Health professionals for Psychogenic Bulimia - Psychogenic Anorexia near Stavroupoli

Η Αναστασία Βαρβάρα είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια με εξειδίκευση στις αγχώδεις διαταραχές σε ενήλικες, εφήβους και παιδιά. Διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στη Θεσσαλονίκη παρέχοντας υπηρεσίες ψυχοθεραπείας και συμβουλευτικής δια-ζώσης και διαδικτυακά. Είναι απόφοιτος Ψυχολογίας του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης και κάτοχος μεταπτυχιακού τίτλου στην Ψυχολογία Παιδιού και Εφήβου από το Πανεπιστήμιο Greenwich του Λονδίνου. Ειδικεύεται στη Γνωστική- Συμπεριφορική Ψυχοθεραπεία (CBT), μια επιστημονικά τεκμηριωμένη προσέγγιση με υψηλή αποτελεσματικότητα στην αντιμετώπιση αγχωδών διαταραχών, όπως κρίσεις πανικού, γενικευμένο άγχος, φοβίες, ψυχαναγκαστική-καταναγκαστική διαταραχή και κοινωνικό άγχος. Παράλληλα, υποστηρίζει θεραπευόμενους σε ένα ευρύ φάσμα δυσκολιών, όπως διαταραχές διάθεσης, διατροφικές δυσκολίες, νευροαναπτυξιακές διαταραχές (όπως ΔΕΠΥ και αυτισμός) και δυσκολίες στις διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις. Βρίσκεται σε συνεχιζόμενη εκπαίδευση στο τετραετές πρόγραμμα της Ελληνικής Εταιρείας Γνωστικής Συμπεριφορικής Ψυχοθεραπείας, πιστοποιημένο από την Ευρωπαϊκή Εταιρεία Συμπεριφορικών και Γνωστικών Θεραπειών (EABCT). Έχει σημαντική επαγγελματική εμπειρία στο Λονδίνο, όπου εργάστηκε σε μη κυβερνητικές οργανώσεις και στο Εθνικό Σύστημα Υγείας της Αγγλίας (NHS), παρέχοντας ατομική και ομαδική ψυχοθεραπεία, καθώς και συμβουλευτική υποστήριξη σε ενήλικες και παιδιά, με βάση τα πλέον σύγχρονα θεραπευτικά μοντέλα της CBT(Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy). Στο πλαίσιο αυτό, έχει εξειδικευτεί στην αξιολόγηση και διαχείριση συναισθηματικών κρίσεων, διαπροσωπικών δυσκολιών και περιστατικών βίας σε παιδιατρικό και εφηβικό πληθυσμό, λαμβάνοντας εντατική κλινική εποπτεία. Κατά τη διάρκεια της επαγγελματικής της πορείας, έχει συνεργαστεί με Κέντρα Ειδικών Θεραπειών στη Θεσσαλονίκη, υποστηρίζοντας παιδιά με νευρο-αναπτυξιακές διαταραχές όπως ΔΕΠΥ και φάσμα του αυτισμού και τις οικογένειες τους. Δίνει ιδιαίτερη έμφαση στη δημιουργία ενός ασφαλούς, εμπιστευτικού και υποστηρικτικού θεραπευτικού πλαισίου, ενώ παράλληλα διασφαλίζει την ποιότητα των υπηρεσιών της μέσω συνεχούς επιμόρφωσης, συμμετέχοντας σε διεθνή επιστημονικά συνέδρια του Ευρωπαϊκού φορέα Γνωστικών-Συμπεριφορικών θεραπειών.

Gkountoni Anna is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, holding a professional practice license and operates her own office in the center of Thessaloniki. She has obtained a postgraduate degree in Child and Adolescent Psychology from the University of Leiden in the Netherlands. Additionally, she is undergoing training in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy at the Hellenic Association of Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy (HACBP).

Xristou A Maria Kai Synergates is an Psychotherapist - Art Therapist specializing in Counseling Psychotherapy for children and adults, and maintains a private practice in Thessaloniki. She specializes in therapy and counseling for children, adults, and families, utilizing Art Therapy and Sandplay therapy methods. These two methods can be used in combination with Counseling Psychotherapy to maximize therapeutic outcomes. She obtained her master's degree in Expressive Psychotherapy in 2000 from Lesley University in Cambridge, United States. Since then, she has worked for over ten years as an Art Therapist both in the USA and Greece. Specifically, from 1989 to 2004, she worked at organizations including Summer Camp Organization (Stockholm, Sweden), Alsten School (Stockholm, Sweden), Ilex / Vinfen Corporation (Massachusetts, USA), Arlington Youth Counseling Center (Massachusetts, USA), YWCA (X.E.N., Maryland, USA), North Charles Inc., Mental Health & Addiction Services (Massachusetts, USA), and Turnaround Inc. (Baltimore, Maryland, USA). The specialist speaks Greek, Swedish, and English. She is a certified Art Therapist by the US Art Therapy Credentials Board and a member of the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association and the Swedish Family Therapy Association.

Papigkioti Kleoniki MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Thessaloniki. She graduated from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, specializing in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. From the beginning of her career, she was deeply moved by supporting individuals experiencing difficulties, which led her to work both professionally and through internships in organizations that protect children and women who have suffered abuse. She has focused on clinical training in Mental Health through her participation in postgraduate programs at Papageorgiou Hospital, as well as at Aeginiteio Hospital, while simultaneously enriching her clinical experience through her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health at the School of Medicine of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Throughout her professional career, she has worked therapeutically with children, adolescents, and adults, supporting individuals of all ages and identities in their unique challenges. What she loves most about her work is walking alongside each person on their path of self-awareness and self-management, creating a safe space for meaningful change and development.

Mpolou Klarissa is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Thessaloniki. She studied Psychology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and completed her Master's degree in Counseling Psychology in the Department of Special Education at the University of Thessaly. She continued her studies in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, completing the four-year program of the Hellenic Society for Behavioral Research - Macedonia Branch (EEES-PM), which is certified by the European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT). Additionally, at the psychotherapeutic center "Stirixis," she managed clinical cases under a Cognitive-Behavioral approach with supervision. She has worked as a Psychologist in a refugee reception center in Ioannina. She has also worked as a Psychologist in Primary Education in the city of Thessaloniki, where she conducted seminars for educators and parents. As part of her continuous professional development, she has attended numerous workshops, seminars, and conferences on Mental Health. Her research interests include eating disorders, grief management and treatment, and couples therapy. She holds a professional psychologist license (License No. 19869/760) and maintains a practice in Thessaloniki, providing counseling and psychotherapeutic services. She is a regular member of the Hellenic Psychological Society and a member of EEES.

Dr. Samaras Apostolos is a Mental Health Counselor with a private practice in Thessaloniki. He holds a degree in Clinical Psychology and Pathology from the University of Paris Paris VIII and possesses an advanced diploma (D.E.A.) in education from the same University. The Mental Health Counselor specializes in communication issues, interpersonal relationships, and has particular expertise in family and marital psychotherapy, anxiety disorders, and behavioral problems. He continuously participates in conferences and seminars to stay updated on developments in his field and has a substantial number of publications in the Greek press. Finally, Dr. Samaras Apostolos is a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society, the World Federation for Mental Health, the International Association of Family Therapy, and the International Society of Psychopathology & Clinical Psychology.

Valamoutopoulos Theodoros is a Psychiatrist - Psychotherapist - Group Analyst, Consultant at the 424 General Military Training Hospital, and maintains a private practice in Thessaloniki. He manages a wide range of cases encompassing the entire spectrum of his discipline, with a notable specialization in Psychoanalysis, Group Psychotherapy, Psychoses, Psychosexual Disorders, and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. Additionally, since March 2021, the doctor has been a member of the International Psychoanalytical Association.

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.

Xristou Xaris is a Counseling Psychologist with a private practice in Thessaloniki. He studied Psychology (BSc) at the University of Sheffield. He continued his studies at the University of York, where he completed a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology (Master of Arts). He has worked at the Hellenic Myasthenia Gravis Association, providing psychological support to patients with Myasthenia Gravis. His experience includes internships at the Child and Adolescent Center and the General Hospital of Thessaloniki "G. Papanikolaou", in the Child and Adolescent Department, as well as volunteer work at the KETHEA ITHAKI Counseling Center and ARSIS (Social Organization for Youth Support), offering counseling support. Additionally, he has taught Psychology courses at a Private Vocational Training Institute in Thessaloniki. He continues his professional development through ongoing supervision and personal therapy, which helps him maintain a high level of knowledge and skills. Finally, he provides individual psychotherapy sessions for Adults and Adolescents, addressing a wide range of issues such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, anger management, eating disorders, interpersonal relationship management, and others.

Loizos Nikos is a Clinical Psychologist who maintains a private practice in the center of Thessaloniki. He is a graduate of the Psychology Department of Panteion University. He completed his postgraduate studies in medicine at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki with a specialization in "Clinical Mental Health," through which he has acquired extensive knowledge and understanding of the complexity of the human mind and mental functions. Additionally, he is in the process of completing his training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), aiming to obtain official certification as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. His knowledge of psychopathology and mental disorders qualifies him as a competent therapist capable of providing reliable and valid diagnoses. This is exceptionally important for the implementation of effective treatment. As a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, he possesses all necessary knowledge, research-backed techniques, and management strategies for comprehensive and effective intervention across a wide range of mental disorders. Research has shown that CBT is the most effective therapeutic method compared to other therapeutic approaches. It is a short-term therapy, typically lasting 3 to 4 months on average, depending on the nature of the difficulties and the needs of the client. His goal is to help those who trust him find functional ways to manage their difficulties. A key concern of his is to develop a strong therapeutic relationship with his clients, based on understanding, empathy, and compassion. He strives to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where individuals can openly express their concerns and collaborate towards improving their mental health and overall quality of life.

Stergiou - Stamou Stella is a Psychologist - Systemic Psychotherapist, maintaining a private practice in Thessaloniki, providing psychotherapeutic and counseling services to adults, couples, and families. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki with a focus on social-clinical psychology. She participated in the clinical training program of the 1st University Psychiatric Clinic of Papageorgiou Hospital. Subsequently, she completed her three-year training in systemic psychotherapy and counseling at the Systemic Institute of Thessaloniki. She is a member of the Greek Psychologists Association with registration number 2692, as well as the Systemic Society of Northern Greece. She holds a professional license to practice psychology throughout Greece since 2013. She has maintained a private practice in the center of Thessaloniki since 2016 and has also offered her services voluntarily at various institutions, such as the Mental Health Center of the Western Sector and the Thessaloniki Social Clinic. Additionally, the specialist has been trained and has a particular interest in issues such as depression, phobias, anxiety - panic attacks, psychosomatic disorders, trauma and post-traumatic stress, personality disorders, among others. She also deals with problems arising in the context of family and work, as well as couple-related issues. Finally, she has participated and continues to participate in psychology and psychotherapy workshops and conferences, aiming to stay continuously updated with developments in the mental health field.

Vassi Paraskeui is a Dietitian - Nutritionist. She studied in the Department of Nutrition & Dietetics at the Thessaloniki TEI, where she graduated with honors. She specializes in clinical cases (irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, diabetes mellitus, cholesterol, thyroid disorders, etc.), obesity, pregnancy, and sports nutrition. She completed her internship in the Clinical Nutrition Department at the Thessaloniki TEI. Subsequently, she participated in the research program "Alliance for Health," focusing on interventional nutrition programs for degenerative diseases (obesity, cardiovascular problems, hypertension, diabetes mellitus). From 2017 to the present, she has been collaborating with the largest gym chain in Thessaloniki, managing individualized nutrition programs tailored for adults, adolescents, and children. She has experience working with the Prolepsis Institute, through which she conducted numerous lectures at primary schools in the Thessaloniki region. Additionally, she has attended numerous conferences, seminars, and workshops related to the science of nutrition and health in general. Finally, she has contributed articles to various local magazines in the Thessaloniki region.

Ntourou Iliana MSc is a graduate of Psychology from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, with a master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Erasmus University of Rotterdam, Netherlands. She specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) through the Hellenic Association of Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy (HACBP) according to the criteria of the European Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT), and since 2021 she has been a doctoral candidate in the Medical Department of the University of Ioannina. In recent years, she has been providing psychotherapy sessions in the center of Thessaloniki. Simultaneously, since 2022, she holds a position as a Collaborating Researcher at the National Center for Research (CERTH), where among her duties are conducting research studies and providing training to healthcare professionals. Finally, she is under continuous supervision for the management of her cases.

Samara Anastasia is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains her private practice in the center of Thessaloniki. She is a graduate of the Psychology Department of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and has completed her postgraduate studies with distinction in “Clinical Mental Health” (M.Sc. Clinical Mental Health) at the School of Medicine of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. During her postgraduate studies, she had the opportunity to conduct her thesis research in the field of Anxiety and Depressive Disorders and to participate in research groups. Additionally, she has specialized in Person-Centered and Focusing Experiential Counseling Psychotherapy through the completion of the four-year program at the Hellenic Center for Focusing. During her studies and as part of her internship, she gained experience working in various settings, including the acute ward III of the Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki, the 2nd University Clinic of the Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki, the Social Service of the Hellenic Youth Association of Thessaloniki, the Non-Governmental Organization “METAdrasi,” and lifelong learning centers and educational institutions, where she coordinated parent groups. In recent years, she has been working as a Psychologist at the Non-Governmental Organization “ARSIS,” where she supports adults and adolescents from diverse social groups.

Aggelaki Ioanna is a Dietitian – Nutritionist and operates a private practice in Thessaloniki. She is a graduate of the International Hellenic University (DI.P.A.E.), specializing in Eating Disorders through training from the National Centre for Eating Disorders (NCFED). She provides personalized nutritional programs tailored to the needs of each individual, aiming to improve health, well-being, and the relationship with food. Additionally, she offers online sessions, supporting individuals from all over Greece and abroad. Currently, she is completing her Master's degree in Clinical Nutrition at the International Hellenic University. She has previously worked in a private dietetic office, as well as at the IASEIO Polyclinic, where she provided nutritional support and guidance to patients, gaining valuable clinical experience in the individualized management of nutritional needs. At the same time, she has actively participated in a research program at AHEPA Hospital focused on sarcopenia and heart failure. She regularly attends scientific conferences and nutrition workshops, continuously investing in her professional development. Her approach is personalized, scientifically substantiated, and focused on sustainable habit change, without restrictive diets, aiming for a balanced and healthy relationship with food. If you wish to acquire the knowledge and tools to eat healthily, consciously, and autonomously, you are in the right place. My goal is to guide you in creating a balanced relationship with your food and body through a personalized approach and scientifically grounded guidance.

Vagia Panagiotou is a licensed Psychologist and Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapist (CBT). She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Lincoln University (UK) and is licensed to practice by the Health Directorate of the Prefecture of Thessaloniki.

She obtained her Master’s degree in Communication from Sheffield University (UK) and completed a four-year specialized training program in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy through the Hellenic Association for Behavioral Research (EABCT-accredited), Macedonia Branch.

Her clinical experience includes working at the Day Care Center for People with Disabilities "Kivotos," and at the Psychological Center “Stirixis,” where she provided CBT-based support to individuals facing various psychological difficulties, under supervision.

She has completed further training in Couples and Family Counseling (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens), in School Psychology (University of the Aegean), and in Special Education (University of Patras). She remains actively involved in continuing professional development and clinical supervision.

Vagia also worked for eight years at Make-A-Wish Greece, contributing significantly to psychosocial support services.

She currently runs her private practice in the heart of Thessaloniki, offering counseling and psychotherapy to adults and adolescents, both in-person and online. Her work focuses on the assessment, prevention, and treatment of a wide range of mental health conditions using evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Vagena Xristina is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Thessaloniki. She holds a degree in Psychology from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and completed a postgraduate program in Counseling Psychology at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Subsequently, she underwent a 4-year training program at the Hellenic Society for Behavioral Research, specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Additionally, she is certified in the administration of the MMPI-2 (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) by ISON Psychometrica. She has worked as a trainer at the public IEK of Aridea and Sindos and at the Mental Health Vocational Training Center, providing training to caregivers of individuals with dementia, autism, and Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, she has served as a Psychologist at the American College of Anatolia in Thessaloniki, as a School Psychologist at the 12th Vocational High School (EPAL) of Thessaloniki, and as a Forensic Psychologist Expert at the Thessaloniki Court of First Instance. Finally, she was a collaborator for 6 years at the Speech Therapy Center "Playlearning" in Thessaloniki.

Andromaxi Sdoukou is a Psychologist and Systemic Psychotherapist practicing privately in Thessaloniki. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and has completed her postgraduate degree in Systemic Psychotherapy at the University of Central Lancashire (UClan), in collaboration with the College of Humanities ICPS. She has completed training programs in Postmodern Systemic Approaches to Psychotherapy (Solution-Focused, Narrative, Collaborative Approach) at the Bienestar center, as well as in Systemic and Family Therapy at the Mental Health Center (KPSY) of the Western Sector of Thessaloniki. Additionally, she has completed training in Grief Support and Counseling at Merimna Thessaloniki and in Cinematherapy at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. As part of her training, she has gained clinical experience in public mental health structures and non-governmental organizations in Thessaloniki, specifically in the Alternative Therapy Program for Dependent Individuals "ARGO," at the Mental Health Center of the Western Sector of Thessaloniki, and in the Social Service of ARSIS. From 2020 to 2021, she provided voluntary psychotherapeutic and counseling services in the Short-Term Psychological Support Group in days of Covid-19, a solidarity initiative she co-created with other Solution-Focused psychotherapists. She has volunteered at the Cinematherapy Festival, the world’s first Cinematherapy Festival, and since 2020 she has been writing articles on cinema and psychology. Currently, she provides psychotherapeutic services to adults, families, and couples through face-to-face or online sessions.

Martzivanou Maria is a certified Psychotherapist in Person-Centered Therapy, Focusing Experiential Therapy, as well as Existential Therapy, with a private practice in Thessaloniki. She has specialized in Positive Psychology and Medical Psychology, focusing on understanding the relationship between the mind and body, the psychosomatic expression of trauma, and the needs of individuals living with chronic or acute physical pain. Through extensive training and experiential practice, she has successfully integrated Western psychology with Eastern philosophy, building bridges between the mind, body, and spirit. Her approach honors the human existence as a whole, which does not need to be “fixed” but to find a space where it can be heard, to feel, and to unfold. She has provided voluntary services in social institutions such as the YMCA of Thessaloniki and the orphanage "Agios Stylianos." Finally, she is specialized in EFT Couples Therapy, Trauma Therapy and Psychosomatic Pain Treatment, Psychotherapy & Diagnosis of Adults with ADHD, Eating Disorders, and Nonviolent Communication (NVC).