Health professionals for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in Attica

Talamagka Elpida is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a psychoeducational approach based on the Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) model at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling. She maintains a private practice in Vyronas. She holds a degree in Psychology and specialization in designing and implementing psychological techniques from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has attended a series of trainings on various psychometric instruments (BAI, BDI, etc.) and projective personality tests, psychological support, psychoeducation, and the management of anxiety, panic attacks, and depression, both individually and in groups. Alongside her private practice, she serves as a Mental Health Counselor at the Charitable Association for Unborn Children "The Embrace," where she provides psychological support to pregnant women and mothers. She has worked as a Psychologist at the "Aeolos - Xenios Zeus" boarding house and has volunteered as a Psychologist at the "Kallipolis" boarding house. She conducts seminars and lectures for various organizations such as Bebefest, addressing topics like Postpartum Depression management, challenges faced by single-parent families, and more. She takes on adults and adolescents, individually or in groups, as well as couples and families for psychological support, psychotherapy, counseling, anxiety and panic management, anger management, phobia treatment, depression therapy (including postpartum), interpersonal relationship management, family issues, parental counseling, OCD therapy, and enhancing mental resilience.

Pateraki Emmanouela MSc, is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Lykovrysi. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and holds a master's degree (MSc) in Applications of Psychology in Health from the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She has specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for adults at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling (KE.PSY.SY). The specialist has also specialized in the Treatment of Eating Disorders at the European Institute of Counseling and Psychotherapy (EICP Institute) and in Special Education and Training: Diagnostic, Therapeutic, and Counseling at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). Her goal is to provide individualized psychological support to adolescents and adults facing issues related to anxiety, panic attacks, and depressive symptoms, eating disorders and body image concerns, emotional difficulties and relationship problems, learning and behavioral difficulties, as well as issues of self-esteem and personal identity. Currently, she specializes in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy with children and adolescents at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling (KE.PSY.SY).

Η Σακαρέλλου Σταυρούλα,MSc είναι Ψυχολόγος με άδεια ασκήσεως επαγγέλματος και εκπαιδευόμενη στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία (ΓΣΘ) στο Αιγινήτειο Νοσοκομείο καθώς και στη Συστιμική Ψυχοθεραπεία στο ΑΚΜΑ. 

Είναι απόφοιτη του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας με κατεύθυνση Κλινική Ψυχολογία του University of Kent (BSc) και κατέχει Μεταπτυχιακό Τίτλο Σπουδών (MSc) στη Γνωστική Νευροεπιστήμη και Νευροψυχολογία από το ίδιο πανεπιστήμιο.

Έχει ολοκληρώσει επιπλέον εκπαιδεύσεις στη στη Σχολική Ψυχολογία και στη θεραπευτική αντιμετώπιση Διατροφικών Διαταραχών και Παχυσαρκίας, ενώ βρίσκεται σε συνεχή κλινική εκπαίδευση και εποπτεία.

Έχει αποκτήσει κλινική εμπειρία σε δημόσιες και ιδιωτικές δομές ψυχικής υγείας. Συγκεκριμένα, έχει εργαστεί στο Πανεπιστημιακό Γενικό Νοσοκομείο ΑΤΤΙΚΟΝ, συμμετέχοντας στην ψυχολογική αξιολόγηση και υποστήριξη ασθενών, καθώς και στη διεπιστημονική συνεργασία στο πλαίσιο νοσοκομειακής φροντίδας. Επιπλέον, έχει συνεργαστεί με ιδιωτικές δομές, όπως το Thalpos, παρέχοντας ψυχολογική υποστήριξη σε ενήλικες.

Παράλληλα, εργάζεται ως online ψυχολόγος στην πλατφόρμα HIWELL, προσφέροντας συνεδρίες εξ αποστάσεως. Έχει επίσης εμπειρία στη χορήγηση και ανάλυση ψυχομετρικών εργαλείων (MMPI-II) μέσω της συνεργασίας της με το MED24.

Έχει παρακολουθήσει πληθώρα σεμιναρίων στον τομέα της ψυχικής υγείας και της κλινικής ψυχολογίας. Στο θεραπευτικό της έργο εφαρμόζει επιστημονικά τεκμηριωμένες παρεμβάσεις, προσαρμοσμένες στις ανάγκες του κάθε θεραπευόμενου.

Πιστεύει ότι η θεραπεία είναι μια διαδικασία αυτογνωσίας και ενδυνάμωσης, η οποία, παρότι συχνά συνοδεύεται από αβεβαιότητα ή φόβο στην αρχή, μπορεί να αποτελέσει ένα ουσιαστικό βήμα προς την κατανόηση του εαυτού και την αλλαγή. Μέσα σε ένα ασφαλές και υποστηρικτικό πλαίσιο, στόχος είναι να αναγνωριστούν μοτίβα σκέψης και συμπεριφοράς, να καλλιεργηθεί η ψυχική ανθεκτικότητα και να δοκιμαστούν νέοι, πιο λειτουργικοί τρόποι αντιμετώπισης της καθημερινότητας.

Elena Petsa is a Psychologist-Psychotherapist, graduate of the Psychology Department of Panteion University, and maintains a private practice in Ilioupoli. Following her undergraduate studies, she pursued postgraduate training in Clinical Psychopathology at the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and a Behavioral Psychotherapeutic approach at EPIPSY. She has completed internships at the Vyronas Family Association for Mental Health, the Behavior Therapy Unit of the Hellenic Center for Mental Health and Research, and the Special Behavior Therapy Clinic of Aeginiteio Hospital. She specializes in anxiety disorders including panic attacks, specific phobias, generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, agoraphobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and hoarding disorder in adolescent and adult populations. Appointments available by request. Online sessions are offered.

Sourina Karina is a Clinical Psychologist-Psychotherapist and operates her private practice in Gerakas. She holds a Bachelor of Science Honours degree from the University of Derby and has completed postgraduate studies in Clinical Psychology at Hellenic American University. In her practice, she handles a wide range of cases, always focusing on providing the best possible service tailored to the individual needs of each client she undertakes.

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.

Tsixlas Fotis is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice located in Gkyzi, on Alexandras Avenue. He holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete and a master's degree in Health Psychology from Aston University in the United Kingdom. He has attended the postgraduate seminar in Clinical Psychopathology "Panagiotis Oulis" at the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of the University of Athens. He is a certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Psychotherapist, having completed his studies at the Institute of Behavioral Research and Therapy (ΙΕΘΣ). He has worked at the Institute of Preventive, Environmental, and Occupational Medicine Prolepsis, conducting research in the field of health promotion. Additionally, he has served at the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs as a Psychologist in Centers for Interdisciplinary Evaluation and Counseling, providing counseling services and assessment of learning difficulties. Concurrently, he collaborates with the Panhellenic Association for the Protection, Information & Assistance of Children with Heart Disease "The Heart of the Child," where he volunteers counseling services to parents of children with congenital heart disease. He specializes in anxiety management, interpersonal relationships, mood, and personality disorders. Furthermore, he focuses on supporting and improving the quality of life for individuals with chronic conditions, as well as promoting health through the adoption of healthier behaviors.

Varna Eleni is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Zografou. She studied Psychology at the University of Surrey and holds a master’s degree in Health Psychology from University College London. Subsequently, she specialized in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at Aeginiteio Hospital, at the Research University Institute of Mental Health, thereby shaping her psychotherapeutic approach and acquiring theoretical training and clinical experience. She gained further experience by completing her internship at the Hellenic Bipolar Organization. Concurrently, she has volunteered in psychological support and social assistance services via telephone. Subsequently, she collaborated with mental health facilities, acquiring experience with adults on the autism spectrum. In private practice, she focuses on counseling and psychotherapy for adults. Finally, she specializes in anxiety and mood disorders as well as psychosomatic symptoms.

Karagianni Marieui is a Psychologist who conducts both in-person and online sessions. She holds a professional practice license. She is a graduate of Psychology from Panteion University and holds a master's degree in "Applied Cognitive and Developmental Psychology." She has extensive experience in psychotherapy for adults, children, and adolescents, as well as in parent counseling. She has collaborated with private practices such as the initiatives Trust Your Therapist and Mind Your Emotion, as well as the Child, Adolescent, and Adult Support Center – Voutzis & Co. Additionally, she has been trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Adults by the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies. In the past, she has provided her services to organizations such as the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos," the Psychosocial Support Line 10306, and the Speech Processing Institute, and she has also been involved in preparing candidates for transfer exams in Psychology. She is distinguished by her scientific expertise, reliability, and respect for the needs of each patient.

Kakampakou Xrysoula MSc is a Clinical Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Exarcheia. She holds a degree in Psychology from the Hellenic American University and a master's degree in Clinical Psychology from the same institution. She completed her internship at OKANA – Organization Against Drugs and has worked as a Human Resources Consultant at Spectrum Labs. For the past 4 years, in her private practice, she has been helping adults and adolescents overcome daily life challenges. She utilizes CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) to address anxiety, panic attacks, emotional issues, addictions, depression, and other difficulties. She offers both in-person and online sessions for immediate and effective support.

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.

Papanikolaou Natalia is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Ilisia. She holds a professional license with protocol number 1771 / 20-02-2019. She is a graduate of the Psychology Department of Panteion University and an honors graduate of a postgraduate diploma from the Medical Department of Athens, as well as a second postgraduate diploma from the Pedagogical Department of Athens, where she was admitted with a full scholarship. She has completed a four-year specialization program in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Society of Cognitive and Behavioral Studies (EISS), certified by the EABCT. Additionally, she has been trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and has completed a training program in Clinical Psychopathology within the framework of the program at the First Psychiatric Clinic of the University of Athens. Furthermore, she has received certification for the Ariston Test – a career orientation tool. Her special interests include anxiety and depressive disorders, relationship counseling, self-image, and personality disorders. Currently, she works as a school psychologist as well as privately, conducting sessions with adults, children, and adolescents, including online sessions. Sessions are conducted in Greek and English.

Mytautsi Stella is a Psychologist & Child Psychologist – Psychotherapist with two private practices in Heraklion, Crete, and in central Athens. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Panteion University and holds a master's degree (MSc Child and Adolescent Mental Health) from King’s College London, officially recognized by DOATAP.

During her studies in the United Kingdom, she trained at the Institute of Psychiatry and the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, gaining valuable clinical experience in modern, scientifically validated therapeutic models. Upon returning to Greece, she specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and completed the postgraduate Clinical Psychopathology program at the Psychiatric Clinic of the Medical School of Athens.

In recent years, she has expanded her clinical training in contemporary therapies, such as Schema Therapy, EMDR trauma therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). Simultaneously, she has specialized in the treatment of Eating Disorders.

Her therapeutic approach is individualized, combining scientific evidence with an emphasis on the therapeutic relationship, empathy, and understanding of deeper psychological patterns.

She has been practicing privately as a psychologist since 2016 and holds a professional practice license.

Katsarou Agni Georgia is a Psychologist (MSc) and Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapist. She works privately, providing online sessions to adults and adolescents, while also collaborating with the Child Protection Unit "The Embrace," where she offers psychological support to children and adolescents through individual sessions, as well as parental counseling.

She studied Psychology at the University of Ioannina and holds a Master's Degree from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, in the Interdisciplinary Program "Applications of Psychology in Health" of the School of Medicine. She has completed a three-year training in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy at K.E.PSY.SY., and is currently training in advanced specialized education in Eating Disorders at KEADD.

As part of her professional training, she completed an internship at the Psychiatric Clinic of the General Hospital of Corfu and subsequently volunteered with the Detoxification Unit of the same hospital. She has participated in activities at the multidisciplinary detoxification center KETHEA Corfu, as well as at AMKE IASIS, an organization providing psychosocial support to vulnerable groups in Athens, taking part in group sessions, interventions, and the operation of interpersonal relations groups.

Simultaneously, she regularly attends seminars and conferences aiming at her continuous scientific development and enhancing the effectiveness of her therapeutic work. She writes articles for psychology magazines and maintains an active interest in research and current scientific advancements. She is a member of the Corfu Psychologists Association.

Pitsinis Errikos Dionysios is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist who conducts online psychotherapy sessions while also maintaining his private practice in Kypseli. He has completed studies in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the International Psychotherapy Center "ALYPIA," holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Forensic Psychology from the University of Central Lancashire, and a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Forensic Psychology from Coventry University. His professional experience includes work in private practice as well as an internship at the Korydallos Detention Center I. He has specialized through training programs at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in the following areas: Couple and Family Counseling and Therapy, Aggressive and Violent Behavior: Professional Risk Assessment and De-escalation Techniques, Anxiety and Depression: Psychoeducation and Management, Psychosocial Support for Prisoners and Reintegration Issues, and Cluster B Personality Disorders (Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, and Narcissistic Personality Disorders). Finally, the specialist is a regular member of the Hellenic Association of Psychologists.

Kollias Thanos MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Athens, providing psychological support and counseling to adolescents, adults, and couples, applying principles of cognitive and behavioral psychotherapy. He is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has also completed undergraduate studies in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at the same university, as well as postgraduate studies in Communication, Management, and Innovation at Wageningen University in the Netherlands. His interdisciplinary training contributes to a holistic understanding of human behavior, communication, and interpersonal relationships. He has received further training in Cognitive and Behavioral Psychotherapy at the Society for Cognitive and Behavioral Studies, recognized by the European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT), while simultaneously pursuing a Master's degree in Educational Sciences at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), specializing in the Psychopedagogy of Reading. He has collaborated with mental health institutions such as the Non-Profit Organization IASIS and the General Hospital Asklipieio Voulas (Child Psychiatry Department), gaining experience in assessment, parent counseling, and psychotherapeutic intervention with children and adolescents. In his therapeutic approach, he utilizes music therapy as a means of expression and processing emotions, enhancing emotional understanding and creative communication.

Gerontidi Eleanni BSc, MSc is a Psychologist - Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapist for Children & Adults with a professional license. Her undergraduate and postgraduate studies were conducted and completed through the University of Central Lancashire in England, with full recognition by the corresponding Greek authorities. Subsequently, she trained in Cognitive and Behavioral techniques related to procrastination, assertiveness, mental imagery, among others, through seminars conducted by distinguished PhD holders. Additionally, through the Hellenic Society of Cognitive & Behavioral Studies, she has been trained in the approach of Cognitive & Behavioral Therapy for children and adolescents. Her personal and professional principles focus on mutual respect, unconditional acceptance of people, empathy, and collaboration as essential components for building a strong therapeutic relationship. A good therapeutic relationship - collaboration is defined in the literature as one of the most important factors for the positive outcome of therapy - counseling (Flückiger, Del Re, Wampold, & Horvath, 2018). Professionally, she has worked in Human Resources Management aiming to improve working conditions by conducting relevant research. However, she has placed greater emphasis on psychotherapy, aiming to support individuals in finding and obtaining what they need to live a full and healthy life. In her clinical experience, she has focused, among others, on trauma, ADHD, self and body image, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, emotion regulation, assertiveness, and more. Finally, in addition to individual therapy for adults and adolescents, she provides counseling for parents, couples, and career (e.g., interview preparation) in both Greek and English.