Health professionals for Anxiety and Stress in Macedonia

Maria Xastali - Sitara is a licensed Psychologist specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy. She has been practicing privately as a psychotherapist with adults for over 4 years. Previously, she volunteered at the Hellenic Council for Refugees, the Penteli Day Center for the prevention and treatment of dementia, and Thallo Seveneleven A.M.K.E for the prevention and treatment of dementia. During her internship, she served as an assistant clinical psychologist at the NGO Klimaka and as a psychotherapist through the Association of Families with Three or More Children Saint Nektarios. To ensure the highest quality of service, she is continuously engaged in individual and group clinical supervision as well as ongoing personal therapy. We are all unique in our own way. The time and manner in which each person evolves also differ. She is here to help each client reach their goals in their own, unique way.

Aivazidou Kalliopi is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist specializing in Systemic Family Therapy. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of East London and a master's diploma in Clinical and Community Psychology from the same university. Previously, she has also worked as a Kindergarten Teacher, as her first cycle of studies was in the Department of Early Childhood Education at the University of Thessaly. Both of her professional focuses center on children. Having attended relevant postgraduate programs and conferences, as well as having worked with children, she undertakes the conduct of counseling sessions for children and adolescents, as well as parent counseling and Family Psychotherapy.

Tourtouridou Maria MSc is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Kozani. She completed her studies in Psychology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and subsequently obtained a master's degree (MSc) from the same University in Clinical Mental Health. She has completed a Psychoanalytic Training program at the Psychoanalytic Research Center of Athens as well as at the Lifelong Learning and Training Center of A.U.Th, a training program in critical approaches in the field of addictions. She has worked as a Psychologist on the psychosocial support helpline of the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (Psychological Support Helpline 10306) and in a Mental Health and Social Rehabilitation Company for Patients. Additionally, she has worked as a Psychologist in a Psychological and Counseling Support Structure and in the Student Support Unit for Vulnerable Groups at the University of Western Macedonia. Finally, she has participated in numerous sessions aimed at continuous professional development and knowledge enhancement in her field.

Elisavet Valkanioti is a Psychologist in Volos providing individual sessions for adults and adolescents (17+ years old), both in-person and online. She creates a safe, supportive, and confidential therapeutic environment tailored to the needs of each client.

She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Canterbury Christ Church University with a grade of Excellent and holds a Master's Degree in Organizational Psychology from University of East London.

She applies Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and has specialized training in Clinical Hypnotherapy (CBH), combining scientifically validated methods with contemporary therapeutic techniques. She offers support in issues such as:

• anxiety and panic attacks
• phobias
• sleep disorders
• smoking cessation
• chronic pain management
• weight control

She holds an advanced diploma in Cognitive-Behavioral Clinical Hypnotherapy (CBH) and has been trained in Regressive Therapy as well as in DSM-V (Understanding DSM-V), with an emphasis on the analysis of the psychiatric classification manual and the understanding of psychological phenomena.

Her therapeutic approach is integrative and individualized, combining the structured methodology of CBT with the dynamic aspects of clinical hypnotherapy, while incorporating experiential and humanistic elements.

She has experience in the field of Occupational Psychology, supporting individuals with work-related stress, professional relationships, and workplace behavior. Additionally, she has been trained in Forensic and Criminal Psychology, with a focus on psychological assessment within legal contexts.

Siopi Thomai MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Veria. She holds a degree in Psychology from City College of the University of Sheffield in Thessaloniki, where she was awarded a scholarship for her excellent performance. Additionally, she has a master's degree (MSc) in Health Psychology from the affiliated universities UCL and King’s College London. Furthermore, she has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at the Hellenic Society for Behavior Research. She has also completed training in the treatment of eating disorders and obesity through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She participates in seminars and experiential workshops aimed at improving and continuously developing her knowledge. Finally, she is a member of the British Psychological Society, the European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies, and the Hellenic Society for Behavior Research.

Η Μαρία Αδαμίδου είναι Κλινική Ψυχολόγος, απόφοιτη του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης. Έχει ολοκληρώσει το Μεταπτυχιακό Πρόγραμμα Εφαρμοσμένης Ψυχολογίας με κατεύθυνση την Κλινική Ψυχολογία, καθώς και την εκπαίδευσή της στη Γνωστική Συμπεριφορική Ψυχοθεραπεία.

Παρέχει ατομική ψυχοθεραπεία σε ενήλικες, δια ζώσης στο ιδιωτικό της γραφείο στην Κατερίνη και διαδικτυακά σε όλη την Ελλάδα και το εξωτερικό.

Στόχος της είναι να προσφέρει έναν ασφαλή, συνεργατικό και χωρίς κριτική χώρο, όπου κάθε άνθρωπος μπορεί να κατανοήσει καλύτερα τον εαυτό του, να αντιμετωπίσει τις δυσκολίες που βιώνει και να αποκτήσει πρακτικά εργαλεία για μια πιο ισορροπημένη καθημερινότητα.

Η θεραπευτική της προσέγγιση βασίζεται κυρίως στη Γνωστική Συμπεριφορική Ψυχοθεραπεία, μια δομημένη και επιστημονικά τεκμηριωμένη προσέγγιση, η οποία εξετάζει τον τρόπο με τον οποίο οι σκέψεις, τα συναισθήματα και οι συμπεριφορές αλληλεπιδρούν μεταξύ τους. Ανάλογα με τις ανάγκες και τους στόχους κάθε ανθρώπου, αξιοποιεί επίσης στοιχεία από τη Θεραπεία Σχημάτων που εστιάζουν στην αποδοχή, στις προσωπικές αξίες και στην ανάπτυξη μεγαλύτερης ψυχολογικής ευελιξίας. Η θεραπευτική της προσέγγιση δεν εφαρμόζεται με έναν άκαμπτο ή απρόσωπο τρόπο, αλλά προσαρμόζεται στην προσωπικότητα, στις εμπειρίες και στις ιδιαίτερες ανάγκες κάθε ανθρώπου.

Η επαγγελματική και κλινική της εμπειρία περιλαμβάνει την παροχή ατομικής ψυχοθεραπείας σε ενήλικες, καθώς και εργασία σε νοσοκομειακό πλαίσιο, δομές ψυχικής υγείας και ψυχοκοινωνικής αποκατάστασης και δημόσιες δομές εκπαίδευσης. Έχει συνεργαστεί ως επιστημονική συνεργάτιδα με το Εργαστήριο Εφαρμοσμένης Ψυχολογίας του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης, παρέχοντας ατομική ψυχοθεραπεία σε ενήλικες. Έχει επίσης προσφέρει εθελοντική εργασία στο Ελληνικό Κέντρο Ψυχικής Υγιεινής και Ερευνών (Ε.ΚΕ.Ψ.Υ.Ε.). Η κλινική της κατάρτιση έχει πραγματοποιηθεί, μεταξύ άλλων, στη Γ΄ Ψυχιατρική Κλινική του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης στο Νοσοκομείο ΑΧΕΠΑ και στο Κέντρο Ψυχικής Υγείας Δυτικού Τομέα Θεσσαλονίκης. Παράλληλα, συνεχίζει να ενημερώνεται και να επιμορφώνεται, με στόχο η θεραπευτική της πρακτική να βασίζεται στα σύγχρονα επιστημονικά δεδομένα.

Mpourtzos Markos is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist, licensed to practice, and maintains a private practice in Kozani. He holds a degree in Psychology from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a Master's Degree (MSc) in Applications of Psychology in Health from the Medical Department of A.U.Th. Additionally, he trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy through a three-year training program accredited by the Hellenic Society of Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy. As a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, he can assist you in overcoming issues such as anxiety, panic attacks, depression, various phobias, eating disorders, among others. A fundamental principle of cognitive therapy is that our emotions and behavior are significantly influenced by the way we perceive things and by our broader attitudes and beliefs. Thus, during the course of therapy and within a relatively short period, we learn to think more realistically, free from negative thoughts and distortions.

Xatzopoulos Dimitrios is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Kavala, a space where personal contact and trust create the ideal environment to begin the journey of self-awareness and well-being. As a psychologist with a degree in Psychology from the University of East London (UEL), he creates a safe and confidential environment for his clients, offering psychological support and counseling to individuals facing various issues and difficulties. Every person is unique, as are the challenges they encounter. He provides a safe space for individuals to explore their emotions, understand their behaviors, and develop new coping strategies. Through the application of theories and techniques learned during his studies, personal study, and professional experience, he offers specialized support for issues such as mental disorders (e.g., depression, ADHD, etc.), psychological problems (e.g., caregiver anxiety, anger, and hostility, etc.), as well as medical issues with psychological factors (e.g., insomnia, migraine, etc.). His approach is based on professional ethics and his commitment to providing quality care to his clients. Through his skills and enthusiasm for psychology, he offers a valuable source of support.

Kotidou Nefeli is a Clinical Psychologist – Specialist Cognitive Analytic Psychotherapist, licensed to practice by the Region of Central Macedonia. She graduated from the University of East London, where she completed her Master's degree in Clinical and Community Psychology, and subsequently furthered her training at the University of Cambridge, focusing on Cognitive Psychology and Neuropsychology. She is an active member of the British Psychological Society (BPS).

She possesses extensive experience in providing psychological support to adults, adolescents, and couples, with specialization in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), while concurrently training in Cognitive Analytic Psychotherapy (CAT).

She specializes in managing anxiety, panic attacks, depression, low self-esteem, and in enhancing interpersonal relationships.

She has collaborated with Centers for Special Therapies, Kindergartens, and Personal Development Centers, and has actively contributed to the work of the Hellenic Alzheimer’s Disease Society, as well as to mental health services and volunteer organizations, providing support to individuals of all ages.

She offers in-person and online sessions to adults from Greece and abroad (Greek expatriates), within a safe, confidential, and supportive framework, aiming at managing difficulties, personal development, and empowering the client.

Tavanli Xrysa Maria is a Psychologist - Systemic Family Psychotherapist and conducts online sessions, including individual, couple, and family therapy. She has extensive experience in both the public and private sectors as a certified Psychologist. She has worked in various settings, including Community Centers, Special Education School Units, and KEDASY (Centers for Differential Diagnosis, Diagnosis, and Support), and currently serves as a School Psychologist at the Ministry of Education. She holds a Psychology degree from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and has completed postgraduate studies in Special Education. Additionally, she has completed a 4-year training program in Systemic Family Therapy. Concurrently, she is continuing her education with postgraduate studies in Gender Studies at the Hellenic Open University. She possesses significant experience in intervention within school, social, and therapeutic contexts, with particular sensitivity to diversity and vulnerable social groups. She approaches individuals’ needs with empathy, systemic thinking, and scientific evidence, emphasizing a collaborative relationship and targeted empowerment.

Roxani - Maria Vakalou is a Psychologist, graduate of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, specializing in Clinical Psychology. She is a certified Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist and is training in Bioenergetic Clinical Hypnosis.

Her choice of specializations is based on the integration of two critical pillars: focusing on the "here and now," addressing dysfunctional patterns of thinking and behavior, and processing emotional traumas formed during early developmental stages before the development of logical thinking.

Her career in the Mental Health field includes voluntary service at S.O.F.PSY. Serres, coordinating therapeutic groups and cognitive-behavioral interventions; collaboration with the Hellenic Alzheimer’s Disease Association; specialization in "Dance Theatre"; and mental health counseling in a multinational environment through conducting psychoeducational groups and individual sessions (since 2024).

She firmly believes that Psychotherapy is the most valuable investment in oneself and the cornerstone of self-awareness and mental well-being. Her goal is, within an environment of trust, understanding, and acceptance, to help individuals genuinely "embrace" themselves.

Athina Arampatzi is a Psychologist with a private practice in Serres. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Crete, a postgraduate degree in Educational Studies from the Hellenic Open University (HOU), and is a certified therapist in Cognitive-Analytical Psychotherapy from the Hellenic Society. She has specialized in trauma therapy through EMDR and issues related to complex psychological trauma. She has worked as a counseling psychologist at the Second Chance School of the Nigrita Detention Center and has previously served in social structures of the Municipality of Serres, providing support to abused women and vulnerable groups. She has participated in European programs, offering individual and group counseling services aimed at empowerment and professional integration of individuals in socially vulnerable positions. Additionally, she has worked as a psychologist in organizations supporting individuals with disabilities, such as "Ensōmátosi" and "Argonáftes." She actively participates in scientific conferences and seminars and has published research in international and national conferences and journals, focusing on social development, disability, and school inclusion. Furthermore, she is a member of the International Association for Relational Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy (IARPP) and its Thessaloniki chapter.

Pinelopi Kitsou is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains her private practice in Thessaloniki. She holds a degree in Psychology from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She has specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy and has completed the Postgraduate Program in Adolescent Medicine and Adolescent Health Care at the School of Medicine of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. In her private practice, she handles a wide range of cases, always focusing on providing the best possible service tailored to the individualized needs of each person she undertakes.

Η Αθηνά Μπακαράκη, Ψυχολόγος και Συστημική Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια, δημιουργεί έναν ασφαλή χώρο για την έκφραση και την εξερεύνηση των σκέψεων και συναισθημάτων σας.

Αποφοίτησε από το University of Strasbourg με πτυχίο στην Ψυχολογία (BSc Hons) και συνέχισε την εξειδίκευσή της στη Συστημική και Οικογενειακή Ψυχοθεραπεία στο Εργαστήριο Διερεύνησης Ανθρωπίνων Σχέσεων, αποκτώντας μια ολιστική ματιά στη θεραπεία ατόμου και οικογένειας. Στο πλαίσιο των σπουδών της, φοίτησε και στο Université Lille III, διευρύνοντας τις γνώσεις της πάνω στην εκπαίδευση και την ανάπτυξη του ανθρώπου. Παράλληλα, ολοκλήρωσε προπτυχιακές σπουδές στο Εθνικό Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών, στο Τμήμα Εκπαίδευσης & Αγωγής στην Προσχολική Ηλικία, γεγονός που της προσέφερε βαθύτερη κατανόηση της παιδικής ψυχολογίας και της ανάπτυξης των πρώτων σχέσεων ζωής.

Ως Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια συνεργάζεται με ενήλικες, εφήβους, ζευγάρια και οικογένειες. Στις συνεδρίες της εφαρμόζει τη Συστημική Προσέγγιση, επικεντρώνοντας όχι μόνο στο άτομο, αλλά και στις σχέσεις και τα περιβάλλοντα που το επηρεάζουν. Μέσα από ένα υποστηρικτικό και ασφαλές πλαίσιο, βοηθά τους θεραπευόμενους να διαχειριστούν άγχη, στρες, διαπροσωπικές δυσκολίες, ζητήματα αυτοεκτίμησης και προσωπικής ανάπτυξης. Οι συνεδρίες απευθύνονται σε ανθρώπους που ζουν στην Ελλάδα ή στο εξωτερικό και μπορούν να πραγματοποιηθούν διαδικτυακά, στα ελληνικά ή στα αγγλικά.

Η Αθηνά Μπακαράκη έχει εργαστεί σε ιδιωτικά κέντρα, εθελοντικές δομές και νοσοκομειακά πλαίσια. Αυτή τη στιγμή, εργάζεται στο Κέντρο Υποστήριξης Παιδιών και Ενηλίκων, ΔΙ.ΚΕ.Ψ.Υ., προσφέροντας ψυχολογική αξιολόγηση και ψυχοθεραπεία σε παιδιά, εφήβους και ενήλικες και συμβουλευτική γονέων. Παράλληλα, εργάζεται ιδιωτικά παρέχοντας εξατομικευμένη ψυχοθεραπεία ενηλίκων με συστημική προσέγγιση, με στόχο την προσωπική ανάπτυξη και υποστήριξη κάθε θεραπευόμενου. Η κλινική της εμπειρία έχει ενισχυθεί μέσα από τη συνεργασία της με την Ψυχιατρική Κλινική του Γενικού Νοσοκομείου Νίκαιας. Εκεί, συμμετείχε ενεργά στην ψυχοεκπαίδευση των ασθενών και τη διαγνωστική αξιολόγηση ψυχοπαθολογικών καταστάσεων. Επιπλέον, έχει προσφέρει εθελοντικά τις υπηρεσίες της μέσω της διαδικτυακής πλατφόρμας ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης "Μίλα μου", παρέχοντας ψυχολογικές πρώτες βοήθειες σε άτομα σε κρίση.

Η εμπειρία της στον τομέα της εκπαίδευσης, μέσω της συνεργασίας της με το μοντεσσοριανό νηπιαγωγείο Rainbow School Paris, την έχει βοηθήσει να κατανοήσει καλύτερα τις ανάγκες των παιδιών και τον τρόπο με τον οποίο διαμορφώνονται οι πρώτες τους σχέσεις και συμπεριφορές.

Δεν περιορίζεται μόνο στις κλασικές θεραπευτικές συνεδρίες, αλλά ενσωματώνει και δημιουργικές προσεγγίσεις για την ενίσχυση της ψυχικής υγείας. Έχει συμμετάσχει στο TEDxKlonatzidika, όπου σχεδίασε και συντόνισε το βιωματικό εργαστήριο "Τρέφοντας το Νου: A Vision Board Workshop", το οποίο επικεντρώνεται στην ενίσχυση της ψυχικής ανθεκτικότητας και της αυτογνωσίας, μέσω δημιουργικών τεχνικών όπως η οπτικοποίηση στόχων με τη χρήση vision board.

Vasiliki - Eirini Eleutherakou is a Psychologist with private practices in Thessaloniki at 126 Ioannou Tsimiski Street and in Serres at 15 Erythrou Stavrou Street, offering adult psychotherapy, child and adolescent psychotherapy, and parental counseling. She holds a Master's degree in Developmental and Adolescent Mental Health and is a certified Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapist. She specializes in anxiety and mood disorders, difficulties related to childhood and adolescence, parental support, and personal development enhancement. Her goal is to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment based on acceptance, understanding, and non-judgment, allowing each individual the opportunity to express themselves freely.

Mpoutouridou Georgia is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Katerini. Concurrently, she works as a psychologist in a facility for individuals with disabilities. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology and specializes in Systemic Psychotherapy, training at the Center for Systemic Therapy and Study of Thessaloniki (KE.S.ME.TH). Additionally, she has completed a one-year specialization in Sensory & Messy Play through the mental health multipurpose center "Psycho-lo-Yia," where she worked as a Psychologist at the central Toumpa branch. She is distinguished by her love of learning and dedication to the science of Psychology, actively participating in numerous educational seminars and maintaining ongoing interest in the psychosocial development of children, adolescents, and adults. She has provided voluntary psychological services to Non-Governmental Organizations for people with disabilities as well as to a support center for abused women, and has completed internships both in a private psychology practice and at university counseling centers. She is fluent in Greek, English, and Romanian, combining theoretical training with genuine empathy and professional ethics. Finally, the specialist maintains a private practice and her own mental health and therapy multipurpose center "Psycho-lo-Yia Katerinis," offering services to children, adolescents, and adults.