Health professionals for Couple counseling

Foskolou Elisavet is a Psychologist with a private practice in Voula. She is a PhD candidate in the Department of Psychiatry at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Panteion University. Additionally, she completed her postgraduate specialization in Clinical Psychology at Columbia University in New York and specialized in child and adolescent mental health as well as reproductive-related psychological difficulties in women, including emotional and anxiety disorders during pregnancy and postpartum, premenstrual symptoms, and menopause associated with psychological difficulties. She has extensive clinical training that includes providing services in hospital and community settings, as well as outpatient clinics. Currently, she serves as a Clinical Psychologist and clinical practice supervisor at the UNESCO Chair of Adolescent Health and Medicine of the First Pediatric Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, at the General Children’s Hospital "Agia Sofia." Finally, it is noteworthy that she is a founding member of the Hellenic Society for the Study and Promotion of Interpersonal Therapies.

Papamargariti Vasiliki is a Psychologist - Systemic Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Kypseli. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Crete, followed by postgraduate studies in "Liaison Psychiatry: Integrated Care of Physical and Mental Health" at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), in "Clinical Interventions in Addictions" at the University of Crete, as well as in "Special Education and Training" at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Concurrently, she gained valuable experience in the field of mental health by working in significant institutions as a Psychologist, such as the Therapy Center for Dependent Individuals (KETHEA), in the Dual Diagnosis Unit, and in Counseling for Parents and Adolescents, having collaborated with a Youth Counseling Station for several years. Currently, she also works in Secondary Education alongside her private practice. The specialist is also certified in Systemic Psychotherapy - Family Therapy, having received the relevant certification from the Systemic Center for Training and Psychological Support (S.K.E.PSY), and in Couple Therapy (Institute for Training and Research in Systemic Psychotherapy).

Xasapi Theodora Kai Synergates is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Patras, where she collaborates with Psychologist Haloulou Sofia. Ms. Xasapi graduated from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University. She trained in Cognitive Analytic Psychotherapy at the Hellenic Society of Cognitive Analytic Psychotherapy and completed her internship at the Psychiatric Hospital of Attica "Dromokaitio". She received further training in "Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents" at the Child Psychiatry Clinic of the University of Athens and additionally was trained in "Biofeedback & Psychophysiological Disorders" at the Certified Lifelong Learning Center "Diastasi". Finally, Ms. Xasapi completed advanced training in Positive Psychology at Panteion University. She serves as a Psychologist, Health Officer in the Hellenic Police, and is a member of the Negotiators team in the aforementioned force, having been appointed in 2015 as the National Contact Point in the European Network of Experts on Police Psychology issues. For her, respect for the personality of the client, genuine care, empowerment of their self-confidence, and reinforcement of their value as a free individual are important guides and principles of her work.

Katsarou Emmanouela is a Psychologist-Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Marousi. Simultaneously, she works as an Associate Mental Health Counselor at the Rodicare Nursing Home, in the Social Service of the Municipal Clinics of the Ilioupoli Municipality, and in the Social Solidarity Department of the Northern Sector Regional Unit of Athens. After completing her studies in the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete, she specialized in Clinical and Community Psychology through her postgraduate studies (Master of Science) at the University of East London. In the past, she has worked as a Psychologist at the Chronic Diseases Hospital of Western Athens – Western Athens Disability Branch of the Attica Social Welfare Center. Additionally, she has volunteered as a Psychologist at the KETHEA DIAVASI Counseling Station and as a Parallel Support Companion for individuals with mental disorders at the Hellenic Center for the Promotion of Social and Mental Health "POREIA AMKE." She completed her internship at the ATHINA Program of Aeginiteio Hospital. Finally, she is specialized in Systemic Family Psychotherapy, Individual Psychotherapy, Panic Attacks, and Phobias.

Dr. Eleni Vazakidou, PhD, MSc, is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice (center located near the Church of Agios Dimitrios) in Thessaloniki. She holds a degree in Psychology from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a specialization in Systemic Psychotherapy and Counseling from the Center for Systemic Therapy and Counseling (Κε.Σ.Με.Θ). Additionally, she holds a Doctorate (PhD) in Criminology with a full scholarship and a Master's degree in Clinical Criminology from the University of Leicester, as well as a Law degree from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She possesses extensive academic experience, having lectured at the Department of Criminology at the University of Leicester and at the Department of Psychology at the European Campus of York, City College in Thessaloniki. Finally, in her private practice, the specialist provides support to adults, couples, and families through a systemic, comprehensive, and scientifically substantiated therapeutic approach.

Vaitsou Dimitra is a Mental Health Counselor - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Neo Irakleio. She holds a degree in Psychology from Athens Metropolitan College and the University of Preston in the United States. During her studies, she attended the HND Edexcel Success through qualifications BTEC Higher National Diploma program, European Educational Organization care practice. Simultaneously, she received additional training in Systemic - Family Psychotherapy through the four-year program at the "Laboratory of Human Relationships Exploration." In her professional career, she has collaborated with "The Smile of the Child," providing psychological and moral support to children; continued as a scientific associate at the "Bioanelixi" Center, heading the Counseling Psychology department by conducting individual sessions and group workshops on self-awareness, self-image, and self-esteem. Additionally, she worked as a coordinator for self-awareness groups and educational seminars at the Alternative Wellness Center "Sharmilla," provided individual counseling and family therapy at the Municipal Polyclinics of Lykovrysi, and at the Day Care and Daytime Care Center for people with disabilities in the Prefecture of Fthiotida. To date, she delivers educational lectures and seminars in schools, addressing parents, children, and educators.

Η Μυρσίνη Κατράνη είναι Ψυχολόγος με άδεια ασκήσεως επαγγέλματος (Α.Π. 14264, 30/09/2020) απόφοιτη του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών (ΕΚΠΑ) και κάτοχος μεταπτυχιακού τίτλου στην Ιατρική Ψυχολογία και Ψυχολογία Υγείας (MSc in Medical & Health Psychology) από το Πανεπιστήμιο του Leiden στην Ολλανδία. Είναι ειδικευόμενη στη Συστημική Ψυχοθεραπεία στο Ινστιτούτο Εκπαίδευσης & Έρευνας «Λόγω Ψυχής», ενώ παράλληλα έχει παρακολουθήσει επιπλέον εκπαίδευση στην Κλινική Ψυχοπαθολογία, καθώς και εξειδικευμένα σεμινάρια σχετικά με τα όνειρα, την αφήγηση στη θεραπεία και την ψυχοσωματική υγεία. Επιπροσθέτως, έχει εκπαιδευτεί στη χορήγηση και ερμηνεία ψυχομετρικών δοκιμασιών, όπως τα τεστ προσωπικότητας MMPI-2 και τα τεστ νοημοσύνης WAIS-IV και WISC-V.

Στο πλαίσιο της επαγγελματικής της πορείας έχει εργαστεί σε διαφορετικά πλαίσια ψυχικής υγείας, τόσο με ενήλικες όσο και με εφήβους. Στο παρόν εργάζεται ως Ψυχολόγος στην Ψυχιατρική Κλινική του Γενικού Νοσοκομείου Αθηνών «Γ. Γεννηματάς», όπου ασχολείται με την ψυχοδιαγνωστική αξιολόγηση, την ατομική και ομαδική ψυχοθεραπεία και τη διασυνδετική ψυχιατρική. Παράλληλα, εργάζεται και στον Ξενώνα Βραχείας Παραμονής του ίδιου νοσοκομείου, με αντικείμενο την ψυχοκοινωνική αποκατάσταση και την επανένταξη ατόμων με ψυχικές διαταραχές, παρέχοντας ατομική και ομαδική θεραπεία, καθώς και υποστήριξη οικογενειών.

Η κλινική της κατάρτιση έχει ενισχυθεί μέσα από την παρουσία της σε ποικίλα θεραπευτικά και υποστηρικτικά πλαίσια, όπως το Παιδοψυχιατρικό Κέντρο Ψυχικής Υγιεινής του Ι.Κ.Α., η Κοινωνική Υπηρεσία του Δήμου Ηλιούπολης και ο Σύνδεσμος Θεραπευτικής Ιππασίας Ελλάδας (ΣΘΙΕ). Παράλληλα, έχει συμμετάσχει σε ερευνητικές εργασίες με θεματικές όπως η μετατραυματική ανάπτυξη στην ψύχωση, η επίδραση της αυτοαποτελεσματικότητας στη ρύθμιση του πόνου, καθώς και η σχέση μεταξύ γονικού δεσμού, εικόνας σώματος και κατάθλιψης.

Στο πλαίσιο της θεραπείας στόχος είναι να βοηθήσει τον κάθε άνθρωπο να κατανοήσει βαθύτερα τον εαυτό του και τις εμπειρίες του, να αναγνωρίσει τις ανάγκες και τις δυνατότητές του και να αποκτήσει μεγαλύτερη αίσθηση προσωπικής επιλογής και ελέγχου στη ζωή του. Στη θεραπευτική διαδικασία δίνεται χώρος στην προσωπική ιστορία και στον τρόπο με τον οποίο κάθε άνθρωπος νοηματοδοτεί τις εμπειρίες του, μέσα σε ένα ασφαλές και υποστηρικτικό πλαίσιο. Παράλληλα, δίνεται έμφαση στην αναγνώριση των δυνατών σημείων και των πόρων που ήδη διαθέτει ώστε η θεραπεία να μην επικεντρώνεται μόνο στη δυσκολία ή στο σύμπτωμα, αλλά και στην ανάπτυξη νέων τρόπων αντιμετώπισης, στην ενίσχυση της αυτονομίας και της εμπιστοσύνης στις δυνατότητές του, στη βελτίωση των σχέσεων και στη δημιουργία μιας ζωής με περισσότερο νόημα και προσωπική κατεύθυνση.

Nektarios Oikonomou is a Psychologist with private practice offices in Markopoulo and Porto Rafti. He graduated from the Department of Psychology at UCLAN University (2017-2021) and has enhanced his knowledge with specialized studies at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT, Social Clinical Psychology of Addictions, Sports Psychology, and Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families), strengthening his ability to approach psychological issues from multiple dimensions.

Professionally, he maintains private practice offices in Markopoulo and Porto Rafti, offering psychotherapy services, addiction treatment, psychological support, and counseling.

He is also active as a sports psychologist with PAO Kalyvia (2024-present), where, combined with his status as a final-year student at the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science (TEFAA), he employs a comprehensive scientific approach that links mental empowerment with physical performance, supporting athletes in enhancing mental resilience and competitive performance.

Additionally, he has collaborated as an addiction counselor at KETHEA DIAVASI (2020-2021). In the field of addictions, he integrates his scientific training with profound experiential understanding of addiction and recovery mechanisms, which enhances empathy and the effectiveness of the therapeutic approach.

Η Παπαϊωάννου Δέσποινα BSc, MA, MSc είναι Κλινική Ψυχολόγος – Ψυχοδυναμική Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια – Ομαδική Αναλύτρια και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στα Ιλίσια. Σπούδασε Ψυχολογία στο Κρατικό Πανεπιστήμιο Gabriele D’Annunzio της Ιταλίας, όπου ολοκλήρωσε και το μεταπτυχιακό της στην Κλινική Ψυχολογία και Ψυχολογία της Υγείας, ενώ κατέχει και δεύτερο μεταπτυχιακό στην Αναπτυξιακή Ψυχολογία από το Ελληνικό Ανοικτό Πανεπιστήμιο. Επιπλέον η ειδικός είναι εκπαιδευόμενο μέλος της Ελληνικής Εταιρίας Αναλυτικής Ομαδικής και Οικογενειακής Ψυχοθεραπείας (ΕΕΑΟΨ&ΟΨ). Έχει παρακολουθήσει εξειδικευμένα προγράμματα, σεμινάρια και συνέδρια στην ψυχοπαθολογία παιδιού, εφήβου και ενήλικα, στην ψυχοσωματική και την ψυχανάλυση ενώ συνεχίζει τη διαρκή επιστημονική και κλινική εκπαίδευση στο χώρο της Ψυχικής Υγείας και της Ψυχοθεραπείας. Ειδικεύεται στην υποστήριξη ατόμων που αντιμετωπίζουν δυσκολίες διάθεσης και άγχους, διαπροσωπικές και οικογενειακές δυσκολίες, φοβίες, διαταραχές προσωπικότητας, καθώς και ζητήματα διαχείρισης κρίσεων και χρόνιων νοσημάτων, ενώ παράλληλα παρέχει υποστήριξη σε θέματα προσωπικής ανάπτυξης. Παρέχει ατομική ψυχοθεραπεία ενηλίκων και εφήβων, θεραπεία ζεύγους, ομαδική θεραπεία και συμβουλευτική γονέων, τόσο δια ζώσης όσο και online, με στόχο τη δημιουργία ενός ασφαλούς και υποστηρικτικού θεραπευτικού πλαισίου όπου κάθε άτομο μπορεί να εκφραστεί ελεύθερα με σεβασμό στη μοναδικότητά του. Παράλληλα, συνεργάζεται επιστημονικά με την εταιρεία Αέρτον.

Danesi Xristina Theodora is a Psychologist-Psychotherapist specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She holds an honors degree in Psychology from the BSc (Hons) Psychology program at CCCU. She has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at K.E. PSY. SY, as well as in the Mood Disorders treatment program at BipolarLab. She has received additional training in School Psychology from the University of the Aegean, as well as in Child Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Regarding her volunteer work, she has provided her services at "The Smile of the Child" and milamou.gr. She has attended numerous seminars and has delivered lectures on a variety of topics. She provides her services with lifelong education and respect for the individualized needs of each person. Finally, the specialist uses Standardized and Internationally Recognized Psychometric Tools for Personality Disorder Assessment, Structured Neuropsychiatric Evaluations, Questionnaires Investigating Early Dysfunctional Experiences and Traumas, and Standardized Psychometric Tools for the Assessment of Personal Beliefs.

Maria Krokou is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist, currently running a private practice at Kotzia Square, in the center of Athens. She graduated with distinction (grade: 8/10) from the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, having been awarded a merit-based scholarship following an entrance examination. During her studies, she completed part of her academic training through an Erasmus scholarship at the Autonomous University of Madrid, where she focused on cognitive and behavioral techniques. In parallel, she participated for one year in the psychoeducational program of the Madrid City Council, Educamoscontigo, offering weekly online psychological support sessions to a secondary school student. She later completed a practical training program, also through an Erasmus scholarship, at the Las Torrecillas Therapeutic Educational Center of the NGO DIANOVA España, where she conducted psychoeducational classroom interventions as well as individual and group psychotherapy with adolescents facing recent addiction-related and emotional difficulties. Maria has also worked at the private psychotherapy center Moebius, where she participated in individual, family, group, and couples’ sessions, with a particular focus on psychosomatic conditions. Her supervisor there was Alicia Golijov, founder of the Iberian Neuropsychoanalysis Association. Currently, she works as a self-employed psychologist – psychotherapist, offering individual therapy for adolescents and adults. Her clinical focus includes supporting individuals in their parenting role, exploring ambivalence in relationships, promoting self-awareness, interrupting dysfunctional repetitive patterns, reducing distressing symptoms, building self-confidence, and enhancing relational capacity, among others. In the past, she has also worked at the “Anagennisi” Creative Employment Center for Individuals with Autism, supporting individuals with co-occurring symptoms such as ADHD, selective mutism, social withdrawal, and relational difficulties. Additionally, she worked as a shadow teacher for a first-year high school student facing emotional, social, and learning challenges. Maria completed her internship through an ESPA program at the Family Therapy Unit of the Psychiatric Hospital of Attica, where she participated in observation groups of family therapy sessions as well as systemic psychotherapy groups. She has also completed, among other programs, the one-year Postgraduate Clinical Training Program for Psychologists at the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of the University of Athens (Aiginiteio Hospital), where she coordinated group sessions with individuals on the psychotic spectrum at the hospital’s Day Unit. She is currently completing her training at the Hellenic Association for Analytic Group and Family Psychotherapy.

Therapy sessions are also available in Spanish.

Skolarikou Eleni is a Psychologist, Child Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Neos Kosmos. She holds a degree in Psychology from the Open University UK. Subsequently, she completed postgraduate studies (MSc) in Applied Psychology at Derby University as well as in Child Development Psychology at the University of Central Lancashire. Additionally, she has completed a three-year postgraduate training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling and has attended a postgraduate seminar in Positive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Positive CBT) at the Society for Cognitive Behavioral Studies. She has worked as a Psychologist in various settings, gaining valuable experience such as at the Red Cross Hospital, Korgialeneio - Benakeio, and the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling. In her private practice, she handles cases across the full spectrum of Psychology, conducting sessions with adults, children, adolescents, and parents.

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.

Konstantinos Xatzirafailidis is a Psychiatrist and maintains his private practice in Thessaloniki. He manages a wide range of cases, always focusing on providing the best possible care tailored to the individualized needs of each person he treats.