Psychologist for Depression in Dionisos

Danai Lazarou is a Psychologist and an existential - systemic psychotherapist. She studied psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and specialized in Child and Adolescent Psychology, as well as Health Psychology, earning two master's degrees from Leiden University in the Netherlands (MSc in Child and Adolescent Psychology, MSc in Health Psychology). She trained in Systemic Existential therapy by participating in the six-year training program at the Antistixi Institute. Concurrently, she has been trained in the diagnosis and remediation of learning difficulties, having attended numerous seminars and educational programs at the University of the Aegean and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Additionally, she specialized in the methodology for remediating students with dyslexia developed by Asimina Mavroeidi and in the illustrative method of Dora Mavrommati. Since 2009, she has collaborated with private centers and mental health organizations, working therapeutically with children, adolescents, adults, and families, while maintaining a private practice since 2020. From 2011 to 2024, she served as a School Psychologist at the Psychiko College Elementary School, with primary responsibilities including counseling parents, educators, and children, implementing prevention programs in classrooms, as well as assessing school readiness and identifying learning or emotional difficulties. In the past, she has collaborated with KEDASY of Athens B', the Athens Naval Hospital as a scientific associate, the Hellenic Center for Mental Hygiene and Research, and the Psychiatric Hospital of Attica. She has participated in research programs, conferences, and seminars, continuously enriching her knowledge.

Varvara Karpouzou is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains her private practice in Kifisia. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of East London and has completed postgraduate studies in Clinical Psychology at the University of East London as well as in Child Psychology at the University of Central Lancashire. She specialized in Systemic-Family Psychotherapy at the Laboratory for the Investigation of Human Relations, which is based on the Synthetic Model of Systemic Therapy, as well as in the Diagnosis and Psychotherapy of Children through the SANE (System attachment Narrative Encephalon) perspective, an enriched model of systemic psychotherapy that integrates elements from attachment theory, the narrative approach, and neuroscience findings into therapeutic practice. She was trained in Sue Johnson's model, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), is a certified couples therapist, and an official member of the EFT Greek Network and the ICEEFT (International Center for Excellence in EFT). Her scientific interest in psychological trauma led her to train in the psychotherapeutic method EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for addressing emotional distress and symptoms arising from adverse life experiences or events. The Psychologist collaborates with EPIPSY, specifically with the Day Hospital. It is worth noting that, perceiving science as a dynamic process in constant evolution and wishing to be part of this process, she participates in numerous seminars and conferences both in Greece and abroad. In her private practice, she addresses a wide range of cases, combining her scientific rigor with the experience gained from over 25 years of professional activity. She is an official member of the British Psychological Society (MBPsS), the EFT Greek Network, and the Hellenic Society of Systemic Therapy (ELESYTH).

Empeoglou Varvara holds a Professional Practice License, a degree in Psychology from the University of Essex, and a postgraduate degree in Applied Clinical Psychology from the University of Central Lancashire. She has certified training in Group Analytical Psychotherapy, Couples and Family Counseling, as well as the international four-year postgraduate program at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Systemic, Dialogical, and Narrative Approaches, focusing her therapeutic practice on postmodern forms of psychotherapy. Additionally, she possesses certifications in brief therapeutic interventions such as Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Narrative Therapy. These approaches, with their practical and immediately applicable nature, complement long-term therapy by facilitating small, actionable steps of change that empower the therapeutic process. Her clinical experience includes internship at Sismanoglio Hospital, in the Adult Psychiatric Clinic and the Eating Disorders Unit, as well as collaborations with clinics, care and rehabilitation units, specialized therapy centers, and mental health centers. Currently, she works as a Clinical Psychologist in a group of elder care units and maintains a private practice in Nea Erythraia, providing psychotherapeutic support to adults, adolescents, couples, families, as well as parent counseling. Concurrently, she actively participates in scientific conferences, seminars, and workshops, enhancing her therapeutic practice with insights from the continuous advancement of science.

Ms. Krokidi Xrysa is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains her private practice in Kifisia. She holds a BSc in Psychology from London Metropolitan University and an MSc in Clinical Psychology (CBT focused) from Hellenic American University, and has completed her training at the Center for Training and Treatment of Eating Disorders (KEADD). Ms. Krokidi has completed further educational programs related to Clinical Psychology, Learning Difficulties, and training in Cognitive Behavioral Clinical Hypnotherapy, and has particular expertise in managing life changes in women during menopause. In her private practice, she handles a wide range of cases, always focusing on providing the best possible care tailored to the individual needs of each person who seeks her services.

Karametou Matina is a Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist with a private practice in Nea Erythraia. She graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and specialized in Psychiatry in Switzerland, at the University Psychiatric Clinic of Geneva and the Psychiatric Hospital of Prefargier in Neuchatel. There, she specialized in clinical psychotic disorders, personality disorders, affective disorders, and psychogeriatrics within community settings. She also received training in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry at a General Hospital in Geneva. She is specialized in Individual Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy and Couples Therapy. She has completed a four-year postgraduate training program in Systemic Family and Couples Therapy at the Psychiatric Research University Institute (EPIPSY) and a two-year postgraduate program in the diagnosis and treatment of psychosexual disorders, also at EPIPSY. She has worked at the Psychiatric Hospital of Attica, in the Admissions Department, at the Mental Health Center of Peristeri, and in the Mobile Mental Health Units of EPAPSY.

Gorgoli Dimitra is a Psychiatrist - Psychoanalyst with a private practice in Kifisia. She holds a medical degree from the University of Ioannina School of Medicine and is specialized in psychoanalysis and psychotherapy. She manages cases of panic disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, Alzheimer's disease, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, interpersonal difficulties, and life challenges. As part of her continuous professional development, she regularly participates in European and global psychoanalysis conferences, seminars, workshops, clinical groups, and supervisions. Additionally, she is responsible for the Greek editorial team of a psychoanalytic journal and has authored numerous psychoanalytic articles on contemporary issues. Furthermore, she has published an article in a foreign medical journal following two years of primary research on the social impacts of gender in schizophrenia. Finally, she is a member of the Center for Psychoanalytic Research of Athens - French School of Psychoanalysis.

Katouma Niovi is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist, licensed to practice (1137107), maintaining a private practice in Nea Erythraia. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at the University of East London, fully accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), from which she graduated with distinction. She has specialized in Integrated Counselling and Psychotherapeutic Approaches (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy/CBT, Person-Centered, Psychodynamic) and holds the European Care Certificate (ECC) from TACT HELLAS. She also holds a degree in Economic Science, Business Economics, and Finance from the Athens University of Economics and Business (formerly ASOEE). An integral part of her education includes participation in seminars and continuing professional development programs. Her professional experience derives from providing psychotherapeutic services in Psychotherapy-Counselling centers, Education, and Psychosocial Rehabilitation and support for the elderly. Attendance at seminars and trainings within her scientific field, as well as the personal supervision she receives, are closely linked to her ongoing professional growth and development. Finally, she conducts private counselling and psychotherapy sessions with adults and adolescents.

Maria Prigkou is an experienced clinical psychologist with a strong academic background and diverse training in the field of mental health. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the *European University of Cyprus* and a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from the *University of Indianapolis*, where she gained solid theoretical knowledge and practical expertise.

Further deepening her specialization, she completed a Master's in Counseling with a focus on addiction at *Philips University*, enhancing her skills in treating individuals struggling with dependency-related behaviors. In 2025, she began advanced training in Psychoanalytic/Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for Adults and Adolescents at the *European Institute of Counseling & Psychotherapy*.

Her professional experience includes work in municipal health services, non-profit mental health organizations, and private practice. She focuses on psychosomatic symptoms, eating disorders, and various forms of addiction. Her therapeutic style is grounded in consistency, empathy, and a commitment to continuous personal and professional development, including regular supervision with members of the Hellenic Psychoanalytic Society.

In addition to individual therapy sessions, she organizes experiential psychoeducational workshops and continually enriches her practice through ongoing training and clinical engagement.

Valia Xristopoulou - Theranous is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist based at the private TheraNous office in Drosia. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Ioannina and is a postgraduate student at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in the "Early Intervention in Psychosis" program. She specializes in stress management, with a particular focus on early intervention in forms of psychopathology, mental, and emotional disorders. She has completed the Clinical Psychopathology Postgraduate Seminar "Panagiotis Oulis" of the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of NKUA and the Interdepartmental Training Program of the Hellenic Society of Group Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, focusing on group dynamics. She has worked as a Psychologist at KETHEA Epirus and the Psychiatric Clinic of the General Hospital of Argolida, where she gained valuable experience supporting individuals with addictions as well as managing severe mental disorders in a hospital setting. Simultaneously, she is training in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy through the five-year program of the Hellenic Society of Group Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (HSGPP), strengthening her theoretical knowledge and clinical practice. Her goal is to provide meaningful psychological support, both through individual and group sessions, tailored to the needs of each person seeking help and change in their life.

Koutsaftiki Katerina is a licensed Psychologist – Psychotherapist, holder of a Psychology Degree with honors from the University of Greenwich, and maintains a private practice in Kifisia. She is a certified Systemic Psychotherapist from Logo Psychis – Institute of Training and Research in Systemic Psychotherapy, having completed the four-year Clinical Specialization Program SANE (System Attachment Narrative Encephalon), which integrates attachment theory, principles of narrative psychology, and contemporary findings in neuroscience. Additionally, she has attended the one-year Specialization Program in Couples Therapy and the one-year Specialization Program in Trauma Management offered at “Logo Psychis.” Lastly, she completed the Specialization program in Systemic Counseling from the Laboratory for the Exploration of Human Relations and holds an MBA from the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB) in Human Resource Management. She has taught at colleges in the field of Research Methods and Data Analysis in Applied Sciences (Psychology, etc.), and has conducted and coordinated experiential psychology seminars on self-awareness, boundaries, and interpersonal relationship management. She practices privately, providing in-person and online psychotherapy and counseling sessions for adults, couples, and parents, in both Greek & English. She specializes in interpersonal relationship issues, self-improvement and self-confidence enhancement, intra-family relationships, emotional difficulties, anxiety, occupational stress, as well as sexual orientation issues. Finally, she is a member of the British Psychological Society.

Fakiri Sevasti is a Psychologist - Systemic Psychotherapist with a private practice in Kifisia. She holds a recognized degree in psychology and has completed her postgraduate studies in London in the field of child psychology at the Institute of Education, University of London. Her dissertation, which was part of a European research project, focused on self-destructive tendencies during adolescence and the influence of the family system on their manifestation. She specialized in the systemic approach to individuals, couples, and families at the Human Relations Research Laboratory, earning the title of Systemic Psychotherapist. Concurrently, she specialized at the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of Athens in collaboration with the Research University of Athens and the Hellenic Society for Behavioral Research, focusing on behavioral therapy and enriching her therapeutic techniques for families with psychotic members. Currently, she is undergoing clinical specialization training in couple therapy at the Institute of Education and Research in Systemic Therapy "Logo Psychis." Finally, she has attended and participated in conferences as a speaker and coordinator and has developed written work for the medical website iatro.gr, as well as for journals concerning mental health.

Dr. Xaidemenos Aleksandros is a specialist Psychiatrist-Neurologist, PhD holder from the University of Athens, with expertise in Clinical Psychiatry, Psychopharmacology, Psychosomatic Medicine, cognitive and behavioral psychotherapy. He has served in Psychiatric clinics of major General Hospitals and in Specialized Psychiatric Hospitals. For 19 years, he was the Chief Coordinating Psychiatrist at the Psychiatric Hospital of Attica, where he also served as Chairman of the Scientific Council. He was a permanent member of the examination committee for the granting of Psychiatric specialty, based at the Aeginiteio University Psychiatric Hospital. He has an extensive scientific portfolio including publications in international and Greek journals, presentations at international and Greek conferences. Additionally, he is a scientific collaborator of the newspaper "Kathimerini" with numerous published articles. Finally, the physician accepts appointments and offers the possibility of home visits and online sessions via Skype, Viber, Messenger, Zoom, etc.

Antonopoulou Paraskeui is a licensed Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Kifisia. She approaches therapy with respect, authenticity, and genuine interest in the individual, while also undergoing continuous training in Integrative Psychotherapy as part of a four-year program at the University of Thessaly.

She has received specialized training in anxiety and stress, grief, and psychological trauma, emphasizing the creation of a safe and supportive therapeutic environment tailored to the needs of each individual.

She has experience in group therapeutic processes with a systemic approach, while also engaging in individual therapy and supervision, aiming for ongoing personal and professional development, as well as providing the highest quality psychological services possible.

She works with individuals who wish to address anxiety and stress management, emotional difficulties, grief, and issues related to transitional life phases.

Eleni Yoldasi is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Kifisia. With specialization in Person-Centered Psychotherapy, she offers a safe and supportive environment for personal development, self-awareness, and enhancement of mental well-being. Her goal is to help clients discover their potential, focusing on the values and needs that lead to an authentic and fulfilling life.

She completed her studies in Psychology at the **University of Essex** and is currently completing her training in **Person-Centered and Focusing-Oriented Counseling & Psychotherapy** at the **Hellenic Focusing Centre**. In parallel, she holds a diploma in **Health and Wellness Coaching** from the **International Authority for Professional Coaching & Mentoring**, while she continuously expands her knowledge with courses in philosophy, focusing on fundamental questions concerning life and human existence.

**Person-Centered Psychotherapy** is a therapeutic approach developed by **Carl Rogers** in the 20th century. Its core idea is that every individual has the potential to grow and resolve their issues when they feel accepted and understood. The therapist does not guide or judge the client but supports them with empathy and unconditional positive regard. This allows the client to explore their emotions, thoughts, and concerns in a safe space.

The therapy focuses on the person and their needs, rather than on the problem or diagnosis. The essence lies in the development of a genuine and honest relationship between therapist and client, which enables the latter to discover their own solutions and strengthen their self-esteem. Person-Centered Psychotherapy believes that we all possess the capacity for self-actualization and to live a life that truly satisfies us, as long as we have the appropriate environment of support and understanding.

Maria Rapti is a Psychologist who has dedicated her professional career to psychology with a strong emphasis on Systemic Psychotherapy. Her studies began in 2009, and since then she has expanded her knowledge through specialized training and professional experience. Since 2024, she has been enrolled in a postgraduate program in Systemic Psychotherapy, while concurrently continuing her education at the Human Relations Laboratory. Previously, she completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (2020-2023), as well as studies in Counseling Psychology (2012-2014). Additionally, she holds an HND in Speech Therapy (2011-2012) and has completed a Foundation in Speech Therapy (2009). In her professional practice, since 2024 she has been providing online sessions and collaborating with a Neuropsychiatric Clinic, offering individual online psychotherapy. Prior to this, she completed an internship at the same clinic and worked with children with learning difficulties, providing counseling to parents. Her experience also includes internships at "Arogi" (KDAP-MEA), the "Exelixi" center with a focus on autism, as well as supporting bilingual children in an institution. She remains active in continuing professional development through seminars, including training on LGBTQ+ awareness and counseling issues, psychodrama, Art Therapy, and dramatherapy. Maria Rapti consistently seeks to develop her skills further in order to provide optimal support to her clients.

Η Μάλλιου Βασιλική, MSc, είναι Ψυχολόγος – Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στη Νέα Ερυθραία. Είναι πτυχιούχος Ψυχολογίας και κάτοχος Μεταπτυχιακού Διπλώματος στην Παιδοψυχολογία από το Institute of Counselling and Psychological Studies του University of Central Lancashire.

Παράλληλα, παρακολουθεί τετραετές Πρόγραμμα Ειδίκευσης στο Συνθετικό Μοντέλο Συστημικής Θεραπείας στο Κέντρο Διερεύνησης Ανθρώπινων Σχέσεων, το οποίο αποτελεί το πρώτο πιστοποιημένο συστημικό εκπαιδευτικό κέντρο της Ελληνική Εταιρεία Συμβουλευτικής.

Έχει προσφέρει εθελοντική εργασία στα σπίτια του οργανισμού Το Χαμόγελο του Παιδιού, καθώς και στη γραμμή υποστήριξης παιδιών, εφήβων και ενηλίκων «Μαζί για το Παιδί – Γραμμή 11525», ενώ έχει συνεργαστεί με την Α’ Ψυχιατρική Κλινική του Αιγινήτειο Νοσοκομείο. Επιπλέον, έχει προσφέρει εθελοντική εργασία στον Δήμος Αμαρουσίου, σε δομές ΚΑΠΗ, σε γηροκομείο και σε ξενώνες φιλοξενίας, υποστηρίζοντας ευάλωτες κοινωνικές ομάδες, ενώ διετέλεσε και συντονίστρια ομάδας εγκύων παρέχοντας ψυχοεκπαιδευτική και συμβουλευτική υποστήριξη.

Επιπροσθέτως, πραγματοποίησε την πρακτική της άσκηση στο Κατάστημα Κράτησης Γυναικείων Φυλακών Ελαιώνα, συντονίζοντας ομάδες και παρέχοντας ενημέρωση σε ζητήματα ψυχοθεραπείας στο πλαίσιο του σχολείου και της θεραπευτικής ομάδας του ΟΚΑΝΑ. Έχει επίσης αποκτήσει επαγγελματική εμπειρία συνεργαζόμενη με ιδιωτικά γραφεία ψυχοθεραπευτών και ως ψυχολόγος στο Σικιαρίδειον Ίδρυμα, υποστηρίζοντας παιδιά με νοητική υστέρηση.

Στο πλαίσιο της διαρκούς επιστημονικής της κατάρτισης, έχει συμμετάσχει σε πληθώρα εκπαιδευτικών σεμιναρίων και αποτελεί τακτικό μέλος του Σύλλογος Ελλήνων Ψυχολόγων.

Βασικός της στόχος είναι η διαμόρφωση ενός δομημένου και ασφαλούς θεραπευτικού πλαισίου, εντός του οποίου ο εξυπηρετούμενος δύναται να εκφράζεται ελεύθερα, να προβαίνει σε ουσιαστική αυτοδιερεύνηση και να ενδυναμώνεται μέσω της ανάπτυξης δεξιοτήτων. Θεμελιώδεις αξίες που διέπουν την επαγγελματική της στάση αποτελούν η πεποίθηση ότι κάθε άνθρωπος έχει δικαίωμα πρόσβασης στη θεραπεία και ισότιμη θέση εντός αυτής, καθώς και η αναγνώριση ότι κάθε δυσκολία αξίζει να γίνεται κατανοητή, αποδεκτή και να αντιμετωπίζεται με τη δέουσα φροντίδα.