Health professionals for Obsessive–compulsive disorder-OCD in the Northern suburbs of Athens

Skafidas Spyros BSc, MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Kifisia. He holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at the University of Nicosia and a master's degree in Criminology from the same University. Additionally, he has attended a seminar on "Criminological Research: The Contribution of Psychology" at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and he currently participates in the seminar "Anxiety and Depression: Psychoeducation and Management" at the same institution. He completed his internship at the Counseling Station "Agia Skepi" in Cyprus and was part of the Psychosocial Care Team at the Armored Training Center (KETTH) Avlona. Moreover, he provided psychological counseling support on the Armed Forces SOS 24-hour hotline at the 414 Military Hospital of Special Diseases (SNEN) and has worked as a Psychologist at the KDAP MEA Prosvasis. Currently, he is a Psychologist at the Day Care and Day Care Center for People with Disabilities "Nikodimos Graikos" of the Foundation for the Care of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities or Down Syndrome "Maria Kokkori".

Zapantis Ioannis is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Chalandri. He is a graduate student in Clinical Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and is training in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. His approach is based on respect, empathy, and scientific evidence, aiming to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment. He seeks to help individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves, recognize thought and behavior patterns that cause difficulties, and develop more functional ways to manage daily life. He deals with issues related to mood, anxiety, interpersonal relationships, self-esteem, and the improvement of life quality and functionality. Simultaneously, he emphasizes a personalized approach, tailoring the therapeutic process to the needs and goals of each person. He aims for continuous development and the scientifically substantiated application of his knowledge, with the goal of providing meaningful support and empowerment to those who trust him.

Paraskeuopoulou Stratigoula is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Kifisia. She completed her studies in Psychology at the University of Derby, holding a professional license with protocol number 459215. Subsequently, she expanded her training in the field of psychotherapy by studying at the Hellenic Organization of Psychotherapy and Education, specializing in Group Analysis, which is recognized by the European Group Analytic Training Institution Network (EGATIN).

Her training includes both individual and group psychotherapy for adults, through a personal therapeutic process and supervision in group analytic orientation. Additionally, she completed her practical training at the Department of Public and Community Health, in the Hygiene and Epidemiology Laboratory of the School of Public Health at the University of West Attica.

Ms. Paraskeuopoulou has also collaborated with the Hellenic Society for the Rheumatic Diseases (EL.E.A.N.A.), where she was responsible for coordinating adult groups and implementing experiential programs within these groups, demonstrating her commitment to improving the quality of life of the participants.

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.

Tsouki Sofia MSc is a Psychologist and conducts online sessions. She holds a master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Leiden University in the Netherlands and is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She has completed extensive professional training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for children, adolescents, and adults, and has further specialized in various programs including adolescent psychopathology, panic crisis management, sexual education, special education, and Mindfulness intervention techniques. She has many years of professional experience in public and private institutions, as well as working independently. She has worked as a Psychologist at the Ministry of Education, providing psychosocial support to children, adolescents, and families, while maintaining a private practice offering individual and group psychotherapy for adults and adolescents. Additionally, she has collaborated with Day Centers for children with autism spectrum disorders, kindergartens, camps, and psychoeducational settings. Her clinical approach is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, integrating contemporary psychoeducation and mindfulness techniques, aiming for meaningful support and empowerment of her clients.

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 .

Georgia Koltsida MSc is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (grade 8.41/10) and holds a Master’s Degree (MSc) in “Child and Adolescent Mental Health” from the European University of Cyprus (grade 9.45/10). She has been trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy at the Society for Cognitive-Behavioral Studies (ΕΓΣΣ), recognized by the European Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Therapies (EABCT). Additionally, she has completed specializations in the use of psychometric tools (WISC-V, WAIS-IV, MMPI-2, SCID-5-CV, SCID-5-PD), as well as further training in school psychology and personality disorders (Cluster C). Professionally, she has worked in mental health facilities and special education centers, providing assessment and psychotherapeutic intervention to children, adolescents, and adults. Through the Doctor Anytime platform, she offers individual sessions to adults facing difficulties such as anxiety, depressive mood, low self-esteem, or interpersonal challenges, aiming at psychological empowerment and personal development within a framework of trust, respect, and empathy.

Parisi Androniki is a Psychologist and conducts online sessions. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens with a specialization in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The specialist offers online sessions, supporting adults with issues such as anxiety, emotion regulation, interpersonal relationships, and personal development. She provides a safe and confidential environment, tailored to the needs of each individual, aiming to improve mental well-being and quality of life.

Η Σηφάκη Μελιτίνη - Μελίνα είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια, απόφοιτη Ψυχολογίας του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών, από όπου αποφοίτησε με άριστα, ενώ παράλληλα εκπαιδεύεται στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφορική Ψυχοθεραπεία (CBT) στο Κέντρο Εφαρμοσμένης Ψυχοθεραπείας και Συμβουλευτικής. Διαθέτει επαγγελματική εμπειρία σε Κέντρα Ψυχοθεραπείας ενηλίκων, όπου σήμερα εστιάζει κυρίως το θεραπευτικό της έργο, παρέχοντας ψυχοθεραπευτική υποστήριξη ενηλίκων, πραγματοποιώντας συνεδρίες ατομικής ψυχοθεραπείας, καθώς και ομαδικές συνεδρίες και θεραπεία ζεύγους. 

Παράλληλα, έχει προηγούμενη εμπειρία σε κλινικά και μη κλινικά πλαίσια ψυχικής υγείας, μέσα από τη συμμετοχή της σε αξιολογητικές και θεραπευτικές παρεμβάσεις.

 Επιπλέον, προσφέρει εθελοντική εργασία στο Υπνωτήριο Αστέγων των Γιατρών του Κόσμου, υποστηρίζοντας ευάλωτες ομάδες του πληθυσμού μέσω ανθρωπιστικού έργου.

Έχει παρακολουθήσει πληθώρα εξειδικευμένων σεμιναρίων και επιστημονικών συνεδρίων, μεταξύ των οποίων:

• Θεραπεία Γνωστικού Ερεθισμού (CST) – Impact Hub Athens (2024)

• 1ο Πανελλήνιο Συνέδριο Έγκαιρης Παρέμβασης στην Ψύχωση (2024)

• 5ο Πανελλήνιο Συνέδριο Γνωσιακών Συμπεριφοριστικών Προσεγγίσεων σε Παιδιά και Εφήβους με θέμα «Σύγχρονες προκλήσεις σε έναν συνεχώς μεταβαλλόμενο κόσμο» – Πάντειο Πανεπιστήμιο (2023)

Σήμερα διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Χαλάνδρι, όπου παρέχει συνεδρίες ψυχοθεραπείας σε ενήλικες, δια ζώσης και διαδικτυακά, κατόπιν ραντεβού. Προσφέρει επίσης συνεδρίες στην αγγλική και γερμανική γλώσσα.

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.

Metaksas Spyridon is a Psychiatrist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Marousi. He holds a medical degree from the University of Verona in Italy. He has extensive experience in Cognitive Psychotherapy and has been trained in Systemic Psychotherapy. The doctor has many years of professional experience, having served from 2013 to 2017 as the Director of the psychiatric clinic "Galini" and collaborated with the Center for Addiction Treatment. In his private practice, he provides a wide range of services including individual adult sessions, treatment of sexual disorders, and management of anxiety disorders/panic attacks, while also addressing numerous conditions such as agoraphobia, depression, sleep disorders, and psychosomatic disorders. The therapeutic approach is based on psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and the combination of psychopharmacology with psychotherapy. Finally, Dr. Metaksas is a member of the Hellenic Psychiatric Association, the Hellenic Society of Systemic Therapy, and the European Family Therapy Association.

Gkaravela Rafaela is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Kifisia. She is a graduate of the University of Nicosia with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Psychology and has additional studies in Human Resource Management (HRM) from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling, and has attended training programs on topics such as panic attack management, human loss, grief, and loneliness. She has experience as a private psychologist with an office in Kifisia and has also worked at a Supported Living Day Center for People with Disabilities, providing psychological support and individualized interventions. Additionally, she has served as a human resources consultant for the company PULSO GR, specializing in occupational stress management and enhancing mental resilience in the workplace.

Kourtalidi Stauroula is a Clinical Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Marousi. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete (License Protocol Number: 8133) and holds a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from Erasmus University Rotterdam.

She has completed four years of training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) through the Society for Cognitive Behavioural Studies and is a certified therapist in accordance with the training and supervision standards of the European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT).

She possesses specialization in psychotherapeutic support for adults, children, and adolescents, tailoring the therapeutic approach to the specific needs of each age group.

Mpalomenou Eirini is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist licensed to practice (#106342) and maintains a private practice in Neo Psychiko. She holds degrees from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and Guglielmo Marconi University. Currently, she is undergoing training in Systemic Psychotherapy at the Athens Center for the Study of Man (AKMA), while receiving weekly supervision to ensure comprehensive case management. She has been trained in Clinical Psychopathology (EPIPSY) and in Psychoeducation of families with individuals experiencing Psychosis (EPIPSY). Simultaneously, she regularly attends educational seminars and programs for her continuous professional development and specialization. She has experience in psychotherapy for children and adolescents with psychosocial and emotional disorders, having worked with children, adolescents, and adults in Centers for Special Therapies. 

Vlaxakis Ioannis is a Psychiatrist practicing privately in Ampelokipoi since 2007. He is a graduate of the Medical School of Democritus University of Thrace and has completed a 5-year specialization in Psychiatry at the Psychiatric Clinic of the General Hospital of Thoracic Diseases of Athens "Sotiria". Additionally, he collaborates with the Psychiatric Clinic "Galini" and is a member of SOS Doctors, having conducted over a thousand home visits and managed cases spanning the entire spectrum of psychiatric pathology, many of which were acute and emergency situations. Finally, the doctor specializes in the treatment of conditions such as depression, dementia, and anxiety and is a member of the Athens Medical Association.

Eleni Yoldasi is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Kifisia. With specialization in Person-Centered Psychotherapy, she offers a safe and supportive environment for personal development, self-awareness, and enhancement of mental well-being. Her goal is to help clients discover their potential, focusing on the values and needs that lead to an authentic and fulfilling life.

She completed her studies in Psychology at the **University of Essex** and is currently completing her training in **Person-Centered and Focusing-Oriented Counseling & Psychotherapy** at the **Hellenic Focusing Centre**. In parallel, she holds a diploma in **Health and Wellness Coaching** from the **International Authority for Professional Coaching & Mentoring**, while she continuously expands her knowledge with courses in philosophy, focusing on fundamental questions concerning life and human existence.

**Person-Centered Psychotherapy** is a therapeutic approach developed by **Carl Rogers** in the 20th century. Its core idea is that every individual has the potential to grow and resolve their issues when they feel accepted and understood. The therapist does not guide or judge the client but supports them with empathy and unconditional positive regard. This allows the client to explore their emotions, thoughts, and concerns in a safe space.

The therapy focuses on the person and their needs, rather than on the problem or diagnosis. The essence lies in the development of a genuine and honest relationship between therapist and client, which enables the latter to discover their own solutions and strengthen their self-esteem. Person-Centered Psychotherapy believes that we all possess the capacity for self-actualization and to live a life that truly satisfies us, as long as we have the appropriate environment of support and understanding.