Health professionals for Phobias in Macedonia

Tavanli Xrysa Maria is a Psychologist - Systemic Family Psychotherapist and conducts online sessions, including individual, couple, and family therapy. She has extensive experience in both the public and private sectors as a certified Psychologist. She has worked in various settings, including Community Centers, Special Education School Units, and KEDASY (Centers for Differential Diagnosis, Diagnosis, and Support), and currently serves as a School Psychologist at the Ministry of Education. She holds a Psychology degree from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and has completed postgraduate studies in Special Education. Additionally, she has completed a 4-year training program in Systemic Family Therapy. Concurrently, she is continuing her education with postgraduate studies in Gender Studies at the Hellenic Open University. She possesses significant experience in intervention within school, social, and therapeutic contexts, with particular sensitivity to diversity and vulnerable social groups. She approaches individuals’ needs with empathy, systemic thinking, and scientific evidence, emphasizing a collaborative relationship and targeted empowerment.

Kollia Mairi is a psychologist. She holds a professional practice license with protocol number 4346/07-11-2019. She graduated with honors from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Athens. She specialized at the postgraduate level in Clinical Psychology (MSc in Clinical Psychology) at Leiden University in the Netherlands, where she graduated with distinction cum laude. She has completed a four-year study program in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Society of Cognitive and Behavioral Studies (ΕΓΣΣ). Additionally, she has been trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), also provided by the Society of Cognitive and Behavioral Studies (ΕΓΣΣ). Furthermore, she has specialized in trauma therapy using the EMDR method at the Institute of Trauma Therapy. She has also received training in "Counseling and Mental Health in Infertility, the Perinatal and Reproductive Period" at the University of West Attica, focusing on psychological support regarding infertility, pregnancy, and transition to parenthood (postpartum depression, perinatal anxiety, tokophobia, birth trauma, etc.). Currently, she works privately, conducting individual therapy sessions with adults, both in-person and online. She also collaborates with a clinic based abroad, providing psychotherapy online to clients worldwide. In parallel, she maintains a collaboration with an assisted reproduction (IVF) clinic and is a member of an interdisciplinary team at a gynecological clinic in central Athens. Sessions are conducted in Greek and English.

Ο Κοτρώτσιος Δημήτρης είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπευτής CBT με άδεια ασκήσεως επαγγέλματος και αφοσιώνεται στη βοήθεια και τη στήριξη εφήβων και ενηλίκων στην ανάπτυξη της ψυχικής τους ευεξίας. Έχοντας αποφοιτήσει από το τμήμα Ψυχολογίας του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης, στηριζόμενος σε αυτό, προχώρησε τις σπουδές του για να αποκτήσει μεταπτυχιακό τίτλο σπουδών στην Κλινική Ψυχική Υγεία του τμήματος Ιατρικής από το ίδιο πανεπιστήμιο, εμβαθύνοντας στην πολυπλοκότητα της ψυχικής υγείας και των θεραπευτικών προσεγγίσεων. Παράλληλα, εξειδικεύεται στη Γνωστική Συμπεριφορική Ψυχοθεραπεία (CBT) στην Ελληνική Εταιρεία Έρευνας Συμπεριφοράς, σύμφωνα με τα κριτήρια της European Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT), αποκτώντας πολύτιμες δεξιότητες για να ασχολείται με ένα ευρύ φάσμα ψυχολογικών προβλημάτων. Κατά την μέχρι τώρα ενασχόλησή του με τον τομέα της ψυχικής υγείας, έχει δραστηριοποιηθεί στην εργασία με ευάλωτες πληθυσμιακές ομάδες ανηλίκων και ενηλίκων, όπου παρείχε ψυχοεκπαιδευτικές παρεμβάσεις, συμβουλευτική και ατομικές συνεδρίες ψυχοθεραπείας για την αντιμετώπιση μιας σειράς αναπτυξιακών και συναισθηματικών δυσκολιών. Επιπλέον, στο πλαίσιο της δια βίου επιμόρφωσης στον επιστημονικό κλάδο, έχει παρακολουθήσει και ολοκληρώσει διάφορα δια βίου εκπαιδευτικά προγράμματα. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, έχει εξειδικευτεί στην "Ψυχική Υγεία: Τραυματικά Γεγονότα και Διαχείριση Απώλειας/Πένθους", επιτρέποντάς του να χειρίζεται επιδέξια θέματα που σχετίζονται με το τραύμα, την απώλεια και το μετατραυματικό στρες, και στην "Ψυχοεκπαίδευση και Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία Οικογένειας/ CBT Οικογενειακή Θεραπεία" εμβαθύνοντας στην αξία της ψυχοεκπαίδευσης ως ψυχοθεραπευτική διαδικασία με εύρος εφαρμογών τόσο σε σοβαρές σωματικές νόσους όσο και σε μείζονες ψυχικές διαταραχές που απευθύνονται στο άτομο και στην οικογένεια. Στο πλαίσιο της πρακτικής του άσκησης, συνεργάστηκε και με διάφορες μη κυβερνητικές οργανώσεις, όπου συνέχισε την εθελοντική του δραστηριότητα παρέχοντας συμβουλευτική γονέων, συμμετέχοντας σε αθλητικές δράσεις, ψυχοκινητικές δραστηριότητες και ομάδες συζήτησης με τα παιδιά που προωθούν την καλή ψυχική υγεία και την κοινωνική τους ενσωμάτωση. Ακόμα, έχει συμμετάσχει σε διάφορα project στο πλαίσιο ευρωπαϊκών προγραμμάτων (Όσλο, Βαλένθια, Μαρακές) με θεματικές που αφορούν την προώθηση της ψυχικής υγείας και την πρόληψη φαινομένων, όπως οι διακρίσεις, η βία, η περιθωριοποίηση και ο στιγματισμός. Τα τελευταία δυο χρόνια επεκτείνει τις υπηρεσίες του ως ιδιώτης, προσφέροντας διαδικτυακές συνεδρίες στα ελληνικά σε εφήβους και ενήλικες. Παράλληλα, το τελευταίο διάστημα εργάζεται και στον Ε.Ο.Π.Α.Ε. (Ειδικός Οργανισμός Πρόληψης και Αντιμετώπισης Εξαρτήσεων), συμμετέχοντας στην υποστήριξη ατόμων με εξαρτήσεις (αλκοόλ, ουσίες, τζόγος,διαδίκτυο) μέσω ψυχοθεραπευτικής παρέμβασης, ψυχοεκπαίδευσης και διεπιστημονικής συνεργασίας με άλλους επαγγελματίες ψυχικής υγείας, στοχεύοντας στην ενίσχυση της ανθεκτικότητας και της κοινωνικής επανένταξης των ωφελούμενων.

Xatzopoulos Dimitrios is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Kavala, a space where personal contact and trust create the ideal environment to begin the journey of self-awareness and well-being. As a psychologist with a degree in Psychology from the University of East London (UEL), he creates a safe and confidential environment for his clients, offering psychological support and counseling to individuals facing various issues and difficulties. Every person is unique, as are the challenges they encounter. He provides a safe space for individuals to explore their emotions, understand their behaviors, and develop new coping strategies. Through the application of theories and techniques learned during his studies, personal study, and professional experience, he offers specialized support for issues such as mental disorders (e.g., depression, ADHD, etc.), psychological problems (e.g., caregiver anxiety, anger, and hostility, etc.), as well as medical issues with psychological factors (e.g., insomnia, migraine, etc.). His approach is based on professional ethics and his commitment to providing quality care to his clients. Through his skills and enthusiasm for psychology, he offers a valuable source of support.

Kastorini Vasiliki is a Psychologist who conducts online sessions. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University. She has received further training in the Gestalt Psychotherapy Program at the Gestalt Foundation, in Psychodiagnostics: Techniques and Tools for Personality Assessment in Psychological Diagnosis, and in the "Training Department in Forensic Psychology, Forensic Psychopathology, and Psychodiagnostics. Theory and Expert Evaluation Techniques & Counseling in Civil and Criminal Sectors, Adults and Minors" in Italy. The psychologist has significant professional experience in psychotherapy and counseling and has volunteered in the psychological support department of the General Children’s Hospital of Penteli, at "Together for the Child," at the Penteli Children’s Convalescent Home, at the Municipal Clinics of the Heraklion Municipality in Attica, and in other facilities. She also participates in numerous conferences, specialized seminars, workshops, and symposiums in Greece, aiming for continuous education and professional development.

Pinelopi Kitsou is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains her private practice in Thessaloniki. She holds a degree in Psychology from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She has specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy and has completed the Postgraduate Program in Adolescent Medicine and Adolescent Health Care at the School of Medicine of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. In her private practice, she handles a wide range of cases, always focusing on providing the best possible service tailored to the individualized needs of each person she undertakes.

Georgina Argyriou is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist who offers online sessions. She holds a degree in Psychology with specialization in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and is licensed to practice. At the same time, she is completing her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Hellenic American University. She has also received specialized training in the treatment of Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from the University Mental Health Research Institute (EPIPSI). She has completed her clinical internship at the Athens Mental Health Center – Behavioral Therapy Unit (EKEPSYE).

   Ονομάζομαι Γιώργος Βαφειάδης και εργάζομαι ως ψυχαναλυτικός ψυχοθεραπευτής στην Κατερίνη, όπου διατηρώ ιδιωτικό γραφείο από το 2024, ενώ δέχομαι θεραπευόμενους ιδιωτικά από το 2020.

  Είμαι απόφοιτος του Τμήματος Κοινωνικής Διοίκησης του Δημοκρίτειου Πανεπιστημίου Θράκης και εργάστηκα για περίπου τρία χρόνια ως στον Διεθνή Οργανισμό Μετανάστευσης. Εκεί απέκτησα σημαντική κλινική εμπειρία εργαζόμενος με ευάλωτες ομάδες και κυρίως με ψυχιατρικά περιστατικά, σε συνθήκες που μου έδωσαν βαθιά κατανόηση της ανθρώπινης δυσκολίας και ανθεκτικότητας.

  Στη συνέχεια ολοκλήρωσα το μεταπτυχιακό πρόγραμμα στη Συμβουλευτική Ψυχολογία και τη Συνθετική Ψυχοθεραπεία στο University of East London (UEL), όπου εκπαιδεύτηκα σε διαφορετικά ψυχοθεραπευτικά μοντέλα, όπως η γνωστική–συμπεριφορική, η προσωποκεντρική, η ψυχαναλυτική και η συστημική προσέγγιση. Η εκπαίδευση αυτή μου έδωσε τη δυνατότητα να εργάζομαι συνθετικά και να προσαρμόζω τη θεραπεία στις ανάγκες κάθε ανθρώπου. Στο πλαίσιο του μεταπτυχιακού πραγματοποίησα κλινική πρακτική ατομικής ψυχοθεραπείας υπό εποπτεία.

  Η βασική μου εκπαίδευση είναι στην ψυχαναλυτική ψυχοθεραπεία, την οποία ακολούθησα μέσα από την πενταετή εκπαίδευσή μου στην Ελληνική Εταιρεία Αναλυτικής Ομαδικής και Οικογενειακής Ψυχοθεραπείας. Η εκπαίδευση περιλάμβανε θεωρητική κατάρτιση στην ψυχανάλυση και στις αντικειμενότροπες σχέσεις, προσωπική ψυχοθεραπεία, εποπτεία περιστατικών και κλινική εμπειρία σε ψυχιατρικό πλαίσιο.

  Η ψυχαναλυτική προσέγγιση αποτελεί τον βασικό άξονα της δουλειάς μου, καθώς εστιάζει στην κατανόηση των βαθύτερων αιτίων των δυσκολιών και όχι μόνο στην αντιμετώπιση των συμπτωμάτων. Παράλληλα αξιοποιώ στοιχεία και από άλλες προσεγγίσεις, όταν αυτό κρίνεται χρήσιμο για τον θεραπευόμενο.

  Στο γραφείο μου εργάζομαι με ενήλικες, ζευγάρια και οικογένειες, καλύπτοντας ένα ευρύ φάσμα δυσκολιών. Παιδιά κάτω των 13 ετών βλέπω μόνο στο πλαίσιο οικογενειακής θεραπείας, όπου συνδυάζω ψυχαναλυτική και συστημική προσέγγιση.

  Στη θεραπεία δίνω ιδιαίτερη έμφαση στη δημιουργία ενός ασφαλούς χώρου όπου ο άνθρωπος μπορεί να μιλήσει ελεύθερα χωρίς φόβο κριτικής. Μέσα από τη θεραπευτική διαδικασία επιδιώκω ο θεραπευόμενος να κατανοήσει σε βάθος τον εαυτό του και τις σχέσεις του, να αποκτήσει μεγαλύτερη εσωτερική ηρεμία και να μπορέσει να προχωρήσει σε ουσιαστικές αλλαγές στη ζωή του.

  Πιστεύω ότι μέσα από τη βαθύτερη κατανόηση του εαυτού, κάποια από τα προβλήματα που μας απασχολούν υποχωρούν, κάποια άλλα μειώνονται, ενώ ορισμένα χρειάζεται να τα αποδεχτούμε ως κομμάτι του εαυτού μας. Η θεραπεία οδηγεί σταδιακά σε πιο ουσιαστικές σχέσεις, μεγαλύτερη συναισθηματική ισορροπία και πιο ώριμες αποφάσεις.

  Το ενδιαφέρον μου για την κατανόηση του ανθρώπου ξεκίνησε από νωρίς και συνδέεται με μια γενικότερη ανάγκη να εμβαθύνω στη φύση του ανθρώπου και των σχέσεων. Από νεαρή ηλικία με απασχολούσαν ζητήματα ψυχολογίας, φιλοσοφίας και ιστορίας, ενώ η πρώτη μου επαφή με την ψυχαναλυτική σκέψη έγινε ήδη από την εφηβεία. Η αναζήτηση αυτή συνεχίζεται μέχρι σήμερα και αποτελεί βασικό στοιχείο τόσο της προσωπικής όσο και της επαγγελματικής μου πορείας.

  Παράλληλα έχω παρακολουθήσει πλήθος σεμιναρίων σχετικών με την ψυχοπαθολογία, τις ανθρώπινες σχέσεις, τη γονεϊκότητα και τη διαχείριση του άγχους, ενώ συνεχίζω την εκπαίδευσή μου στο αντικείμενο της ψυχολογίας.

Kotidou Nefeli is a Clinical Psychologist – Specialist Cognitive Analytic Psychotherapist, licensed to practice by the Region of Central Macedonia. She graduated from the University of East London, where she completed her Master's degree in Clinical and Community Psychology, and subsequently furthered her training at the University of Cambridge, focusing on Cognitive Psychology and Neuropsychology. She is an active member of the British Psychological Society (BPS).

She possesses extensive experience in providing psychological support to adults, adolescents, and couples, with specialization in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), while concurrently training in Cognitive Analytic Psychotherapy (CAT).

She specializes in managing anxiety, panic attacks, depression, low self-esteem, and in enhancing interpersonal relationships.

She has collaborated with Centers for Special Therapies, Kindergartens, and Personal Development Centers, and has actively contributed to the work of the Hellenic Alzheimer’s Disease Society, as well as to mental health services and volunteer organizations, providing support to individuals of all ages.

She offers in-person and online sessions to adults from Greece and abroad (Greek expatriates), within a safe, confidential, and supportive framework, aiming at managing difficulties, personal development, and empowering the client.

Petrou Vilma MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and conducts online sessions. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Athens with honors. She has held a professional practice license since 2021 and has specialized in stress management and anxiety disorders through the postgraduate program "Science of Stress and Health Promotion" at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Her psychotherapeutic approach is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), in which she was trained through the four-year training program of the Institute for Research and Behavioral Therapy (IEΘS). Simultaneously, through her participation in a holistic stress management and lifestyle change program for heroin-dependent users at the OKANA Unit of Sismanogleio Hospital, she gained valuable experience in the management of addictions, providing both individual and group sessions. In recent years, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, offering psychotherapy and counseling on issues such as anxiety disorders, depression, emotional difficulties, and interpersonal relationship challenges. Her experience includes individual adult sessions (both in-person and online), as well as sessions with children and adolescents through her collaboration with Special Therapy Centers. Her goal is to tailor the techniques she applies to the individualized needs of each client, aiming to improve their mental health and quality of life.

Dimitra Karakasi is a Psychologist-Psychotherapist, graduate of the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She has completed postgraduate studies and specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She has worked in mental health facilities and school units, gaining experience in providing psychological support to adults, adolescents, and children. She deals with issues related to anxiety, depression, difficulties in interpersonal relationships, and enhancing self-esteem. Her clinical practice is based on scientifically validated methods, aiming to promote mental health and personal development.

Tourtouridou Maria MSc is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Kozani. She completed her studies in Psychology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and subsequently obtained a master's degree (MSc) from the same University in Clinical Mental Health. She has completed a Psychoanalytic Training program at the Psychoanalytic Research Center of Athens as well as at the Lifelong Learning and Training Center of A.U.Th, a training program in critical approaches in the field of addictions. She has worked as a Psychologist on the psychosocial support helpline of the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (Psychological Support Helpline 10306) and in a Mental Health and Social Rehabilitation Company for Patients. Additionally, she has worked as a Psychologist in a Psychological and Counseling Support Structure and in the Student Support Unit for Vulnerable Groups at the University of Western Macedonia. Finally, she has participated in numerous sessions aimed at continuous professional development and knowledge enhancement in her field.

Ms. Fregkou Nikolina is a Psychologist graduated from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, holding a professional license with a specialization in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Hellenic Society for Behavioral Research - EEEΣ). She conducts adult sessions in person in the center of Athens as well as remotely (online). Simultaneously, she works at the Polydynamic Clinics of the Municipality of Athens, providing counseling services through individual sessions.

She has worked as a psychotherapeutic psychologist in various settings with 15 years of experience. Throughout her professional career, she continuously evolves by participating in trainings, seminars, conferences, and workshops.

As a professional and companion on the journey of therapy, she operates with empathy and authenticity, providing the appropriate tools to address the issues that concern her clients.

Xatzikonstantinidou Nikoleta is a Psychologist MSc and Systemic Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Neapoli. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She completed postgraduate studies at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, in the field of Liaison Psychiatry. She has completed four years of training in Systemic Psychotherapy at KEDITHAS and holds a professional practice license.

She provides individual sessions & couple sessions, in person as well as online, addressing issues such as anxiety management, panic attacks, psychosomatic symptoms, emotional difficulties, relationship and communication challenges, depression, grief, chronic illness, parental counseling, and more. Additionally, she specializes in the field of perinatal mental health, offering support and counseling for infertility, as well as during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

As part of her ongoing professional development, she has attended numerous seminars and training programs related to clinical mental health, stress management, parental counseling, psychological trauma, and others. Throughout her professional career, she has collaborated with mental health centers and facilities in Athens and Thessaloniki, gaining valuable clinical experience in hospitals such as the University General Hospital "Attikon," the Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki, and the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of A.U.Th. at the General Hospital "Papageorgiou." She has also worked for five years as a psychologist on a 24-hour psychological support hotline and as a coordinator of mental health seminars.

Anna Xanioti is a Mental Health Counselor and Psychotherapist specializing in the Person-Centered Approach. She trained in the 4-year experiential program "Person-Centered Roots" at the College of Humanistic Studies ICPS in Athens. She is a certified Psychotherapist accredited by the European Association of Psychotherapy (EAP) and holds the European Certificate of Psychotherapy (ECP). She ensures her professional development through continuous supervision, therapy, and participation in seminars and conferences. Her areas of interest include the integration of contemporary neuroscience with psychotherapy, developmental trauma and its impact on personal relationships, psychoemotional care of women during menopause, and encounter and personal development groups.

Kexagias S Ioannis is a Psychologist MA and Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Kavala. He holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at the University of Sheffield and has a Master's degree (MA) in Counseling Psychology from the University of Sheffield. He has completed psychotherapeutic training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and conducted his internship as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist at the private psychiatric clinic “Η Γαλήνη” and at the Community Counseling Center in Thessaloniki. He provides individual adult sessions both in person and online. Additionally, he specializes in anxiety and mood disorders, specific phobias, depression, eating disorders, panic attacks, psychosomatic symptoms, difficulties in relationships and communication, and the enhancement of self-image and self-esteem.

As part of his ongoing professional development, he attends numerous seminars and training sessions related to clinical health.