Mental Health Counselors for Burnout in Kolonos

Varelas Giorgos is a Consultant in Mental Health with a Integrative Approach and maintains a private practice in Akadimia Platonos. He studied Counselling (COSCA, Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland) at the Athens Synthesis Center, has completed a one-year seminar in Group Analysis at the Group Analysis Institute 'S.H.Foulkes' and is a member of the Hellenic Counselling Society. Currently, he works as a Mental Health Consultant providing individual adult sessions both in-person and online.

As a psychotherapist, I work with a calm, steady presence and offer a setting of safety, respect, and genuineness, where what you experience can be heard at your own pace. My approach is person-centered and non-directive: the goal is not to “change you,” but to create space for you to recognize what you feel, what you need, and how you wish to care for yourself. I accompany adults facing anxiety, sadness or low mood, burnout, fear/panic, relationship difficulties, grief, and self-esteem concerns. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship and the consistency of small steps: through quiet, attentive meetings, needs and boundaries come into focus, and more care is cultivated in everyday life. If this way of working feels right, it would be a pleasure to meet.

Ο Χατζηανδρέου Ευάγγελος, είναι Ψυχολόγος με άδεια ασκήσεως επαγγέλματος, κάτοχος πτυχίου BSc (Hons) στην Ψυχολογία από το University of East London, με μεταπτυχιακές σπουδές MSc (with Distinction) στην Κλινική και Κοινοτική Ψυχολογία από το ίδιο πανεπιστήμιο. Παράλληλα, είναι εκπαιδευόμενος Ψυχοθεραπευτής στη Συστημική Προσέγγιση, στο πλαίσιο του Διεθνούς Τετραετούς Μετεκπαιδευτικού Προγράμματος στη Συμβουλευτική και Ψυχοθεραπεία του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών.

Η θεραπευτική του προσέγγιση βασίζεται στις αρχές της συστημικής θεωρίας, με επιρροές από τη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφοριστική Θεραπεία (CBT) και τη Λακανική ψυχανάλυση. Η θεραπευτική του στάση προσβλέπει τη θεραπεία, ως μια διαλογική και αλληλεπιδραστική διαδικασία, κατά την οποία το νόημα και η αλλαγή προκύπτουν μέσα από τη θεραπευτική σχέση και τη συν-κατανόηση. Κεντρικές αξίες που διέπουν την προσέγγιση του, είναι η αυθεντικότητα, ο αναστοχασμός, η συμμετοχικότητα στη θεραπευτική σχέση και η διάθεση επανεξέτασης των αφηγήσεων που οργανώνουν την εμπειρία και τη ζωή του/της θεραπευόμενου/ης.

Έχει αποκτήσει κλινική εμπειρία μέσω πρακτικής άσκησης σε δομές όπως ο Οίκος Ευγηρίας “Λεώνια”, καθώς και μέσω εθελοντισμού στην ΑμΚΕ “Καρκινάκι”. Επιπλέον, έχει προσφέρει υπηρεσίες σε γραμμή ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης, παρέχοντας άμεση ψυχολογική ανακούφιση και στήριξη σε άτομα που βρίσκονται σε κατάσταση κρίσης ή έντονης συναισθηματικής δυσκολίας.

Δεσμεύεται στη διαρκή επιμόρφωση και εποπτεία, με στόχο την υπεύθυνη, επιστημονικά τεκμηριωμένη και με σεβασμό παρουσία στη θεραπευτική διαδικασία.

Έχει συμμετάσχει σε πλήθος σεμιναρίων και εκπαιδευτικών δράσεων, όπως:

    •    Σεμινάριο Ψυχοεκπαίδευσης, Metropolitan College

    •    Σεμινάριο Κλινικής Ψυχανάλυσης (Ψ.Ν.Α. – Α.Κ.Σ.Π.Α.)

    •    Σεμινάριο «The Clinic of the Gaze in Adolescents», Γ.Ν.Α. “Γ. Γεννηματάς”

    •    Κλινική Νευροψυχολογική Εκτίμηση και Αποκατάσταση, Metropolitan College

    •    Πιστοποιημένο πρόγραμμα «Διαχείριση Προβλημάτων Οικογενειακού Βίου», Ίδρυμα Ποιμαντικής Επιμόρφωσης

    •    Online course “Moralities of Everyday Life”, Yale University

Παράλληλα, συμμετέχει σε εκπαιδευτικές δραστηριότητες ως εισηγητής σε σεμινάρια ψυχολογίας και επόπτης πτυχιακών εργασιών σε φοιτητές/τριες Ψυχολογίας. Έχει επίσης συμμετάσχει ως ομιλητής (individual speaker) σε διεθνές επιστημονικό συνέδριο, παρουσιάζοντας ερευνητική εργασία.

Στο θεραπευτικό πλαίσιο υποστηρίζει άτομα που αντιμετωπίζουν άγχος, συναισθηματικές δυσκολίες, εσωτερικές συγκρούσεις, δυσκολίες στις διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις, απώλεια και ζητήματα αυτοεκτίμησης.

Σήμερα εργάζεται ιδιωτικά, προσφέροντας ατομικές συνεδρίες δια ζώσης και διαδικτυακά. Στο πλαίσιο της θεραπευτικής του πρακτικής, η διαδικασία προσεγγίζεται ως ένας χώρος διαλόγου και συνεργασίας, όπου οι εμπειρίες, οι σκέψεις και τα συναισθήματα μπορούν να εκφραστούν και να διερευνηθούν με ασφάλεια. Μέσα από αυτή τη διερεύνηση, οι προσωπικές αφηγήσεις μπορούν να επανεξεταστούν και να αποκτήσουν νέα νοήματα, ανοίγοντας τη δυνατότητα για διαφορετικούς τρόπους κατανόησης του εαυτού και των σχέσεων.

Spartinou Zozefin MSc is a Mental Health Counselor - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Petralona. She initially studied Molecular Biology in the Department of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee, United Kingdom, but her postgraduate studies at the American College of Greece Deree focused on Psychology. Additionally, she holds a master's degree (MSc) in Counseling Psychology and Psychotherapy from the Department of Psychology at the American College of Greece Deree, and she continues to train in Systemic Psychotherapy at the Athens Center for the Study of the Human AKMA. She has worked as a Mental Health Counselor - Psychotherapist at the American College of Greece Deree and at the 1st Municipal Clinic of the Municipality of Athens. She has maintained her private practice in Petralona since 2022, providing personalized services tailored to the unique needs of each individual.

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.

Karimpa Akrivi is a Mental Health Counselor and Social Scientist based in Peristeri. She studied Psychology at the Center for Humanistic Studies and Research in Athens and Social Sciences at the University of Peloponnese. Additionally, she completed her internship at the Public Psychiatric Hospital of Athens (Dafni) and her training in Group Dynamics and Group Psychotherapy at the Open Psychotherapeutic Center - Athens Institute of Group Analysis. Concurrently, she holds a teaching qualification with a specialization in School Psychology and undergoes ongoing supervision by a certified clinical supervisor, Psychologist, and Counselor of the Person-Centered Approach. She is also a scientific collaborator and contributor to the online psychology platform Psychology.gr and specializes in counseling for adolescents and adults, as well as couple therapy.

Papaeuaggelou Maria is a Psychologist – Systemic Family Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Omonia. She holds a BSc in Psychology from London Metropolitan University and an MSc in Psychology from the University of Central Lancashire. She has obtained a Professional Diploma in Systemic and Family Therapy from the Laboratory for the Investigation of Human Relations, as well as a Professional Diploma in Mental Health Counseling (Person-Centered Approach) from the College for Humanistic Sciences – ICPS, certified by Pearson UK. Additionally, she has specialized in Emotional Trauma Management and Personality Disorders at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has completed clinical internships at the Outpatient Detoxification Clinic "Athena" of Aiginiteio Hospital and at OKANA (Organization Against Drugs), gaining experience in the assessment and therapeutic support of individuals with addictive behaviors and their families. Her therapeutic approach is based on Systemic and Person-Centered Psychotherapy, emphasizing the creation of a safe framework of trust and acceptance that facilitates personal awareness, empowerment, and meaningful change. Finally, her office provides personalized psychotherapy and counseling services tailored to the needs of each individual, couple, or family, aiming at empowerment, improvement of quality of life, and meaningful personal development.

Stefanos Gkogkornas is a Psychologist and Psychotherapist. He studied Psychology in the Psychology Program at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) through the four-year postgraduate program of the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies. Additionally, he received training in Clinical Psychopathology through the two-year programs of the First University Psychiatric Clinic of NKUA and the Research University Institute of Mental Health. Finally, he has been trained in the fundamental principles of mindfulness and self-awareness at the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies.

He has worked as a Psychologist on the telephone support line for "Together for Children," in the kindergartens of the Municipality of Dafni-Ymittos, at the Family Counseling Center of the Municipality of Kallithea, with the NGO Freedom Gate, and in the Adult Therapy Department of the Institute for Research and Therapy of Behavior. He currently practices privately as a Psychotherapist, with clinical experience that includes individual and group psychotherapy and counseling sessions with people of all ages, dealing with problems related to family, work, or social relationships, and presenting a variety of psychopathologies such as depression, anxiety disorders, panic attacks, personality disorders, among others.

Pefanis Konstantinos is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist offering both in-person and online sessions. He holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree in Psychology and Counselling from Teesside University and a Master of Science (MSc) in Clinical Psychology and Counselling from the University of Derby. He has specialized in Clinical Psychopathology through the Hellenic Open University and in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults from the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies (EGLS). Since 2018, he has collaborated with organizations such as the Mavilis Counseling Center, the Child and Adolescent Center "Iliantos," and the Special Therapies Center for Individuals with Disabilities. He has also served as a psychologist and coordinator of activities in the "Connect your city" program. In 2019, he was appointed scientific director at the Elderly and Mobility-Impaired Care Unit "MyThalpi Care and Rehabilitation," and in 2020, he served as scientific director at the Residence of Nea Smyrni "House of Serenity." His voluntary work includes participation in the Social Solidarity and Psychological Support Network "Syn-Yparxi" as well as in the online program "Talk to Me." He is an active member of the scientific working group for the documentation and effectiveness of psychotherapies in Greece (RECBT Greece). He has participated in numerous scientific conferences and seminars covering topics ranging from neuropsychological assessment and psychogastroenterology to sexual education and childhood psychopathology. Additionally, he has attended workshops and training programs from recognized institutions and universities, enhancing his knowledge and therapeutic skills. Combining scientific training, professional experience, and social sensitivity, he provides specialized psychotherapy and psychological support services tailored to the needs of each individual.

Giorgos Orfanos is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains two private practices, in Peristeri and Athens (Ilisia - Hilton). He holds a distinction-awarded master's degree in Applied Clinical Psychology (MSc in Applied Clinical Psychology with Distinction) from the University of Central Lancashire, as well as a first-class honours degree in Psychology (BSc Hons Psychology Science – First Class Honours) from the University of Essex. Additionally, he has completed studies in Economics at Kingston University in London. He specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which he completed at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling, with experience in individual sessions and group interventions within mental health organizations such as the NGOs Agkalia and Symvallein. His therapeutic approaches incorporate elements from the "third wave" of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), including Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Furthermore, his extensive background in the business sector has motivated him to continuously develop his knowledge of critical psychological concepts such as anxiety, stress, and generally high psycho-emotional pressure and performance conditions (performance psychology). He believes in a collaborative relationship, considering the therapeutic alliance and unconditional acceptance as the cornerstone for the success of therapy, the enhancement of self-awareness, psychological resilience, and personal development.

Gerasimidou Aggeliki is an honors graduate Psychologist from the Department of Psychology at the University of Essex, BSc (Hons), and holds a professional practice license. She provides psychological services in her private practice named "Soul Embrace" in the center of Athens, as well as online. Currently, she specializes in the Systemic Psychotherapeutic Approach through the corresponding postgraduate program at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling (Κ.Ε.ΨΥ.ΣΥ). She has completed the certified professional specialization program in Relationship and Couples Counseling based on psychodynamic and systemic approaches from the European International University (Paris). She also holds a certificate of specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Theory and Clinical Practice from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She completed her practical training at the Institute of Relational & Group Psychotherapy (ΙΣΟΨ) and at the Educational Institute of Synthetic Approach (ΕΚ.Ι.ΣΥ.Π). Currently, she conducts sessions with adolescents and adults addressing issues such as low self-esteem, self-improvement, occupational burnout, anxiety and emotional disorders, psychosomatic symptoms, trauma, grief, anger management, as well as difficulties related to dysfunctional relationships, phobias, depression, and panic attacks. She is engaged in ongoing individual and group supervision for her therapeutic work, as well as personal therapy, to ensure the quality and ethics of the services she provides. Simultaneously, she participates systematically in educational programs related to her clinical and therapeutic interests, aiming for continuous scientific and professional development.

Giannakopoulou Maria is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist providing individual sessions both in-person and online. She has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She offers psychotherapeutic support to adults, adolescents, and children, focusing on understanding and modifying dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors related to anxiety, mood, and interpersonal difficulties.

She studied Psychology at the University of Derby and completed her training in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling. Additionally, she holds a Master's degree (MSc) in Counseling and Guidance from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

She has worked in private and public mental health institutions, supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, depressive symptoms, relationship difficulties, and self-esteem issues.

Within the therapeutic setting, she emphasizes a collaborative relationship with the client and the clear formulation of goals. Through understanding cognitive and emotional patterns, the aim is to develop more functional ways of thinking and behaving, as well as to enhance psychological resilience. The therapeutic process is individually tailored, taking into account each person's needs, pace, and objectives.

Simultaneously, she regularly participates in supervision and professional development programs, aiming for continuous professional and personal growth.

Marina Kirmpa, MSc, is an experienced Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Peristeri, providing personalized mental health services based on a solid academic and professional background. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Crete and a master's degree in "School Psycho-pedagogy and Prevention of Youth Deprivation." Additionally, she has studied at the Higher School of Pedagogical and Technological Education (ASPAITE) and has received formal training in Cognitive Analytic and Systemic Psychotherapy. Her clinical experience is extensive, including work at the Attica Psychiatric Hospital "Daphne," as well as in specialized therapy centers. She has also provided her services in various educational settings (Primary Schools, Junior High Schools, General High Schools, Vocational High Schools, and IEK). She maintains continuous professional development through parent seminars and active participation in scientific conferences.

Vasileiadou Despoina is a Psychologist - Trained Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Omonia. She studied at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She completed her thesis on issues of occupational burnout under the supervision of distinguished professors. She specializes in Gestalt psychotherapy, a holistic and human-centered approach to psychotherapy. As part of her lifelong learning, she attends educational seminars and lectures on topics concerning society and the role of psychotherapy within it. She participates as a group coordinator in caregiver support groups for cancer patients and provides voluntary work in the online program "E-therapy," which aims at crisis intervention. For personal development, she considers it essential to regularly engage in supervision (both individual and group) and personal therapy (individual and group).

Mathioudi Maria practices Body Psychotherapy with the aim of achieving harmonious coexistence of mind, body, and soul. Her primary tool, both diagnostic and therapeutic, beyond verbal communication, is the body. The involvement of the body in the therapeutic process enables the individual to directly enhance self-awareness through self-observation, authenticity towards the Self, and psychological resilience — essential components of psychosomatic balance and overall health. Through the creation of an atmosphere of psychological closeness, empathy, and genuine respect for every personality, a safe and supportive space is formed for the journey towards positive development. She has many years of experience with adult groups, prevention and health promotion groups for pre-adolescents, as well as support groups for caregivers of cancer patients and the ill. Simultaneously, throughout these years, she has been conducting individual sessions, continuing her therapeutic work as a Body Psychotherapist in Aigaleo to this day.

Kandiliotis Danae is a psychologist - psychotherapist and has a private office in the centre of Athens. She holds a BSc, MSc in Psychology and is a member of the Hellenic Association of Psychologists. Community of Behavior Analysis. In addition, she has completed two years of study at the two post-graduate trainings in the Department of Sociology of Panteion University, two post-graduate trainings in Cognitive-Behavioural Psychotherapy and is a Behavioural Analyst. In her office she undertakes a variety of clinical cases, mainly anxiety disorders, mood and personality disorders. She has worked extensively with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and has attended as speaker at conferences, workshops and television shows. In addition, she has conducted internship at the Smile of the Child and has also been a collaborator of the Local Mental Health Promotion Team of the Municipality of Nea Smyrni and other institutions. Finally, she has attended numerous seminars and trainings regarding Psychology issues and Psychiatry, while she is also involved in issues of work and Organizational Psychology. She serves in the Athens area, in the centre of Athens and in the area of Ampelokipi. Both offices are located at a minimum distance from metro stations.

Gkerki Georgia is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Cardiff Metropolitan University. She has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), one of the most scientifically validated psychotherapeutic approaches.

Her aim is to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment where each individual can freely express themselves, gain deeper self-understanding, and develop practical tools for a more balanced and functional daily life.

She has attended specialized seminars in couples therapy and group analysis, enriching her clinical experience in both individual and group therapeutic settings. In her work, she supports individuals facing issues such as anxiety, depression, phobias, panic attacks, difficulties in anger management, interpersonal relationship problems, and low self-esteem, as well as parents seeking guidance in child-rearing.

She believes that psychotherapy is a journey of collaboration and empowerment, respecting the uniqueness and needs of each person.