Health professionals for Couple counseling near Stavroupoli

Athanasiou–Diamantopoulou Sofia is a Psychologist – Systemic Family Psychotherapist and runs a private practice in the center of Thessaloniki. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and holds a License to Practice as a Psychologist (Protocol Number 206602/4509). Wanting to further expand her knowledge and strengthen her professional tools, she specialized in Systemic & Family Psychotherapy, completing the four-year program at the Institute of Systemic Approach & Family Therapy.

Her main goal is to provide services on an individual level, as well as to systems such as couples, families, and organizations. Since she believes that knowledge should be continuous and multifaceted, she chose to deepen her expertise in Human Rights issues and obtained her Master’s degree in Human Rights & Migration Studies from the University of Macedonia.

Through her professional experience, she has worked with trauma, grief and loss management, depression, anxiety disorders, as well as relationship issues. During 2016–2017, she volunteered at the Child Psychiatry Department of the Community Mental Health Center of Eastern Thessaloniki, as well as at the Municipal Nursery “Agios Stylianos,” where she worked with children and families, while also participating in coordinating groups for teachers.

Since 2017, she has worked in various settings, providing Mental Health services to socially vulnerable groups, both in local and international NGOs, as well as international organizations such as the International Organization for Migration. Since 2023, she has been working as a Mental Health Specialist in corporate environments, with a focus on trauma, burnout, and everyday challenges, aiming to enhance resilience and employees’ well-being, alongside maintaining her private practice.

Στο Ινστιτούτο Ψυχοθεραπείας και Προσωπικής Ανάπτυξης (Ι.ΨΥ.Π.Α) παρέχονται υπηρεσίες ψυχικής υγείας και προσωπικής ανάπτυξης με συνέπεια, κατανόηση και σεβασμό στην αξιοπρέπεια του κάθε ανθρώπου. Αντιμετωπίζοντας διάφορες ψυχολογικές διαταραχές και απορρίπτοντας τους βίαιους εγκλεισμούς και καταναγκαστικές θεραπείες, όπως επίσης και την «εμβύθιση» των ανθρώπων σε πολλαπλές και ατέρμονες φαρμακοθεραπείες από τις οποίες ο άνθρωποι σπάνια "βγαίνουν", επιδίωξη της ομάδας του κέντρου είναι η κατάκτηση της ψυχικής υγείας και όχι απλώς η καταστολή των συμπτωμάτων.

Το Ινστιτούτο Ψυχοθεραπείας και Προσωπικής Ανάπτυξης (Ι.ΨΥ.Π.Α) αποτελείται από ομάδα Ψυχολόγων, Ψυχοθεραπευτών και Ψυχιάτρων. Θεεωρούν την Ψυχική Υγεία ως ένα αγαθό, ένα αγαθό που δεν προσφέρεται, αλλά "κατακτάται' και "διατηρείται" από τον άνθρωπο που αγωνίζεται να "βιώσει" τον εαυτό του, να αναζητήσει τα νοήματά του και να αναπτύξει τις ικανότητες και την προσωπικότητα του.

Η ομάδα του κέντρου :

Ο Γιάννης Νικολής είναι Ψυχίατρος - Ψυχοθεραπευτής και ιδρυτής του Ινστιτούτου Ψυχοθεραπείας και Προσωπικής Ανάπτυξης (ΙΨΥΠΑ) στη Θεσσαλονίκη. Εκπαιδεύτηκε στην ομαδική ανάλυση και είναι πλήρες μέλος της Group Analytic Society International και Ιδρυτικό μέλος του Ελληνικού Δικτύου Ομαδικών Αναλυτών. Αναγορεύθηκε σε διδάκτορας ψυχιατρικής του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης το 1996. Έχει εργαστεί ως Ψυχίατρος - Ψυχοθεραπευτής για περισσότερα από 20 έτη σε θέσεις ευθύνης όπως ως υπεύθυνος του συμβουλευτικού σταθμού νέων. Επιπλέον, έχει εργαστεί στο ΕΣΥ για 12 έτη όπου πέραν των προβλημάτων ψυχικής υγείας ασχολήθηκε εκτενώς με ψυχοσωματικούς ασθενείς και ψυχοσωματική ιατρική. Στη διάρκεια της εργασίας του, ως Διευθυντής Ψυχιατρικής, στο Αντικαρκινικό Νοσοκομείο "Θεαγένειο" ασχολήθηκε εκτενώς με Ψυχοθεραπεία Ασθενών με καρκίνο. Επιπρόσθετα, έχει συμμετάσχει σε πολλαπλές εκπαιδευτικές και επιστημονικές δραστηριότητες σε θέματα Ψυχο-ογκολογίας. Επίσης οργάνωσε και συντόνισε Ομάδες Υποστήριξης Νοσηλευτριών Το 2019 αποχωρώντας από την κρατική υγεία, ίδρυσε το Ινστιτούτο Ψυχοθεραπείας και Προσωπικής Ανάπτυξης το οποίο και διευθύνει μέχρι σήμερα.

H Σταματίνα Κατσίβελη (PhD) είναι Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια με ψυχοδυναμικό και ομαδικοαναλυτικό προσανατολισμό. Η πορεία της συνδυάζει ψυχοθεραπευτική εκπαίδευση στο Ελληνικό Δίκτυο Ομαδικών Αναλυτών με ακαδημαϊκές σπουδές, έρευνα και διδασκαλία σε πανεπιστημιακά περιβάλλοντα στην Ελλάδα και στο εξωτερικό, μεταξύ άλλων στο Αριστοτέλειο Πανεπιστήμιο Θεσσαλονίκης, στο Πάντειο Πανεπιστήμιο, στο Queen Mary University of London και στο Deree – The American College of Greece. Το ερευνητικό και διδακτικό της έργο γύρω από τη γλώσσα, την ταυτότητα, το φύλο και τη σεξουαλικότητα εμπλουτίζει ουσιαστικά την κλινική της προσέγγιση, ιδίως σε θέματα αυτοπροσδιορισμού, ανήκειν, έκφρασης και σχέσης.

Η Νάκου Μαρία είναι Ψυχίατρος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια, απόφοιτος της Ιατρικής Σχολής του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης. Ολοκλήρωσε την ειδικότητα της Ψυχιατρικής στην Β’ Πανεπιστημιακή Κλινική Θεσσαλονίκης το 2008 , ενώ αναγορεύτηκε διδάκτορας της Ιατρικής Σχολής το 2011.

Η Άλκηστις Νικολή,MSc είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια. Σπούδασε Ψυχολογία στο Πανεπιστήμιο του Sheffield (Bachelor Degree).Συνέχισε τις μεταπτυχιακές της σπουδές στο University of Hull όπου πραγματοποίησε το Μεταπτυχιακό της (Master of Science στις Κλινικές Εφαρμογές της Ψυχολογίας. Επιστρέφοντας στην Ελλάδα, πραγματοποίησε την εκπαίδευσή της στο Ελληνικό Δίκτυο Ομαδικών Αναλυτών (ΕΔΟΑ) και εργάζεται στο Ινστιτούτο Ψυχοθεραπείας και Προσωπικής Ανάπτυξης (ΙΨΥΠΑ).

Η Σιδηροπούλου Σοφία είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και διατηρεί γραφείο στη Θέρμη. Είναι πτυχιούχος Διοίκησης Επιχειρήσεων και διαθέτει Μεταπτυχιακή εξειδίκευση στο Ανθρώπινο Δυναμικό. Το 2018 ολοκλήρωσε την εκπαίδευσή της στη Συνθετική Συμβουλευτική στο Athens Synthesis Centre και το 2024 απέκτησε πτυχίο BSc Hons in Applied Psychology από το University of Derby, μέσω του Mediterranean College Θεσσαλονίκης.Έχει μετεκπαιδευτεί στην Ψυχοδυναμική, τη Σωματικά Επικεντρωμένη Gestalt και τη Συστημική Αναπαράσταση. Το 2025 ολοκλήρωσε την εκπαίδευσή της ως Ομαδική Αναλύτρια στο Ελληνικό Δίκτυο Ομαδικών Αναλυτών.

Ioannou Xristina is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains her private practice in Thessaloniki. She holds a degree in Psychology from Aristotle University. She has completed an Annual Seminar in Clinical Psychopathology, a Theoretical Experiential Seminar on Understanding and Managing Self-Destructive Behavior, and has participated in a Self-Awareness Group and Seminars related to the First Interview Technique, Relaxation Methods, Daydream Technique, Breathing Exercises, and Addiction.

Chrysa Adamantidou is a licensed Psychologist specializing in Integrative – Systemic Psychotherapy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a postgraduate specialization in Child and Adolescent Psychology from the University of Attica. She also completed a four-year training program at the Institute of Integrative Systemic Psychotherapy of Thessaloniki.She has extensive experience working with adults, adolescents, parents, couples, and families, focusing on enhancing relationships, communication, and personal growth. Through the therapeutic process, she supports individuals in recognizing behavioral and emotional patterns, gaining deeper self-understanding, and discovering new ways of connecting with themselves and others.Her therapeutic approach is based on the Integrative – Systemic model, which views the individual as part of a broader network of relationships. Combining elements from psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and person-centered approaches, she creates a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their inner world, process personal challenges, and find new perspectives and solutions in life.Her goal is to help each person understand their needs, strengthen emotional awareness, and cultivate authentic, balanced relationships.

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.

Hatzinikoli Margarita is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Thessaloniki. She is a graduate of the Psychology Department of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. During her internship, she collaborated with the Youth Support Center of the non-governmental organization "Arsis." Within the framework of her systemic orientation, as a trainee Systemic – Family therapist at the Institute of Systemic Approach and Family Therapy, she works with families and their members, resonating with them and accompanying each individual separately, as well as all together, on the issues for which they seek her assistance. In recent years, she has participated in the design and coordination of psychosocial programs in collaboration with the "Psychotopos" team, some of which address assertiveness, conflict resolution, anger management, and sexual education. Additionally, together with the above-mentioned team, they coordinate groups focused on either personal development or various themes such as infertility and adoption. As a Professional Focusing Partner, having completed the Focusing training cycle (Level I & II), she employs the Focusing Process, an experiential (internal) method, to address cases of severe anxiety and panic attacks. Furthermore, she has completed the Effective Parenting training cycle by Gordon Hellas. Finally, as part of her ongoing professional development, she attends and participates in seminars and training programs related to domestic violence and the support of socially vulnerable groups (LGBTQ+, persons with disabilities, etc.).

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.

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.

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).

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.

Mpasdeki Sofia MA is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Thessaloniki. She holds a degree in Psychology from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a master's degree (MA) in Counseling and Psychotherapy from the University of East London. Additionally, she is a Systemic Psychotherapist, following training completed at the Institute of Systemic Thinking and Psychotherapy. The psychologist has significant experience in interpersonal relationships, anxiety disorders, and relationship problems, specializing in Systemic and Integrative Psychotherapy. In her private practice, she offers a wide range of services, respecting the unique needs of each client.