Health professionals for Phobias

Krikeli Eleni is a Psychologist and Author. Her academic studies began in the Department of History, Archaeology, and Social Anthropology at the University of Thessaly and were completed at the University of Crete, where she graduated from the Department of Psychology. Since then, she has continued her studies at the Center for Systemic Study and Therapy (ΚΕ.Σ.ΜΕ.Θ), where she is training in Systemic Psychotherapy. During her professional career, she has collaborated as a volunteer Psychologist with the General Hospital of Rethymno in the Psychiatry Department and has worked for several years as a Psychologist at the private Neuropsychiatric Clinic "KASTALIA." Currently, her professional activity continues with online sessions, while she also serves as the lead Psychologist at the Elderly Care Unit "Leonia" in Kallithea, Attica. Additionally, organizing seminars related to her professional interests and the knowledge she acquires each time enriches an ever-expanding portfolio, which is a priority for her. Finally, writing articles and authoring books are significant facets of her life, playing an important role. Having already published a book titled "The Comfort of the Lion," she regularly presents the fascination and admiration inspired in her by human existence, diversity, flexibility, anxiety, and fear. As a Psychologist, she admires the truth revealed by the client during their sessions, takes pride in their courage and strength to focus on their real challenges, and equally rejoices in the changes they achieve! With all these perspectives she has had and continues to encounter, it is clear that the central theme of her articles and books is... the human being!

Η Τασίου Ασπασία (Μάρσια) είναι Ψυχολόγος, αριστούχος απόφοιτος του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών και κάτοχος Μεταπτυχιακού Διπλώματος Ειδίκευσης στην Κλινική Ψυχολογία στο ίδιο πανεπιστήμιο. Είναι, επίσης, πτυχιούχος του Τμήματος Βιολογίας του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών. Ακόμη, είναι πτυχιούχος της σχολής Πιάνου του Εθνικού Ωδείου. Μετά τις σπουδές της στην Ψυχολογία, έλαβε πλήρη ψυχοθεραπευτική εκπαίδευση στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφοριστική Ψυχοθεραπεία από το Ινστιτούτο Έρευνας και Θεραπείας της Συμπεριφοράς, εμπλουτίζοντας έκτοτε τη θεραπευτική της εργασία με κατάρτιση στα μοντέλα του Τρίτου Κύματος της Γνωσιακής, της Θεραπείας σχημάτων αλλά και της σύνδεσης της Γνωσιακής με την Υπαρξιακή ψυχοθεραπεία και τις θεωρίες του δεσμού. Διαθέτει 20ετή εμπειρία στην ψυχοθεραπεία και συμβουλευτική παιδιών εφήβων και οικογένειας καθώς και στη συμβουλευτική γονέων νευροτυπικών και μη παιδιών και εφήβων. Επιπλέον, προσφέρει ατομική ψυχοθεραπεία ενηλίκων με θέματα άγχους και θλίψης καθώς και διαχείρισης στρεσογόνων γεγονότων ζωής. Έχει ειδική εκπαίδευση και εμπειρία στην υποστήριξη και επεξεργασία διαδικασιών πένθους μετά από απώλεια αγαπημένου καθώς και άλλων τραυματικών γεγονότων ζωής, όπως σοβαρή ασθένεια και ειδικό ενδιαφέρον σε θέματα καρκίνου και καρκινοπαθών με ca μαστού και παρέχει συμβουλευτική και βελτίωση της επικοινωνίας ζεύγους.

Έχει εργαστεί στην γραμμή ψυχοκοινωνικής υποστήριξης 10306 για υποστήριξη του πληθυσμού επί COVID αλλά και μετά επί 2,5 έτη και, προηγουμένως, εθελοντικά. Επί σειρά ετών αναπληρώτρια σε ΚΕΔΑΣΥ και άλλες δομές του υπουργείου παιδείας, και εμπειρία επίσης από δομές, όπως ιατροπαιδαγωγικά κέντρα και δομές παιδιών εφήβων. Σημαντικό ζήτημα στη θεραπεία είναι ότι η θεραπευτική σχέση θεραπευτή-θεραπευόμενου, είναι η βάση για κάθε αλλαγή. Αυτή η σχέση είναι μια σχέση εμπιστοσύνης και συνεργασίας ισότιμων ανθρώπων, που αυτή τη στιγμή της ζωής τους συναντιούνται και προωθούν αλλαγές για το θεραπευόμενο, μέσα από τις οποίες, επιπροσθέτως- και μέσα από τη δική του προσωπική θεραπεία,-εμπλουτίζεται και ο θεραπευτής. Είναι μια δουλειά που απαιτεί αντοχή, εμπιστοσύνη και πίστη στη δυνατότητά μας να αλλάξουμε, ακόμα κι αν αυτό φαίνεται αδύνατον ή είναι πολύ δύσκολο, που συνήθως είναι. Είναι μια διαδικασία πιο πολύ υπομονής, ενσυναίσθησης και κουράγιου, παρά μαγείας και γρήγορου εντυπωσιασμού. Πολλές φορές είναι μια επώδυνη διαδικασία αναζήτησης μιας αλήθειας για τον εαυτό μας και για τις σχέσεις μας με τους άλλους, αλλά και συνειδητοποίησης ότι η όποια αλήθεια συχνά δεν είναι μόνο μία. Είναι μία συζήτηση με Νόημα για κάποιο Νόημα που μπορεί να αναζητούμε, το οποίο συχνά μας διαφεύγει, και που είναι σημαντικό να το βρίσκουμε σε κάθε πτυχή της ζωντανής μας ύπαρξης, που συνδέεται με τους άλλους και με μας τους ίδιους .

Vasilopoulou Evelina is a Mental Health Counselor - Systemic - Family Therapist with a private practice in Piraeus. She is a recognized Psychotherapist by the Hellenic Society of Systemic Therapy (EL.E.SY.TH.) and holds the European Certificate of Psychotherapy (ECP) from the European Association for Psychotherapy (EAP). Additionally, she is a certified Mental Health Counselor from the Hellenic Society of Counseling, having obtained a diploma in Mental Health Counseling from the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling. She has received further training in Systemic Family Counseling and Psychotherapy at the Laboratory for the Investigation of Human Relationships. Moreover, she holds a Master’s degree in Psychology from the University of East London. Beyond these studies, she has obtained certificates mainly in Special Education and Learning Disabilities, as well as in Child Psychology. Furthermore, in 2021, she attended a seminar on psychosomatic diseases to enhance her expertise in this field. Since 2019, she has maintained a private practice in Piraeus and has previously worked as a Counselor for Children, Adolescents, and Parents at a Center for Special Therapies, as well as a Coordinator of Self-awareness and Emotion Management Groups for adolescents. She also possesses significant experience in interpersonal relationships, individual psychotherapy, and systemic counseling. Finally, she holds a degree from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Department of Political Science and Public Administration.

Karageorgou Xrysoula is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist - Clinical Hypnotherapist and maintains a private practice in Karditsa. She completed her studies in Psychology at the State University of New York. She holds a Master's Degree in Special Education focusing on language and mathematics difficulties from the University of Thessaly in Volos. Additionally, she has been trained and further educated in psychology, counseling, life coaching, school and clinical psychology at the University of the Aegean, and in Clinical Hypnotherapy at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has worked as a psychologist in public and private Vocational Training Institutes (DIEK), at the University of Thessaly in Volos, and since 2017 has been working with the UNHCR - ESTIA Program. In her practice, she handles cases related to mental health, with a specialization in cognitive behavioral psychotherapy, counseling, and clinical hypnotherapy.

Maria Mpoutsali is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist, licensed to practice and maintains a private practice in Metamorfosi. She conducts both in-person and online sessions. She provides psychotherapeutic services to adults, children, adolescents, and parents. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete and a postgraduate degree in "Clinical Interventions in Addictions" from the same university. Additionally, she has specialized in "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Adults" at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling (K.E.PSY.SY.), while also receiving further training in "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)" at the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies, as well as in coordinating Parent School Groups and Adolescent Groups, at the Panhellenic Association of Parent Schools. She completed her postgraduate internship at the OKANA Adolescent Unit - "Atrapos," and has volunteered her services at the Association of Parents, Guardians, and Friends of Individuals with Autism in Rethymno. Throughout her professional career, she has worked as a Psychotherapist in the Social Service of the Municipality of Ilion and as an escort at the Camp Program of the Panhellenic Federation of Associations of Parents and Guardians of Persons with Disabilities (P.O.S.G.K.A.meA.). To this day, she collaborates with Centers for Special Therapies in Attica, where she conducts individual psychotherapy sessions for children and adolescents, as well as parent counseling sessions. Within the framework of her ongoing education and training, she has participated in scientific conferences and specialized seminars focusing on psychological research and innovative therapeutic approaches.

Xristou Xaris is a Counseling Psychologist with a private practice in Thessaloniki. He studied Psychology (BSc) at the University of Sheffield. He continued his studies at the University of York, where he completed a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology (Master of Arts). He has worked at the Hellenic Myasthenia Gravis Association, providing psychological support to patients with Myasthenia Gravis. His experience includes internships at the Child and Adolescent Center and the General Hospital of Thessaloniki "G. Papanikolaou", in the Child and Adolescent Department, as well as volunteer work at the KETHEA ITHAKI Counseling Center and ARSIS (Social Organization for Youth Support), offering counseling support. Additionally, he has taught Psychology courses at a Private Vocational Training Institute in Thessaloniki. He continues his professional development through ongoing supervision and personal therapy, which helps him maintain a high level of knowledge and skills. Finally, he provides individual psychotherapy sessions for Adults and Adolescents, addressing a wide range of issues such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, anger management, eating disorders, interpersonal relationship management, and others.

Mougiou Athanasia is a Psychologist with a private practice in Patras. She holds a degree in Psychology and a master's degree in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, while concurrently completing her second master's degree in Educational Psychology. She has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, approaching each individual with empathy and scientific rigor.

She has worked in interdisciplinary centers, providing psychological support to children, adolescents, and adults, as well as parent counseling. Additionally, she has experience in Vocational High School (EPAL) settings, where she supported students, collaborated with parents and educators, and designed awareness and empowerment initiatives within school communities.

She has volunteered her services at a gender inequality management center and in mental health associations, and has attended numerous specialized seminars on topics such as autism, ADHD, school psychology, special education, anxiety, and parent counseling.

Maria Thliverou is a Mental Health Counselor and Psychotherapist, maintaining a private practice in Peristeri. She completed her studies in Counseling at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling. Subsequently, she pursued a postgraduate seminar in learning difficulties and special education issues at the University of Ioannina. Additionally, she attended a postgraduate seminar in the design and coordination of psychoeducational groups at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling and a postgraduate seminar titled “Promotion of Mental Health in Children and Adolescents” at the University of West Attica. She has experience and specializes in self-awareness groups, individual therapy, and parent counseling.

Kressou Euaggelia MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who conducts online sessions. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and a Master's degree entitled "The Science of Stress and Health Promotion" from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has specialized in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Institute of Research and Behavior Therapy (ΙΕΘΣ) and has been trained in Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). Additionally, she has completed further specialized training in topics related to anxiety disorders and ADHD in children and adolescents. She completed her internship at the Social Psychiatry Service of Athens at the Hellenic Center for Mental Health and Research (E.KE.PSY.E). The specialist offers a wide range of services, respecting the individual needs of each patient, and also conducts sessions in the German language.

Kouta Viky is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Marousi. Upon completing her studies at the Faculty of Philosophy of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, she studied Psychology at the University of Nicosia. She subsequently pursued postgraduate studies in Child and Adolescent Mental Health at the University of Edinburgh and attended a specialized training seminar in Clinical Psychopathology "Panagiotis Oulis" at the First Psychiatric Clinic of the University of Athens. Additionally, she trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy at the Institute of Research and Therapy of Behavior and is currently undergoing further training in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy at the Oxford Mindfulness Centre. She has professional experience working in various settings in Scotland and Greece, such as the Lothian Autistic Society and the Day Care Center for Individuals with Disabilities "Chloe," respectively, while also being a trainee Psychologist - Psychotherapist at the Institute of Research and Therapy of Behavior (IETHS). Finally, she specializes in personality disorders and emotional disorders.

Provi Maria is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist licensed to practice professionally and maintains a private practice in Pikermi. Despite her initial studies in Mechanical Engineering, her profound desire to explore, understand, and support human psychology and behavior consistently guided her toward her youthful dream, educational training, and professional practice as a psychologist. She is a regular member of SEPS (Hellenic Psychological Society), registration number 3224, and is also registered in the SEPS Volunteer Psychologists Registry, providing psychological services in psychosocial interventions following mass disasters. Additionally, she has attended numerous seminars and workshops covering stress management, depression, eating disorder prevention, drama therapy, emotional dependencies, self-esteem, and more.

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.

Venizelea Amalia is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist maintaining a private practice in Ilisia. She is a graduate of Psychology from Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and holds a postgraduate degree in Clinical Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She also specialized in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy for Adults, Children, and Adolescents at the Institute of Research and Behavioral Therapy. She has clinical experience having worked as a Psychologist at Aeginiteio Hospital as well as at the Day Center of the Regional Development and Mental Health Company. Additionally, she worked as a Psychologist - Psychotherapist at the Vyronas - Kaisariani Community Mental Health Center, specifically in the Adult Department, in the Children and Adolescents Unit of the Peristeri Mental Health Center, and in the Adult Therapy Department of the Institute of Research and Behavioral Therapy. Finally, since 2021, she has been working as a Psychologist-Psychotherapist in the Endocrinology Unit of the University of Athens. In her office, she manages cases across the full spectrum of psychology and specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focusing on interpersonal relationships and anxiety and mood disorders.

Katsani Errikaiti is a licensed Psychologist - Psychotherapist (license number 993383) and maintains a private practice in Peristeri. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and a postgraduate degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Reading, UK. Additionally, she is certified in psychotherapeutic training from the Hellenic Educational Institute of Analytical Group and Family Psychotherapy. She has acquired valuable work experience, having completed her internship as a psychology assistant at Panteion University, the Mental Health Center of Nea Filadelfeia, and as an Honorary Psychology Assistant at the University of Reading, UK. Subsequently, she worked as a Psychologist at The Smile of the Child, the Child Mental Health Center, and the Social Psychiatry Society P. Sakellaropoulos. Finally, she has attended numerous seminars and conferences aiming at continuous professional development in her field of expertise.

Ο Τασσιός Θωμάς M.Sc, ECP, είναι πιστοποιημένος Ψυχοθεραπευτής και Σύμβουλος Ψυχικής Υγείας και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στην περιοχή του Βύρωνα. Έχει ολοκληρώσει την θεωρητική και βιωματική του εκπαίδευση στην Ψυχοθεραπεία και τις μεταπτυχιακές σπουδές του ως Προσωποκεντρικός Ψυχοθεραπευτής, αποκτώντας τον μεταπτυχιακό του τίτλο στην Ψυχοθεραπεία και Συμβουλευτική από το University of Strathclyde (M.Sc. in Person-Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy), καθώς επίσης και το Ευρωπαϊκό Πιστοποιητικό Ψυχοθεραπείας (European Certificate of Psychotherapy ECP). Τα τελευταία τρία χρόνια, συνεχίζοντας την ανάπτυξη του ως Θεραπευτής, εκπαιδεύεται (HiEFT) και στην Θεραπεία Εστιασμένη στο Συναίσθημα (Emotion Focused Therapy EFT), μία θεραπευτική προσέγγιση που θεωρεί ότι τα συναισθήματα έχουν κεντρική σημασία στην ανθρώπινη λειτουργία και τη θεραπευτική αλλαγή. Είναι πιστοποιημένος Ψυχοθεραπευτής από την Ευρωπαϊκή Εταιρεία Ψυχοθεραπείας (European Association for Psychotherapy EAP), μέλος της Εθνικής Εταιρείας Ψυχοθεραπείας Ελλάδος (ΕΕΨΕ) και ιδρυτικό μέλος της Πανελλήνιας Ένωσης Επαγγελματιών Προσωποκεντρικής και Βιωματικής Προσέγγισης (ΠΕΕΠΒΙΠ). Επί σειρά ετών προσέφερε τις υπηρεσίες του ως ενεργό μέλος της εθελοντικής μη κερδοσκοπικής, κοινωνικής δομής ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης «ƩυνΎπαρξη», καθώς επίσης και στους φροντιστές των πασχόντων από άνοια ως εξωτερικός συνεργάτης στο κέντρο ημέρας της “Εταιρείας Alzheimer Αθηνών”. Συνεργάζεται με το Pet’s Heaven προσφέροντας υπηρεσίες ψυχοθεραπείας και συμβουλευτικής σε ανθρώπους που βρίσκονται στην επώδυνη και ιδιαίτερη διαδικασία του πένθους μετά την απώλεια του αγαπημένου τους κατοικίδιου. Ʃήμερα το ενδιαφέρον του ως Προσωποκεντρικός Ψυχοθεραπευτής και Σύμβουλος επικεντρώνεται στην συμβουλευτική ζευγαριών και σε ανθρώπους που αντιμετωπίζουν προσωπικές και σχεσιακές δυσκολίες, διαταραχές προσαρμογής, κατάθλιψη, διαταραχές άγχους, φοβίες, κρίσεις πανικού αλλά και σε εκείνους που βρίσκονται σε διαδικασία απώλειας και πένθους παρέχοντας ατομικές συνεδρίες ψυχοθεραπείας. Παράλληλα, είναι “facilitator” σε θεραπευτικές ομάδες και ομάδες προσωπικής ανάπτυξης. Αξίζει να σημειωθεί ότι, λόγω της προηγούμενης εργασιακής του εμπειρίας ως υψηλόβαθμου στελέχους ελληνικών και πολυεθνικών εταιρειών, συνεργάζεται με υψηλόβαθμα στελέχη επιχειρήσεων (μέσω ατομικών και ομαδικών συνεδριών) στοχεύοντας στην βελτίωση των προσωπικών και εργασιακών τους σχέσεων, στην προσωπική τους ανάπτυξη και επομένως, στην πραγμάτωση του “ευ ζην”. “[...] η Προσωποκεντρική θεραπεία σέβεται τις ανάγκες κάθε ανθρώπου και είναι πρόθυμη να προχωρήσει δίπλα του στο ταξίδι προς την ανακάλυψη του εαυτού του, χωρίς να προσπαθεί να του επιβάλλει μια ορισμένη άποψη για το πως θα έπρεπε να είναι.” (Tony Merry, 1995) “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.” (Rogers, 2012)