach by the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies.

She is certified in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, has completed the one-year postgraduate program in Clinical Psychopathology at the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and the Research University Mental Health Institute (EPISY), as well as holding a diploma in Coaching from UGROW and the Positive Psychology Society.

In parallel, she has attended numerous specialized trainings and continually pursues her professional development through supervision and ongoing education.

Regarding her professional training, she completed her internship as part of her postgraduate studies at the Psychiatric Clinic of the University Hospital of Heraklion and at the Alzheimer Day Center "Nefeli". Additionally, she completed an internship at the Student Counseling Center of NKUA, providing therapeutic support to students.

She works privately, providing sessions to adults and adolescents.

Elisavet Pappa is a Psychologist and Systemic Psychotherapist licensed to practice professionally. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has completed postgraduate training in Systemic - Family Therapy at the SKEPSYS Center. She holds certification in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Disorders through the application of Neuroscience in Music Therapy and Body Psychotherapy, as well as in Education during School Age from NKUA. Concurrently, she is training in the Management and Treatment of Eating Disorders and Obesity through KEADD. She practices psychotherapy in a private office located in central Athens. She provides individual sessions, family therapy, parent counseling, couple therapy, and adult groups. She has worked at a specialized therapy center and within an international organization, being responsible for the psychosocial assessment, support, and integration of adolescent and adult refugees, trauma management, and victims of gender-based violence. Additionally, she has voluntarily offered her services at Psychosocial Rehabilitation Homes of EPAPSY, contributing to residents' therapeutic plans, and at The Smile of the Child, conducting inpatient visits and providing psychological support to children and adolescents who have suffered domestic violence. Furthermore, she has been trained in neuropsychological assessment scales and completed her internship at an Addiction Prevention Center, organizing community interventions, participating in parent groups, and engaging in anti-bullying activities.

Kalaitzi Myrto is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Nea Filothei. She graduated with honors from the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, as well as from the Department of Philosophy, Education, and Psychology with a specialization in Psychology at the same university. Subsequently, she pursued postgraduate studies in "Applied Clinical Psychology" at UCLAN University in England and underwent psychodynamic training in the diagnosis and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults at DIKEPSY. She has worked as a Psychologist at KEDASY, in primary schools of the Chalandri municipality, and in a special secondary education school. Additionally, she has been employed at the Psychosocial Unit of the Samos Reception and Identification Center (KYT) of the National Public Health Organization (EODY) and at a center for therapy of children and adolescents. She possesses extensive experience with all age groups (children, adolescents, adults) and vulnerable populations. Finally, she has participated in numerous educational and scientific seminars, conferences, and workshops.

Aleksandra Krasari is a Child Psychologist, Parent Counselor, and conducts online sessions. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at Suffolk University and a master's degree in Play Therapy from Roehampton University.

She has worked in Special Therapy Centers in Greece, as well as providing parallel support to children with learning difficulties and other developmental challenges both in Greece and abroad. 

Additionally, she has worked as a Play Therapist in schools in the United Kingdom, as well as a Hippotherapist at the Scientific Society of Therapeutic Riding & Hippotherapy of Greece.

Furthermore, she has previously conducted forensic psychological evaluations in specific cases. To date, she continues her professional career as a Child Psychologist - Play Therapist - Parent Counselor at the Special Therapy Center "Helios".

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.

The Center "Dromoi Epikoinonias", based in Kypseli and managed by Kentro Logotherapeias Ergotherapeias Kai Psyxotherapeias Paidion Kai Enilikon - Dromoi Epikoinonias, offers speech therapy services, occupational therapy, psycho-educational programs, and psychotherapy for children and adults. The team consists of experienced speech therapists and psychologists who work closely together to provide comprehensive support for each individual. The Center provides speech therapy for children and adults, feeding therapy, psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults, parental counseling, as well as social skills groups. With respect for the needs and uniqueness of each person, a safe and supportive environment is created that fosters development, communication, and personal growth.