Health professionals for Phobias in Kriti

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.

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.

Elena Georgakopoulou is a Counseling Psychologist - Psychotherapist for children, adolescents, and adults. She holds a professional license to practice in England (HCPC Register PYL 15025) since 2006, and a professional license in Greece since 2008. She is also a regular member of the Hellenic Psychological Society and has worked as a Psychologist in the National Health Service of the United Kingdom (NHS), providing therapy to adults and children with severe clinical symptomatology. She has worked with adults and children and utilizes an eclectic and integrative model combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), systemic, and person-centered approaches. Her work often involves collaboration with parents, as well as coordination with other agencies such as educational settings, while in Greece she works remotely. She is interested in and can assist in areas such as autism and autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, anxiety and depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), low self-esteem and self-confidence, loss of meaning and direction in life, relational and attachment difficulties, and parental counseling. Sessions are also provided in English.

Emmanouela Pappa is a Psychologist with a private practice in Agios Nikolaos, Crete, and extensive training in modern and psychoanalytic approaches. She graduated from the University of East London (2018) and has been trained in clinical hypnotherapy as well as child psychology through a certified training program at the University of the Aegean. She has completed the first cycle of training in systemic psychotherapy and is concurrently undergoing ongoing psychoanalytic training, focusing on the Lacanian approach. Additionally, she has attended a one-year coaching program at the Athens Coaching Institute, specializing in the relationship between guidance and psychological empowerment (without participation in certification examinations). She addresses cases of anxiety, depression, panic attacks, identity and relationship disorders, as well as difficulties in self-definition or emotional regulation. She has a particular interest in career direction and life-course changes. She works with individuals who feel blocked, uncertain, or pressured by choices, helping them connect with their needs and desires in order to build a meaningful path. She continually invests in further education and supervision, actively participating in psychoanalytic seminars, reading groups, and conferences both in Greece and abroad.

Soumpasi Nikoleta MA is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist offering specialized psychological support services through online sessions. She is a graduate of Psychology and holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Psychotherapy from the University of East London. Her specialization focuses on the Integrative Psychotherapy Model, which combines Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral, and Psychodynamic approaches. Her continuous professional development through workshops, conferences, and training programs ensures the application of the most current methods in the field of mental health.

She has gained valuable experience working in significant institutions such as the Care Unit for Elderly with Dementia and Alzheimer’s “Aktios,” the psychotherapeutic center Roots Wellness CENTER, and the Association for the Protection of Children and Persons with Disabilities. Additionally, she has worked as a Psychologist in public schools, providing psychosocial support to children with neurodevelopmental disorders, contributing to their smooth integration and development within the educational and social environment.

Since 2021, she has been practicing privately, providing psychological support for issues including anxiety and stress, panic attacks, grief, depression, anger management, and more. Through the Integrative Psychotherapy Model, she adjusts her approach to the needs of each client, aiming at meaningful support and improvement of their quality of life.

Zaxaropoulou Eleni is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Heraklion, Crete. She is a graduate of Luton University in England, specializing in Psychology with Health Studies, and holds a Master’s degree from Derby University in England in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy (MSc Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy). Since 2017, she has been a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). She possesses extensive and broad-ranging experience, having worked with organizations such as NELE as a public trainer, in KAPI (Open Care Centers for the Elderly), KIFI (Centers for the Care of the Elderly with Disabilities), and municipalities in the Heraklion Prefecture. She has served as a coordinator for parent schools in many schools in the city of Heraklion as well as in rural areas. Additionally, she has previously collaborated with various social structures, such as the Child Protection Center of Heraklion, providing counseling and psychological support to children, adolescents, and young girls who have been removed from their family environments. She has also worked in private and municipal kindergartens (KEPA), in the Creative Occupation Center (KDAP) of the Gorgolaini municipality, the CALCETTO football academy, and in elderly care units (Libyan and Friendly Hearth). She specializes in the integrative counseling and psychotherapy model, trauma therapy, and couples counseling. Since 1995, she has maintained a private practice in Heraklion, Crete, and understanding the demands of the modern era, she also conducts sessions via Skype. She works with adults, adolescents, and children, specializing in relationship problems, divorce, grief, anxiety, phobias, depression, self-awareness, self-improvement, obsessive-compulsive disorders, panic attacks, and psychosomatic issues. In parallel, she is active in individual counseling as well as marriage and family counseling.

Η Μπαμπίλη Σοφία είναι Σύμβουλος Ψυχικής Υγείας και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στην Σταμάτα. Εκπαιδεύτηκε στην Ανασυνδιασμένη Εκλεκτική Συμβουλευτική ,συνεχίζει την εκπαίδευσή της στο London Metropolitan University και είναι πτυχιούχος στη Διοίκησης Επιχειρήσεων από το Πανεπιστήμιο Πειραιώς, με περισσότερα από σαράντα χρόνια εργασιακής εμπειρίας. Η Ανασυνδιασμένη Εκλεκτική Συμβουλευτική είναι μια σύγχρονη, ευέλικτη προσέγγιση που δεν περιορίζεται σε μία σχολή σκέψης. Συνδυάζει στοιχεία από διαφορετικά συμβουλευτικά και ψυχοθεραπευτικά μοντέλα, επιλέγοντας κάθε φορά ό,τι ταιριάζει καλύτερα στον άνθρωπο και στη φάση ζωής στην οποία βρίσκεται. Η διαδρομή της ειδικού δεν είναι μονοδιάστατη. Προέρχεται από τον χώρο της εργασίας, της ευθύνης και των απαιτητικών ρόλων ζωής. Έχει ζήσει τις πιέσεις, τις αλλαγές, τις απώλειες και τις μεταβάσεις που φέρνει ο χρόνος. Αυτή η εμπειρία είναι αναπόσπαστο κομμάτι του τρόπου που προσεγγίζει τον άνθρωπο. Πιστεύει ότι η κατανόηση δεν γεννιέται μόνο μέσα από τη γνώση, αλλά και μέσα από τη ζωή. Η απόφασή της να ασχοληθεί με τη συμβουλευτική ψυχικής υγείας δεν ήταν τυχαία. Ήταν αποτέλεσμα ωρίμανσης και βαθιάς ανάγκης να σταθεί δίπλα σε ανθρώπους που βρίσκονται σε φάσεις εσωτερικής κόπωσης, αναζήτησης ή επαναπροσδιορισμού. Στη δουλειά της, δίνει έμφαση στη σχέση και στον σεβασμό της προσωπικής διαδρομής του κάθε ανθρώπου. Δεν πιστεύει στις έτοιμες λύσεις ούτε στις γρήγορες απαντήσεις. Πιστεύει στη διαδικασία, στην παρουσία και στη σταδιακή κατανόηση. Είναι εδώ για όσους θέλουν να μιλήσουν ουσιαστικά. Για όσους έχουν ξανακάνει τον κύκλο και είναι έτοιμοι να τον διανύσουν με άλλον τρόπο.

Polyxronaki Panagiota is a clinical psychologist - psychotherapist providing online sessions.

She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete and a master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Leiden University, Netherlands. She has been trained in the Cognitive Behavioral Approach by the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies.

She is certified in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, has completed the one-year postgraduate program in Clinical Psychopathology at the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and the Research University Mental Health Institute (EPISY), as well as holding a diploma in Coaching from UGROW and the Positive Psychology Society.

In parallel, she has attended numerous specialized trainings and continually pursues her professional development through supervision and ongoing education.

Regarding her professional training, she completed her internship as part of her postgraduate studies at the Psychiatric Clinic of the University Hospital of Heraklion and at the Alzheimer Day Center "Nefeli". Additionally, she completed an internship at the Student Counseling Center of NKUA, providing therapeutic support to students.

She works privately, providing sessions to adults and adolescents.

Paraskeui Stamataki is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist offering online sessions. She holds a degree in Psychology from Panteion University, with postgraduate studies in Neuroscience and Mental Functioning ("Brain and Mind") and specialization in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy and psychopathology. Having worked in various settings, including psychiatric clinics and diagnostic centers, she provides psychological support services for adults dealing with anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, as well as interpersonal issues. Her professional experience also includes collaboration with primary and secondary schools, offering comprehensive therapeutic solutions and counseling for personal development and mental well-being. Additionally, the Psychologist has participated in numerous seminars as part of her ongoing professional development. Ultimately, with the aim of effectively enhancing emotional balance and well-being, the specialist offers individualized psychological services centered on understanding and managing mental health challenges.

Sarrimaurogeni Stamatia is a Psychologist specializing in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and conducts online psychotherapy sessions. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete and is continuing her training in psychodynamic psychotherapy through HOPEinGA. She completed her practical internship at the Chania Mental Health Center and subsequently participated in the Erasmus+ program at the AMEOS St. Josef psychiatric clinic in Oberhausen. She has attended numerous seminars accredited by certified organizations and has participated in educational workshops and conferences.

Mpita Eirini is a Psychodynamic Psychotherapist – Mental Health Counselor and a graduate of Sociology from Panteion University, with private practices in Athens and Norway. She has been trained in Couples Therapy & Parenting Counseling and has further specialized in Child Psychology and Infant and Preschool Child Psychology (NKUA). Additionally, she regularly attends annual seminars and lectures. Her internship at the Greek Forum of Migrants and her voluntary work with the Norwegian Red Cross have enhanced her sensitivity to issues of cultural integration, identity, and mental health support for vulnerable populations. Having lived and worked in multicultural environments, she approaches therapy with openness, understanding, and respect for the uniqueness of each individual. She works with adults and couples facing difficulties such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, relationship challenges, or life transitional phases. For Mpita Eirini, therapy is a profound dialogue where symptoms serve as starting points for understanding and processing what has not yet been expressed. She creates a safe space where each person can freely express themselves and meaningfully connect with their inner self.

Pitsinis Errikos Dionysios is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist who conducts online psychotherapy sessions while also maintaining his private practice in Kypseli. He has completed studies in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the International Psychotherapy Center "ALYPIA," holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Forensic Psychology from the University of Central Lancashire, and a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Forensic Psychology from Coventry University. His professional experience includes work in private practice as well as an internship at the Korydallos Detention Center I. He has specialized through training programs at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in the following areas: Couple and Family Counseling and Therapy, Aggressive and Violent Behavior: Professional Risk Assessment and De-escalation Techniques, Anxiety and Depression: Psychoeducation and Management, Psychosocial Support for Prisoners and Reintegration Issues, and Cluster B Personality Disorders (Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, and Narcissistic Personality Disorders). Finally, the specialist is a regular member of the Hellenic Association of Psychologists.

Sartzetaki Rafaela is a Psychologist licensed to practice (License No. 270297/2021) and maintains a private practice in Chania. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and holds a Master's Degree from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, specializing in Mental Health and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) according to the standards of the European Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT). She is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Approaches (Trauma-Focused CBT) to address the consequences of traumatic experiences, such as domestic violence, significant losses, and abuse. She holds certification in the Principles of Medical Research Methodology from the Medical School of NKUA. She has clinical experience providing psychological support and psychotherapeutic intervention to children, adolescents, and adults through collaborations with private therapeutic settings, psychological centers, and public institutions. Additionally, she has completed internships at the Naval Hospital of Athens and the Child Psychiatry Clinic of the "Agia Sofia" Children's Hospital.

Vasilakis Kostis is a licensed Psychologist who offers psychotherapeutic sessions to adolescents and adults. His goal is to establish a therapeutic relationship characterized by empathy and acceptance, where the individual can explore the self and develop innate abilities within a safe and understanding environment.

He has worked in organizations such as the Ministry of Labor and in private therapeutic settings, providing counseling and psychological support, administering psychometric instruments, and collaborating closely with families.

He studied Psychology at the University of Nicosia and Communication at Panteion University. He has been trained in Systemic Therapy and specializes in Person-Centered and Focusing/Experiential Psychotherapy.

Zaxaraki Foteini is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Heraklion, Crete. She studied Psychology at Wrexham University in the United Kingdom, as well as Social Anthropology at the University of the Aegean, completing postgraduate studies specializing in Asian countries at SOAS, University of London. She has been trained in Systemic Family Therapy at the Laboratory of Systemic Thinking & Training, certified by the European Family Therapy Association Training Institute Chamber (EFTA TIC). She has participated in research programs concerning minorities and migrants in the Netherlands and Greece and has taken part in several anthropological field studies. Additionally, she is a certified Life & Business Coach by the European Mentoring & Coaching Council and has extensive professional experience in the business sector. She holds a license to practice as a Psychologist, maintains a legal office in Heraklion, Crete, and works in individual and group psychotherapy and coaching sessions. She is a member of the British Psychological Society, the American Anthropological Association, as well as the Association of Social Anthropologists of Greece.

Alexandros Ananiadis Bassias is a licensed Psychologist (License No. 9225/14) since 2015, specializing in online therapy in Greek and English.

He has worked in both public and private mental health settings, including the Psychiatric Hospital of Attica, the Mental Health Center of Rethymno, and the Hellenic Red Cross Hospital. He has also contributed to research projects at the London Business School and Queen Mary University of London.

Besides his clinical and research experience, he has been actively involved with entrepreneurship, negotiations and conflict resolutions.

Alex holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Crete, a Master’s in Decision-Making Psychology from University College London (UCL), and is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (IBRT). He is also a trained negotiator from the Athens University of Economics and Business.

His approach to therapy focuses on collaboration, transparency, and clear, practical goals. He aims not only to help people manage challenges like anxiety and depression but also to boost positive relations, resilience, self-confidence, and overall well-being.

Pasxalidou Sissy is a Social Worker - Psychotherapist with advanced training in Person-Centered Psychotherapy and Counseling. She graduated from Democritus University of Thrace and holds a postgraduate degree in Person-Centered Psychotherapy and Counseling from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.

Her professional experience includes working with diverse age and social groups through settings such as kindergartens, hospital environments (General Hospital of Kavala), the "Help at Home" program for elderly individuals, among others. Since 2022, she has been providing individual psychotherapy sessions both online and in-person, with her office located in Gerani, Chania. Concurrently, she coordinates parent empowerment groups.

"In my therapeutic work, I emphasize creating a relationship of acceptance, safety, and authentic contact. I support individuals facing issues such as anxiety, difficulties in interpersonal relationships, low self-esteem, emotional burden, life transitions, as well as the need for self-care and personal development. My goal is to accompany each person with respect and empathy on their unique journey."

Maria Kontaksaki is a Systemic Mental Health Counselor, certified in Systemic Psychotherapy, with a private practice in Gazi, Heraklion. She works with individuals, couples, and families seeking to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships, offering a framework of safety, acceptance, and trust. Her goal is to create a warm and supportive environment where each person can freely express themselves, process their difficulties, and discover new ways of connection and communication. Through the therapeutic process, self-awareness, emotional insight, and the capacity for meaningful and authentic relationships are enhanced. She has experience in individual counseling, couples counseling, and family therapy, and has also been involved in coordinating therapeutic groups. Additionally, she has completed clinical training under supervision and actively participates as a scientific collaborator in mental health institutions. She has attended and participated in numerous conferences, seminars, and trainings related to counseling, couples therapy, trauma, and the systemic approach, and is engaged in community support and group coordination activities. Her approach is based on systemic thinking, emphasizing relationships, interaction patterns, and the broader context in which the individual lives and evolves.

Sfakianakis Georgios BSc, MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Heraklion, Crete. He holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete and a master's degree in "Integrative Psychotherapy and Counseling" from Mediterranean College, a branch of the University of Derby, UK. The integrative model he practices combines cognitive-behavioral, person-centered, and psychoanalytic approaches (with an emphasis on attachment theory). Since 2024, he has also been attending the training seminar at the University of Crete in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.

He has completed his practical training in various settings. Initially, at the Psychiatric Clinic "Agios Charalampos" during his undergraduate studies, followed by placements at the General Hospital of Heraklion "Venizeleio - Pananio," the Heraklion Community Center, MITERA Hospital in Athens, and the 2nd & 5th Primary Schools of Nea Alikarnassos as part of his postgraduate degree. Additionally, he served as a Psychologist during his 9-month military service, participating in all related activities and responsibilities.

He provides psychotherapy sessions to individuals over 16 years old, either in person or online. The first session is offered free of charge, as it primarily serves as an introductory meeting.