Health professionals for Phobias in Kriti

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 Γουρζουλίδου Αγάπη, BSc, MSc, είναι Ψυχολόγος – Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και πραγματοποιεί διαδικτυακές συνεδρίες. Είναι απόφοιτος του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Πανεπιστημίου Κρήτης (BSc) και κάτοχος μεταπτυχιακού τίτλου (MSc) στην Κλινική και Κοινοτική Ψυχολογία από το University of East London σε συνεργασία με το Αριστοτέλειο Πανεπιστήμιο Θεσσαλονίκης. Επιπλέον, διαθέτει εξειδίκευση στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία (CBT). Πραγματοποίησε την πρακτική της άσκηση στην Ελληνική Εταιρεία Νόσου Alzheimer και Συγγενών Διαταραχών Έχει επίσης εκπαιδευτεί στη Θετική Ψυχολογία μέσω του Open People University και στην αντιμετώπιση της κατάθλιψης μέσω του Ελληνικού Ανοικτού Πανεπιστημίου. Στην επαγγελματική της πορεία έχει εργαστεί ως ψυχολόγος και ψυχοθεραπεύτρια, πραγματοποιώντας διαδικτυακές και δια ζώσης ατομικές συνεδρίες. Έχει συνεργαστεί με κέντρα όπως το Epi Paidos Center for Special Therapies και δομές ΚΔΑΠ ΑμεΑ, καθώς και με κοινωνικούς συνεταιρισμούς, όπως η Cooperativa Margherita στην Ιταλία. Επιπλέον, έχει αναλάβει υπεύθυνα καθήκοντα σε μη κερδοσκοπικούς οργανισμούς (Μ.Κ.Ο.), όπως η ΜΕΤΑδραση, ενώ στο παρελθόν διατηρούσε και τον δικό της χώρο ψυχικής υγείας. Παράλληλα, έχει συμμετάσχει σε εθελοντικές δράσεις στο πλαίσιο ευρωπαϊκών προγραμμάτων. Διαθέτει εμπειρία στην εφαρμογή γνωσιακών και συμπεριφορικών θεραπευτικών προσεγγίσεων, στην ψυχοεκπαίδευση, στη συμβουλευτική γονέων, καθώς και στη διαχείριση συναισθηματικών και συμπεριφορικών δυσκολιών σε παιδιά, εφήβους και ενήλικες. Οι ακαδημαϊκές της εργασίες, όπως η πτυχιακή της μελέτη για τις επιδράσεις της μουσικής στο άγχος κατάστασης και η μεταπτυχιακή της έρευνα για την επίδραση του άγχους στη σεξουαλική συμπεριφορά, αναδεικνύουν την επιστημονική της προσέγγιση και την ικανότητά της να συνδυάζει την έρευνα με την πρακτική εφαρμογή. Στόχος της είναι να παρέχει ένα ασφαλές και υποστηρικτικό περιβάλλον, όπου οι άνθρωποι μπορούν να μιλήσουν ανοιχτά για τα ζητήματα που τους απασχολούν και να αναπτύξουν δεξιότητες που θα τους οδηγήσουν σε μια πιο υγιή και ισορροπημένη ζωή.

Doksastaki Anna is a Psychotherapist specializing in Psychoanalytic Art Therapy and runs the private practice "Art Can Talk Dramatherapy and Wellness Centre" in Heraklion, Crete. She completed postgraduate studies in Applied Theatre "Applied Drama: Theatre in Education, Community and Society" at the University of London, as well as in Psychoanalytic Dramatherapy at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge. Her training is based on a psychodynamic approach, and consequently, her clinical practice is rooted in psychoanalytic theory. During her stay in the United Kingdom until 2015, she worked in numerous organizations, theatres, counseling centers, and schools as a Theatre Facilitator, Dramatherapist, and Director. The main focus of her studies, academic research, and professional experience is depression and anxiety disorders in children and adults. Additionally, she has conducted research on the beneficial effects of art and play in health crisis situations and has led workshops in Greece and the UK on managing anxiety and grief through creative activities.

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.

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.

Liodaki Katerina is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Chania, Crete. She studied Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and specialized at the postgraduate level in Clinical Psychology (MSc in Clinical Psychology) at Leiden University in the Netherlands, from which she graduated with distinction, cum laude. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Society for Cognitive and Behavioral Studies (ΕΓΣΣ) through a four-year study program, in accordance with the standards of the European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT). Additionally, she has been trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), two contemporary approaches of the so-called “third generation” cognitive therapies, with scientifically validated effectiveness in a variety of psychological difficulties. She provides individual psychotherapy sessions for adults, both in-person and online. She deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and therapeutic treatment of a variety of mental disorders and problems.

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."

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.

The INTERNUS counseling and psychotherapy center, led by clinical psychologist Mr. Kargakis Emmanouil - Internus, maintains offices in Heraklion, Rethymno, Chania, and Athens, offering a wide range of services concerning treatment, rehabilitation, prevention, and promotion of mental health, primarily based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Mr. Kargakis, a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki with postgraduate studies in Clinical and Counseling Psychology at La Salle University of Philadelphia, and his experienced associates, supported by a modern and continuous framework of supervision, training, and professional development through attendance at national and international psychology conferences, ensure the provision of the most advanced mental health services. Over the years, our center has developed activities and collaborations with various organizations such as SOS Children's Villages, O.E.V.E.N.H, O.E.V.E.N.X, secondary education tutoring centers, schools of various levels, sports clubs, educational seminars for the general public, appearances on television and radio programs, and contributions to local blogs. Sessions are conducted by appointment either in person or online.