Health professionals for Anxiety and Stress in the Northern suburbs of Athens

Η Αθηνά Μπακαράκη, Ψυχολόγος και Συστημική Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια, δημιουργεί έναν ασφαλή χώρο για την έκφραση και την εξερεύνηση των σκέψεων και συναισθημάτων σας.

Αποφοίτησε από το University of Strasbourg με πτυχίο στην Ψυχολογία (BSc Hons) και συνέχισε την εξειδίκευσή της στη Συστημική και Οικογενειακή Ψυχοθεραπεία στο Εργαστήριο Διερεύνησης Ανθρωπίνων Σχέσεων, αποκτώντας μια ολιστική ματιά στη θεραπεία ατόμου και οικογένειας. Στο πλαίσιο των σπουδών της, φοίτησε και στο Université Lille III, διευρύνοντας τις γνώσεις της πάνω στην εκπαίδευση και την ανάπτυξη του ανθρώπου. Παράλληλα, ολοκλήρωσε προπτυχιακές σπουδές στο Εθνικό Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών, στο Τμήμα Εκπαίδευσης & Αγωγής στην Προσχολική Ηλικία, γεγονός που της προσέφερε βαθύτερη κατανόηση της παιδικής ψυχολογίας και της ανάπτυξης των πρώτων σχέσεων ζωής.

Ως Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια συνεργάζεται με ενήλικες, εφήβους, ζευγάρια και οικογένειες. Στις συνεδρίες της εφαρμόζει τη Συστημική Προσέγγιση, επικεντρώνοντας όχι μόνο στο άτομο, αλλά και στις σχέσεις και τα περιβάλλοντα που το επηρεάζουν. Μέσα από ένα υποστηρικτικό και ασφαλές πλαίσιο, βοηθά τους θεραπευόμενους να διαχειριστούν άγχη, στρες, διαπροσωπικές δυσκολίες, ζητήματα αυτοεκτίμησης και προσωπικής ανάπτυξης. Οι συνεδρίες απευθύνονται σε ανθρώπους που ζουν στην Ελλάδα ή στο εξωτερικό και μπορούν να πραγματοποιηθούν διαδικτυακά, στα ελληνικά ή στα αγγλικά.

Η Αθηνά Μπακαράκη έχει εργαστεί σε ιδιωτικά κέντρα, εθελοντικές δομές και νοσοκομειακά πλαίσια. Αυτή τη στιγμή, εργάζεται στο Κέντρο Υποστήριξης Παιδιών και Ενηλίκων, ΔΙ.ΚΕ.Ψ.Υ., προσφέροντας ψυχολογική αξιολόγηση και ψυχοθεραπεία σε παιδιά, εφήβους και ενήλικες και συμβουλευτική γονέων. Παράλληλα, εργάζεται ιδιωτικά παρέχοντας εξατομικευμένη ψυχοθεραπεία ενηλίκων με συστημική προσέγγιση, με στόχο την προσωπική ανάπτυξη και υποστήριξη κάθε θεραπευόμενου. Η κλινική της εμπειρία έχει ενισχυθεί μέσα από τη συνεργασία της με την Ψυχιατρική Κλινική του Γενικού Νοσοκομείου Νίκαιας. Εκεί, συμμετείχε ενεργά στην ψυχοεκπαίδευση των ασθενών και τη διαγνωστική αξιολόγηση ψυχοπαθολογικών καταστάσεων. Επιπλέον, έχει προσφέρει εθελοντικά τις υπηρεσίες της μέσω της διαδικτυακής πλατφόρμας ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης "Μίλα μου", παρέχοντας ψυχολογικές πρώτες βοήθειες σε άτομα σε κρίση.

Η εμπειρία της στον τομέα της εκπαίδευσης, μέσω της συνεργασίας της με το μοντεσσοριανό νηπιαγωγείο Rainbow School Paris, την έχει βοηθήσει να κατανοήσει καλύτερα τις ανάγκες των παιδιών και τον τρόπο με τον οποίο διαμορφώνονται οι πρώτες τους σχέσεις και συμπεριφορές.

Δεν περιορίζεται μόνο στις κλασικές θεραπευτικές συνεδρίες, αλλά ενσωματώνει και δημιουργικές προσεγγίσεις για την ενίσχυση της ψυχικής υγείας. Έχει συμμετάσχει στο TEDxKlonatzidika, όπου σχεδίασε και συντόνισε το βιωματικό εργαστήριο "Τρέφοντας το Νου: A Vision Board Workshop", το οποίο επικεντρώνεται στην ενίσχυση της ψυχικής ανθεκτικότητας και της αυτογνωσίας, μέσω δημιουργικών τεχνικών όπως η οπτικοποίηση στόχων με τη χρήση vision board.

Kounidou Ioanna is a Systemic Psychotherapist for adolescents and adults, maintaining a private practice in Nea Ionia. She is a graduate of the Psychology Department at the University of East London. She obtained her master's degree in Clinical and Community Psychology from the University of East London. She has completed numerous advanced trainings in the diagnosis and treatment of adolescents using a systemic approach. In her practice, she engages in individual psychotherapy, parent counseling, and adolescent psychotherapy. She continuously attends numerous seminars, workshops, and training programs aimed at ongoing education and professional development, while also undergoing individual therapy and supervision to effectively meet the demands of her therapeutic work. Sessions are conducted either in person or online, depending on the needs of each client. In a safe and supportive environment, she will work with you and accompany you on your journey toward the life you desire.

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.

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.

Lekka Elena is a Psychologist - Child Psychologist with a private practice in Chalandri. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology from University College London. She has also been trained in Special Education and the education of individuals with Disabilities and Special Educational Needs at the Second Pediatric Clinic of the University of Athens, as well as in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at the Medical Psychotherapeutic Center. In the field of voluntary work, she has collaborated with the NGO "Give Hope - Δώσε Ελπίδα," providing group psychological support sessions to cancer patients and their families. She gained significant clinical experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in both individual and group settings. She has worked as a school psychologist in primary education units and was a member of an interdisciplinary committee for diagnostic educational assessment and support of the educational needs of students and their families. She has also collaborated with centers providing psychosocial services to families, undertaking psychological support for children and adolescents through play therapy, parental counseling, and specialized learning support for children with learning difficulties. Currently, she teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the School of Psychology and the School of Education as a collaborating lecturer at the University of Derby. In her private practice, she offers individual sessions for adults, children, and adolescents, as well as parental counseling both in-person and online.

Η Γκόγκα Κατερίνα είναι Ψυχολόγος με άδεια άσκησης επαγγέλματος Ψυχολόγου (αρ. 727818) και απόφοιτος του τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Πανεπιστημίου Ουαλίας με διάκριση (Upper 2nd class honours, Division 1). Παρέχει συνεδρίες δια ζώσης καθώς και διαδικτυακές (online). Και στις δύο περιπτώσεις η πρώτη συνεδρία πραγματοποιείται χωρίς χρέωση. Διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στη Νέα Φιλαδέλφεια. Είναι τελειόφοιτος στην κλινική της ειδίκευση στην Γνωσιακή - Συμπεριφοριστική Ψυχοθεραπεία (C.B.T) στο Ινστιτούτο Έρευνας και Θεραπείας Συμπεριφοράς (Ι.Ε.Θ.Σ.). Εργάζεται ως Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια στο Τμήμα Θεραπειών Ενηλίκων του προαναφερθέντος ινστιτούτου και λαμβάνει μέρος σε ομαδική εποπτεία. Είναι σημαντικό να σημειωθεί πως και η ίδια βρισκόταν σε ατομική ψυχοθεραπεία επί 3.5 χρόνια, εξασφαλίζοντας έτσι ένα ασφαλές πλαίσιο στη θεραπευτική σχέση με τον θεραπευόμενο όπως και την προσωπική της ανάπτυξη ως επαγγελματίας και ως άνθρωπος. Είναι κάτοχος μεταπτυχιακού στην Γνωσιακή Νευροψυχολογία (Μsc in Cognitive Neuropsychology) από το Πανεπιστήμιο του Sheffield, όπου ειδικεύτηκε στη Νευροψυχογική αξιολόγηση και αποκατάσταση των γνωσιακών λειτουργιών του εγκεφάλου (όπως μνήμη, προσοχή, αντίληψη, κ.α.). Εργάστηκε εθελοντικά ως Ψυχολόγος - Νευροψυχολόγος στην Ψυχογηριατρική Εταιρία "Νέστωρας" από το 2019 μέχρι το 2021. Έχει πραγματοποιήσει επιτυχώς μετεκπαίδευση εξειδικευμένης επιμόρφωσης πάνω στην Ιατρική Ψυχολογία από το Εθνικό και Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών (ΕΚΠΑ). Οι σπουδές στη Γνωσιακή Νευροψυχολογία και στην Ιατρική Ψυχολογία σε συνδυασμό με την κλινική ειδίκευση της στην Ψυχοθεραπεία, της παρέχουν τις γνώσεις για μία πιο ολοκληρωμένη και σφαιρική εικόνα, προσεγγίζοντας το νου και την ψυχή σαν άμεσα συνδεδεμένα και όχι ξεχωριστά κομμάτια. Κατά τη διαδικασία της θεραπείας, εκτός των μεθόδων ψυχοθεραπείας, εφαρμόζει συνδυαστικά ψυχομετρική αξιολόγηση στους θεραπευόμενους. Αυτό έχει ως στόχο την εξασφάλιση της σωστής διάγνωσης αλλά και της εικόνας της πορείας του θεραπευόμενου κατά τη διάρκεια της θεραπείας. Κέρδισε πρώτη την υποτροφία στο πρόγραμμα ΙΒ (International Baccalaureate) με κατεύθυνση την Ψυχολογία, την οποία και διατήρησε βάσει της άριστης ακαδημαϊκής της επίδοσης. Υπήρξε εθελόντρια στο Χαμόγελο του Παιδιού ως φροντίστρια παρέχοντας ψυχολογική υποστήριξη σε παιδιά. Παρακολουθεί και ενημερώνεται συνεχώς πάνω στην επιστήμη της Ψυχολογίας.

Petrou Vilma MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and conducts online sessions. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Athens with honors. She has held a professional practice license since 2021 and has specialized in stress management and anxiety disorders through the postgraduate program "Science of Stress and Health Promotion" at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Her psychotherapeutic approach is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), in which she was trained through the four-year training program of the Institute for Research and Behavioral Therapy (IEΘS). Simultaneously, through her participation in a holistic stress management and lifestyle change program for heroin-dependent users at the OKANA Unit of Sismanogleio Hospital, she gained valuable experience in the management of addictions, providing both individual and group sessions. In recent years, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, offering psychotherapy and counseling on issues such as anxiety disorders, depression, emotional difficulties, and interpersonal relationship challenges. Her experience includes individual adult sessions (both in-person and online), as well as sessions with children and adolescents through her collaboration with Special Therapy Centers. Her goal is to tailor the techniques she applies to the individualized needs of each client, aiming to improve their mental health and quality of life.

Maria Mpoutsali is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist, licensed to practice and maintains a private practice in Metamorfosi. She conducts both in-person and online sessions. She provides psychotherapeutic services to adults, children, adolescents, and parents. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete and a postgraduate degree in "Clinical Interventions in Addictions" from the same university. Additionally, she has specialized in "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Adults" at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling (K.E.PSY.SY.), while also receiving further training in "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)" at the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies, as well as in coordinating Parent School Groups and Adolescent Groups, at the Panhellenic Association of Parent Schools. She completed her postgraduate internship at the OKANA Adolescent Unit - "Atrapos," and has volunteered her services at the Association of Parents, Guardians, and Friends of Individuals with Autism in Rethymno. Throughout her professional career, she has worked as a Psychotherapist in the Social Service of the Municipality of Ilion and as an escort at the Camp Program of the Panhellenic Federation of Associations of Parents and Guardians of Persons with Disabilities (P.O.S.G.K.A.meA.). To this day, she collaborates with Centers for Special Therapies in Attica, where she conducts individual psychotherapy sessions for children and adolescents, as well as parent counseling sessions. Within the framework of her ongoing education and training, she has participated in scientific conferences and specialized seminars focusing on psychological research and innovative therapeutic approaches.

Robert Ian Kibet Ouko Babu is a Psychologist and Psychotherapist with private practices in Cholargos and Patissia, Athens. He holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Central Lancashire and a Master’s degree (MSc) in Integrative Psychotherapy and Counselling from the University of East London. He is currently completing his training in Person-Centered and Focusing-Oriented Experiential Psychotherapy at the Hellenic Focusing Center.

He is certified in Emotion Focused Couples Therapy by ICEEFT and the EFT Greek Network, and is also a certified Effective Parent Trainer through Gordon Hellas. In addition, he is currently completing a Master of Science in Global Health and Disaster Management at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.His clinical practice is grounded in the individual needs of each client and serves a diverse range of people. He actively supports diversity and inclusion, fostering a therapeutic environment where clients feel respected, heard, and understood.His therapeutic style is open, collaborative, and paced according to each client’s readiness and goals. He approaches every session with creativity and personal engagement, viewing therapy as a shared and evolving process. With many years of experience in psychotherapy, he follows a holistic approach, integrating multiple therapeutic models and methods to meet each person’s unique needs. He places emphasis not only on thoughts and emotions but also on bodily experience, recognizing the individuality of each client and their life context.

Kouvara Aggeliki MSc is a Psychologist - Existential Systemic Psychotherapist licensed to practice and maintains a private practice in Chalandri. She completed her studies at the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and subsequently pursued postgraduate studies at the same university with a scholarship from the State Scholarships Foundation. From 2010 to 2016, she trained in the Existential - Systemic Approach at "Antistixi". She is a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society (SEPS) and the Hellenic Society of Systemic Therapy (ELESYTH). Additionally, she specializes in systemic psychotherapy, counseling, anxiety disorders, and career orientation. Throughout her career, she has worked as a Mental Health Counselor in numerous clinics and associations, gaining valuable experience, which enables her today to provide sessions in her private practice addressing anxiety management, depression, relationship problems, behavioral and communication issues, loss and grief, low self-esteem, anger management, and eating disorders. With a primary focus on creating an atmosphere of trust, acceptance, and genuine interest for each individual, she helps harness each person's strengths to achieve the goals they have set for themselves. Finally, Ms. Kouvara is a member of the Hellenic Society of Systemic Therapy and the Hellenic Psychological Society.

Kontou Kelly is a Psychologist - Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist, with postgraduate studies in Mental Health from the MSc program at King’s College London. Additionally, she has significant experience as a Group Analyst and Family and Couple Therapist, providing treatment to patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders. In adult and adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Kontou Kelly addresses issues such as anxiety disorders (panic attacks, agoraphobia), mood disorders, depression, dysthymia, eating disorders (bulimia, anorexia, obesity), work-related stress management, conflict resolution in the workplace, existential issues (loss, death anxiety, loneliness), lack of goals and direction, and difficulties in accepting sexual orientation. Moreover, she conducts group therapy sessions for adults and adolescents aimed at improving communication, interpersonal relationships, and assertiveness. Lastly, by offering family and couple therapies, the Psychologist assists in addressing problems within parental relationships as well as their relationships with their children, including situations involving divorce.

Kouta Viky is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Marousi. Upon completing her studies at the Faculty of Philosophy of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, she studied Psychology at the University of Nicosia. She subsequently pursued postgraduate studies in Child and Adolescent Mental Health at the University of Edinburgh and attended a specialized training seminar in Clinical Psychopathology "Panagiotis Oulis" at the First Psychiatric Clinic of the University of Athens. Additionally, she trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy at the Institute of Research and Therapy of Behavior and is currently undergoing further training in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy at the Oxford Mindfulness Centre. She has professional experience working in various settings in Scotland and Greece, such as the Lothian Autistic Society and the Day Care Center for Individuals with Disabilities "Chloe," respectively, while also being a trainee Psychologist - Psychotherapist at the Institute of Research and Therapy of Behavior (IETHS). Finally, she specializes in personality disorders and emotional disorders.

Kostis Panagiotis is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist with a private practice in Kifisia. He holds a professional license and has extensive experience in the psychological support of children, adolescents, and adults. His therapeutic approach combines elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Systemic Psychotherapy, emphasizing the individual as a member of their family and social environment.

He has worked for years in child protection and vulnerable population services, conducting both individual sessions and family support. Concurrently, he has experience in coordinating shelter facilities and managing mental health issues in vulnerable social groups.

He studied Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire and pursued postgraduate studies in Child Development (MSc in Psychology of Child Development) at the University of Central Lancashire. He has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling, while his systemic approach has been shaped through extensive training at the Athenian Center for the Study of Man.

Zarogkika Lina is a Psychologist specializing in Counseling Psychology and Psychotherapy. She holds a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from London Metropolitan University and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of East London. Her studies, combined with her clinical experience, have equipped her with a deep understanding of human emotions and behaviors. Her therapeutic approach is based on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), while also employing an integrative model utilizing tools from systemic, psychodynamic, gestalt, mindfulness, and other modalities. She has been trained and specializes in couples therapy, eating disorder treatment, clinical psychology, sexual education, anxiety, as well as other areas and approaches within the field. With experience in mental health settings and participation in scientific research projects, her aim is to provide practical and meaningful solutions. She focuses on the uniqueness of each individual and creates a safe and supportive environment to help clients address their challenges. Through empathy and contemporary therapeutic methods, she assists in redefining issues for a more functional and balanced daily life. A crucial component of all the above is the establishment of a therapeutic alliance with trust as its fundamental element.

Merantza Maria is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a Person-Centered Approach and maintains a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. She was born and studied in Athens. She holds a degree in Psychology from Panteion University and is a graduate of the Master’s Program in Child Psychology (MSc in the Psychology of Child Development) at the University of Central Lancashire, UK. Additionally, she has completed a three-year training program in Person-Centered Counseling/Psychotherapy, earning a Postgraduate Diploma in Person-Centered Counselling/Psychotherapy from ICPS College in collaboration with the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. She acquired clinical experience at the University Child Psychiatry Clinic at the “Agia Sofia” Children’s Hospital through collaboration with the multidisciplinary team of the Outpatient Unit, participating in the collection of children’s psychosocial histories and administration of diagnostic tests, as well as in the operation of the Special Clinic for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Moreover, she attended an annual training program in Special Education and Training organized by the Developmental Pediatrics Unit of the University Clinic of Athens and received certification for her training in the Children’s Apperception Test (C.A.T.) and Thematic Apperception Test (T.A.T.) projective testing programs for children and adults, respectively. Furthermore, she participated in the pilot adult mental health program within the framework of support and health promotion programs of the Municipality of Athens, in collaboration with the NGO “Aktaia.”

Anastasiadi Marina is a Psychologist with a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. She studied Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a Master's degree (MSc) in Counseling Psychology in Education, Health, and Work, from the Department of Education and Preschool Education of the same institution. She has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Institute for Research and Therapy of Behavior and at the Society for Cognitive and Behavioral Studies. Additionally, she has completed training in Parent Schools coordination at the Panhellenic Federation of Parent Groups and training in Clinical Psychopathology at Aiginiteio Hospital of Athens. She has significant, extensive professional experience as a Psychologist, working with adults facing a wide range of daily life challenges, and with children, adolescents, parents, and educators in Primary and Secondary education, in special therapy centers, in a shelter structure for unaccompanied minors, and at a Center for Interdisciplinary Assessment, Counseling & Support (KEDASY). Lastly, she regularly attends specialized training seminars on psychology, counseling, and psychotherapy with the aim of continuous professional development and advancement, focusing on the Third Wave Cognitive Therapies (Compassion Focused Therapy, Mindfulness).