Health professionals for Art therapy

Vali Eleni is a Psychologist - Art Psychotherapist. She maintains a private practice in the Hilton area and is a lecturer in Psychology and Art Psychotherapy seminars. She has ten years of experience in the mental health field. She specializes in anxiety, depression, self-improvement, mild eating disorders, ADHD/autism spectrum assessments, family relationships, and trauma therapy.

She studied Psychology at the University of York in England and completed postgraduate studies in Art Psychotherapy at Queen Margaret University in Scotland.

Additionally, she has been trained in Mentalization-Based Treatment for Adult Psychotherapy, Art Trauma Therapy, and has completed a one-year specialized further training in service provision for children and adolescents (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Essential Specialist Training). Moreover, she has attended numerous seminars, trainings, and workshops on child protection and safeguarding.

Alongside her studies, she completed her internship at various institutions in Scotland, specifically at the Drugs, Alcohol & Psychotherapies Limited detox center and the cerebrovascular stroke unit of the NHS - Royal Edinburgh Hospital.

Finally, she has worked as a School Psychologist - Counselor and as an Art Psychotherapist within NHS (National Health Service) structures.

Koulaksizi Dimitra is a Mental Health Counselor operating a private practice in Thessaloniki. She studied Philosophy and Pedagogy at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and attended the Higher Drama School Iasmos - Vasilis Diamantopoulos on a scholarship. Subsequently, she completed a three-year postgraduate training in Drama and Movement Therapy, MA Drama and Movement Therapy, at the Institute of Therapy and Education through the Arts EPINEIO (this training is recognized by the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London). As a drama therapist, she has participated in the World Conference Play Perform Learn and Grow 2021 - Creating Belonging in Times of Pandemic, as well as in the Experiential Seminar “Reconciliating with My Body” in collaboration with dietitian-nutritionist Aristeidis Patrinos. Additionally, she has collaborated with the theatrical workshop Technourgeio, creating a self-awareness group. Since October 2021, she has been teaching the course Movement with Touch and Sound in the postgraduate program of the Institute of Therapy and Education through the Arts EPINEIO, with which she has also collaborated as a Drama Therapist in treatments for children and adolescents.

Savvidaki Dimitra is a Psychologist - Play Therapist and maintains a private practice in Ampelokipoi. She studied at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in the Department of Psychology and continued her studies in Psychoanalysis at the Academy of Clinical Studies of Athens. She provided individual and group therapies at the Psychiatric Hospital of Attica as an External Collaborator. She has participated in various educational seminars, including school psychology, facilitation groups, theatrical play, and several clinical research projects concerning mental illnesses. Since 2012, she has been working in public primary schools and special primary schools as a Mental Health Consultant. Simultaneously, she worked in special therapy centers as a Psychologist - Psychotherapist, offering individual therapies to children and adults. Following extensive training in Play Therapy at PlaytherapyGr, her passion for therapeutic play and Person-Centered Therapy emerged. She is also a certified play therapist by the World Play Therapy Organization and the Health Services Control Organization PSA, and the Founder of Paixnidoxoros. Paixnidoxoros is a space for exploration and discussion through shared play. In this space, through creative expression and play, each individual can care for themselves and evolve. The therapy of adults, children, and adolescents with the assistance of Play Therapy is a core element of Paixnidoxoros' philosophy. Paixnidoxoros embraces all ages, professional backgrounds, and social strata. Its philosophy is the empowerment of relationships for a happy and creative quality of life. It offers play therapy sessions to children and adolescents, as well as individual therapies to adults.

Gerou Maira is a licensed psychologist with extensive academic and professional experience. She holds a bachelor's degree with distinction in Psychology from the University of East London, as well as a master's degree in Neuropsychology & Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of Essex. Additionally, she has studied Linguistics at Lancaster University and Strategic Human Resource Management at ALBA Graduate Business School, while also completing postgraduate studies in Language Education for refugees and immigrants at the Hellenic Open University, enhancing her understanding of approaches to diverse population groups.

Furthermore, she specializes in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), has been trained in Art Therapy as well as Career Counseling, and also holds training in Messy & Sensory Play—a method that supports multisensory development and emotional regulation in children and other age groups. Additionally, she is undergoing training in Parent Counseling.

In her clinical practice, she provides individualized sessions for adults and children, assisting in the management of anxiety, depression, panic attacks, ADHD, and autism. Moreover, her extensive experience in human resources and organizational psychology allows her to offer counseling on issues related to professional burnout, workplace stress management, and self-improvement. Through her scientific expertise and practical experience, she creates a safe and supportive environment, either through in-person sessions or via video calls, tailored to the needs of each client.

Angeliki Xatzimanoli, MSc is a Psychologist, certified Psychotherapist, and maintains a private practice in Ilisia. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at the University of Central Lancashire and graduated from the Department of Social Policy at Panteion University. Additionally, she has a master's degree in "Addiction Treatment - Addictology" from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, in collaboration with the Medical School of Athens. Currently, she is training in "Systemic Psychotherapy and Counseling" at the Center for Systemic Study and Therapy of Athens (Ke.S.Me.Th.). Throughout her career, she has volunteered with the Non-Governmental Organizations "ActionAid Hellas" and the International Cybersecurity Institute (CSI). She served as a Psychologist for the NGO "The Home Project" and collaborates as an external associate with the Center for Special Therapies "Oikogeneia." She also writes voluntarily for the website ''efiveia.gr,'' focusing on family and its connection and collaboration with the online therapy platform Terappin. She has been trained in the application of the Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy protocol (TF-CBT). She provides psychological support to children, adolescents, and adults. It is noteworthy that she participated in authoring the European program "TRACeD," within the framework of actions for the awareness and prevention of online gender-based violence. In her private practice, she undertakes the assessment, monitoring, and psychotherapeutic treatment of various psychological difficulties, such as anxiety disorders, depressive episodes, adjustment disorders, personality disorders, as well as issues related to interpersonal relationships and self-esteem.

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.

Maria Kologgiou is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist - Group Analyst and maintains a private practice in Aigaleo. She studied Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and is a certified Group Analyst by the Hellenic Organization of Psychotherapy & Education in Group Analysis. Currently, she is training in Positive Psychology at the Lifelong Learning Center of Panteion University. She has experience and specializes in depression, emotional disorders, interpersonal relationships, as well as anxiety and mood disorders.

Η Μαλανδρή Ματίνα είναι Ψυχολόγος – Παιδοψυχολόγος- Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια με ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Μαρούσι. Διαθέτει πτυχίο ψυχολόγου (ΒSc Psychology) από το Πάντειο πανεπιστήμιο (αρ.άδειας 13/391) και έχει ολοκληρώσει τις μεταπτυχιακές της σπουδές στην Ψυχική Υγεία Παιδιού-Εφήβου (MSc Child Adolescent Mental Health). Παράλληλα, ολοκλήρωσε διετή εκπαίδευση στη Λογικοθυμική και Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφορική θεραπεία σε παιδιά και εφήβους στο ελληνικό Ινστιτούτο Λογικοθυμικής και Γνωσιακής Συμπεριφορικής Θεραπείας, θυγατρικό εκπαιδευτικό κέντρο του Ινστιτούτου Albert Ellis στη Νέα Υόρκη. Επίσης, πραγματοποίησε τετραετή εκπαίδευση μεταπτυχιακού επιπέδου στην Εικαστική Ψυχοθεραπεία (Art Psychotherapy) στο Κέντρο Τέχνης και Ψυχοθεραπείας. H Εικαστική Ψυχοθεραπεία απευθύνεται σε όλες τις ηλικίες, καθώς μέσα από την λεκτική και μη λεκτική έκφραση, προσφέρει ένα ασφαλές πλαίσιο, μέσα στο οποίο το άτομο μπορεί να επεξεργαστεί τις δυσκολίες του και να εκφράσει τις σκέψεις και τα συναισθήματά του. Ακόμη, έχει ολοκληρώσει ετήσιο εκπαιδευτικό επιστημονικό σεμινάριο, στην «Ψυχική Υγεία Παιδιών και Εφήβων» στο Τμήμα Ψυχιατρικής Παιδιών και Εφήβων του Γενικού Νοσοκομείο Αθηνών Σισμανόγλειο - Αμαλία Φλέμινγκ. Τέλος, έχει εκπαιδευτεί στον επαγγελματικό προσανατολισμό (Άριστον Τεστ Επαγγελματικού Προσανατολισμού), σε κλίμακες ψυχολογικής αξιολόγησης (CAT, TAT), σε κλίμακες αξιολόγησης της νοημοσύνης (WISC III) καθώς και σε τεχνικές mindfulness. Στόχος της θεραπευτικής της δουλειάς είναι να παρέχει επιστημονικά τεκμηριωμένες υπηρεσίες ψυχολογικής φροντίδας σε παιδιά - εφήβους και ενηλίκους, με υπευθυνότητα, αίσθημα δέσμευσης, και αφοσίωσης στην υψηλή ποιότητα. Η αποτελεσματικότητα της θεραπείας αποσκοπεί στη βελτίωση της ψυχικής υγείας, μέσω της αλλαγής του τρόπου σκέψης, την ενίσχυση της δημιουργικότητας και της ψυχικής ανθεκτικότητας. Έχει εργαστεί για ιδιωτικούς και δημόσιους χώρους, διατηρώντας την πρακτική και θεωρητική της κατάρτιση σε αρμονία. Έχει συμμετάσχει σε πληθώρα σεμιναρίων και συνεδρίων, με στόχο να εξελίσσει τις γνώσεις της και να στοχεύει στην καλύτερη κατάρτισή της στον τομέα που εξειδικεύεται.

Mpagourdi Maria, BSc, MSc is a Clinical Psychologist who conducts sessions online. She graduated in Psychology from Cardiff Metropolitan University (BSc) and holds a Master's Degree (MSc) in Clinical Counselling Psychology from the University of Derby. She has completed specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Art Therapy, and the management of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CCTP-I & II). Since 2023, she has been training in Art Psychotherapy – Behavior Analysis at the Psychotherapy and Art Center "Synothisi," and from 2025 she will continue her professional development through the Panhellenic Society of Cognitive Analytic Psychotherapy (P.E.G.A.P.), as part of her training in Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT). Her professional experience includes significant work in mental health facilities such as the Piraeus Naval Hospital, Care Units for the Elderly specializing in dementia and Alzheimer's disease, cancer patient counseling programs (e.g., "Stay Strong"), and special education centers. She provides individual and group sessions to children, adolescents, and adults, and has been actively involved in psycho-educational programs and parent counseling. She combines theoretical training with practical experience to support a variety of psychological needs, with particular emphasis on trauma therapy and strengthening emotional resilience. Finally, she is a founding member of the Panhellenic Association of Art Therapists.

Η Χαρά Ντούλια είναι πιστοποιημένη Σύμβουλος Ψυχικής Υγείας, σύμφωνα με τις προδιαγραφές της Ελληνική Εταιρεία Συμβουλευτικής. Είναι κάτοχος του Diploma in Integrative Counselling από την COSCA και τακτικό μέλος της Ελληνικής Εταιρείας Συμβουλευτικής.Είναι απόφοιτος Φαρμακευτικής Σχολής και εργάστηκε ως φαρμακοποιός για αρκετά χρόνια, πριν στραφεί στον χώρο της Ψυχολογίας. Σήμερα συνεχίζει τις σπουδές της στο Marconi University, όπου είναι τελειόφοιτη στο Τμήμα Ψυχολογίας. Στο πλαίσιο της συνεχούς επαγγελματικής και προσωπικής της εξέλιξης, παρακολουθεί εκπαιδευτικά σεμινάρια και επιμορφωτικά προγράμματα, ενώ παράλληλα συνεχίζει την προσωπική της θεραπευτική διεργασία και την επαγγελματική εποπτεία.Διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στην Αθήνα, όπου πραγματοποιεί ατομικές συνεδρίες συμβουλευτικής και συνεδρίες ζεύγους. Παρέχει συμβουλευτική υποστήριξη και σε LGBTQI+ άτομα, με στόχο να προσεγγίσουν τον εαυτό τους με ελευθερία, αποδοχή και ασφάλεια. Παράλληλα, αποτελεί μέρος ενός δικτύου συνεργασίας ψυχιάτρων και άλλων επαγγελματιών ψυχικής υγείας, με σκοπό τη συνολική υποστήριξη της πορείας κάθε ανθρώπου, όταν αυτό κρίνεται απαραίτητο. Οι συνεδρίες πραγματοποιούνται τόσο δια ζώσης όσο και διαδικτυακά, ανάλογα με τις ανάγκες και τη διαθεσιμότητα του κάθε ατόμου.Το ενδιαφέρον της για την ψυχική υγεία, σε συνδυασμό με την προσωπική της εμπειρία, την οδήγησαν να αφοσιωθεί στην Ψυχολογία, αρχικά μέσα από τη δική της πορεία αυτογνωσίας και στη συνέχεια ως επαγγελματίας. Πιστεύει βαθιά ότι κάθε άνθρωπος έχει τη δυνατότητα να κατανοήσει τον εαυτό του και να εξελιχθεί, όταν βρεθεί σε ένα περιβάλλον ασφάλειας και αποδοχής.Ως σύμβουλος ψυχικής υγείας, ακολουθεί τη συνθετική προσέγγιση, ενσωματώνοντας στοιχεία από διαφορετικά θεραπευτικά μοντέλα, όπως η προσωποκεντρική, η γνωσιακή-συμπεριφορική, η ψυχοδυναμική και η Gestalt. Η προσέγγιση αυτή επιτρέπει η θεραπευτική διαδικασία να παραμένει ευέλικτη και προσαρμοσμένη στις ανάγκες του κάθε ανθρώπου, αναγνωρίζοντας τη μοναδικότητά του πέρα από τους περιορισμούς ενός μόνο θεωρητικού πλαισίου.Βασική της πεποίθηση είναι ότι όλοι οι άνθρωποι είναι εκ φύσεως άξιοι εμπιστοσύνης και διαθέτουν τη δυνατότητα αλλαγής, εξέλιξης και αυτοκατανόησης. Πιστεύει στην έμφυτη ικανότητα της αυτοθεραπείας και θεωρεί πως ο ρόλος της είναι να συνοδεύει το άτομο στην αναζήτηση της προσωπικής του σοφίας, με σεβασμό στον δικό του χρόνο και τρόπο.Για την ίδια, κάθε συνεδρία αποτελεί μια μοναδική συνάντηση δύο ανθρώπων που συνειδητά επιλέγουν να συνεργαστούν. Μέσα σε ένα ασφαλές και υποστηρικτικό πλαίσιο, δημιουργεί τον χώρο ώστε το άτομο να μπορέσει να δει και να ακούσει τον εαυτό του όπως ακριβώς είναι, με πλήρη αποδοχή για όλα τα συναισθήματα, τις σκέψεις και τη σιωπή. Στόχος της είναι η οικοδόμηση μιας θεραπευτικής σχέσης που βασίζεται στην ειλικρίνεια, τον σεβασμό, την εμπιστοσύνη και την κατανόηση, καθώς πιστεύει ότι η ίδια η σχέση αποτελεί τον σημαντικότερο παράγοντα ανάπτυξης και αλλαγής.Δεσμεύεται να λειτουργεί ως συνοδοιπόρος και υποστηρικτική παρουσία στο ταξίδι της αυτογνωσίας, της συνειδητότητας, της ελευθερίας και της βαθύτερης σύνδεσης με την ανθρώπινη ύπαρξη.

Vasilaki Foteini is a Psychologist - Integrative Psychotherapist - Clinical Supervisor of psychologists and maintains her private practice in Keratsini. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University (BSc Hons). She completed advanced postgraduate studies (MSc) in Integrative Psychotherapy at one of the top universities worldwide, The University of Edinburgh. She pursued a four-year professional postgraduate training in the integrative model of psychotherapy and specializes in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychoanalytic, Systemic, and Person-Centered psychotherapy. She has been trained and certified in Clinical Supervision, contemporary psychological interventions in Clinical Psychology for adults, adolescents, and children (Evidence-based Psychotherapy, UK), EMDR trauma therapy, and child psychology with a particular emphasis on projective tests. Currently, she is studying Medical Neurobiology. She has been working formally in the field of Mental Health since 2010 and accepts adults and adolescents for individual therapy. Simultaneously, she conducts individual or group clinical supervision and coordinates adult self-awareness groups. Finally, her goal is to support individuals on their personal “journey,” helping them explore thoughts and emotions and gain a deeper understanding of themselves and others.

Daikidou Ioanna MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist, licensed to practice, and maintains a private practice in Panormou. Additionally, she has worked as a Psychologist at the Center for Specialized Therapies "Logopaidevgein", as well as at the Special Educational Psychotherapy Center "Paideia En Exelixi". She has also served as a Psychologist - Psychotherapist, external associate at "THERAPY NEST A. Kandaraki". She studied Psychology at Panteion University and has received further training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy & Counseling. She completed a postgraduate program (MSc) in Liaison Psychiatry: Integrated Care of Physical and Mental Health at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). Moreover, she attended the postgraduate seminar in Psychopathology "Panagiotis Oulis" at Aeginiteio Hospital, where she also worked as a Psychologist under the supervision of Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Dr. Konstantinos Kontoaggelos. She has also worked as a Psychologist (supervised by Assistant Professor Dr. Konstantinos Kontoaggelos) at Aretaieio, Laiko, "Alexandra", and "Andreas Syngros" Hospitals. Furthermore, she has provided psychological services at the Psychogeriatric Society "NESTOR" and at the Hellenic Center for Mental Health and Research in Exarcheia, as part of her practical training. Finally, she has participated in several scientific conferences and seminars.

Koanta Stauroula is a Mental Health Counselor and Psychotherapist with a private practice in Athens. She is a member of the Hellenic Counseling Society and specializes in Drama Therapy and art-based psychotherapeutic approaches. She studied Set and Costume Design at the Lycurgus Stavrakos School of Cinema and Television and pursued postgraduate specialization in Cinematherapy at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has received training in Group Analysis, Psychotherapy, and Psychodrama through HAGAP and has completed a study program at the Hellenic Training Center “Psychotherapy through Arts” with a focus on Drama Therapy. She also holds an international certificate in the field of Psychogenealogy and Intergenerational Psychodrama. She works with a psychodynamic – analytical (Jungian) approach, offering individual sessions, therapeutic groups, and alternative forms of expression and processing through painting, music, cinema, storytelling, and other artistic media. She specializes in supporting individuals facing grief, anxiety, psychological trauma, identity crises, or changes in everyday roles, while also accompanying those seeking deeper self-awareness and personal development.

Varinou Eirini - Soul Rythm is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist - Expressive Art Therapist who works online with clients in Greece and abroad. She graduated with honors from the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has completed postgraduate studies in Dynamics, Communication, and the roles of individuals within groups at the University of Essex. Her passion for the Arts led her to specialize in Psychotherapy through Expressive Arts, a model developed by Avi Goren-Bar that integrates fundamental psychotherapeutic approaches with the Arts, aiming to understand the human psyche and harmonize the various aspects of the individual. This approach treats the human psyche holistically, allowing emotions to be better contained, as the arts complement what language and cognition often fail to reach.

Additionally, her training is consistently enriched with psychotherapeutic methods, including a three-year training in Psychodrama, a four-year participation in monthly seminars on Relational & Group Psychotherapy, and numerous workshops in the Internal Family Systems method, Authentic Movement, and body-inclusive psychotherapy approaches.

Throughout her career, she has provided services to numerous organizations and hospitals and is a founding member of the Association of Greek Expressive Therapists & Jungian Coaches. She conducts individual sessions with adults, couples, adolescents, and children who, for various reasons, prefer and choose online support. Finally, through continuous supervision and active participation in international and Greek conferences and study trips, she expands her knowledge and skills. More information about her approach can be found on her website soulrythm.com.

Elli Tsekoura is an Art Psychotherapist, a graduate of the Center for Art and Psychotherapy, and a certified member of the European Association for Psychotherapy (EAP). She works professionally in the field of art psychotherapy, using creative expression as a therapeutic tool to support individuals on their healing journey. Since 2021, she has been an external collaborator with the organization "Pnoi Agapis" (Breath of Love), where she facilitates art psychotherapy groups for cancer patients and their caregivers. She has also coordinated group sessions for individuals with psychotic-type disorders, and is currently designing and implementing a therapeutic group at the Day Hospital of Aiginiteio University Hospital in Athens. In parallel, she maintains a private practice, where she offers individual and group art psychotherapy sessions for adolescents and adults, tailoring her approach to meet each person's unique needs. Committed to lifelong learning and professional development, Elli actively participates in a wide range of specialized seminars and training programs related to art psychotherapy, continually enriching both her theoretical knowledge and clinical practice.

Evgenia Grypari is a Psychologist with extensive experience in the field of mental health, currently collaborating with the center “Charin Noiseos” in Moschato. She graduated from the Department of Psychology of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Philosophy, while simultaneously attending the Hellenic Military Academy of Corps Officers (2009–2013). She later completed her Master’s Degree in “Mental Health and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry” at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (2020–2022).

Since 2013, she has been serving as a psychologist in the Hellenic Navy, having worked in several mental health units such as the Psychiatric Clinic of the Naval Hospital of Athens, the Joint Center for Mental Health of the Armed Forces (414 SNEN), and the Naval Hospital of Salamina. She has also staffed the 24-hour National Helpline for Psychological Support and Crisis Intervention, and has served aboard a warship as a military psychologist, gaining valuable insight into the psychological challenges faced by personnel in operational environments. Additionally, she has held administrative and coordinating positions related to health and personnel management within the Armed Forces.

Evgenia Grypari participates annually in the selection and evaluation processes for candidates of the military academies and Armed Forces personnel. She has also completed internships at the Self-Help Promotion Program of Thessaloniki (supporting individuals in substance recovery) and at the Psychiatric Department of the “Agia Sofia” Children’s Hospital.

Her clinical experience covers a wide range of cases, including:

• Depression and anxiety disorders
• Personality disorders and psychoses
• Relationship and marital difficulties
• Parental counseling and divorce management
• Perinatal and postpartum depression
• Eating disorders
• Adolescent issues and identity development
• Sexual disorders and sexual identity concerns

She has further training and specialization in:

• Child psychology
• Relationship and divorce management
• Art Therapy (Vera Vasarhelyi method) for children and adolescents (6–18 years)
• Children’s drawing interpretation
• Music therapy
• Eating disorders
• High-functioning autism

Her therapeutic approach is person-centered and integrative, aiming to provide a safe and supportive environment that fosters self-awareness, emotional resilience, and personal growth.