Health professionals for Family therapy

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 Lekka holds a BSc and MSc in Psychology/Child Psychology-Psychotherapy and maintains a private practice in Galatsi. She graduated with honors from the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Her postgraduate studies focused on Mental Health and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She possesses four years of specialization in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for adults (CBT) from the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies. As part of her training, she attended a one-year program at G.N.S. Aeginiteio in collaboration with the Mental Health Research Institute (E.P.I.P.S.Y.) on "Awareness in Cognitive Psychotherapy" and also received training in "Adult Clinical Psychopathology." She has worked extensively with adults providing individual psychotherapy sessions, as well as with pediatric populations in nursery schools. During her professional career, she has been involved at the Mental Health Center (K.P.S.Y.) of Chalandri, G.N.S. Gennimatas, providing adult psychotherapy interventions, and completed her practical training at the Child Psychiatry Clinic of G.N.S. Sismanogleio and the Autism Unit of the General Pediatric Hospital Agia Sofia. Currently, alongside her private practice, she has been collaborating for the past three years with the "Beautiful World" Therapy Center, offering individual and group psychotherapy sessions for adults, children, and adolescents, as well as parent counseling. Finally, she is a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society (ELPSE).

Kostopoulou Aggeliki MSc is a Psychologist specializing in adolescents and adults with or without psychopathology, maintaining a private practice in Patras and conducting counseling and psychotherapy sessions. She holds a degree in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (N.K.U.A.) and a postgraduate diploma from the Department of Education and Care Sciences in Early Childhood at the University of Patras. She has received further training in significant areas of psychology and psychotherapy, including the fundamental principles of counseling psychotherapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, management of traumatic events and bereavement, high-functioning autism in adolescents & adults (Asperger’s), as well as the application of psychometric tools such as MMPI-2, Rorschach, and TAT. She possesses substantial clinical experience from her collaboration with the General Hospital of Patras "Agios Andreas" and the Mental Health Center, while maintaining a private practice providing psychotherapeutic support to adults and couples. She has an extensive body of work in lectures and conferences covering topics from domestic violence to addictions in adolescence, and has actively participated in scientific psychiatry and psychotherapy conferences in Greece. Finally, she has presented academic research on interdisciplinary teaching of art history in preschool education within the framework of national scientific conferences.

I have maintained a private practice – Valsamo – in Thessaloniki since 2022. I work with the aim of co-creating new life possibilities with the individuals who turn to me, so that suffering is transformed with respect and care into balsams.

I studied Sociology (Hons) at the University of Crete and continued with a four-year training in Systemic Psychotherapy and Counseling at the Laboratory of Systemic Psychotherapy & Pedagogy «Rodakino». At the laboratory of systemic ideas, research, and intervention «Entropia», I trained in counseling for parents, children, and adolescents, as well as in creative therapeutic techniques such as systemic sculpture, genogram, and the family board. Concurrently, I completed a two-year program at the Observatory for Rights in the Mental Health Field in the accompaniment of individuals experiencing mental crises and their families, and I am a member of the active accompanying team.

My professional and research activity focuses on social empowerment, depathologization, and meaning-making of the mental experience, as well as on the development of collaborative, non-psychiatric accompaniment and support practices for extreme mental experiences. I present at conferences and seminars and have published scientific articles. I am an active member of the Systemic Society of Northern Greece, the Observatory for Rights in the Mental Health Field, and the Thessaloniki Health Runners Association.

Panagiotou Maria - Anna is a Psychologist (BSc) and Psychotherapist specializing in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy. She graduated from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a professional practice license valid nationwide (License No: 1401991). She has worked as a Psychologist at the Elderly Care Unit "Rodi" in Filothei, as well as an external collaborator in a Medical Clinic and an English tutoring center to support employees and students. Additionally, she has volunteered in various settings, including public elderly care units and telephone support platforms. She has been trained in the Behavioral-Cognitive approach (higher education) at KEPSYSY in areas such as anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, psychosomatic disorders, depression, traumatic experiences, relationship issues, and has specialized in the non-pharmacological management of geriatric issues and caregivers, including dementia, grief, and anxiety at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She works with both adults and adolescents on family matters, crisis management, school performance, and violence-related issues. Her approach is based, among others, on the Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy model by Ellis, Beck's Cognitive Therapy model, as well as Meichenbaum's Cognitive-Behavioral Modification. Finally, the specialist is a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society (SEPS). Guided by empathy, authenticity, and scientific practices, individuals will progressively be able to manage life situations effectively. For optimal service provision, she is supervised and participates in personal psychotherapy.

Plan For A Miracle Manthou Maria - Dimakopoulos Spyridon is a private Counseling and Therapy office located in Kallithea, with Maria Manthou and Spyridon Dimakopoulos serving as scientific supervisors. Maria Manthou studied Mental Health Counseling at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling and completed the training program "Couples Therapy and Marriage Counseling" at the European Institute of Counselling and Psychotherapy. She studied Social Anthropology at Panteion University, completed the Positive Psychology training program at Panteion University, and obtained a Mindfulness Practitioner certificate from the Creativity and Harmony center. In recent years, she has worked in the field of mental health counseling and couples therapy, while also designing and implementing psychoeducational programs for adults, children, and adolescents. Spyridon Dimakopoulos studied Mental Health Counseling at the European Institute of Counselling and Psychotherapy. He completed training programs at Panteion University focusing on "Positive Psychology in Education" and "Sexual Education and Psychology of Adolescent Relationships."

Georgouli Ioanna is a Mental Health Counselor and Career Guidance Counselor, specializing in Systemic - Family Counseling and Therapy, with a private practice in Zografou. As a Mental Health Counselor, she provides services to individuals, groups, or families using the Systemic Therapy model, respectfully utilizing each person’s uniqueness and therapeutically addressing both the individual and their interactions with their immediate and broader environment. As a Career Guidance Counselor, she offers services to adolescents who are responsibly planning their futures, as well as to adults who are required by internal or external norms to change their professional path or reshape their current one. She holds two master's degrees and has completed a two-year training program in Educational Drama. Subsequently, she specialized as a Mental Health Counselor at the Laboratory for the Exploration of Human Relations and as a Career Guidance Counselor at Aegean College. Over the past three years, she has also worked as the Mental Health Program Coordinator for ERGO NGO, designing and implementing empowerment programs for children and youth as well as their adult caregivers, at both national and international levels. Earlier in her career, she had the opportunity to work in various educational and care settings, such as KETHEA, ActionAid as an author of psycho-empowerment and resource management educational materials for primary and secondary schools, the University of Psychology of Turin as an instructor in the European Carepath program focusing on training and empowering caregivers of people with psychological trauma, INEDIVIM as an educator, and EIHIMUTH. She has presented her work at numerous conferences, founded an experiential workshop for primary school children in Ithaca, and was co-founder of a cultural and educational association for children.

Saliverou Elisavet is a Psychologist - Psychoeducator - Psychotherapist, holding a Master's degree (MSc) in Counseling Psychology (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Excellence Scholarship), with studies in Psychology, Education (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens), and Social Work (University of West Attica). She has been trained in Systemic – Family Psychotherapy and maintains a private Counseling – Psychotherapy practice. Simultaneously, she is responsible for the Counseling Service and social initiatives of HEN Athens and coordinates educational and psychoeducational programs for children, adolescents, adults, and parents. She has collaborated with organizations such as ELIZA, the "Together for the Child" hotline, SOS Children's Villages, and the Social Psychiatry Company P. Sakellaropoulos. She applies an integrative therapeutic approach (Systemic, Psychoanalytic, Narrative, Art Therapy) to various mental health issues of children, adolescents, and adults.

Dr. Maria Livanou, PhD, MSc, Senior Lecturer, is a Psychologist and Psychotherapist specializing in child and adolescent therapy, with a particular emphasis on the psychodynamic approach. She has an academic background in the United States and the United Kingdom and holds an academic post at King’s College London (KCL). Her research focuses on child and adolescent mental health.

Her therapeutic approach is primarily grounded in psychodynamic therapy, aiming to understand deeper emotional processes and relationship patterns. At the same time, it remains individualized and holistic, responding to the unique needs of each child, adolescent, adult, and family.

During sessions, parental counselling and parent therapy are offered—from pregnancy through the early years of the child—along with support for families during early parenthood. Discussions may include topics related to early child development and the parent–infant relationship. She places particular emphasis on addressing communication difficulties, enhancing psychological well-being, building self-confidence, and improving social relationships.

She works with a wide range of issues concerning childhood and adolescence, including:

• Anxiety and anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, panic attacks)
• Phobias, separation anxiety, and attachment issues
• Depressive mood, depression, social withdrawal
• Adjustment difficulties and emotional distress
• Psychosomatic symptom
• Low self-esteem
• Difficulties in communication and social relationships, family conflicts, and adaptation to change (e.g., divorce)
• Grief and loss management
• Eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image concerns
• School-related difficulties, academic stress, and performance anxiety
• Issues of identity, self-image, and adolescent development
• Conduct problems, anger management difficulties, delinquent behavior
• Family counselling and therapy
• Neurodevelopmental difficulties (e.g., autism, ADHD)
• Trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), developmental trauma, and adverse childhood experiences

Angeliki Xatzimanoli, MSc is a Psychologist, certified Psychotherapist, and maintains a private practice in Ilisia. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at the University of Central Lancashire and graduated from the Department of Social Policy at Panteion University. Additionally, she has a master's degree in "Addiction Treatment - Addictology" from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, in collaboration with the Medical School of Athens. Currently, she is training in "Systemic Psychotherapy and Counseling" at the Center for Systemic Study and Therapy of Athens (Ke.S.Me.Th.). Throughout her career, she has volunteered with the Non-Governmental Organizations "ActionAid Hellas" and the International Cybersecurity Institute (CSI). She served as a Psychologist for the NGO "The Home Project" and collaborates as an external associate with the Center for Special Therapies "Oikogeneia." She also writes voluntarily for the website ''efiveia.gr,'' focusing on family and its connection and collaboration with the online therapy platform Terappin. She has been trained in the application of the Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy protocol (TF-CBT). She provides psychological support to children, adolescents, and adults. It is noteworthy that she participated in authoring the European program "TRACeD," within the framework of actions for the awareness and prevention of online gender-based violence. In her private practice, she undertakes the assessment, monitoring, and psychotherapeutic treatment of various psychological difficulties, such as anxiety disorders, depressive episodes, adjustment disorders, personality disorders, as well as issues related to interpersonal relationships and self-esteem.

Nikolaki Sofia is a Psychotherapist - Mental Health Counselor and Life Coach - Personal Development and Self-Improvement Counselor with a private practice in Porto Rafti. She holds a degree in Psychology (BSc in Psychology Science) from southeastern Europe under authority granted by the State of Delaware, United States of America, and has specialized in personal development and self-confidence. Additionally, she specializes in Adlerian Counseling and Psychotherapeutic Approach from the Hellenic Society of Adlerian Psychology (E.E.A.Ps). She holds a Life Coaching certificate from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, the Association for Coaching, and the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC). She deals with the recognition and management of stressful situations (anxiety - stress), the utilization and management of time and finances, as well as the identification and resolution of workplace issues.

Toli - Manetou Christina is a Psychologist with a private practice in Alimos. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Additionally, she holds a postgraduate degree in school psychology - child psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and a postgraduate specialization diploma in Systemic Family Psychotherapy (Family Therapist) from the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of Aeginiteion Hospital. Finally, her practice manages cases encompassing the full spectrum of psychology, with a noteworthy specialization in anxiety disorders, child psychology, and individual psychotherapy.

Polonyfi Athanasia maintains a practice in Rethymno, Crete, offering comprehensive mental health and counseling services with integrity and understanding. She was born in Marousi, Attica, and raised in Messolonghi. She was admitted to the Faculty of Pharmacy in Athens through the national entrance examinations and completed her internship in the Parenteral Nutrition Department at the University Children's Hospital "Agia Sofia." With extensive experience and excellent scientific training, she provides her services in Rethymno, Crete, assisting individuals in addressing potential emotional disorders and interpersonal relationship issues with utmost professionalism and sincerity. She holds a professional practice license under number 237467. Furthermore, she has been accepted into the Continuing Education program in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy offered by the Lifelong Learning Center of the University of Crete, aiming to achieve even more comprehensive training and continuously improve the quality of her services.

Ο Μανώλης Χαλεπούδης,MSc είναι Κλινικός Ψυχολόγος με έδρα τη Θεσσαλονίκη. Είναι απόφοιτος του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης και κάτοχος μεταπτυχιακού τίτλου στην Κοινωνική Κλινική Ψυχολογία των Εξαρτήσεων και των Ψυχοκοινωνικών Προβλημάτων.

Στην επαγγελματική του πορεία συναντά ανθρώπους που αντιμετωπίζουν άγχος, δυσκολίες στις σχέσεις ή επαναλαμβανόμενα μοτίβα που επηρεάζουν την καθημερινότητά τους. Διαθέτει περισσότερα από 20 χρόνια εμπειρίας σε δομές υγείας, εκπαίδευσης και κέντρα απεξάρτησης, έχοντας εργαστεί με ένα ευρύ φάσμα ψυχοκοινωνικών δυσκολιών, όπως συναισθηματικές δυσκολίες, προβλήματα σχέσεων και εξαρτήσεις

Τα τελευταία χρόνια έχει ασχοληθεί, μεταξύ άλλων, με την υποστήριξη ανθρώπων που επηρεάζονται από τον τζόγο και άλλες συμπεριφορικές εξαρτήσεις.

Η προσέγγισή του βασίζεται στις αρχές της προσωποκεντρικής και της υπαρξιακής ψυχολογίας, με έμφαση στο «εδώ και τώρα» και στην ανάπτυξη τρόπων που οδηγούν σε μικρές αλλά ουσιαστικές αλλαγές στη ζωή.

Platyrraxou Marianna is a Psychologist-Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. She has specialized in Systemic - Family Psychotherapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for individuals and couples. She is a regular member of the Hellenic and European Counseling Associations as well as the International and Hellenic Network for Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT-ICEEFT). She works with individuals, couples, families, parents, and groups on issues related to interpersonal relationships, anxiety disorders, panic attacks, other emotional disorders and mood disorders, gender identity issues, Asperger's syndrome, among others. Within a framework of safety and acceptance, she aims to provide psychological support to adolescents and adults and to highlight their skills and mental resources, with the goal of empowering them and achieving a balanced life. She has 25 years of experience in the field of community services, communication, and corporate social responsibility. She has collaborated with an extensive network of people and groups with very diverse backgrounds, experiences, needs, behaviors, and life attitudes. She has a deep understanding of human behavior, interpersonal relationships, and the challenges each individual faces throughout life in an ever-changing world.

The Mental Health and Cognitive Empowerment Center “Thymisis” in Neo Psychiko was established with the aim of providing substantial support and care to individuals with memory difficulties, dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, and other neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Epilepsy, and Parkinson’s Disease.

It offers specialized programs for assessment, support, and intervention, tailored to the needs of each individual. Additionally, it provides counseling for caregivers and families, as well as prevention and memory enhancement programs on both individual and group levels.

The scientific director of the “Thymisis” Center, Kentro Psyxikis Ygeias Kai Noitikis Endynamosis Thymisis - Mpaltouka Konstantina, is a graduate of Psychology from Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences. She holds a postgraduate degree in “Neurosciences and Neurodegenerative Diseases” from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

She possesses extensive experience in supporting individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders, having worked in care and rehabilitation facilities. Furthermore, she has participated in scientific conferences and seminars and is actively involved in voluntary mental health programs.

She is a member of the Hellenic Neuropsychological Society and collaborates with the Aiginiteio Hospital, participating in clinical and educational activities in the field of neuropsychology.

Manolopoulou Thomi is a Clinical Psychologist - Psychoanalyst and maintains a private practice in Ampelokipoi. She studied Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and subsequently pursued postgraduate studies in Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology as well as in "Psychoanalysis and Social Field" at the University of Paris. Additionally, she has trained in Psychoanalysis at the Psychoanalysis School of the Lacanian Field Forums in Paris and is a member of the clinical training committee of the Athens Forum (Psychoanalysis School of the Lacanian Field Forums), serving as a lecturer and seminar facilitator. She has extensive clinical experience, having worked both in Greece and abroad in hospitals, NGOs, and other institutions, such as the Psychiatric Hospital of Prémontré in France (where she holds a position as Clinical Psychologist and seminar facilitator), the Intensive Psychiatric Care Unit of Château-Thierry Prisons, and the Reception Center for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Thessaloniki. Simultaneously, she provides supervision to trainee Psychoanalysts, Clinical Psychologists, Psychiatrists, and Educators.