Health professionals for Phobias in Athens

Η Μαρία Κωνσταντοπούλου είναι Σύμβουλος Ψυχικής Υγείας, απόφοιτη του προγράμματος Higher Professional Diploma (HPD) στη Συμβουλευτική και Ψυχολογία του Mediterranean College και εκπαιδευόμενη ψυχοθεραπεύτρια στη Συνθετική Ψυχοθεραπεία στο EICP.Μέσα από τη δική της προσωπική ανάπτυξη και θεραπευτική πορεία, άρχισε να αντιλαμβάνεται την τέχνη ως ένα βαθιά θεραπευτικό ταξίδι. Στο πλαίσιο αυτό, παρακολούθησε διετές πρόγραμμα Δραματοθεραπείας στο Ωδείο Αθηνών.Αναλαμβάνει ατομικά περιστατικά συμβουλευτικής, ενώ στο πλαίσιο της πρακτικής της παρέχει και χαμηλού κόστους ψυχοθεραπευτικές συνεδρίες.Παράλληλα, συνδυάζει την ψυχοθεραπεία με τη φωτογραφία, δημιουργώντας ομάδες προσωπικής ανάπτυξης με στόχο την έκφραση, την αυτογνωσία και την ενδυνάμωση. Πιστεύει βαθιά στη δια βίου μάθηση και επόμενο ακαδημαϊκό της στόχο αποτελεί η εμβάθυνση στην Κλινική Ψυχολογία.Διαθέτει δεκαετή εμπειρία ως εκπαιδεύτρια ενηλίκων, έχοντας αναπτύξει ουσιαστική σχέση με την εκπαίδευση, την ενδυνάμωση και τη βιωματική μάθηση.Η εθελοντική προσφορά αποτελεί σταθερό κομμάτι της πορείας της, μέσα από τη συμμετοχή της στους Γιατροί του Κόσμου και στο Το Χαμόγελο του Παιδιού, καθώς και μέσα από την παροχή εθελοντικών μαθημάτων σε κοινωνικούς χώρους και δομές υποστήριξης γυναικών.Στόχος της είναι η έρευνα, η προσφορά σε ατομικό και κοινωνικό επίπεδο και η συνεχής εξέλιξη μέσα από τη δια βίου μάθηση.

As a psychotherapist, I work with a calm, steady presence and offer a setting of safety, respect, and genuineness, where what you experience can be heard at your own pace. My approach is person-centered and non-directive: the goal is not to “change you,” but to create space for you to recognize what you feel, what you need, and how you wish to care for yourself. I accompany adults facing anxiety, sadness or low mood, burnout, fear/panic, relationship difficulties, grief, and self-esteem concerns. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship and the consistency of small steps: through quiet, attentive meetings, needs and boundaries come into focus, and more care is cultivated in everyday life. If this way of working feels right, it would be a pleasure to meet.

Pagona Aria is a Psychotherapist - Group Analyst with a private practice in Ampelokipi. She holds a degree from the Department of Sociology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences. She has been trained in Group Analysis at the Hellenic Society of Analytical Group and Family Psychotherapy, as well as in Behavioral Therapy and Anxiety Disorders at the Research University Institute of Mental Health (E.P.I.PSY.). Additionally, she has attended the Lacanian Psychoanalysis Seminar at the Psychiatric Hospital of Attica "Dafni," conducted in collaboration with the Psychiatric Hospital of Attica "Dromokaiteion" and the Academy of Clinical Studies of Athens. Furthermore, she completed her internship at Aeginiteio Hospital, focusing on clinical cases with obsessive-compulsive disorder, and has worked at the Eastern Attica branch for persons with disabilities belonging to the Social Welfare Centers, where she conducted individual and group sessions with the clients. She has also volunteered for six years at the psychological support network "Synypaxi," providing individual and group sessions. As part of her continuing education, she has attended numerous psychology conferences and seminars. In her private practice, she offers individual counseling and psychotherapy for adults and adolescents, as well as analytic group psychotherapies. Specifically, she provides specialized interventions for the treatment of panic attacks, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, specific phobias, depression, post-traumatic stress, as well as for improving interpersonal relationships.

Η Αλεξοπούλου Άννα είναι Ψυχαναλύτρια-Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και διατηρεί ιδιωτικά γραφεία στo Παρίσι και στην Αθήνα, όπου δέχεται ενήλικες και παιδιά. Είναι απόφοιτος του ιστορικού και μοναδικού τμήματος Ψυχανάλυσης παγκοσμίως στο Παρίσι (Master), Université Paris VIII Vincennes-Saint Denis, το οποίο ίδρυσε ο διάσημος ψυχαναλυτής και ψυχίατρος Jacques Lacan, και του ΦΠΨ (Kατεύθυνση Ψυχολογίας). Ειδικεύτηκε σε ψυχιατρικά νοσοκομεία και σε κέντρα ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης του Παρισιού για ενήλικες, γονείς, παιδιά και βρέφη. Συμμετέχει από το 2013 στην κλινική ομάδα της École de la Cause freudienne de Paris, όπου και εκπαιδεύτηκε δίπλα σε ψυχαναλυτές παγκοσμίου φήμης. Συνεργάζεται μαζί τους τα τελευταία χρόνια ως διοργανωτής σεμιναρίων και συνεδριών της ECF στο Παρίσι και της Παγκόσμιας Εταιρείας Ψυχανάλυσης (Association Mondiale de Psychanalyse). Στόχος της είναι η ανάδειξη της ενικότητας του συμπτώματος και της μοναδικότητας (της επιθυμίας) του κάθε υποκειμένου. Αντιμετωπίζει περιστατικά κατάθλιψης, τραυματικές εμπειρίες, κρίσεις πανικού και φοβίες, πένθος, αγχώδεις διαταραχές, προβλήματα διαπροσωπικών σχέσεων, θεραπεία ζεύγους, συμβουλευτική γονέων και παιδιών, παιδικό αυτισμό, αντιμετώπιση εθισμών και εξαρτήσεων. Συμμετέχει τακτικά σε συνέδρια στο εξωτερικό και μελέτες της έχουν δημοσιευτεί σε ξενόγλωσσα περιοδικά πάνω στο «ανησυχητικά ανοίκειο» συναίσθημα του S.Freud, την γλωσσική δομή του ασυνειδήτου, την διωκτική εμβέλεια του βλέμματος, την παραληρηματική δομή της γλώσσας, τις παραισθήσεις, τις ψυχοσωματικές διαταραχές, τη σχέση μελαγχολίας και μετουσίωσης, καθώς και την σχέση λογοτεχνίας και τρέλας. Οι συνεδρίες με παιδιά και εφήβους περιλαμβάνουν αρχικά προκαταρκτικές συνεδρίες με τους γονείς για να διευκρινιστούν οι δυσκολίες που αντιμετωπίζει το παιδί τους. Η υποστήριξη και η καθοδήγηση των γονιών είναι στόχος των συνεδριών. Oρισμένα γεγονότα, όπως δυσκολίες των νέων γονιών με το βρέφος, διαζύγιο, πένθος, δυσκολίες στο σχολικό περιβάλλον, συχνά περιλαμβάνουν συμπτώματα, όπως δυσκολία συγκέντρωσης, φοβίες, άγχος, μελαγχολικές σκέψεις, διαταραχές διατροφής και ύπνου, δυσκολίες στις διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις. Οι συνεδρίες με παιδιά και βρέφη λαμβάνουν χώρα μέσα από το παιχνίδι, με βάση το πρότυπο της ψυχαναλυτικής προσέγγισης της Françoise Dolto, πρωτοπόρος στην ψυχαναναλυτική θεραπεία παίδων, όπου αντιμετωπίζονται ως μοναδικά υποκείμενα.

Christina Polyzou is a psychologist and psychotherapist, offering evidence-based psychological support at her private practice in Ampelokipoi, Athens and online. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in scientific research and tailored to the unique needs of each individual.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Greenwich, and two Master’s degrees from King’s College London: one in Health Psychology and another in Developmental Psychology & Psychopathology. Her studies in Health Psychology provided her with an in-depth understanding of the intricate connection between mental and physical health, as well as the psychological impact of illness and the process of adapting to life’s challenges. In parallel, her work in Developmental Psychology focused on behavioural genetics, exploring the interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental influences in shaping psychological wellbeing. She also received specialised training in perinatal mental health, gaining a deeper understanding of the emotional and psychological transitions that occur during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Her clinical experience includes work at the South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, one of the UK’s leading mental health institutions. There, she gained hands-on experience in the application and assessment of evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT). She has also completed training in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), a scientifically validated approach for processing traumatic experiences. A key aspect of her ongoing professional development is her advanced training in Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) at the Compassionate Mind Foundation, under the direct guidance of Paul Gilbert and other leading experts who have developed adaptations of CFT for specific clinical difficulties.

Each person brings their own story, challenges, and goals to therapy. Some seek relief from anxiety, stress, or low mood; others may be grappling with intense self-criticism, low self-worth, or difficulty connecting in relationships. Many are simply looking to understand themselves better and to live a life that feels more authentic and meaningful. Therapy offers a space to explore these experiences safely and constructively, working together to foster change that lasts.

At the heart of her practice is the belief that therapy is built on trust, empathy, and respect for the individuality of each person. There are no ready-made solutions or fixed pathways—each therapeutic journey is shaped around the person’s unique needs, values, and aspirations.

All sessions are conducted within a framework of confidentiality and professional integrity, following the highest standards of ethical psychological practice.

Plataniti Peny is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist specializing in Clinical Psychology and maintains a private practice in the Zografou area. She completed her undergraduate studies at the Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of Crete, and her postgraduate studies in Clinical Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. During her postgraduate studies, she trained in the model of psychodynamic psychotherapy. She receives regular supervision from a member of the Northern Hellenic Psychoanalytic Society (N.H.P.S.) and continuously updates her knowledge through scientific psychoanalytic conferences and seminars.

As a professional psychologist, she has collaborated with organizations such as the Non-Profit Association DESMOS, the Non-Governmental Organization PLOES – Psychosocial Studies Company, the Ministry of Social Cohesion & Family, as well as with private mental health agencies. She collaborates with the Mobile Mental Health Unit of the Western Cyclades of the Regional Development and Mental Health Company (EPAPSY), engaging in therapeutic and community work.

Throughout her academic and professional career, she has gained experience in psychotherapy for adults, children, and adolescents, parental counseling, and support for individuals with psychosocial problems.

Katerina Toulgaridou is a Psychologist - Systemic Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Gyzi. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and completed her internship at the “Thetis” Shelter of EPAPSY. Immediately after her degree, she began a four-year training in Systemic Psychotherapy at the Laboratory for the Investigation of Human Relations. In recent years, she has been working by providing individual psychotherapy and counseling sessions to adults. Her aim is to create a profound therapeutic relationship within a safe, warm, and supportive environment, enabling the patient to explore their emotions, thoughts, and various aspects of the self.

Patera Aliki is a psychologist and psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Ilisia. She has extensive experience in psychological support and psychotherapy for adults, children, and adolescents, as well as in parental counseling. Since 2013, she has been working at the Child and Adolescent Service of the Community Mental Health Center of Vyronas – Kaisariani (1st Psychiatric Clinic, Aeginiteio Hospital), where she is a member of the interdisciplinary team involved in clinical, diagnostic, and research activities. She also participates in community prevention and awareness initiatives and educational programs.

She graduated from the Department of Psychology (Faculty of Philosophy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens) and holds a postgraduate degree in "Mental Health Promotion and Prevention of Psychiatric Disorders" (Medical School, NKUA). She has received further training in Clinical Psychopathology (annual seminar "Panagiotis Oulis," 1st Psychiatric Clinic NKUA) and has attended a series of specialized seminars and conferences at recognized institutions. Indicatively, she has deepened her expertise in topics such as parenting and mental health, psychiatry and gender identity in adolescence, adolescent romantic relationships, as well as anxiety symptoms and impulsive behaviors.

Previously, she worked (2010–2012) in the Adult Short-Term Hospitalization Unit of Aeginiteio Hospital, where she provided psychotherapeutic support to hospitalized patients.

She is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Hospital Psychologists and the Hellenic Society of the New Lacanian School, while also participating in the educational program of the Academy of Clinical Studies of Athens (ACSA). Additionally, she teaches and supervises undergraduate and postgraduate psychology students.

In her private practice, she provides psycho-emotional assessment and psychotherapy, either short-term or long-term, tailored to the uniqueness and specific needs of each client.

Karakosta Arianna is a Psychotherapist trained in the Systemic-Family approach at the Athens Center for Human Education. In her clinical practice, she provides individual psychotherapy to adolescents and adults with anxiety and emotional difficulties, identity issues, as well as couples therapy and parental counseling. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Vassar College in the United States and her Master of Science degree in Social Psychology from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in the United Kingdom. Since 1996, she has been teaching Psychology in the International Baccalaureate program at the Athens College and other schools, possessing extensive experience in supporting adolescents and coordinating empowerment groups. Concurrently, she has practical experience from the Nea Irakleio Medical-Pedagogical Center in the psychological and learning assessment of children and adolescents. She consistently follows developments in her field by participating in educational seminars and conferences organized by the Hellenic Society of Psychoanalysis (HSP), Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Association (PPAA), the Galinos Institute of Mental Health, and Deree College. She conducts psychotherapy sessions in both Greek and English, offering a safe and supportive space for exploring the self, relationships, and personal identity, with respect for the uniqueness of each individual.

Anastasia Perikleous is a Psychoanalytically-Oriented Psychologist with a professional license and maintains a private practice in Athens. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, BSc(Hons), from the University of Greenwich in the United Kingdom and has been undergoing Clinical Training at the Lacanian Psychoanalysis School in Athens since 2022. She has participated in numerous seminars and workshops (NKUA, University of the Aegean, DI.K.E.PS.Y, Therapeutic Riding Association, K.E.PS.P, etc.) and collaborates as a psychologist with mental health institutions in Greece. She is also a founding and active member of an online platform focused on psychological support, with an emphasis on eating disorders.

Niki Sofoulaki is a Social Worker and Systemic Psychotherapist, maintaining a private office in Ilisia. She trained in Systemic Psychotherapy at the Εργαστήριο Διερεύνησης Ανθρώπινων Σχέσεων and has been working since 2018 supporting individuals and families. She deeply believes that every person has within them the capacity for growth. As a systemic therapist, she approaches each session through the lens of relationships, how we were raised, which beliefs we inherited, and how we learn to belong.

Throughout her professional journey, she has worked therapeutically with individuals who have experienced deep traumatic experiences, anxiety, depression, issues related to self-awareness, and more. Her work is based on connection, trust, and acceptance, through an open dialogue with the individual(s), providing the necessary space and time they need. The systemic approach is applied in individual sessions, couples therapy, family therapy, and groups, depending on the needs and goals of the individual(s), with respect for each person’s pace and the uniqueness of every relationship.

Since 2018, she has been actively involved in the field of mental health, while her private practice began in 2021, where she provides psychotherapy sessions and counseling to individuals and families. Having had the opportunity to meet and support people at very different stages of their lives, her professional journey began in NGOs, where she worked with vulnerable social groups. She provided counseling support aimed at social reintegration, helping people gradually regain a sense of safety and connection with their support systems. She has also worked clinically in a Day Center for individuals with psychosis and related disorders. There, she coordinated therapeutic rehabilitation groups, in which the group functioned as a field of relationship, interaction, and meaning-making of experience, supporting functionality, daily life, and the reconnection of individuals with their social role, while at the same time providing individual psychotherapeutic support to people facing mental health difficulties. This experience taught her in depth how important it is to see the person beyond the diagnosis, within the system of relationships, experiences, and meanings that surround them.

In addition, alongside her private office, she also works in an adolescent and family unit. There, she supports young people experiencing intense emotional difficulties, while also providing family psychotherapy sessions, aiming to empower the entire system and restore bonds within the family framework.

Georgara Eleni is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist. Since 2025, she has been practicing privately as a psychotherapist, maintaining a clinic in Galatsi, while also collaborating with a Psychotherapy Center and the Child and Adolescent Development Center "Anthizo," providing sessions to adults, adolescents, and children. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) and has completed two years of training in Behavioral Therapy at the Research University Institute of Mental Health (E.P.I.P.S.Y.), specializing in the treatment of anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. In the past, she has worked in mental health facilities, offering psychosocial support to vulnerable social groups, home-based interventions, as well as on the telephone support line 10306. She has experience in coordinating psychoeducational groups and crisis management. Her approach is collaborative, empathetic, and tailored to the needs of each individual, aiming to enhance psychological resilience and facilitate meaningful personal development.

Katerina Fragkou is a psychologist with a private practice in Ampelokipoi. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University, with a Master's in Clinical Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neurosciences from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. As part of her clinical training, she has gained experience in various hospital and research settings. She has worked at the 414 Military Hospital and in the Neurology and Psychiatry Clinics of Aiginiteio Hospital, where she specialized in the diagnosis and support of individuals with neurological and psychiatric disorders. Additionally, she has collaborated with ELEPAP, acquiring valuable experience in the rehabilitation of individuals with neurodevelopmental difficulties. Concurrently, she has completed one year of training in Forensic Psychology and Psychiatric Forensics at the "Peri Psychis" Institute, as well as in counseling LGBTQIA2+ individuals. She has also received training in mood disorder management through the Bipolar Lab program, focusing on support for individuals with depression and bipolar disorder. She continuously enriches her knowledge and clinical practice, pursuing further specialization in Psychopathology at the Research University Mental Health Institute (E.P.I.PSY.) and has completed an advanced seminar at Panteion University on the prevention of gender-based violence and the enhancement of women's mental health. She is currently in the final year of training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling. In parallel, she is training in EMDR Therapy through the certified TACT Hellas program, as well as in the diagnosis and treatment of psychosexual disorders at E.P.I.PSY. Through her multifaceted training, she applies scientifically validated psychotherapeutic methods, tailoring her approach to the unique needs of each individual.

Sofikiti Roumpini is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Votanikos (near Kerameikos metro station). She completed her undergraduate studies at the Department of Psychology of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Subsequently, she specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling. Additionally, she completed her postgraduate studies in "Applications of Psychology in Health" at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. As part of her thesis, she studied and deepened her understanding of the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in managing chronic pain. She currently offers individual psychotherapy sessions, both in-person and online. In parallel, for the past two years, she has been collaborating with two private psychotherapy centers. Previously, she volunteered as a psychologist in mental health organizations such as the NGO Iasis and the Society of Social Psychiatry P. Sakellaropoulos. Her practical training was conducted at the Community Center of the Municipality of Agios Dimitrios, Attica. Finally, she has attended numerous individual continuing education seminars in mental health, aiming to further expand her knowledge and professional skills.

Tsanaktsidi Areti is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist specializing in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and maintains a private practice in Athens in the Panormou area, where she provides individual psychotherapy sessions for adults and parent counseling sessions. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has completed postgraduate studies in Developmental Psychology at the British University of Uclan (University of Central Lancashire, UK). She has completed a 4-year training program in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for adults, children, and adolescents at the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies and is certified according to the Training and Supervision Standards of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT). She has also been trained in Basic Training in Compassion-Focused Therapy at the Hellenic Center for Compassion-Focused Therapy. She has experience working as a psychotherapist for adults, children, and adolescents in Urban Non-Profit Organizations, Private Centers providing Psychotherapeutic Services, and in Primary Education. Finally, she specializes in anxiety disorders and interpersonal relationship management.

Leivaditi Penny is a Military Psychologist and Systemic Psychotherapist with many years of experience in the field of mental health and maintains a private practice in Panormou. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, while simultaneously attending the Military Academy of Corps Officers (2009-2013).

Since 2013, she has worked in mental health institutions, acquiring extensive clinical experience in psychiatric clinics, mental health centers, and psychosocial support services. Over the years, she has developed a deep understanding of the needs of adults facing emotional, interpersonal, and psychological difficulties. Within the framework of her clinical practice, she has been trained at Aeginiteio Hospital in the administration and evaluation of the DSM-5 Personality Questionnaire (SCID-5), enhancing her capability in psychodiagnostic assessment.

Since 2018, she has been training in Systemic Psychotherapy and Group Therapy at the Athens Center for the Study of Humans (AKMA), one of the most prestigious educational institutions for systemic approaches in Greece.

Additionally, she has completed specialized seminars in Systemic Group Psychotherapy, Parent Counseling, and Couples Counseling.

Her therapeutic work includes support in managing anxiety and panic attacks, depression and emotional difficulties, interpersonal problems and relationships, family issues, parenting roles, and matters of self-esteem and self-awareness.

She offers individual sessions for adults, couples counseling, and family counseling, aiming to understand relationships, improve communication, and overall empower the individual within the context of their relational connections.