Psychologists for Anxiety and Stress in Macedonia

Mara Marialena is a Psychologist with a private practice in Katerini. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Lincoln in the United Kingdom and a master's degree in Health Psychology from the University of Westminster. The psychologist specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. In her private practice, she addresses a wide range of conditions, such as:

anxiety disorders,

obsessive-compulsive disorder,

agoraphobia,

panic attacks,

eating disorders,

loss - grief,

insomnia (CBT-i),

generalized anxiety disorder,

interpersonal difficulties

Ψυχολόγος | Υποψήφια Κλινική Ψυχολόγος

Ψυχαναλυτική – Προσωποκεντρική Προσέγγιση | Ατομική Ψυχοθεραπεία Ενηλίκων

Η Βασιλική-Ελένη Βλάχου είναι αδειούχος Ψυχολόγος, απόφοιτη του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών και μέλος του Βρετανικού Συλλόγου Ψυχολόγων ( The British Psychological Society).Πραγματοποιεί τις μεταπτυχιακές της σπουδές στην Clinical Psychology στο University of Kent (UK) και παράλληλα εκπαιδεύεται στην Ψυχαναλυτική – Ψυχοδυναμική προσέγγιση, με στόχο την εμβάθυνση στην κατανόηση της ανθρώπινης ψυχής και των ασυνείδητων διεργασιών που επηρεάζουν τη ζωή και τη συμπεριφορά του ατόμου.

Προσεγγίζει την ψυχοθεραπεία με σεβασμό, ενσυναίσθηση και αυθεντικότητα, δημιουργώντας έναν ασφαλή θεραπευτικό χώρο στον οποίο ο θεραπευόμενος μπορεί να εκφράσει ελεύθερα σκέψεις, συναισθήματα και εμπειρίες, χωρίς φόβο κριτικής. Εφαρμόζει ατομική θεραπεία ενηλίκων, με κύρια θεωρητική βάση την ψυχαναλυτική και προσωποκεντρική προσέγγιση, εστιάζοντας στην προσωπική ιστορία, τις σχέσεις και τα επαναλαμβανόμενα μοτίβα ζωής.

Έχει ολοκληρώσει την πρακτική της άσκηση στο Διεθνές Ινστιτούτο Κυβερνοασφάλειας Ελλάδος (CSI Institute), όπου παρείχε ψυχολογική υποστήριξη σε άτομα που υπήρξαν θύματα ηλεκτρονικής απάτης, εκβιασμού και διαδικτυακής κακοποίησης. Παράλληλα, ασχολείται ενεργά με την επιστημονική αρθρογραφία, με θεματολογία που αφορά την ψυχική υγεία και τις κοινωνικές της προεκτάσεις.

Η κλινική της εξειδίκευση περιλαμβάνει, κρίσεις πανικού & διαταραχές άγχους, τραυματικά βιώματα & συναισθηματικά τραύματα, διατροφικές διαταραχές (ανορεξία, βουλιμία, υπερφαγία), κρίσεις ταυτότητας και δυσκολίες μετά την εγκυμοσύνη, κατάθλιψη, δυσλειτουργικές σχέσεις & ψυχική εξουθένωση, ενίσχυση ψυχικής ανθεκτικότητας & προσωπικής ανάπτυξης.

Dimitra Karakasi is a Psychologist-Psychotherapist, graduate of the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She has completed postgraduate studies and specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She has worked in mental health facilities and school units, gaining experience in providing psychological support to adults, adolescents, and children. She deals with issues related to anxiety, depression, difficulties in interpersonal relationships, and enhancing self-esteem. Her clinical practice is based on scientifically validated methods, aiming to promote mental health and personal development.

Stamou Xrysi is a Psychologist and Psychotherapist specialized in adult therapy, conducting online sessions. Her approach is Integrative Psychotherapy, which combines elements from Cognitive Behavioral, Psychodynamic, and Person-Centered Psychotherapy, tailoring the therapeutic process to the needs of each individual. Additionally, she incorporates Psychoeducation as an integral part of the sessions, providing clients with valuable knowledge and practical tools for better understanding and managing their challenges. She began her academic career in the Performing Arts before turning to Psychology. She holds a Higher National Diploma in Counseling and Psychology, a BSc in Psychology from Cardiff Metropolitan University, as well as a postgraduate degree (MSc) in Integrative Psychotherapy and Counseling from the University of Derby. She has experience in clinical and private therapeutic settings, such as the Neurological Clinic of Agios Georgios (Nees Pagases) and private psychotherapy centers. She is specialized in the management of anxiety disorders and panic attacks, improving interpersonal relationships, addressing specific phobias, and enhancing self-esteem and self-confidence. She continues her education with a focus on Psychological Trauma, ensuring that her therapeutic practices are always modern and effective.

Tavanli Xrysa Maria is a Psychologist - Systemic Family Psychotherapist and conducts online sessions, including individual, couple, and family therapy. She has extensive experience in both the public and private sectors as a certified Psychologist. She has worked in various settings, including Community Centers, Special Education School Units, and KEDASY (Centers for Differential Diagnosis, Diagnosis, and Support), and currently serves as a School Psychologist at the Ministry of Education. She holds a Psychology degree from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and has completed postgraduate studies in Special Education. Additionally, she has completed a 4-year training program in Systemic Family Therapy. Concurrently, she is continuing her education with postgraduate studies in Gender Studies at the Hellenic Open University. She possesses significant experience in intervention within school, social, and therapeutic contexts, with particular sensitivity to diversity and vulnerable social groups. She approaches individuals’ needs with empathy, systemic thinking, and scientific evidence, emphasizing a collaborative relationship and targeted empowerment.

My name is Xalepli Anna and I hold a degree in Psychology from the University of Ioannina. I have a postgraduate degree in Applied Developmental Psychology and Forensic Psychiatry. I work privately in Katerini. Additionally, I have volunteered at the Katerini Mental Health Center for 2 years. I have been working at the Child Care Center of Katerini since February 2023.

Giannopoulou Maria is a Psychologist practicing privately in Katerini. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She has also volunteered at the Katerini Mental Health Center for 3 years.

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.

Elisavet Valkanioti is a Psychologist in Volos providing individual sessions for adults and adolescents (17+ years old), both in-person and online. She creates a safe, supportive, and confidential therapeutic environment tailored to the needs of each client.

She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Canterbury Christ Church University with a grade of Excellent and holds a Master's Degree in Organizational Psychology from University of East London.

She applies Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and has specialized training in Clinical Hypnotherapy (CBH), combining scientifically validated methods with contemporary therapeutic techniques. She offers support in issues such as:

• anxiety and panic attacks
• phobias
• sleep disorders
• smoking cessation
• chronic pain management
• weight control

She holds an advanced diploma in Cognitive-Behavioral Clinical Hypnotherapy (CBH) and has been trained in Regressive Therapy as well as in DSM-V (Understanding DSM-V), with an emphasis on the analysis of the psychiatric classification manual and the understanding of psychological phenomena.

Her therapeutic approach is integrative and individualized, combining the structured methodology of CBT with the dynamic aspects of clinical hypnotherapy, while incorporating experiential and humanistic elements.

She has experience in the field of Occupational Psychology, supporting individuals with work-related stress, professional relationships, and workplace behavior. Additionally, she has been trained in Forensic and Criminal Psychology, with a focus on psychological assessment within legal contexts.

Kastorini Vasiliki is a Psychologist who conducts online sessions. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University. She has received further training in the Gestalt Psychotherapy Program at the Gestalt Foundation, in Psychodiagnostics: Techniques and Tools for Personality Assessment in Psychological Diagnosis, and in the "Training Department in Forensic Psychology, Forensic Psychopathology, and Psychodiagnostics. Theory and Expert Evaluation Techniques & Counseling in Civil and Criminal Sectors, Adults and Minors" in Italy. The psychologist has significant professional experience in psychotherapy and counseling and has volunteered in the psychological support department of the General Children’s Hospital of Penteli, at "Together for the Child," at the Penteli Children’s Convalescent Home, at the Municipal Clinics of the Heraklion Municipality in Attica, and in other facilities. She also participates in numerous conferences, specialized seminars, workshops, and symposiums in Greece, aiming for continuous education and professional development.

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.

Peristera Kalamara MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Kozani. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and has completed a postgraduate program in Adolescent Medicine and Adolescent Health Care from the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Additionally, she is a graduate of a Special Education training program from the Department of Education at the University of the Aegean and a certified CBT Psychotherapist by the Hellenic Society of Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy. The psychologist has gained significant professional experience, having worked in mental health institutions and organizations such as the Mobile Mental Health Unit of Kozani - Grevena, the counseling & psychotherapy program "No One Alone" of the Mental Health & Social Reintegration Society, and at The Smile of the Child in Thessaloniki. Furthermore, she completed her internship at the Psychiatric Clinic of the General Hospital of Kozani and continues to work at IONOS - Company for Psychosocial Development and Cooperation.

She organizes and coordinates parent groups regarding the challenges of their new roles and provides counseling on adolescent-related issues.

She is also an instructor at Volteros IEK in the Occupational Therapy and Infant Care Departments, teaching Psychopathology courses on disorders and the professional roles in relation to mental health of the individuals they care for.

Finally, she has participated in numerous conferences related to her specialty.

Siopi Thomai MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Veria. She holds a degree in Psychology from City College of the University of Sheffield in Thessaloniki, where she was awarded a scholarship for her excellent performance. Additionally, she has a master's degree (MSc) in Health Psychology from the affiliated universities UCL and King’s College London. Furthermore, she has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at the Hellenic Society for Behavior Research. She has also completed training in the treatment of eating disorders and obesity through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She participates in seminars and experiential workshops aimed at improving and continuously developing her knowledge. Finally, she is a member of the British Psychological Society, the European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies, and the Hellenic Society for Behavior Research.

Maggana Panagiota is a Psychologist - Specialist Psychotherapist working privately, offering online sessions in Greek and English. She provides services to individuals living in Greece and abroad. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology (BSc) at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). She holds a master's degree (MSc) in Social Psychology from Tilburg University in the Netherlands. Additionally, she specializes through a four-year training program in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) provided by the Hellenic Society of Cognitive and Behavioral Psychotherapy (GACBP).

The therapeutic approach of Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy aims to illuminate the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. From early years and throughout a person's life, certain thought patterns as well as cognitive and behavioral "habits" are formed that are not always functional and often lead to dysphoric feelings or complicate our relationship with ourselves or others.

In therapy, the goal is to establish a therapeutic alliance and collaboration to identify these patterns. By setting realistic goals and considering objective environmental challenges, the individual begins to gain self-awareness, practice self-acceptance and self-compassion, and through a range of tools, develops new mechanisms for managing the self, relationships, and everyday situations.