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

Polymeropoulou Lamprini MSc is a Psychologist, graduated from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, specialized in Systemic Psychotherapy, and maintains a private practice in Psychiko. She has experience providing psychological support to adolescents and adults in both individual and group settings, and she also works with members of the LGBTQ+ community and individuals facing neurological disorders. In her private practice, she offers counseling and psychotherapeutic support to individuals dealing with issues such as anxiety, panic attacks, difficulties in interpersonal relationships, psychosomatic symptoms, intense negative emotions (sadness, anger, disappointment), work-related stress, excessive shyness, and challenges in assertiveness. She possesses clinical experience in mental health assessment and developmental needs, as well as in the design and implementation of personalized therapeutic interventions. She works at the Adolescent Health Unit at the General Children's Hospital of Athens "P. & A. Kyriakou," providing parental counseling and participating in interdisciplinary teams. She has also worked at Rehabilitation Centers and Special Therapy Clinics, offering psychoeducational support to children and adolescents. She is characterized by empathy, active listening, and systemic thinking, with a core objective of creating a safe and inclusive therapeutic environment to promote psychosocial well-being and quality of life.

Η Ζαφειροπούλου Γεωργία είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια με ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Μαρούσι. Εξειδικεύεται στη γνωσιακή - συμπεριφορική ψυχοθεραπεία (CBT) και παρέχει ψυχοθεραπευτικές υπηρεσίες σε ενήλικες που αντιμετωπίζουν άγχος, κατάθλιψη, κρίσεις πανικού, εργασιακό στρες και δυσκολίες στις διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις. Οι συνεδρίες πραγματοποιούνται δια ζώσης και εξ αποστάσεως.

Έχει ολοκληρώσει σπουδές στην Ψυχολογία και Συμβουλευτική και την Οργανωσιακή ψυχολογία, κατέχοντας πτυχίο BSc in Psychology and Counselling από το Teesside University, μεταπτυχιακό MSc in Psychology από το University of Plymouth και μεταπτυχιακό MSc in Work Psychology από το Loughborough University. 

Παράλληλα, έχει εξειδικευτεί στη Γνωσιακή - Συμπεριφορική ψυχοθεραπεία (CBT) με 4ετή εκπαίδευση στο Ινστιτούτο Έρευνας και Θεραπείας Συμπεριφοράς (ΙΕΘΣ). Επιπλέον, έχει μετεκπαιδευτεί στην κλινική ψυχοπαθολογία και τις κλινικές δεξιότητες στην ψυχοπαθολογία "Παναγιώτης Ουλής" από την Α΄ Ψυχιατρική Κλινική του ΕΚΠΑ (Ερευνητικό Πανεπιστημιακό Ινστιτούτο Ψυχικής Υγιεινής) και έχει ολοκληρώσει εκπαίδευση 500 ωρών στην εφαρμοσμένη ανάλυση συμπεριφοράς (ABA). Τέλος, έχει εκπαιδευτεί στη Θεραπεία Εστιασμένη στη Συμπόνια (Compassion Focused Therapy - CFT).

Διαθέτει εμπειρία σε ψυχοθεραπευτικά και κλινικά πλαίσια, έχοντας συνεργαστεί με το Ινστιτούτο Έρευνας και Θεραπείας Συμπεριφοράς (ΙΕΘΣ) στο Τμήμα Θεραπειών Ενηλίκων, με δομές υποστήριξης ηλικιωμένων παρέχοντας ψυχολογική υποστήριξη, καθώς και με άτομα στο φάσμα του αυτισμού εφαρμόζοντας συμπεριφορικές παρεμβάσεις. 

Παράλληλα, έχει  μακρόχρονη εμπειρία ως Οργανωσιακός Ψυχολόγος σε μεγάλους οργανισμούς, ενώ συνεργάζεται με πάροχο Employee Assistance Programmes, αναλαμβάνοντας δράσεις για την πρόληψη και διαχείριση ψυχοκοινωνικών κινδύνων και παρέχοντας υπηρεσίες συμβουλευτικής, εκπαίδευσης και ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης σε εργαζόμενους και τις οικογένειές τους.

Panagiota Sampalou is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with extensive experience in individual psychotherapy for adults and young adults, maintaining a private practice in Cholargos. She has been active in the field since 2014, concurrently engaging in academic teaching and participating in Psychoanalytic and Psychotherapeutic programs. She holds a degree in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She possesses a professional psychologist license valid throughout the country issued by the General Directorate of Public Health and Social Welfare. She teaches "Psychodynamic Models" and "Psychodynamic Developmental Theories" at the Greek Center for Training – Psychotherapy through Arts. She specializes in Relational Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy as well as classical Psychoanalytic thought and practice. She has participated as a speaker at conferences and workshops.

Kouvaras Konstantinos is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Chalandri. He holds a master's degree in Child and Adolescent Psychology (Child and Adolescent Psychology M.Sc.) from Leiden University in the Netherlands and a degree in Psychology from Panteion University. He is a certified Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist and has completed his studies at the Institute for Research and Behavioral Therapy. He specializes in anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and personality disorders. He holds a Professional License to Practice Psychology (License No. 1247, Date 25/02/2011).

Periklis Papadopoulos is a Psychologist – CBT Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Chalandri, Athens.He graduated from the Department of Psychology of Panteion University and holds a professional license to practice Psychology throughout Greece (License No. 7057). In 2018, he was admitted to the Hellenic Society for Cognitive Behavioral Studies – Institute for Behavioral Research and Therapy, for a 4-year training program leading to certification as a Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapist (CBT). He graduated with a scholarship and was awarded the “Konstantinos Efthymiou” Prize for outstanding academic performance (exams).From 2018 to 2024, he served as a Clinical Psychologist and later as Head of the Psychology Department at the Institute of Mental and Sexual Health of Dr. Thanos Askitis.He specialized in the treatment of sexual dysfunctions (in men, women, and couples), marital and relationship issues, as well as sexual education for children and adolescents.In addition, he has worked extensively in individual psychotherapy with adults presenting with sexual disorders, depression, anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias), obsessive-compulsive disorder, illness anxiety disorder, somatic symptom disorder, and personality disorders.He has contributed as co-author to the course “Special Topics in Andrology”, within the unit “The Role of Psychiatry in Andrology”, at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.He is a member of the Scientific Committee of the Hellenic Society of Sexology and Intergender Relationships. He has also participated in the Durex program “learn how to do it” on sexual education for adolescents, under the auspices of the Institute of Mental and Sexual Health of Dr. Thanos Askitis.He has been a speaker at scientific conferences and lectures on human sexuality and mental health. He has delivered talks to parents and students on “Sexual Education in Adolescence” as a Scientific Associate of the Institute of Mental and Sexual Health, and has published articles on the Institute’s website as well as in scientific journals in Greece and Cyprus.During his undergraduate studies, he completed internships at the Attica Psychiatric Hospital (PSNA) and later at the Amalthia Hostel as a trainee Psychologist. From 10/2009 to 05/2011, he undertook practical training at the Special Experimental Primary School of the University of Athens, under the supervision of Dr. Konstantinos Michailidis, focusing on psychological support and assessment of children with special needs.During his military service (01/2016–10/2016), he served as a Psychologist at the 414 Military Hospital and in military units in Sparta and Arta. He has also collaborated with Dr. K. Dimitroulis (Obstetrician – Gynecologist Surgeon) at the Biogenetic Center, offering psychological support to couples facing infertility.Since 2013, he has been practicing individual psychotherapy with adults in private practice.

Emmanouela-Marina Vintiadi was born and resides in Athens. She is a Psychologist-Psychotherapist. She has been trained in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy and continues her education through seminars, clinical groups, study groups, and individual and group supervision. Her postgraduate specialization is in Criminology. She has worked in psychosocial rehabilitation units, municipalities, and psychological support centers with adults, children, and socially vulnerable groups. Additionally, she has participated in research as a scientific collaborator and is a key speaker in webinars and conferences for the training of health professionals as well as for raising public awareness on mental health issues. She collaborates with the Day Center "Galini" of the Non-Profit Organization Prometheus as a psychologist and maintains a private practice in Kifisia, where she conducts in-person and online psychotherapy sessions for adults, adolescents, and couples.

Sessions available in English.

Revekka Hatzisavva is a Psychiatrist who maintains a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. She holds a degree from the Medical School of the University of Athens and specialized in the Psychiatric Clinic of the General Thoracic Diseases Hospital "Sotiria." Additionally, she has specialized in Systemic Family Therapy. Finally, with extensive experience in the field, the doctor aims for the prompt and effective treatment of various psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and psychotic disorders, using methods including psychotherapy through the biosynthesis technique.

"Με ενδιαφέρει ο άνθρωπος, η ιστορία του, και ο τρόπος που σχετίζεται με τον εαυτό του και τους άλλους."

Η Καραδήμου Θάλεια είναι απόφοιτος Ψυχολογίας από το Αμερικανικό Κολλέγιο και κάτοχος μεταπτυχιακού από το King’s College. Μέσα από το δικό της, προσωπικό ταξίδι αναζήτησης νοήματος, εντός και εκτός της ψυχοθεραπείας, κατέληξε πως της ταιριάζει η Συστημική - Οικογενειακή Προσέγγιση στην οποία εκπαιδεύεται και εποπτεύεται. Και αυτό, γιατί από όποια πλευρά έχει προσπαθήσει να δει και να καταλάβει την ιστορία της και την ιστορία των γύρω της, πάντα καταλήγει πως το νόημα της ζωής μας είναι οι ανθρώπινες σχέσεις. Όποια δύναμη, σιγουριά, φόβο και δυσκολία έχει ο καθένας μας προέρχεται από αυτές και ταυτόχρονα τις τροφοδοτεί.

Πολύ απλά δεν μπορούμε να υπάρξουμε χωρίς να συνδεόμαστε και να σχετιζόμαστε.

Η δική της διαδρομή στην ψυχοθεραπεία την δίδαξε ότι η μετακίνηση και η αλλαγή δεν είναι ποτέ μονόπλευρη· συντελείται μέσα στην σχέση, στον διάλογο, στη συν-κατασκευή νοήματος.

Αυτή είναι η φιλοσοφία της:

• Να συν-βαδίζουμε, να συν-δημιουργούμε και να συν-νοηματοδοτούμε
• Να αφήνουμε τον διάλογο να φωτίζει το μονοπάτι
• Να τιμούμε την ανθρώπινη σχέση ως τον πυρήνα της θεραπείας

"Για εμένα η θεραπεία δεν είναι «ανάλυση», αλλά ένα κοινό ταξίδι· μια σχέση όπου ερχόμαστε σε επαφή με αυθεντικότητα, συναισθηματική παρουσία, ηθική δέσμευση και ευθύνη, και όπου δημιουργείται χώρος για να ακουστεί η ιστορία σου — και όλα όσα υπάρχουν πίσω από αυτήν".

Έχει βρεθεί κι εκείνη στη θέση του θεραπευόμενου. Γνωρίζει τους φόβους, τις δυσκολίες της διαδικασίας, τον κόπο και το θάρρος που απαιτείται, αλλά και το πόσο ανεκτίμητο δώρο μπορεί να γίνει όταν υπάρχει ασφάλεια, σύνδεση και σεβασμός.

• Δεν φέρνει έτοιμες απαντήσεις· φέρνει περιέργεια.
• Δεν φέρνει εξηγήσεις· φέρνει χώρο.
• Στόχος της είναι να συν-κατασκευάσετε νέες οπτικές και νέες δυνατότητες· να σε βοηθήσει να βρεις έναν νέο τρόπο να υπάρξεις μέσα από τα νοήματα που θα ανακαλύψετε μαζί.

Dr. Xaidemenos Aleksandros is a specialist Psychiatrist-Neurologist, PhD holder from the University of Athens, with expertise in Clinical Psychiatry, Psychopharmacology, Psychosomatic Medicine, cognitive and behavioral psychotherapy. He has served in Psychiatric clinics of major General Hospitals and in Specialized Psychiatric Hospitals. For 19 years, he was the Chief Coordinating Psychiatrist at the Psychiatric Hospital of Attica, where he also served as Chairman of the Scientific Council. He was a permanent member of the examination committee for the granting of Psychiatric specialty, based at the Aeginiteio University Psychiatric Hospital. He has an extensive scientific portfolio including publications in international and Greek journals, presentations at international and Greek conferences. Additionally, he is a scientific collaborator of the newspaper "Kathimerini" with numerous published articles. Finally, the physician accepts appointments and offers the possibility of home visits and online sessions via Skype, Viber, Messenger, Zoom, etc.

Tsitenidou Natasa is a Clinical Psychologist - Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapist, licensed to practice. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at the University of East London (UEL), England, in 2020, and subsequently pursued her postgraduate studies at the same university in the program entitled “MSc – Clinical and Community Psychology.” Her practical internship during her studies was completed at the General Hospital of Thessaloniki “Hippokration.” Her training continued at the Hellenic Society of Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy (HSCBP) in Thessaloniki, in the three-year adult program and later in the one-year program for children and adolescents. Additionally, she has participated in the educational program titled “Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Approaches (TF-CBT, CPT, DBT-PTSD, PE)” at the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies (SCBS). Currently, she practices professionally in a private office and provides online psychotherapy sessions, following the Cognitive Behavioral approach. You can schedule your session immediately!

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.

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.

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.