Health professionals for Depression in Attica

Dr Dimitrios Chionis is a Military Psychologist of the Hellenic Air Force, with a PhD in Psychology, Human Factors and Strategic Communication.

If you are looking for a psychologist online, this is not a generic counselling profile. You will meet a professional whose work has been shaped in high responsibility environments, where stress, pressure, decision making, communication and human performance are part of everyday reality.

In our sessions, we focus on what is difficult for you right now. This may be anxiety, stress, burnout, panic attacks, anger, sadness, fear, work pressure, relationship difficulties, problematic internet use, low self awareness, or the need for clearer personal direction. We do not begin with a label. We begin with you, your request, and the way your daily functioning is affected.

The work is practical, structured and human. The aim is to help you understand more clearly what is happening, how you react under pressure, and what small but meaningful steps you can take next. You are supported to regain clarity, emotional control, personal responsibility and a stronger sense of direction.

The special focus on Human Factors makes this work different. It looks at the connection between the person, the environment, pressure, decision making and behaviour. This is useful when you feel that the problem is not only inside you, but also in the system around you. Your work, your relationships, your responsibilities and your daily demands all matter.

The background in Strategic Communication is also important. It can help when your difficulty involves hard conversations, boundaries, conflict, professional relationships, leadership, personal image, or the need to express yourself clearly without losing your position.

The sessions may support you with anxiety management, stress regulation, burnout, communication skills, anger management, panic symptoms, self awareness, professional decision making, personal development and peak performance. The approach is direct, respectful and grounded in psychological science, without vague promises or ready made solutions.

This is not presented as a specific psychotherapy model that claims to fit everyone. The service focuses on psychological support, counselling, mentoring, coaching and the improvement of everyday functioning. The work is based on professional experience, scientific knowledge and respect for your personal request.

Confidentiality, clarity and responsibility are central to the process. Where more specialised care is needed, such as psychotherapy, psychiatric support, medical assessment, or multidisciplinary intervention, an appropriate referral or collaboration with another health professional may be recommended.

The goal is not to tell you to simply think positively. The goal is to help you see what is really going on, organise yourself more effectively and take the next steps with more awareness, stability and personal strength.

Elena Vrettakou MSc is a Clinical Psychologist, graduate of Panteion University of Athens, and maintains a private practice in Ampelokipoi. Concurrently, she works in programs focused on the development and empowerment of interdisciplinary and supportive structures. She has undergone postgraduate training in Educational Psychology and subsequently specialized in Psychotherapy (MSc) at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Since 2010, she has worked in various mental health and educational settings, providing support to adults, adolescents, children, as well as LGBTQ+ individuals. Furthermore, she actively participates in numerous advanced trainings related to clinical psychopathology, psychoanalytic theory, and practice. In her private practice, she applies a psychodynamic approach, focusing on the unconscious processes governing the psyche and aiming not only at symptom elimination but also at in-depth understanding and care of the self.

Chrysa Kritikou is a clinical psychologist and trainee psychotherapist, maintaining a private practice in Koukaki. Her academic journey began with undergraduate studies in the Department of Education Sciences and Early Childhood Education at the University of Patras. During her studies as a kindergarten teacher, she developed a strong interest in psychology, which led her to decide to pursue a new cycle of studies abroad.

After completing her first degree, she undertook a second undergraduate degree in the Department of Psychology at Leiden University in the Netherlands. Subsequently, she completed postgraduate studies in Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology at the same university. She then proceeded with the recognition of her degrees by DOATAP and obtained a license to practice as a psychologist.

With a consistent focus on continuous scientific advancement, she actively participates in seminars and scientific conferences, continuously enriching her knowledge and clinical skills. Within the framework of her specialization, she has attended, among others, the Clinical Psychopathology seminar "Panagiotis Oulis," which substantially contributes to her clinical practice.

She is currently attending the four-year Clinical Specialization Program in Systemic Psychotherapy at the Institute for Education and Research "Logo Psychis," which is based on the SANE (System Attachment Narrative Encephalon) model, a comprehensive approach that combines systemic theory with emotional attachment theory.

Maria Xalepli is a Psychologist and Psychotherapist with a private practice in Ampelokipoi. She graduated with honors from the Psychology Department of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She holds a four-year specialization in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for adults (CBT) from the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies. Additionally, she has been trained by the same organization in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Children and Adolescents. She has also obtained certification in "School Psychology" from EKKE, University of Patras. She has worked as a psychologist at the Day Center for the Homeless of the Municipality of Athens, providing psychosocial support to vulnerable and at-risk groups. She works in private psychotherapy centers providing psychological support to adults and adolescents. Furthermore, as part of her practicum, she worked as a psychologist at the Counseling Station of the Municipality of Petroupoli, where she addressed therapy requests for both adults and adolescents as well as parental counseling. Finally, in her office, she handles cases involving interpersonal relationships, anxiety disorders, phobias, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder management, and more.

Polyxronaki Panagiota is a clinical psychologist - psychotherapist providing online sessions.

She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete and a master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Leiden University, Netherlands. She has been trained in the Cognitive Behavioral Approach by the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies.

She is certified in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, has completed the one-year postgraduate program in Clinical Psychopathology at the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and the Research University Mental Health Institute (EPISY), as well as holding a diploma in Coaching from UGROW and the Positive Psychology Society.

In parallel, she has attended numerous specialized trainings and continually pursues her professional development through supervision and ongoing education.

Regarding her professional training, she completed her internship as part of her postgraduate studies at the Psychiatric Clinic of the University Hospital of Heraklion and at the Alzheimer Day Center "Nefeli". Additionally, she completed an internship at the Student Counseling Center of NKUA, providing therapeutic support to students.

She works privately, providing sessions to adults and adolescents.

Iakovou Aleksandra is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist (MSc-CBT) who maintains a private practice in Nea Erythraia and collaborates with a psychotherapy center in downtown Athens. She studied Psychology at the University of Greenwich in England (BSc) and has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Additionally, she completed postgraduate studies in Health Psychology at the University of Lancashire in England. She has also completed the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. She completed her internship at "The Smile of the Child," where she provided psychological support to children up to 8 years old, as well as at "18 and Over," where she conducted sessions with individuals with eating disorders. Her focus is on the treatment of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, pain management, as well as enhancing self-confidence and changing behaviors that lead to the adoption of a balanced diet. Psychotherapy aids in self-recognition, as each person learns more about their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This is when the desired change begins.

Η Χουρδάκη Μαρίζα είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ειδ. Συστημική Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια με Πτυχίο (Bachelor) του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Πανεπιστημίου Τριέρ στη Γερμανία και Πτυχίο (Bachelor) με κατεύθυνση ψυχολογίας, του Τμήματος Φιλοσοφίας- Παιδαγωγικού και Ψυχολογίας, του Εθνικού Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών (ΕΚΠΑ). Κατέχει Μεταπτυχιακό Τίτλο Σπουδών (MS.c) στην «Κλινική Ψυχολογία» του Τμήματος Κοινωνικών Επιστημών και Συμπεριφοράς, του Πανεπιστημίου Erasmus, στο Ρότερνταμ της Ολλανδίας. Επιπλέον ειδικεύεται στη Συστημική - Οικογενειακή Ψυχοθεραπεία στο Ινστιτούτο Εκπαίδευσης και Έρευνας - Λόγω Ψυχής, σύμφωνα με το μοντέλο SANE (System Attachment Narrative Encephalon). Το συγκεκριμένο μοντέλο είναι ένα εμπλουτισμένο μοντέλο συστημικής ψυχοθεραπείας που ενσωματώνει στη θεραπευτική πρακτική στοιχεία από τη θεωρία του συναισθηματικού δεσμού, την αφηγηματική προσέγγιση και τα ευρήματα των νευροεπιστημών.

Απέκτησε πρακτική εμπειρία σε Κέντρα Ψυχικής Υγείας του Δήμου Πειραιά και Καισαριανής - Βύρωνα, όπου δούλεψε τόσο με εφήβους και οικογένειες όσο και με ενήλικες που βίωναν άγχος, κατάθλιψη, μειωμένη αυτοεκτίμηση, δυσκολίες στις σχέσεις, δυσκολίες σεξουαλικού προσανατολισμού και ταυτότητας.

Παράλληλα εργάστηκε ως ψυχολόγος στο Κέντρο Ημέρας Υποστήριξης Εργαζομένων Αθηνών, στο οποίο παρείχε ψυχολογική υποστήριξη σε εργαζομένους για ζητήματα όπως : το εργασιακό στρες, επαγγελματική εξουθένωση, κατάθλιψη, ενδυνάμωση και αυτογνωσία.

Έχει παρακολουθήσει πλήθος σεμιναρίων εστιασμένα στην ψυχοπαθολογία, στη συμβουλευτική και την ψυχοθεραπεία με ΛΟΑΤΚΙ+ άτομα και στην ψυχική υγεία ευρύτερα. Στο ιδιωτικό της γραφείο που διατηρεί στον Πειραιά (Ηρωών Πολυτεχνείου 58), εργάζεται με ενήλικες, ζευγάρια, εφήβους και οικογένειες.

Πιστεύει ότι η αναζήτηση βοήθειας και ο δρόμος προς την αλλαγή είναι διαδικασίες με δυσκολίες και προκλήσεις, που αποτελούν όμως ένα πρώτο σπουδαίο βήμα προς ένα λυτρωτικό ταξίδι. Ο φόβος είναι ένα εύλογο συναίσθημα στην αρχή της θεραπείας, αλλά με τον κατάλληλο θεραπευτή, μέσα σε ένα ασφαλές πλαίσιο, μπορούν να φωτιστούν όλα τα σκοτεινά σημεία, να κατανοηθούν άγνωστες πλευρές του εαυτού μας και να δοκιμαστούν νέοι τρόποι σκέψης και συμπεριφοράς.

Patera Aliki is a psychologist and psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Ilisia. She has extensive experience in psychological support and psychotherapy for adults, children, and adolescents, as well as in parental counseling. Since 2013, she has been working at the Child and Adolescent Service of the Community Mental Health Center of Vyronas – Kaisariani (1st Psychiatric Clinic, Aeginiteio Hospital), where she is a member of the interdisciplinary team involved in clinical, diagnostic, and research activities. She also participates in community prevention and awareness initiatives and educational programs.

She graduated from the Department of Psychology (Faculty of Philosophy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens) and holds a postgraduate degree in "Mental Health Promotion and Prevention of Psychiatric Disorders" (Medical School, NKUA). She has received further training in Clinical Psychopathology (annual seminar "Panagiotis Oulis," 1st Psychiatric Clinic NKUA) and has attended a series of specialized seminars and conferences at recognized institutions. Indicatively, she has deepened her expertise in topics such as parenting and mental health, psychiatry and gender identity in adolescence, adolescent romantic relationships, as well as anxiety symptoms and impulsive behaviors.

Previously, she worked (2010–2012) in the Adult Short-Term Hospitalization Unit of Aeginiteio Hospital, where she provided psychotherapeutic support to hospitalized patients.

She is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Hospital Psychologists and the Hellenic Society of the New Lacanian School, while also participating in the educational program of the Academy of Clinical Studies of Athens (ACSA). Additionally, she teaches and supervises undergraduate and postgraduate psychology students.

In her private practice, she provides psycho-emotional assessment and psychotherapy, either short-term or long-term, tailored to the uniqueness and specific needs of each client.

Grammatikopoulou Marilena is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist practicing privately in Aigaleo. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and has undergone further training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for adults, children, and adolescents. Additionally, she has attended several psychology seminars at "Aeginiteio" and "Sismanogleio" hospitals. In recent years, she has also trained in Compassion-Focused Therapy, which is part of the third wave of therapies, as well as Counseling and Psychotherapy for LGBTQ individuals, and has completed her training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

Evgenia Grypari is a Psychologist with extensive experience in the field of mental health, currently collaborating with the center “Charin Noiseos” in Moschato. She graduated from the Department of Psychology of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Philosophy, while simultaneously attending the Hellenic Military Academy of Corps Officers (2009–2013). She later completed her Master’s Degree in “Mental Health and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry” at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (2020–2022).

Since 2013, she has been serving as a psychologist in the Hellenic Navy, having worked in several mental health units such as the Psychiatric Clinic of the Naval Hospital of Athens, the Joint Center for Mental Health of the Armed Forces (414 SNEN), and the Naval Hospital of Salamina. She has also staffed the 24-hour National Helpline for Psychological Support and Crisis Intervention, and has served aboard a warship as a military psychologist, gaining valuable insight into the psychological challenges faced by personnel in operational environments. Additionally, she has held administrative and coordinating positions related to health and personnel management within the Armed Forces.

Evgenia Grypari participates annually in the selection and evaluation processes for candidates of the military academies and Armed Forces personnel. She has also completed internships at the Self-Help Promotion Program of Thessaloniki (supporting individuals in substance recovery) and at the Psychiatric Department of the “Agia Sofia” Children’s Hospital.

Her clinical experience covers a wide range of cases, including:

• Depression and anxiety disorders
• Personality disorders and psychoses
• Relationship and marital difficulties
• Parental counseling and divorce management
• Perinatal and postpartum depression
• Eating disorders
• Adolescent issues and identity development
• Sexual disorders and sexual identity concerns

She has further training and specialization in:

• Child psychology
• Relationship and divorce management
• Art Therapy (Vera Vasarhelyi method) for children and adolescents (6–18 years)
• Children’s drawing interpretation
• Music therapy
• Eating disorders
• High-functioning autism

Her therapeutic approach is person-centered and integrative, aiming to provide a safe and supportive environment that fosters self-awareness, emotional resilience, and personal growth.

Η Τζίτζιφα Χριστίνα - Ψυχική Ευεξία είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια. Η προσέγγιση της στηρίζεται στην Ψυχοδυναμική - Ψυχαναλυτική Ψυχοθεραπεία, στην Συστημική Οικογενειακή Ψυχοθεραπεία και στη Γνωσιακή Ψυχοθεραπεία που έχει καταρτιστεί. Διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στη Νέα Ιωνία. Διαθέτει πτυχίο ψυχολογίας από τη Σχολή Κοινωνικών Επιστημών του Πανεπιστημίου Κρήτης και είναι μέλος του Συλλόγου Ελλήνων Ψυχολόγων. Κατέχει μεταπτυχιακό MSc in Applied Positive Psychology του University East London. Έχει ολοκληρώσει τετραετή εκπαίδευσή στη Ψυχοδυναμική / Ψυχαναλυτική Ψυχοθεραπεία για ενήλικες και παιδιά από το ΔΙ.ΚΕ.Ψ.Υ. που είναι πιστοποιημένη από την Βρετανική Ένωση Συμβουλευτικής και Ψυχοθεραπείας BACP. Έχει μετεκπαιδευτεί στο Συστημικό Μοντέλο Οικογενειακής Θεραπείας στη Moνάδα Οικογενειακής Θεραπείας από το Ψυχιατρικό Νοσοκομείο Αττικής. Συνάμα έχει εκπαιδευτεί στη Γνωσιακή Προσέγγιση από το Ερευνητικό Πανεπιστημιακό Ινστιτούτο Ψυχικής Υγείας και στην «Συγκινησιακά Εστιασμένη Θεραπεία Ζεύγους» από το ICEEFT. Έχει μετεκπαιδευτεί στη "Διαχείριση Χωρισμού και Διαζυγίου" και στις "Εφαρμογές της Συμβουλευτικής Ψυχολογίας στην Εκπαίδευση στα Παιδιά και στους Εφήβους" από το Εθνικό και Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών. Παράλληλα, έχει παρακολουθήσει μετεκπαιδευτικά προγράμματα στην "Παιδοψυχολογία" και στον "Ενδοσχολικό Εκφοβισμό" από το Πανεπιστήμιο Αιγαίου και έχει μετεκπαιδευτεί στην «Αγωγή και Προαγωγή Σεξουαλικης Υγείας στο Σχολικό Περιβάλλον» και στην «Ειδική Αγωγή και Προαγωγή Ψυχικης Υγειας στο Σχολικό Περιβάλλον» από το Κέντρο Επιμόρφωσης και Δια βίου Μάθησης (Κ.Ε.ΔΙ.ΒΙ.Μ.) του Πανεπιστημίου Δυτικής Αττικής. Είναι πιστοποιημένη στη χορήγηση Προβολικών τεστ για ενήλικες (Τ.Α.Τ & Τεστ Κηλίδων Μελάνης Rorschach) και για παιδιά (C.A.T. & WISC-III). Έχει εργαστεί ως ψυχολόγος στην Πρωτοβάθμια και Δευτεροβάθμια Εκπαίδευση Αττικής,ενώ επίσης έχει εργαστεί ως ψυχολόγος στις Κοινωνικές Υπηρεσίες των Δήμων Αχαρνών & Κηφισιάς παρέχοντας ψυχολογική και συμβουλευτική υποστήριξη. Έχει εργαστεί εθελοντικά ως ψυχολόγος στην Κοινωνική Υπηρεσία του Δήμου Μεταμόρφωσης και στο Ιατροπαιδαγωγικό Κέντρο του Δήμου Ηρακλείου. Συνάμα υπήρξε εισηγήτρια σε Δημοτικά Σχολεία και είναι ομιλήτρια στα Φροντιστήρια "Πουκαμισάς" σχετικά με Συμβουλευτική Γονέων και Παιδιών - Εφήβων για θέματα που άπτονται της ψυχικής ευημερίας των παιδιών - εφήβων. Τέλος, έχει παρακολουθήσει πληθώρα σεμιναρίων για τη συνεχή κατάρτισή της.

Gkotsi Xristina is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in the central area of Athens, on Akadimias Street. She holds a degree in Psychology (University of East London) and a degree in Sociology (Panteion University). She pursued and completed her postgraduate studies in Psychology at the University of East London, deepening her scientific understanding of human behavior and mental health. She follows the approach of Systemic Psychotherapy, focusing on the dynamics of relationships and the broader contexts within which individual difficulties develop. Additionally, she holds a Master's Degree in Criminal Law and Addictions from the Law Department of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, specializing in the legal and therapeutic management of addictions. Simultaneously, she has participated in numerous scientific seminars, continually investing in her professional development. Her interdisciplinary training allows her to approach mental health and addiction issues holistically, combining legal, social, and therapeutic perspectives. Her passion and genuine interest in the field of addictions have led her to ongoing education, research activities, and publications in scientific journals. She has worked and volunteered in organizations supporting vulnerable social groups and in addiction rehabilitation centers, gaining valuable clinical experience. In recent years, she has worked in the academic environment of a private higher education college as the Head of Psychology Studies, teaching Clinical and Social Psychology courses, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical experience, and imparting to her students a passion for the science of Psychology.

Elena Petsa is a Psychologist-Psychotherapist, graduate of the Psychology Department of Panteion University, and maintains a private practice in Ilioupoli. Following her undergraduate studies, she pursued postgraduate training in Clinical Psychopathology at the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and a Behavioral Psychotherapeutic approach at EPIPSY. She has completed internships at the Vyronas Family Association for Mental Health, the Behavior Therapy Unit of the Hellenic Center for Mental Health and Research, and the Special Behavior Therapy Clinic of Aeginiteio Hospital. She specializes in anxiety disorders including panic attacks, specific phobias, generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, agoraphobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and hoarding disorder in adolescent and adult populations. Appointments available by request. Online sessions are offered.

Kollias Thanos MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Athens, providing psychological support and counseling to adolescents, adults, and couples, applying principles of cognitive and behavioral psychotherapy. He is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has also completed undergraduate studies in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at the same university, as well as postgraduate studies in Communication, Management, and Innovation at Wageningen University in the Netherlands. His interdisciplinary training contributes to a holistic understanding of human behavior, communication, and interpersonal relationships. He has received further training in Cognitive and Behavioral Psychotherapy at the Society for Cognitive and Behavioral Studies, recognized by the European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT), while simultaneously pursuing a Master's degree in Educational Sciences at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), specializing in the Psychopedagogy of Reading. He has collaborated with mental health institutions such as the Non-Profit Organization IASIS and the General Hospital Asklipieio Voulas (Child Psychiatry Department), gaining experience in assessment, parent counseling, and psychotherapeutic intervention with children and adolescents. In his therapeutic approach, he utilizes music therapy as a means of expression and processing emotions, enhancing emotional understanding and creative communication.

Mr. Komninos Vasilis is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains his private practice in Ilisia. He holds a BSc(Hons) in Psychology from the Open University of the United Kingdom and a Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling from the University of Brighton. He has been trained in Group Systemic Psychotherapy at the Family Therapy Center and completed his specialization in group therapy at the Relational Group Psychotherapy Institute, under the direction and supervision of Mr. Stavros Charalambidis. He has served as a Psychologist - mental health counselor at The Rock Clinic in Brighton, a Group Therapist at the Family Therapy Center, as well as at ISOΨ. In his private practice, he manages a wide range of cases, always focusing on the best possible service tailored to the individualized needs of each person. Mr. Komninos, within the framework of his lifelong learning, regularly participates in seminars and international conferences and has presented clinical cases at scientific panels related to group and individual psychotherapy. Notable examples include the 1st Symposium on Relational Psychoanalysis and Group Psychotherapy in Athens, Oct/21, the online IARPP Symposium, Jan/22, the 18th Annual IARPP Conference, Los Angeles, USA, Jun/22, and the 21st international IAGP conference, Pescara, Italy, Jul/22. He is a member of the International Association for Relational Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy (IARPP) and a member of the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA).