Health professionals for Obsessive–compulsive disorder-OCD

Zoi Xatzimarkou is a Psychologist BSc, Clinical Neuropsychologist MSc, Cognitive Behavioral Therapist and conducts online sessions. She graduated with honors from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and holds a professional license to practice psychology (No. 19064). She completed with distinction the Master's Program in "Clinical Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neurosciences" at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in collaboration with the Montreal Neurological Institute of McGill University. Additionally, she received training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) through the four-year program at the Society for Cognitive Behavioral Studies of the Institute for Research and Therapy of Behavior (IETHS). She completed her internship at the Social Welfare Center of the Region of Central Macedonia, the Hellenic Society for the Protection and Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons (ELEPAP), the Vyronas-Kaisariani Mental Health Center, as well as at the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of Aeginiteio Hospital in Athens. Furthermore, she has worked at the Rehabilitation and Recovery Center "Theseas," providing counseling and psychotherapy sessions. Currently, she works at the Rehabilitation and Recovery Center "Anaplasi" as a Clinical Neuropsychologist. As part of her continuing education, she has attended numerous sessions and postgraduate seminars, including the Postgraduate Seminar "Enhancement of Mental Resilience and Functionality" and the two-year seminar on Clinical Psychopathology and Clinical Skills in Psychopathology "Panagiotis Oulis" at the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of the University of Athens. She offers individual psychotherapy sessions for adults and adolescents addressing issues such as anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, depressive mood, eating disorders, grief management, and interpersonal difficulties management.

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.

Sidiropoulou Sofia is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Thermi. She studied Business Administration in Uster, Switzerland, graduating in 1988. She collaborated with various companies and chose to pursue a Master's degree in Human Resources. Through her experience in occupational psychology, she developed an interest in psychotherapy and professionally expanded into the field of Integrative Counseling in Greece, where she graduated in 2018 as a Mental Health Counselor (Integrative Counseling at the Athens Synthesis Centre, certified by COSCA Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland). To deepen her knowledge, she attended a course during 2020/21 with Professor Lampros Stavrou of Clinical Psychology at the University of Ioannina, titled "Stages of Psychosocial Emotional Development & Psychodynamic Defense Mechanisms in Psychotherapeutic Practice." She followed educational and experiential approach groups, Body-Centered Gestalt (Stathis Lazaris, B.Sc. Body Psychotherapist, Athens), and has participated in open and closed Systemic Constellation groups (Bert Hellinger). Additionally, she graduated in 2024 with a degree in Applied Psychology / BSc Hons in Applied Psychology (University of Derby) at Mediterranean College in Thessaloniki. Finally, the specialist completed her training as a Group Analyst at the Hellenic Network of Group Analysts (EDOA), Athens, in 2025. 

Ο Τζήμας Αλέξανδρος είναι Ψυχολόγος MSc ψυχαναλυτικής κατεύθυνσης και εργάζεται ιδιωτικά με ενήλικες και εφήβους στο Κουκάκι. Σπούδασε στο Τμήμα Ψυχολογίας του Εθνικού & Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών κι έχει ολοκληρώσει τις μεταπτυχιακές του σπουδές στην Κοινωνική Ψυχιατρική του Τμήματος Ιατρικής του Δημοκρίτειου Πανεπιστημίου Θράκης. Η κλινική του πρακτική έχει διαμορφωθεί μέσα από την πολυετή εργασία σε κοινοτικές υπηρεσίες ψυχικής υγείας, έχοντας εργαστεί με άτομα που έχουν βιώσει διάφορες μορφές ψυχικής δυσφορίας όπως άγχος, καταναγκασμούς, κατάθλιψη, συναισθηματικές διαταραχές, φαινόμενα ψύχωσης, δυσκολίες αλληλεπίδρασης. Παράλληλα με την ιδιωτική άσκηση και την ψυχαναλυτική του εκπαίδευση, έχει εργαστεί ως Επιστημονικά Υπεύθυνος σε Υπηρεσίες Ψυχοκοινωνικής Αποκατάστασης ατόμων με ψυχιατρική εμπειρία, συντονίζοντας και εποπτεύοντας τη λειτουργία τους.  

Στην επαγγελματική του πορεία είχε την ευκαιρία να έρθει σε επαφή με διαφορετικές διαστάσεις θεραπευτικών παρεμβάσεων, ενώ μέσα από το πρίσμα της Λακανικής Ψυχανάλυσης εστιάζει στον ιδιαίτερο τρόπο που η εκάστοτε εμπειρία καταγράφεται στα λόγια και την προσωπική ιστορία του καθενός. Στην κλινική του εργασία η ανάδειξη και η κατασκευή των συνδέσεων κάνει δυνατή την αναδιαπραγμάτευση της εμπειρίας και την επινόηση λύσεων με θεραπευτική επίπτωση. 

Κατά την τρέχουσα περίοδο εργάζεται, επίσης, στον τομέα της εργασιακής υποστήριξης ατόμων που αντιμετωπίζουν προκλήσεις με την ψυχική τους υγεία. Είναι μέλος του Φόρουμ Ψυχανάλυσης του Λακανικού Πεδίου της Αθήνας, όπου συμμετέχει σε κλινικές ομάδες και ομάδες εργασίας. Έχει συμμετάσχει σε πλήθος συνεδρίων και ημερίδων πάνω σε σύγχρονα θέματα ψυχικής υγείας κι έχει εκπονήσει εργασίες σχετικά με τις θεραπευτικές παρεμβάσεις στις ψυχώσεις. 

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.

Giorgos Orfanos is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains two private practices, in Peristeri and Athens (Ilisia - Hilton). He holds a distinction-awarded master's degree in Applied Clinical Psychology (MSc in Applied Clinical Psychology with Distinction) from the University of Central Lancashire, as well as a first-class honours degree in Psychology (BSc Hons Psychology Science – First Class Honours) from the University of Essex. Additionally, he has completed studies in Economics at Kingston University in London. He specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which he completed at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling, with experience in individual sessions and group interventions within mental health organizations such as the NGOs Agkalia and Symvallein. His therapeutic approaches incorporate elements from the "third wave" of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), including Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Furthermore, his extensive background in the business sector has motivated him to continuously develop his knowledge of critical psychological concepts such as anxiety, stress, and generally high psycho-emotional pressure and performance conditions (performance psychology). He believes in a collaborative relationship, considering the therapeutic alliance and unconditional acceptance as the cornerstone for the success of therapy, the enhancement of self-awareness, psychological resilience, and personal development.

Athanasiou Vasilis is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Kypseli. He has completed studies in Psychology at the University of Crete and at Middlesex University in London. Furthermore, he holds a Master's Degree in Neuropsychology from Maastricht University in the Netherlands. Following his postgraduate studies, he specialized in a six-year program in Body Psychotherapy at the Psychotherapy and Counseling Center "Wilhelm Reich".

He has gained clinical and volunteer experience through his collaboration with organizations such as the NGO "EDRA" and EPANODOS, providing psychological support to vulnerable social groups.

His therapeutic approach is primarily based on the principles of body psychotherapy, while drawing elements from the integrative approach (cognitive, psychodynamic, Gestalt) in order to tailor therapy to the needs of each patient.

Deni Christina Xrysoula is a Clinical Psychologist - Psychotherapist who provides support to adults and adolescents as well as parental counseling. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and holds a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from the same university. Her clinical experience has been acquired through collaboration with the day center "Estia," the Child-Adolescent Unit of the Hellenic Center for Mental Health and Research (E.KE.PSY.E.), and the Psychiatric Outpatient Department 424. She has served as a scientific collaborator at the Laboratory of Applied Psychology of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Additionally, she has worked with specialized therapy centers, providing both group and individual parental counseling. Simultaneously, she volunteers in psychoeducation and public training on mental health issues. She continues her education by participating in supervision and training workshops of the Northern Greece Psychoanalytic Society. Currently, she is further specializing by attending the postgraduate program titled "Applied Developmental Psychology" offered by the Hellenic Open University.

She specializes in mental health difficulties such as anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, depression, eating disorders, personality disorders, relationship problems, and grief. In her psychotherapeutic practice, she follows the psychodynamic approach and works with ongoing supervision and personal therapy. She places particular emphasis on creating a space of safety, confidentiality, and acceptance. Her goal is to accompany individuals through a process of in-depth exploration and understanding of themselves to become freer and more creative.

Spanoudakis Giorgos is a Psychiatrist who maintains a private practice in Athens. He graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He began his psychiatric specialty training at the LVR Klinik in Düsseldorf, Germany, and completed it at Aeginiteio Hospital in Athens. During his training, he encountered a full range of psychiatric cases and disorders (psychotic, mood, anxiety - obsessive-compulsive disorders, as well as substance dependencies, sexual disorders, eating disorders, etc.), and participated in training programs in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. After completing his training, he continued practicing in the private sector and also worked as an external collaborator at the General Hospital of Thira.

Parthenis Aleksandros is a Psychologist holding a Psychology degree from the University of East London. He has a master's degree with distinction in Clinical and Community Psychology from the University of East London. He has received further training in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling and has attended numerous seminars on Psychology and Mental Health. He completed his practical training at the Psychosocial Rehabilitation Residential Facility ANIMA and has provided voluntary psychotherapy sessions at the Psychogeriatric Society "Nestor." In his private practice, he manages a wide range of cases, conducting psychotherapy sessions based on the Cognitive-Behavioral approach, always focusing on the best possible service of the individualized needs of each patient.

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.

H Μαρία Ηλιάδη είναι Ψυχολόγος MSc. ψυχαναλυτικής κατεύθυνσης και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Κουκάκι.  Είναι απόφοιτη του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας Πανεπιστημίου Κρήτης και του Παντείου Πανεπιστημίου, όπου ολοκλήρωσε μεταπτυχιακές σπουδές ερευνώντας συνδέσεις της Ψυχανάλυσης με την Κοινωνική Θεωρία και τη Φιλοσοφία. Έλαβε πολυετή κλινική εκπαίδευση σε ψυχαναλυτικούς θεσμούς και είναι Μέλος του Φόρουμ Ψυχανάλυσης  του Λακανικού Πεδίου της Σχολής Ψυχανάλυσης ΙF- EPFCL. Επιπλέον έχει μετεκπαιδευθεί στην διαθεματική προσέγγιση στην ψυχοθεραπεία, καθώς και σε κλινικά πλαίσια στην ψυχοπαθολογία ενηλίκων. Εργάστηκε επί σειρά ετών στον τομέα της κοινοτικής ψυχιατρικής (Εταιρία Κοινωνικής Ψυχιατρικής «Π. Σακελλαρόπουλος», Κέντρο Ημέρας Υποστήριξης Ψυχικής Υγείας μέσω Τέχνης Π.Ε.Ψ.Α.Ε.Ε.) προσφέροντας υπηρεσίες ψυχοθεραπείας και ψυχοκοινωνικής υποστήριξης και έχει συμμετάσχει στην υλοποίηση προγραμμάτων για την ψυχοκοινωνική ενδυνάμωση ατόμων με εμπειρίες κοινωνικού στίγματος και διακρίσεων. Ακόμα, έχει λάβει μέρος ως εισηγήτρια σε διοργανώσεις εκπαίδευσης και ενημέρωσης σε θέματα ψυχικής υγείας. Στο ιδιωτικό γραφείο της υποδέχεται ενήλικες σε ατομικές συνεδρίες ψυχαναλυτικής θεραπείας.

Eleni Fyta is a psychologist based in Athens, maintaining a private practice and collaborating with therapy centers that support children, adolescents, and adults. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from the University of Patras, combining scientific expertise with a deeply human-centered therapeutic approach.She has completed training in Group Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy through the Hellenic Society of Group Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (E.E.Ps.Ps.O.) and is currently participating in postgraduate programs in Clinical Psychopathology and Psychoanalysis.Her professional experience includes positions at therapy centers such as Mind Set Go! and To Spiti, as well as collaboration with the European Network of Women of Greece, where she provided psychological support to victims of domestic violence.Eleni has also been actively involved in volunteer work with the Hellenic Red Cross and various community programs offering educational and psychological support to refugees and migrants. She regularly attends psychoanalytic and psychological research conferences, reflecting her continuous professional development.Her therapeutic approach focuses on building a relationship of trust and authentic communication, helping individuals explore their inner conflicts and foster personal growth.

Thrapsanioti Eleutheria MD is a Psychiatrist - Psychotherapist and a collaborator of the "P. Sakkelaropoulos" Institute of Mental Health for Children and Adults. She studied and is preparing her doctoral thesis at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Since her graduation, she has worked as a scientific associate at the Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Sensorimotor Control at the Research University Mental Health Institute "KOSTAS STEFANIS," investigating the neurophysiology of psychoses. She specialized at the Hellenic Center for Mental Health and Research (E.KE.PSY.E) and the First Psychiatric Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens at Aeginiteio Hospital, where she collaborated in the Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Department and received further training in psychoanalytic theory and technique. She served for two years at the General Hospital of Chania as a Senior Registrar B', responsible for a closed ward and outpatient clinic, gaining significant clinical experience across the full spectrum of mental disorders (psychosis, depression, anxiety, dementia, etc.). Concurrently, as a regular board member of the Chania Medical Association, she participated in various initiatives for mental health rights (combating stigma, community reintegration, promoting awareness and enlightenment). She has published scientific papers in international journals, presented at the 2015 conference of the American Society for Neuroscience, and continues to actively pursue her research activities.

Foteini Liva is a Psychologist and Psychotherapist, licensed to practice professionally. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete and specialized in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for adults at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling in Athens. She is currently completing the postgraduate program “Clinical Mental Health” at the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Additionally, she has obtained a certification from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) on the topic of "Self-Improvement and Assertive Behavior".

Regarding her professional experience, she has worked as a psychologist at the NGO “Xenios Zeus” and has also worked in secondary education delivering counseling and group interventions for adolescents and parents. She completed internships at the "Panagiotis & Aglaia Kyriakou" Children's Hospital, at K.E.PSY.SY., and at the Saint Eleftherios Memory Center. Furthermore, in 2023, she served as a member of a special committee for the evaluation of individuals with disabilities applying to the "Personal Assistant" program. She has volunteered as a psychologist for the Hellenic Cancer Society, enriching her professional experience concerning the interaction between psychology and severe physical illnesses. Since 2025, she has been practicing privately and has collaborated externally with the Psychotherapy Center "InnerThrive". She currently maintains a private practice in Korydallos. Finally, her clinical work is supported by systematic supervision.

Ioanna Marmarou BSc, MSc, PhD is a Clinical - Counseling Psychologist who maintains a private practice in the center of Athens, in Exarchia. She holds a PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of East London, a master's degree in Clinical & Community Psychology, and a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the same university. The therapist is a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society with professional license number 309612. The therapeutic process follows the Integrative Approach, which successfully incorporates Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, and Gestalt therapy. She holds certifications in School Psychology, Sexual Education for Children and Adolescents, and Drama Therapy. At Ioanna Marmarou's private practice, the counseling and psychotherapeutic process focuses on the uniqueness of each individual, allowing them to express every right - wrong, good - bad, normal - abnormal, realistic - imaginary, light - dark aspect of themselves and their broader life. The purpose of this therapeutic process is to serve as a journey for the client to explore their own self and their relationship with themselves, as well as the relationships and boundaries they have established within their social environment. A core principle of the therapist is the empowerment of the individual, aiming to build healthy relationships, achieve inner fulfillment, and maintain functionality in daily life.

Kazepi Mikaela - Ermioni is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Marousi. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She specializes in stress and anxiety disorders through her postgraduate studies in the "Science of Stress and Health Promotion" program at the Medical School of Athens. She is specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with certification from Aeginiteio Hospital, the Research University Institute of Mental Health. She has been a member of Aeginiteio Hospital of Athens in the "Early Intervention in Crisis" department and in the hospital’s regular outpatient clinics. Additionally, she has previously served as a Psychologist at the Mental Health Center of the General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas". Subsequently, she completed the postgraduate seminar in Clinical Psychopathology "Panagiotis Oulis" of the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has completed her academic training in the annual postgraduate Clinical Training Program for Psychologists of the same institution. Concurrently, she conducts psychotherapy sessions with adults and adolescents, providing support for issues related to anxiety, stress, and other psychological difficulties.