Health professionals for Depression in Attica

Eleni Xaralampopoulou is a Psychologist - Child Psychologist, graduate of Panteion University with a professional practice license (4200/2013). She completed postgraduate studies in Child and Adolescent Mental Health MSc (King’s College London), Psychodynamic Psychotherapy MA (Tavistock Clinic London), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy PGDip (King’s College London). She lived in London for 10 years, where she worked with children, adolescents, families, and adults in public services and charitable organizations. She specializes in the treatment of anxiety and depression across all ages, parent counseling, and psychological support for difficulties related to borderline personality disorder. She is currently practicing privately.

Vasiliki Sotiropoulou is a Psychologist and graduate of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She is a postgraduate student in the Applied Developmental Psychology program at the Hellenic Open University and has received further training in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy at the Center for Applied Therapy and Counseling. Additionally, she has been trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) at the Institute for Behavioral Research and Therapy. She has also been trained in Special Education and Learning Disabilities as well as in Sexual Education for children and adolescents at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and in the administration, scoring, and interpretation of the WISC-VGR. She has worked in a private child psychiatry practice, at the “Eleni Gouvani” Speech Therapy Center, and has completed internships at the KEAT Kallithea (Special School for the Blind), the 1st Gymnasium of Ilion, and the “Nostos” shelter facility. She has also volunteered with the Life Center and the European Women’s Network. She provides online psychotherapy to adults and adolescents on issues such as anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), intrusive thoughts, compulsions, perfectionism, insecurity, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, grief, loss, burnout, and emotion regulation.

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.

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.

Sara Alijaj is a Licensed Psychologist, holding a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Hellenic American University, a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology, and training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She provides online psychological support sessions in both Greek and English, offering a safe, confidential, and supportive environment where individuals can explore and manage the challenges they face in everyday life.

She has professional experience supporting children, adolescents, and families, as well as providing academic and psychosocial support to students. Her work within an international school setting has equipped her with valuable experience working with individuals from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, while deepening her understanding of the developmental and emotional needs of children, adolescents, and young adults.

Sara has completed specialized training in anxiety management, psychological resilience, complex trauma, adolescent psychology, early recognition of psychotic symptoms, and therapeutic interventions through art and play. She remains committed to continuous professional development in order to provide evidence-based and up-to-date mental health services.

Her therapeutic approach is centered on building a relationship of trust, acceptance, and collaboration. She aims to help clients gain deeper self-understanding, manage anxiety and emotional difficulties more effectively, strengthen self-esteem, and develop practical skills that enhance overall well-being and quality of life.

All sessions are conducted exclusively online, providing flexibility and accessible psychological support regardless of the client's location.

Manatou Dora is a Psychologist MSc-Psychoanalytical Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Psychiko. She is a graduate of Panteion University with a professional license and has completed postgraduate studies in the sociology department of the same university. She has been trained in Family Therapy at the Family Therapy Unit, a branch of the Psychiatric Hospital of Attica (PSNA). Additionally, she is a trainee member of the Hellenic Society for Psychoanalytic Group Psychotherapy (EEPSPO).

Throughout her many years of professional experience, she has collaborated with Child-Adolescent and Adult Mental Health services. Currently, she is a member of the scientific team at the Institute of Mental Health for Children and Adults P. Sakellaropoulos (I.PSY.P.E.), working within both the Child and Adolescent as well as the Adult departments.

Pleuri Maria Msc Kai Synergates is a Psychologist - MSc Clinical Neuropsychologist with a professional license and clinical experience since 2014. She has maintained a private practice for several years in Heraklion, Crete, as well as in Athens. Her postgraduate specialization took place at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in collaboration with the Montreal Neurological Institute of McGill University. The Psychologist holds a certified 4th specialization in the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Model, which she acquired at the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies, along with two additional years of training for treating children and adolescents. Furthermore, she has attended the annual training "Basic Principles for Counseling and Psychotherapy with LGBTQ+ individuals" from Orlando LGBT+ and has collaborated with the Hellenic Mediterranean University for the educational training program on sexual health. She has completed her training in the Schema Therapy model from the Hellenic Society of Schema Therapy and is currently undergoing certification.

The specialist collaborates with Nektarios Meimets, Psychologist MSc and Trainee Psychotherapist, as well as with Georgia Koltsida, Psychologist with a professional license, who is mainly engaged professionally in the administration and interpretation of psychometric tests, as well as in psychotherapeutic intervention with children, adolescents, and adults.

Kiriakouli Tiffany was born in Oxford, England and grew up in Athens, Greece. She is bi-cultural and bilingual, attended an international school where from a young age, she was exposed to a plethora of cultures and am therefore able to appreciate the importance of culture in my line of work. She has been a registered psychologist since 2013 and awarded her Bsc Psychology/Sociology from the University of Surrey, Roehampton in London. Following that, she completed my postgraduate degree in Health Psychology at the University of Stirling in Scotland. Currently, she is undergoing training as a systemic psychotherapist at Logo Psychis- the Training and Research Institute for Systemic Psychotherapy. She is being trained in the S.A.N.E. (System, Attachment, Narrative, Encephalon) model, pioneered by its founding members and bound by the Institute’s code of ethical conduct. Furthermore, she is a certified Hatha, Vinyasa, Aerial and Yin yoga teacher and uses an assortment of techniques from these kinds of yoga when dealing with symptoms caused by anxiety, depression, panic attacks and PTSD. She also uses them to help build self-confidence and self-trust. Kiriakouli Tiffany has attended numerous seminars and have worked for the Council of Glyfada as well as in various shelters that house vulnerable populations. Her aim is to cultivate a safe place where the client can connect and express themselves so that a therapeutic alliance based on trust can flourish, thereby facilitating healing and growth. As a bi-cultural therapist, having been exposed to various cultures throughout her life, she is able to understand clients that struggle with conflicts that may arise due to repatriation or marrying into a different culture.

Antonia Mpeka is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Galatsi. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and possesses a certified four-year specialization in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) from the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies. She has worked as a Psychologist at The Smile of the Child, supporting children and parents through counseling helplines. Additionally, she has conducted individual CBT Psychotherapy sessions. Within the framework of lifelong learning, she attends seminars in the field of mental health.

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.

Yfanti Katerina is a Psychologist with a private practice in Pangrati. She holds a degree in Psychology from Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, a master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Keele University (MSc), and has been trained in Person-Centered Therapy. She is a member of the BPS (British Psychological Society) and the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy). She has been trained in Behavioral Therapy specializing in Anxiety, Somatoform, and Sexual Disorders (THESY), in Clinical Hypnotherapy (Emotional Research Center & Self-esteem), in Counseling Support for Children of Infant, Child, and Adolescent age (Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling), in Parent Counseling (Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling), and in Trauma and Grief Therapy (Taking Flight International Corporation). For several years she worked in Psychosocial Rehabilitation structures of the Ministry of Health (EPSAMY), while simultaneously maintaining her private practice in Athens for over ten years, offering psychological services across the full spectrum of human behavior, creating a therapeutic framework of safety and trust.

Panagiotopoulos Nikolaos Kai Synergates is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and a PhD candidate specializing in Internet Psychology and Artificial Intelligence (research dissertation at Università telematica di Pegaso). Concurrently, he serves as the Scientific Director of the Anxiety Management Center (diagnosis and therapeutic intervention - SMS). His scientific interests focus on trauma and personality. Together with a team of five specialist psychologists at the practice, he enriches his experience in applied psychotherapy and psychology. He studied Psychology at Università di Roma La Sapienza and holds a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from the same university. He is a certified facilitator of the ACT program (a retraining and violence prevention program for children and adolescents) conducted by the Hellenic Psychological Society in collaboration with the APA (American Psychological Association). He has undergone further training in psychotherapy (both conscious and unconscious). Specifically, in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Clinical Hypnosis, and Sports Psychology (mental trainer in psicologia dello sport). He holds specializations in clinical supervision, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, EMDR trauma therapy, and Cinema Therapy. Finally, as part of his continuous professional development, he has received training in psychometric tools for personality assessment (including the M.M.P.I) and in modern virtual reality (VR) tools. He is a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society, EMDR HELLAS, and a founding member of the international CBT-Hypnopsy association.

Leivaditi Penny is a Military Psychologist and Systemic Psychotherapist with many years of experience in the field of mental health and maintains a private practice in Panormou. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, while simultaneously attending the Military Academy of Corps Officers (2009-2013).

Since 2013, she has worked in mental health institutions, acquiring extensive clinical experience in psychiatric clinics, mental health centers, and psychosocial support services. Over the years, she has developed a deep understanding of the needs of adults facing emotional, interpersonal, and psychological difficulties. Within the framework of her clinical practice, she has been trained at Aeginiteio Hospital in the administration and evaluation of the DSM-5 Personality Questionnaire (SCID-5), enhancing her capability in psychodiagnostic assessment.

Since 2018, she has been training in Systemic Psychotherapy and Group Therapy at the Athens Center for the Study of Humans (AKMA), one of the most prestigious educational institutions for systemic approaches in Greece.

Additionally, she has completed specialized seminars in Systemic Group Psychotherapy, Parent Counseling, and Couples Counseling.

Her therapeutic work includes support in managing anxiety and panic attacks, depression and emotional difficulties, interpersonal problems and relationships, family issues, parenting roles, and matters of self-esteem and self-awareness.

She offers individual sessions for adults, couples counseling, and family counseling, aiming to understand relationships, improve communication, and overall empower the individual within the context of their relational connections.

Aleksatou Olga MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Peristeri. She completed her studies in Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and subsequently attended the postgraduate program "Reading, Language and Cognition" at York University. She holds a diploma in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy from the Center for Applied Counseling and Psychology and has worked as an external collaborator in facilities in Kypseli and Thrakomakedones. She has acquired psychotherapeutic experience with adults, adolescents, and children in addressing various anxiety disorders, emotional and behavioral disorders, counseling, cases of learning difficulties, and the assessment of children's intelligence (WISC III). Finally, the psychologist has attended and trained in specialized educational seminars, maintaining excellent training in her areas of expertise. Her areas of specialization include psychological support for adults, adolescents, and children, counseling for adults, couples, and parents, anxiety management during national university entrance exams, treatment of emotional disorders, diagnosis of learning difficulties, and finally, the assessment of children's intelligence (WISC III).