Health professionals for Phobias in the Northern suburbs of Athens

Metaksa Krystallia is a Psychologist with a private practice in Chalandri. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at the American College and has completed her internship and specialized training in the field of counseling, gaining valuable experience in managing and supporting individuals at various stages of their lives. Additionally, she has attended seminars aimed at specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a scientifically validated approach that helps individuals recognize and modify dysfunctional patterns of thought and behavior. As a counseling psychologist, she supports individuals and couples seeking guidance and empowerment during challenging phases of their lives. She creates a framework of trust and safety where clients can express their thoughts and emotions and discover new ways to manage their challenges. Her expertise includes the management of anxiety, stress, panic attacks, grief, loss, depression, interpersonal relationships and communication, personal development and empowerment, couple therapy, as well as career counseling for young people. With a focus on the uniqueness of each individual, her goal is to support you in overcoming difficulties, enhancing your skills, and achieving greater balance and quality of life.

Η Αλεξοπούλου Κωνσταντίνα-Μαρία είναι Ψυχολόγος-Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο κέντρο της Αθήνας, και στο Ψυχικό. Παράλληλα, εργάζεται σε Μονάδα Φροντίδας Ηλικιωμένων & Μονάδα Alzheimer, καθώς και στην μονάδα Έγκαιρης Παρέμβασης για την Ψύχωση του Ερευνητικού Πανεπιστημιακού Ινστιτούτου Ψυχικής Υγειινής. (ΕΠΙΨΥ, Χολαργού-Αθηνών. Είναι κάτοχος δυο μεταπτυχιακών, πιο συγκεκριμένα Msc Counselling Psychology/Psychotherapeutics και Msc Psychotherapy of couples and families, από το Πανεπιστήμιο του Λονδίνου. Επίσης, έχει ολοκληρώσει το εκπαιδευτικό Πρόγραμμα του Νational Center of Eating Disorders, στο Λονδίνο. Έχει εργαστεί για 5 χρόνια, στην μονάδα Διατροφικών Διαταραχών του εθνικού κέντρου Διατροφικών Διαταραχών (National Centre of Eating Disorders) στο Πρόγραμμα Ατομικής - Ομαδικής Θεραπείας - Eποπτείας Ψυχοθεραπείας Συστημικής Κατεύθυνσης και Φαρμακευτική Αντιμετώπιση των Διατροφικών Διαταραχών. Ακόμη, έχει εργαστεί ως Επιστημονικός συνεργάτης της Ύπατης Αρμοστείας ΟΗΕ σε ζητήματα εφήβων και ενηλίκων και στο Κέντρο Ελέγχου και Πρόληψης Νοσημάτων, και στον παρόντα χρόνο στο Οικοτροφείο Αλκυονίς Καπανδρίτι Αθηνών, και επιστημονική Υπεύθυνη στο κέντρο ψυχοκοινωνικής Υγείας Χαλανδρίου ''Θέτις'' Αθηνών, στο Ινστιτούτο ψυχικής υγείας παιδιών και ενηλίκων της ΕΨΥΠΕ, συνεργάτις Ειδικού Ιατρείου Ψυχικής Υγείας Γυναικών Ε.ΨΥ.Γ) στο Αιγινήτειο Νοσοκομείο, πρόγραμμα Βραχείας ψυχοθεραπείας-παρέμβασης και αντιμετώπισης των ψυχικών διαταραχών γυναικών-παιδιών-νέων ενηλίκων με διαταραχές εξάρτησης από ουσίες στον ΟΚΑΝΑ, Γραμμή ψυχοκοινωνικής υποστήριξης ΟΚΑΝΑ, 1031, για τις διαταραχές συμπεριφοράς/ διαταραχές χρήσης ουσιών/ αλκοόλ ή και αυτοκτονική συμπεριφορά/ ιδεασμό, ενηλίκων εφήβων-παιδιών με ψυχωτικές διαταραχές/ διαταραχές ύπνου/ διατροφής, διαταραχές προσωπικότητας καθώς επίσης και εργάζεται σε βάρδιες, και είναι μέλος στην 24 ωρη γραμμή ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης 10306, μόνιμης πλέον υπηρεσίας του Υπουργείου Υγείας για θύματα βίαιων συμπεριφορών/άτομα με νοητικές διαταραχές/οικογενειακά θέματα φύλου/σχέσεων/γάμου/ ανεργία/ απασχόληση ,συμβουλευτική ζεύγους παιδιών, εφήβων, ενηλίκων για απασχόληση/ συμβουλευτική σε άτομα με σεξουαλικά προβλήματα, άτομα με διάφορα ψυχικά νοσήματα/ φοβίες κατάθλιψη κρίσεις πανικού, άγχος φοβίες, και εκφοβισμό σε ΛΟΑΤΚΙ+ άτομα/ με ψυχοσωματικές παθήσεις και είναι μέλος Θεραπευτικού Προγράμματος των εξαρτήσεων, ΙSSUP, και της επιτροπής για πρόληψη και αντιμετώπιση της Βίας ανηλίκων/ ενηλίκων στην Ευρώπη, European psychosocial group against bulling and Mental Health Resiliense' και του μη κερδοσκοπικού οργανισμού Μαζί για το Παιδί καθώς επίσης συμμετέχει ως συντονίστρια στις δράσεις και ομάδες υποστήριξης της γραμμής 11525, επιπλέον διατελεί και μέλος της διεπιστημονικής ομάδας στο Αιγινήτειο Νοσοκομείο πραγματοποιεί διαδικτυακές/ οnline, και δια ζώσης συνεδρίες ψυχοθεραπείας κατόπιν τηλεφωνικού ραντεβού. Είναι μέλος του Συλλόγου Ελλήνων Ψυχολόγων και της Ελληνικής Εταιρίας Συστημικής, Γνωσιακής- Συμπεριφοριστικής- Σχεσιακής-Διαπροσωπικής και Ψυχοδυναμικής-Ψυχαναλυτικής Ψυχοθεραπείας. Τέλος, έχει συμμετάσχει σε πληθώρα επιστημονικών συνεδρίων και έχει πραγματοποιήσει επιστημονική έρευνα σε θέματα Σχιζοφρένειας /Διπολικής Διαταραχής, Ψυχαναγκαστικής Διαταραχής Διαταραχών Μνήμης -Άνοιας- Θεραπείας/ Συμβουλευτικής Φροντιστών Αμεα/ ψυχωτικών χρόνιων ασθενών. Οικογενειακής Βίας - Θεραπευτικής Παρέμβασης σε Ζευγάρια/Οικογένειες και Ψυχο-εκπαιδευτικές Ομάδες Εφήβων-Παιδιών- Ενηλίκων, Εφαρμογές Ενναλακτικών Θεραπευτικών Μεθόδων στην θεραπεία χρόνιων παθήσεων και πόνου μέσω κλινικής υπνοθεραπείας-nlp coaching program certified INLPTA-ICCP. ΕCP GHR AGCPP IRC-Eyropsy Psychosocial health in addictions and trauma applied psychotherapy with hypnosis techniques and mindfullness stress relief time line treatment. NLPTA ISSUP-AGGPTI .

Kalaitzi Myrto is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Nea Filothei. She graduated with honors from the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, as well as from the Department of Philosophy, Education, and Psychology with a specialization in Psychology at the same university. Subsequently, she pursued postgraduate studies in "Applied Clinical Psychology" at UCLAN University in England and underwent psychodynamic training in the diagnosis and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults at DIKEPSY. She has worked as a Psychologist at KEDASY, in primary schools of the Chalandri municipality, and in a special secondary education school. Additionally, she has been employed at the Psychosocial Unit of the Samos Reception and Identification Center (KYT) of the National Public Health Organization (EODY) and at a center for therapy of children and adolescents. She possesses extensive experience with all age groups (children, adolescents, adults) and vulnerable populations. Finally, she has participated in numerous educational and scientific seminars, conferences, and workshops.

Kypraiou Areti is a Psychologist with a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. She specializes in individual and group psychotherapy, family therapy, couples counseling, and adolescent counseling. Additionally, she coordinates parent groups. She completed her undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Psychology and Counseling at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Subsequently, she received training in Parent Group Coordination at the Panhellenic Association of Parent Schools (a member of the International Federation for Parent Education - Fédération Internationale pour l'Éducation des Parents), with which she collaborates. She continues her education through specialized seminars on various topics related to individual therapy. Finally, she frequently delivers lectures and seminars for parents, adolescents, and educators, contributes articles to newspapers, and serves as a scientific collaborator for websites concerning psychology and child-rearing issues.

Piliati Ioanna is a Psychologist - Systemic Psychotherapist and maintains private practices in Vrilissia and Chalandri. She specializes in Systemic - Family Counseling and therapy for individuals and couples. She is a regular member of the Greek and European Association of Counseling. She works with individuals, couples, families, parents, and groups on issues related to gender identity, sexual difficulties, interpersonal relationships, anxiety problems, panic attacks, and other emotional difficulties and mood disorders, grief, and more. Within a framework of protection, safety, and acceptance, she works aiming at the psychological support of adolescents and adults. She focuses on highlighting their skills and psychological resources to empower them and achieve a harmonious life with balance. She has 25 years of experience and expertise in the fields of communication and personal development. She has collaborated with a wide network of individuals and groups with very diverse backgrounds, experiences, needs, behaviors, and lifestyles. She places great importance on the human need for understanding, acceptance, and support. She is an ally to the individual regarding their interpersonal relationships and the various challenges they face in different phases of their changing life. After her personal engagement with Systemic Psychotherapy, she decided to change her career path by obtaining a degree in Psychology and specializing in Systemic Counseling - Family Therapy.

Danai Volitaki is a Social Anthropologist - Systemic Family Psychotherapist providing sessions to adults and couples. She completed her undergraduate studies in Social Anthropology and History at the University of the Aegean, followed by a one-year postgraduate training program in Applied Counseling. She specialized in the Systemic and Family Psychotherapy program at the Laboratory for the Investigation of Human Relations, certified by international and European psychotherapy bodies (ELESYTH, EFTA, EAP, EEPS), gaining valuable clinical experience alongside esteemed trainers and supervisor psychotherapists. Subsequently, she completed the annual seminar on Therapeutic Treatment of Addictions at the public Detoxification Center 18 ANO. During her specialization in systemic family therapy, she participated in a clinical psychotherapy team at the Laboratory for the Investigation of Human Relations and began working privately as a psychotherapist. She has extensive experience in the field of Non-Governmental Organizations, having worked with vulnerable groups, providing counseling services to ex-prisoners, unemployed individuals, and people facing substance, alcohol, and gambling addiction issues, which enables her to offer a holistic therapeutic approach. Additionally, she has worked with infants, adolescents, and adults with disabilities (ASD and intellectual disabilities). She has volunteered at the Detoxification Unit 18 ANO, participating in individual and family sessions with addicted individuals and their families. Since 2018, she has worked privately as a Systemic Family Psychotherapist and concurrently as a Therapist for addicted individuals in the organization Group for UNESCO of Piraeus and Islands.

Gerontidi Eleanni BSc, MSc is a Psychologist - Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapist for Children & Adults with a professional license. Her undergraduate and postgraduate studies were conducted and completed through the University of Central Lancashire in England, with full recognition by the corresponding Greek authorities. Subsequently, she trained in Cognitive and Behavioral techniques related to procrastination, assertiveness, mental imagery, among others, through seminars conducted by distinguished PhD holders. Additionally, through the Hellenic Society of Cognitive & Behavioral Studies, she has been trained in the approach of Cognitive & Behavioral Therapy for children and adolescents. Her personal and professional principles focus on mutual respect, unconditional acceptance of people, empathy, and collaboration as essential components for building a strong therapeutic relationship. A good therapeutic relationship - collaboration is defined in the literature as one of the most important factors for the positive outcome of therapy - counseling (Flückiger, Del Re, Wampold, & Horvath, 2018). Professionally, she has worked in Human Resources Management aiming to improve working conditions by conducting relevant research. However, she has placed greater emphasis on psychotherapy, aiming to support individuals in finding and obtaining what they need to live a full and healthy life. In her clinical experience, she has focused, among others, on trauma, ADHD, self and body image, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, emotion regulation, assertiveness, and more. Finally, in addition to individual therapy for adults and adolescents, she provides counseling for parents, couples, and career (e.g., interview preparation) in both Greek and English.

Sxiza Emmeleia is a Psychotherapist specializing in the Body-Oriented Reichian Approach and maintains a private practice in Chalandri, where she provides individual sessions for adolescents and adults.

With undergraduate studies at the School of Public Health of the University of West Attica and certifications in educational/pedagogical competence as well as in special education, she has specialized in the field of mental health, graduating from the Wilhelm Reich Psychotherapy and Counseling Center - Hellenic Institute of Neurovegetotherapy and Character Analysis (H.I.N.A.). She holds a degree in Psychotherapy with a 4-year duration of studies plus 2 years of supervision. Additionally, she has been trained in Biodynamic Psychotherapy, Gestalt Psychotherapy, and Bioenergetic Analysis, covering both theoretical and practical aspects of Body-Oriented Reichian Psychotherapy through theoretical courses, experiential workshops, and marathons (intensive experiential groups), which she continues to attend to this day. She applies techniques and therapeutic models for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, giving equal emphasis to the body, emotion, and cognition with the ultimate goal of balancing them. Part of the therapeutic process involves addressing the bodily symptom, balancing the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems in combination with verbal processing. In her private practice, she undertakes a wide range of mental health difficulties, such as internal conflicts, low self-esteem, interpersonal relationship challenges, anxiety, phobias, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, panic attacks, depression, and psychosomatic disorders.

Fragkiadaki Xristina is a Psychologist practicing privately in Agia Paraskevi. She holds a B.Sc. (Hons) degree in Psychology from Canterbury Christ Church University in Kent and has completed her postgraduate studies in Systemic Psychotherapy and Family-Couple Therapy at the Systemic Center for Education and Psychotherapy “SKEPSYS.” Additionally, she has completed four-year postgraduate studies in Drama Therapy at the Institute of Psychotherapy through Theatre “AION.” Furthermore, she has completed the training program "Basic Principles in Counseling and Psychotherapy with LGBTQ+ Individuals" at Orlando LGBT+ Mental Health Without Stigma. She graduated from the drama school “Theatro Technis - Karolos Koun” and has been professionally involved with Playback Theatre since 2004 as an actor, coordinator, and trainer. She is a founding member of the Playback Psi group. Finally, she is a member of the Refraim team, which focuses on experiential adult education through theatrical techniques and participatory theatre, and of Amate Performance, which aims to carry out social intervention actions through theatrical practice and performance.

Vasileiou Lida MA is a certified Psychosomatic Health Counselor and conducts online sessions. She is a graduate of the Sociology Department of Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences with a specialization in Criminology. She holds a master's degree in Psychosomatic Health Counseling with the application of the Evaluative Cognitive Model, an interdisciplinary model for the Promotion of Mental Health that integrates information and knowledge from both medical and humanities disciplines. Specifically, it combines medical data and knowledge from Neurosciences with scientific insights from the fields of Mental Health Promotion, Cognitive Therapeutic Models, and Positive Psychology. She emphasizes Psychosomatic Health, aiming to approach the individual in a short period through a structured practice. Additionally, the specialist holds a certification in training for Cognitive Counseling and Interventions from the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies. Continuing her studies, she attended the Special Education program in Supervisory Evaluative Counseling at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), through the Center for Evaluative Study of Psychosomatic Health (KE.AM.PSY), in collaboration with the Society for the Promotion of Psychiatry and Related Sciences (EL.E.P.PSY.S.EP). Ms. Vasileiou provides counseling services tailored to the specific needs of each client.

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.

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

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.

Sofia Aperi is an honors graduate Psychologist, BSc from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (EKPA), and holds a professional practice license. She works in counseling and psychotherapeutic settings (psychodynamic-psychoanalytic orientation). She undertakes individual therapies (adults, adolescents, children) as well as family and couples counseling. She provides her services both in-person and online, offering individual psychotherapy sessions with respect and responsibility. Notably, she has collaborated with the Mental Health Center of the Research University Institute of Mental Hygiene, Neurosciences & Precision Medicine "Kostas Stefanis" (E.P.I.P.S.Y.) and the Special Primary School of Agios Dimitrios. Additionally, she has academic research activity and has attended, among others, training programs on Loss and Grief Counseling, Depression, and Psychosomatic Disorders.

Dafni Petrakogianni MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist, licensed to practice, and maintains a private practice in Cholargos. She studied Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and holds a master's degree in "Health Promotion and Education" from the Medical School of Athens. She employs an integrative psychotherapy model, having been trained in Cognitive Therapy at Aeginiteio Hospital, while completing a two-year training in Systemic Psychotherapy, training in Systemic Constellation, as well as a three-year supervision in "Family Therapy with a Systemic Approach" at the Psychiatric Hospital of Athens Dafni. She has volunteered as a Psychologist in hospitals and specializes in the management of issues arising from chronic illnesses. Additionally, she has taught psychology courses in post-secondary education institutions. She has experience in treating mood and anxiety disorders (anxiety disorders, depression) and, through her work at the primary care clinics of Agia Paraskevi and the Day Center of Agia Paraskevi - Ikelos Association, she gained extensive experience in counseling on interpersonal relationship issues, enhancing self-image, and adult psychotherapy. Finally, she has worked as a Psychologist in kindergartens of the Municipality of Agia Paraskevi, at the Youth Counseling Center of the Sivitanidios School, and at a Children's Workshop, gaining substantial experience in adolescent psychotherapy and parental counseling.