Health professionals for Addictions

Tzougkaraki Ifigeneia is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Cholargos. She is a graduate of the University of Derby with a professional license to practice. In recent years, she has been pursuing a certified four-year specialization in Systemic Family Psychotherapy from the Laboratory for the Exploration of Human Relations, while simultaneously volunteering at the Municipal Polyclinics of Papagou, as well as at Merimna. She provides psychotherapy, counseling, and psychoeducation sessions at her private office in Cholargos, both in person and online. She places particular emphasis on creating a safe environment within which each client can genuinely explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Her clinical experience includes supporting individuals with issues such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, anxiety disorders, grief, phobias, interpersonal relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, anger management, addictions, and trauma. To ensure the quality of her therapeutic work, she regularly participates in supervision, utilizing it as an important tool for self-observation and professional growth. She supports and accompanies her clients with respect for their uniqueness, empowering them on their journey toward self-awareness, strengthening, and self-acceptance. At the same time, she remains committed to continuous personal and professional development to respond with authenticity and sensitivity to the needs of those who trust her. She also states that the therapeutic process consists of the meeting of two "experts": the client, who is the expert of their own life, and the therapist, who provides the knowledge and experience. 

I was born in Athens in 1983, where I spent my childhood and school years.

Driven by my Cretan roots and the prestigious reputation of the University of Crete, I decided to study Medicine in Heraklion following the national exams in 2001. I graduated in 2008 with a GPA of 7.05 ('Very Good').

Immediately after obtaining my degree, I moved to Munich, Germany, to pursue my medical residency. Although I initially wavered between Neurology and Psychiatry, I was drawn to Psychiatry after a year of working in neurological rehabilitation.

I completed my residency at the renowned psychiatric teaching hospital Inn Salzach Klinikum in Wasserburg am Inn, affiliated with the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU). During the academic years 2015/2016, I also served as a lecturer at the hospital's nursing school.

In the summer of 2016, I was awarded the title of Specialist in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (Facharzt für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie) by the State of Bavaria. My medical specialty was officially recognized in Greece in 2017.

From 2017 until late 2024, I worked as a specialist Psychiatrist-Psychotherapist at the outpatient clinics of KBO-Klinik Nord in Munich. Parallel to this, from 2018 to 2023, I served as a Court-Appointed Psychiatric Expert for the Bavarian State Courts, collaborating with the Munich-based institute GWG (Gesellschaft für wissenschaftliche Gerichts- und Rechtspsychologie).

In 2018, I had the honor of being a speaker and interpreter at the Greek-German conference "Challenges of Psychotherapy in a Globalizing World," organized by the Munich Medical Academy for Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy and the Orthodox Academy of Crete in Kolymvari, Chania.

Returning permanently to Greece in 2025 marked a year of transition after 15 years in Germany. In 2026, I established my private psychiatric practice in Heraklion, Crete.

My extensive experience in Germany allowed me to work across the full spectrum of mental health disorders. This background shaped my approach to mental illness as a complex issue with biological, psychological, and social dimensions. I am committed to providing high-level medical services with profound respect for the individual, free from discrimination, stereotypes, or stigma.

Anastasiou Veneti Faidra is a Psychologist - certified Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Nikaia. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Panteion University, with postgraduate studies in Clinical Interventions in Addictions from the University of Crete and in Gender Studies: Methodologies, Theories, Policies from the Hellenic Open University. She is continuing her training in Drama Therapy. She has participated in numerous seminars and specialized programs focusing on child and adolescent mental health, addictions, and contemporary psychotherapeutic approaches. She has worked as a psychologist in public and private mental health institutions, such as Special Therapy Centers, the National Organization for the Prevention and Treatment of Addictions (EOPAE), and the Self-Help Promotion Program. Additionally, she has experience in psychological support for children and adolescents, psychoeducation, as well as research on mental health and artistic expression. In her practice, she combines theoretical training with a human-centered approach, creatively utilizing tools such as art and play. She has participated in research projects and scientific publications, while maintaining an active interest in issues of social gender, rights, and the empowerment of vulnerable populations.

Koanta Stauroula is a Mental Health Counselor and Psychotherapist with a private practice in Athens. She is a member of the Hellenic Counseling Society and specializes in Drama Therapy and art-based psychotherapeutic approaches. She studied Set and Costume Design at the Lycurgus Stavrakos School of Cinema and Television and pursued postgraduate specialization in Cinematherapy at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has received training in Group Analysis, Psychotherapy, and Psychodrama through HAGAP and has completed a study program at the Hellenic Training Center “Psychotherapy through Arts” with a focus on Drama Therapy. She also holds an international certificate in the field of Psychogenealogy and Intergenerational Psychodrama. She works with a psychodynamic – analytical (Jungian) approach, offering individual sessions, therapeutic groups, and alternative forms of expression and processing through painting, music, cinema, storytelling, and other artistic media. She specializes in supporting individuals facing grief, anxiety, psychological trauma, identity crises, or changes in everyday roles, while also accompanying those seeking deeper self-awareness and personal development.

Simosis Rafail is a Psychologist-Psychotherapist who maintains private practices in Panormou and Kolonaki, where he provides individual psychotherapy sessions to adolescents, adults, and offers parental counseling. He studied Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, graduating with honors. Additionally, he completed his postgraduate studies in Forensic Psychiatry-Medical Examinations at the Faculty of Medicine of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He has been trained in Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy - CBT (EABCT) for adults at the Institute for Research and Therapy of Behavior (IETHS), specializing in anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders. Throughout his professional career, he has worked as a Psychologist in private offices focused on adolescent and adult therapy. Furthermore, he has attended numerous seminars and conferences aimed at continuous education and advancement in the field of Psychology.

Η κα Χατζιδοσπυριδάκη Μαρία Ελένη είναι Κλινική Ψυχολόγος,MSc – Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια Παιδιών, Εφήβων και Ενηλίκων. Διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στη Νέα Μάκρη. Διαθέτει πολυετή εμπειρία στον χώρο της ψυχικής υγείας, έχοντας εργαστεί σε νοσοκομεία, ιδιωτικά ιατρεία, κλινικές και δομές υποστήριξης παιδιών και οικογενειών.

Αναλαμβάνει παιδιά, εφήβους, ενήλικες, γονείς και ζευγάρια που αντιμετωπίζουν συναισθηματικές και ψυχολογικές δυσκολίες, διαταραχές συμπεριφοράς, διατροφικές διαταραχές. Επίσης, μαθησιακές δυσκολίες σε παιδιά και εφήβους, αλλά και προβλήματα όπως άγχος, φοβίες, κρίσεις πανικού, διαταραχές συμπεριφοράς, κατάθλιψη, χαμηλή αυτοεκτίμηση, δυσκολίες στις σχέσεις, ειδικές μαθησιακές δυσκολίες, διαταραχές του φάσματος αυτισμού, καθώς και προβλήματα που προκύπτουν στη διάρκεια της εγκυμοσύνης και της λοχείας. Παρέχει κλινική αξιολόγηση, συμβουλευτική και ψυχοθεραπεία σε ενήλικες, ζεύγη ,εφήβους και παιδιά. Επιπλέον,έχει εξειδίκευση στην ψυχοπροφυλακτική υποστήριξη εγκύων - λεχώνων, καθώς και στην αντιμετώπιση διατροφικών διαταραχών.

Σπούδασε Ψυχολογία στο Πάντειο Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών και είναι κάτοχος μεταπτυχιακού τίτλου (MSc) στην Κοινωνική Ψυχιατρική και Παιδοψυχιατρική από την Ιατρική Σχολή του Πανεπιστημίου Ιωαννίνων, με εξειδίκευση στην ψυχική υγεία παιδιών και ενηλίκων. Επιπλέον, έχει ολοκληρώσει πολυετή εκπαίδευση στην ψυχοθεραπεία μέσω της Ομοσπονδίας Ευρωπαϊκών Οργανισμών Εκπαίδευσης στην Ψυχοδραματική Ψυχοθεραπεία (F.E.P.T.O.), εμπλουτίζοντας την κλινική της πρακτική με σύγχρονες και βιωματικές ψυχοθεραπευτικές τεχνικές.

Η επαγγελματική της διαδρομή, άνω των 20 ετών, περιλαμβάνει θέσεις σε δημόσιες και ιδιωτικές δομές ψυχικής υγείας, ψυχοπαιδαγωγικά κέντρα, σχολεία, νοσοκομεία και ψυχοθεραπευτικά ιατρεία. Παράλληλα με την ψυχοθεραπεία παιδιών, εφήβων και ενηλίκων, ειδικεύεται στην αξιολόγηση και υποστήριξη μαθησιακών δυσκολιών, καθώς και στη συμβουλευτική και ψυχοθεραπεία γονέων και ζευγαριών.

Η φιλοσοφία της θεραπευτικής της προσέγγισης βασίζεται στη δημιουργία μιας ουσιαστικής και εμπιστευτικής σχέσης με τον θεραπευόμενο, που διέπεται από σεβασμό, αποδοχή και ενσυναίσθηση. Κάθε παρέμβασή της είναι εξατομικευμένη, προσαρμοσμένη στις ανάγκες, στο αίτημα και στον προσωπικό ρυθμό του κάθε ατόμου, παιδιού ή ενήλικα.

Η κα Χατζιδοσπυριδάκη δίνει μεγάλη έμφαση στη συμβουλευτική γονέων, υποστηρίζοντας τον ρόλο τους σε κάθε στάδιο ανάπτυξης του παιδιού. Το γραφείο της αποτελεί έναν εξειδικευμένο φορέα Ψυχολογικής, Παιδοψυχολογικής και Ειδικής Παιδαγωγικής Υποστήριξης. Κάθε θεραπευτική διαδικασία πραγματοποιείται με σεβασμό στις μοναδικές ανάγκες του κάθε παιδιού ή εφήβου, σε στενή συνεργασία με την οικογένεια και, όπου απαιτείται, με το σχολικό περιβάλλον.

Στόχος της είναι η ολόπλευρη ανάπτυξη και η ενίσχυση της ψυχολογικής, κοινωνικής, μαθησιακής και συναισθηματικής ευημερίας κάθε ατόμου που την εμπιστεύεται – μικρού ή μεγάλου – ώστε να μπορέσει να πορευτεί με περισσότερη αυτογνωσία, σταθερότητα και ποιότητα στη ζωή του.

Eleftherios Vichos is a licensed psychologist registered with the Region of Attica, Greece, and provides psychotherapy exclusively through secure online video sessions.

He earned his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Strasbourg, graduating with distinction, and holds an M.Sc. in Applied Clinical Psychology from the University of Central Lancashire. He is also pursuing a systematic study of Psychoanalysis at the Athens Center for Psychoanalytic Research. He is a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society (SEPS) and an International Member at the American Psychological Association (APA).

His work with adults is informed by a psychodynamic and psychoanalytic approach. He understands therapy as a collaborative process in which the therapeutic relationship provides a safe and reflective space to explore emotional difficulties, relationship issues, work-related stress, identity concerns, grief, and recurring patterns that may feel difficult to understand or change. Rather than focusing on quick solutions, therapy aims to facilitate a deeper understanding of one's inner world, allowing for meaningful and lasting psychological change.

Sessions are conducted exclusively online, offering flexibility and accessibility while preserving the depth, continuity, and quality of the therapeutic process.

Maria Vlachaki, MSc, is a Psychologist, Cyberpsychologist, and Psychotherapist, currently operating a private practice in Alimos, Athens.She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and a Master's degree in Cyberpsychology from the same institution.She has specialized in Systemic and Family Therapy through studies at the Laboratory for the Investigation of Human Relations (Charis Katakis, 2022–2023) and the University Mental Health Research Institute (UMHRI). She is also attending the annual program “Therapeutic Approaches to Addictions” at the 18 ANO Addiction Rehabilitation Center.Her professional experience includes providing individual psychotherapy sessions since September 2023, as well as collaborations with the Psychiatric Clinic of Attikon University General Hospital (volunteer work), the Evaluation Committee for the Ministry of Health’s “Personal Assistant for People with Disabilities” program (June–July 2023), and the “ARGO” Association for Children with Special Needs. Since 2024, she has been working with the Municipal Health Clinics of Nea Smyrni and the P. Sakellaropoulos Association for Social Psychiatry.She is trained in the administration of psychometric tools such as the MMPI-1, Raven's Progressive Matrices, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), MoCA, and the Geriatric Depression Scale.Maria actively participates in numerous scientific conferences, symposia, and workshops related to psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, mental health, and technology. Notably, she has attended the Psychotherapy Conferences of the Hellenic Psychiatric Association, the Panhellenic Conference on Counseling Psychology, events at Attikon Hospital, and seminars by the Hellenic Psychological Society, as well as initiatives promoting community mental health awareness.As a speaker, she presented her research titled “Netflix and binge watching: A qualitative exploration of the subjective viewing experience” at Panteion University (April 9, 2024). She has also participated in a women’s empowerment and breast cancer awareness event at the Kallithea Municipal Library (October 2024), and in a public seminar on cyberbullying organized by the Municipality of Rentis/Moschato (November 2024).

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.

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.

Evina Prevedouraki is an Integrative Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Glyfada. She is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Person-Centered and Experiential Professionals (PEEPVIP), the Hellenic Counseling Society, and the Panhellenic Association of Art Therapists. She completed her studies in the Business Administration department of the Athens University of Economics and Business, and holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology (BSc, MSc) from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in the United Kingdom, as well as a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Therapeutic Counseling and Psychotherapy from ICPS College of Humanistic Sciences. Additionally, she has completed further training in Art Therapy, in Behavior Analysis at Panteion University, and has been trained as an Effective Parent Instructor (Thomas Gordon model). She is also trained as a yoga and meditation teacher at the Karuna Yoga Center in Florida, USA. She offers individual psychotherapy and counseling sessions, facilitates personal development groups, Art Therapy and bibliotherapy groups, and works as a Parent Educator. She continues to receive training, attend specialized seminars, and offer volunteer services.

Pavlos Karathanos is a licensed Psychologist (License No. 281828/5193) who offers online therapy sessions based in Athens, Greece. He completed his undergraduate studies in Psychology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and pursued further training in Theoretical Approaches at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, specializing in Music Therapy (therapy through the arts).

In 2011, he provided his services as a Psychologist at the Psychological Support and Telecounseling Helpline of KETHEA, and later worked at the American School of The Hague in the Netherlands, offering one-to-one coaching

He has specialized in issues related to anxiety disorders, emotional regulation difficulties, panic attacks, psychosomatic symptoms, performance anxiety, school-related stress (including university entrance exam anxiety), tics, and the empowerment of LGBTQI+ individuals.

He is in ongoing personal therapy and clinical supervision.

Episkepsy Matthaios Zazanis Kai Synergates Psyxologoi-Psyxotherapeutes is a Psychologist - Integrative Psychotherapist with a Person-Centered orientation and is a co-founder of the Counseling Center for Education and Psychosocial Support epi S.K.E.P.S.Y. as well as the scientific director of the center in Ano Patissia. He has specialized training in addictions and mental disorders and is certified by Greek, British, and American organizations. Throughout his career, he has encountered distinguished mentors who serve as an inspiration to him.

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.

Η Σγουράκη Δήμητρα BSc είναι Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και Σύμβουλος Ψυχικής Υγείας με εξειδίκευση στην Ψυχοτραυματολογία και την Ψυχοδυναμική Ψυχοθεραπεία, συνδυάζοντας με εξαιρετική αποτελεσματικότητα τις δύο προσεγγίσεις για την ολιστική κατανόηση και θεραπεία των ψυχικών τραυμάτων. Η προσέγγισή της επικεντρώνεται στην επεξεργασία τραυματικών εμπειριών και στη βαθύτερη κατανόηση των ασυνείδητων διεργασιών του ατόμου, επιδιώκοντας να ενισχύσει τη σύνδεση των βιωμάτων με τις ψυχικές διαδικασίες. Εστιάζει στη δυναμική αλληλεπίδραση μεταξύ του παρελθόντος και του παρόντος, βοηθώντας τους θεραπευόμενους να αναγνωρίσουν τις βαθύτερες αιτίες των δυσκολιών τους και να αναπτύξουν πιο λειτουργικές στρατηγικές διαχείρισης. Έχει εμπειρία στη συμβουλευτική ενηλίκων, παρέχει θεραπεία σε ασφαλές θεραπευτικό πλαίσιο βασισμένο στην εμπιστοσύνη, την ενσυναίσθηση και τη σταθερότητα σε άτομα που αντιμετωπίζουν ζητήματα άγχους, κατάθλιψης, φοβιών, συναισθηματικών διαταραχών, διατροφικών θεμάτων καθώς και δυσκολιών στις διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις. Με δέσμευση στη διαρκή επιμόρφωση και επαγγελματική ανάπτυξη, παρακολουθεί τακτικά εξειδικευμένα σεμινάρια και εργαστήρια, παραμένοντας ενημερωμένη για τις τελευταίες επιστημονικές εξελίξεις στον τομέα της ψυχολογίας και της ψυχοθεραπείας. Στόχος της είναι να προσφέρει ένα ασφαλές, υποστηρικτικό και θεραπευτικό περιβάλλον, όπου οι θεραπευόμενοι μπορούν να επεξεργαστούν τις εμπειρίες τους, να κατανοήσουν βαθύτερα τις ψυχικές τους ανάγκες και να χτίσουν μια πιο ισχυρή, ισορροπημένη και αυθεντική ζωή.

Sideri Xristina is a Psychologist with a psychoanalytic orientation based on Lacanian theory.

She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology of the Faculty of Philosophy at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and of the Postgraduate Program “Psychotherapy: Theoretical Frameworks, Clinical Applications, and Comparative Approaches” (MSc in Psychotherapy) at the Medical School of the same University. She has received additional training in Clinical Psychopathology, completing the one-year seminar “Panagiotis Oulis” organized by EPIPSY, the First University Psychiatric Clinic of Aeginiteio Hospital, and the company “Promotion of Knowledge in Mental Disorders.” Since 2020, she has been attending the educational program of the Athens Academy of Clinical Studies of the Freud Field Institute and actively participates in working groups, seminars, and conferences of the Hellenic Society of the New Lacanian School of Psychoanalysis. Concurrently, she is a member of the “Addiction and Alcoholism” network of the Freud Field. She completed her practical training and subsequently worked voluntarily in the field of addictions. From 2020 to 2025, she was employed as therapeutic staff at the Center for the Treatment of Dependent Individuals. She is a collaborator of the Galinos Institute of Mental Health and Personal Development.

In her independent clinical practice, she aims to prioritize the uniqueness of each individual and accompany them in the search for their distinctive way to cope with their subjective difficulties.