Health professionals for Obsessive–compulsive disorder-OCD

Giakoumi Xristina is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Kalamata, where she provides individual and group psychotherapy sessions. She graduated from the Universita' Degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo" where she studied Psychology.

Pararas Polyvios has 26 years of experience as a Psychologist. He studied psychology at the University of Athens and subsequently received further training in Cognitive Therapy at I.E.TH.S. He has also been trained in early intervention for autism and in the diagnosis and rehabilitation of learning disabilities at DIKEPSY, as well as in Clinical Psychopathology at EPIPSY. He served as a scientific collaborator at the Medical School of Athens and worked at Aeginiteio Hospital in the specialized Crisis Intervention Clinic. He then worked in home care for severe mental disorders at the non-profit organization Anodos. He has also worked at the Naval Hospital of Salamis, in the Preventive Mental Health Office of the Navy, in the Municipality of Naxos, in the Child Psychiatry Clinics Galinos, in the daycare centers of D.E.H., and at the speech therapy center KADMOS. During the 2023-2024 period, he collaborated with ICPA in the internship of students from the University of Athens and New York College. In the academic year 2024-2025, he was certified in Sports Psychology by the University of Athens. He is a volunteer Sports Psychologist for the Euroleague, participating in the Olympiacos Piraeus basketball team ONE TEAM. Concurrently, he specialized in Adolescent Crisis at IPSYPE from 2024 to 2025. He maintains a private practice in Ampelokipoi.

Valamoutopoulos Theodoros is a Psychiatrist - Psychotherapist - Group Analyst, Consultant at the 424 General Military Training Hospital, and maintains a private practice in Thessaloniki. He manages a wide range of cases encompassing the entire spectrum of his discipline, with a notable specialization in Psychoanalysis, Group Psychotherapy, Psychoses, Psychosexual Disorders, and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. Additionally, since March 2021, the doctor has been a member of the International Psychoanalytical Association.

Saliverou Elisavet is a Psychologist - Psychoeducator - Psychotherapist, holding a Master's degree (MSc) in Counseling Psychology (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Excellence Scholarship), with studies in Psychology, Education (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens), and Social Work (University of West Attica). She has been trained in Systemic – Family Psychotherapy and maintains a private Counseling – Psychotherapy practice. Simultaneously, she is responsible for the Counseling Service and social initiatives of HEN Athens and coordinates educational and psychoeducational programs for children, adolescents, adults, and parents. She has collaborated with organizations such as ELIZA, the "Together for the Child" hotline, SOS Children's Villages, and the Social Psychiatry Company P. Sakellaropoulos. She applies an integrative therapeutic approach (Systemic, Psychoanalytic, Narrative, Art Therapy) to various mental health issues of children, adolescents, and adults.

Kerosi Maria - Ismini is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Galatsi. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Crete and a Master's Degree in Social Clinical Psychology from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at the Hellenic Society of Cognitive Psychotherapies at Aeginiteio Hospital and is currently undergoing training in Schema Therapy from the Hellenic Society of Schema Therapy. She has worked as a Psychologist at the Rehabilitation and Recovery Clinic, Anaplasi, in the Social Service of the Municipality of Kifisia, and at the Alzheimer Center, Psychogeriatric Society "Nestor." Finally, she specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, individual psychotherapy, as well as anxiety and mood disorders.

Ο Χατζηανδρέου Ευάγγελος, είναι Ψυχολόγος με άδεια ασκήσεως επαγγέλματος, κάτοχος πτυχίου BSc (Hons) στην Ψυχολογία από το University of East London, με μεταπτυχιακές σπουδές MSc (with Distinction) στην Κλινική και Κοινοτική Ψυχολογία από το ίδιο πανεπιστήμιο. Παράλληλα, είναι εκπαιδευόμενος Ψυχοθεραπευτής στη Συστημική Προσέγγιση, στο πλαίσιο του Διεθνούς Τετραετούς Μετεκπαιδευτικού Προγράμματος στη Συμβουλευτική και Ψυχοθεραπεία του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών.

Η θεραπευτική του προσέγγιση βασίζεται στις αρχές της συστημικής θεωρίας, με επιρροές από τη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφοριστική Θεραπεία (CBT) και τη Λακανική ψυχανάλυση. Η θεραπευτική του στάση προσβλέπει τη θεραπεία, ως μια διαλογική και αλληλεπιδραστική διαδικασία, κατά την οποία το νόημα και η αλλαγή προκύπτουν μέσα από τη θεραπευτική σχέση και τη συν-κατανόηση. Κεντρικές αξίες που διέπουν την προσέγγιση του, είναι η αυθεντικότητα, ο αναστοχασμός, η συμμετοχικότητα στη θεραπευτική σχέση και η διάθεση επανεξέτασης των αφηγήσεων που οργανώνουν την εμπειρία και τη ζωή του/της θεραπευόμενου/ης.

Έχει αποκτήσει κλινική εμπειρία μέσω πρακτικής άσκησης σε δομές όπως ο Οίκος Ευγηρίας “Λεώνια”, καθώς και μέσω εθελοντισμού στην ΑμΚΕ “Καρκινάκι”. Επιπλέον, έχει προσφέρει υπηρεσίες σε γραμμή ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης, παρέχοντας άμεση ψυχολογική ανακούφιση και στήριξη σε άτομα που βρίσκονται σε κατάσταση κρίσης ή έντονης συναισθηματικής δυσκολίας.

Δεσμεύεται στη διαρκή επιμόρφωση και εποπτεία, με στόχο την υπεύθυνη, επιστημονικά τεκμηριωμένη και με σεβασμό παρουσία στη θεραπευτική διαδικασία.

Έχει συμμετάσχει σε πλήθος σεμιναρίων και εκπαιδευτικών δράσεων, όπως:

    •    Σεμινάριο Ψυχοεκπαίδευσης, Metropolitan College

    •    Σεμινάριο Κλινικής Ψυχανάλυσης (Ψ.Ν.Α. – Α.Κ.Σ.Π.Α.)

    •    Σεμινάριο «The Clinic of the Gaze in Adolescents», Γ.Ν.Α. “Γ. Γεννηματάς”

    •    Κλινική Νευροψυχολογική Εκτίμηση και Αποκατάσταση, Metropolitan College

    •    Πιστοποιημένο πρόγραμμα «Διαχείριση Προβλημάτων Οικογενειακού Βίου», Ίδρυμα Ποιμαντικής Επιμόρφωσης

    •    Online course “Moralities of Everyday Life”, Yale University

Παράλληλα, συμμετέχει σε εκπαιδευτικές δραστηριότητες ως εισηγητής σε σεμινάρια ψυχολογίας και επόπτης πτυχιακών εργασιών σε φοιτητές/τριες Ψυχολογίας. Έχει επίσης συμμετάσχει ως ομιλητής (individual speaker) σε διεθνές επιστημονικό συνέδριο, παρουσιάζοντας ερευνητική εργασία.

Στο θεραπευτικό πλαίσιο υποστηρίζει άτομα που αντιμετωπίζουν άγχος, συναισθηματικές δυσκολίες, εσωτερικές συγκρούσεις, δυσκολίες στις διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις, απώλεια και ζητήματα αυτοεκτίμησης.

Σήμερα εργάζεται ιδιωτικά, προσφέροντας ατομικές συνεδρίες δια ζώσης και διαδικτυακά. Στο πλαίσιο της θεραπευτικής του πρακτικής, η διαδικασία προσεγγίζεται ως ένας χώρος διαλόγου και συνεργασίας, όπου οι εμπειρίες, οι σκέψεις και τα συναισθήματα μπορούν να εκφραστούν και να διερευνηθούν με ασφάλεια. Μέσα από αυτή τη διερεύνηση, οι προσωπικές αφηγήσεις μπορούν να επανεξεταστούν και να αποκτήσουν νέα νοήματα, ανοίγοντας τη δυνατότητα για διαφορετικούς τρόπους κατανόησης του εαυτού και των σχέσεων.

Anagnostou Spyros is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and operates a Private Adult Psychodevelopment Center in Ilioupoli. He completed his studies in Psychology at Glyndwr University and is pursuing a Master's degree in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy at the University of Lancashire (ICPS College). He is dedicated to guiding individuals on the path of self-awareness. The center's mission is based on enhancing personal development and understanding.

Dafni Danatsa is a Psychologist, training in Clinical Psychology, and conducts online sessions. She holds a degree in Psychology from Glyndwr University in Wales (through IST College) and possesses a professional license to practice as a psychologist. Additionally, she holds a Life Coaching Diploma from the Authority of Professional Coaching & Mentoring and has attended seminars and conferences concerning the management of psychological effects in individuals with chronic illnesses.

She has particular experience in supporting parents and children with celiac disease and type I diabetes, as well as in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Ms. Danatsa works exclusively remotely, offering sessions via video call in a secure, confidential, and supportive environment.

Xatzopoulou Ksenia is a Psychiatrist - Psychotherapist based in Thessaloniki. She holds a degree from the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and has specialized in Psychiatry at the 2nd University Clinic. She has over 20 years of experience in clinical psychiatry and psychotherapy. Furthermore, she is trained in psychoanalytic-type psychotherapy and cognitive analytic psychotherapy, as well as in child and adolescent psychiatry. Her work includes counseling on interpersonal relationship issues, psychoanalytic-type psychotherapy, counseling with behavioral and cognitive techniques, and the treatment of obsessive-compulsive and psychosomatic disorders. Additionally, she has extensive experience in the management of eating disorders, anxiety, depression, psychoses, phobias, and panic attacks.

Lona Elisavet is a Psychologist with a private practice in Athens. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of East London and a master's degree in Clinical Psychology from the same university. Additionally, she has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She participates in various conferences in her field. She works in a facility with individuals on the autism spectrum. Finally, she is a member of the British Psychological Society.

Papaioannou Giouli is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist for adults, children, and adolescents, maintaining a private practice in Thessaloniki at 3 Grigoriou Palama Street (City Center). She holds a degree in Psychology from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a Master's degree (MSc) in Child & Adolescent Mental Health from King's College London, UK.

She has received further training in Postmodern Systemic Approaches, such as Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and the Collaborative-Dialogical Approach, at the Solution-Focused Therapy Center "Bienestar" in Thessaloniki. Additionally, she has completed a two-year cycle of Introductory Lectures on Psychoanalytic Practice at the Northern Greece Psychoanalytic Society (NGPS). Finally, she participates in the Annual Infant Observation Seminar of the same institution (NGPS), which includes weekly infant observation within the family environment and participation in a supervision group for understanding early mental mechanisms and non-verbal communication.

She possesses extensive clinical experience, having worked in various settings and organizations for children, adolescents, and adults in both the UK and Greece. Her most recent engagement involved supporting students and staff at the American College of Thessaloniki (ACT).

She receives ongoing supervision and personal analysis.

Stefanos Gkogkornas is a Psychologist and Psychotherapist. He studied Psychology in the Psychology Program at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) through the four-year postgraduate program of the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies. Additionally, he received training in Clinical Psychopathology through the two-year programs of the First University Psychiatric Clinic of NKUA and the Research University Institute of Mental Health. Finally, he has been trained in the fundamental principles of mindfulness and self-awareness at the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies.

He has worked as a Psychologist on the telephone support line for "Together for Children," in the kindergartens of the Municipality of Dafni-Ymittos, at the Family Counseling Center of the Municipality of Kallithea, with the NGO Freedom Gate, and in the Adult Therapy Department of the Institute for Research and Therapy of Behavior. He currently practices privately as a Psychotherapist, with clinical experience that includes individual and group psychotherapy and counseling sessions with people of all ages, dealing with problems related to family, work, or social relationships, and presenting a variety of psychopathologies such as depression, anxiety disorders, panic attacks, personality disorders, among others.

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.

Katerina Leventouri is a Clinical Psychologist (MSc) - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Exarchia. She graduated with honors from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (GPA 8.75) and holds a professional license. She has completed postgraduate studies in Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, specializing in Clinical Psychology with a grade of Excellent (9.14). During her postgraduate studies, she worked in the mental health department of the Hellenic Center for Mental Health and Research in Thessaloniki, as well as in the acute cases department of the Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki, handling a wide range of cases and gaining valuable experience in managing mental health issues such as anxiety, mood, and personality disorders. She has a particular interest in eating disorders, having collaborated as a trainee Clinical Psychologist with the Day Center for Eating Disorders ElpiZo of EPAPSY. Simultaneously, she has attended a one-year educational seminar on the treatment of eating disorders and has also conducted research on the topic. Additionally, she has participated in a research team at University College Cork in Ireland focusing on combating stigma in patients with chronic pain. As a professional, she places great emphasis on lifelong education, personal therapy, and supervision. As a psychotherapist, she follows an individualized approach, respecting each person's unique history, pace, and request within a safe framework of exploration and self-acceptance.

Matina Batzaki is a Psychologist with a private practice located in Ilisia. She graduated from the University of Crete and holds a master's degree in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry: Integrated Care of Physical and Mental Health from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She is undergoing training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Hellenic Society for Behavioral Research. Concurrently, she is pursuing further specialization in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) at the Institute of Behavioral Research and Therapy (IBRT), as well as in the Treatment of Eating Disorders at the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, in collaboration with EPIPSY. She has collaborated with public and private healthcare institutions, including Attikon University General Hospital, Penteli Children's General Hospital, and the Lyrakou Psychiatric Clinic, where she continues to work. Additionally, she is active in research in the field of psychopathology and health, with publications in international scientific journals. She maintains a private practice in Ilisia, where she provides psychotherapeutic services to adults, adolescents, and families, based on the principles of the Cognitive-Behavioral approach and contemporary scientific practice.

Marianne Najm, MSc, is a dedicated psychologist practicing privately in Athens. She earned her Psychology degree from the University of Paris and holds a Master's degree in Organizational and CyberPsychology. Currently, she is undergoing specialized training in Psychoanalysis. Marianne is deeply committed to her profession, regularly attending seminars and conferences that focus on psychoanalytic approaches. She volunteers her expertise to provide invaluable psychological support services. She has actively contributed to various psychotherapeutic projects in Athens, with a particular emphasis on assisting individuals struggling with addiction and supporting the foreigner population, including children and adults. Her contributions extend beyond clinical work. As one of the esteemed scientific collaborators of Ecole Française de Cyberpsychologie, Marianne actively contributes to research exploring the effects of new technologies on mental health. Her areas of expertise include clinical psychology, neuropsychology, and social psychology. Marianne extends her influence to educational and corporate settings. She frequently conducts workshops, helping schools and businesses navigate the use of New Technologies in the workplace and promoting their responsible recreational use. Originally from France, Marianne Najm has been a resident of Athens since 2006, proficient in Greek, French, and English.

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.

Angeliki Kagkadi was born in Athens, is a Psychologist, and maintains a private practice in Argyroupoli, where she conducts sessions either in person or online. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, holds a postgraduate degree in Clinical Psychology from Leiden University, and possesses a license to practice as a psychologist. She specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and is proficient in effectively treating anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias, mood disorders, eating disorders, sexual dysfunctions, trauma, grief, addictions, and self-esteem issues through psychotherapy. She is a member of the Greek Psychological Society (SEPS) and participates in the cognitive psychotherapy program conducted by the Hellenic Society of Cognitive Psychotherapies (EPIPSY) and Aiginiteio Hospital. She has extensive clinical experience, having worked with the NGO Nostos, focusing on refugee and migrant populations. Additionally, she has worked in various facilities, including OKANA, the Attica Psychiatric Hospital (DAFNI), and has completed her internship in the adolescent-young adult department of the 18+ Detoxification Unit, thus gaining familiarity with socially vulnerable groups. She writes self-help and psychological content articles for various psychology blogs. Finally, she believes in continuous professional development and regularly enhances her skills by attending seminars, conferences, and workshops.