Health professionals for Depression in the Northern suburbs of Athens

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.

Katouma Niovi is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist, licensed to practice (1137107), maintaining a private practice in Nea Erythraia. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at the University of East London, fully accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), from which she graduated with distinction. She has specialized in Integrated Counselling and Psychotherapeutic Approaches (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy/CBT, Person-Centered, Psychodynamic) and holds the European Care Certificate (ECC) from TACT HELLAS. She also holds a degree in Economic Science, Business Economics, and Finance from the Athens University of Economics and Business (formerly ASOEE). An integral part of her education includes participation in seminars and continuing professional development programs. Her professional experience derives from providing psychotherapeutic services in Psychotherapy-Counselling centers, Education, and Psychosocial Rehabilitation and support for the elderly. Attendance at seminars and trainings within her scientific field, as well as the personal supervision she receives, are closely linked to her ongoing professional growth and development. Finally, she conducts private counselling and psychotherapy sessions with adults and adolescents.

Samari Vasiliki is a Psychologist - Systemic Psychotherapist, with undergraduate studies in the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and postgraduate studies (MSc) in Child and Adolescent Mental Health at the European University Cyprus. She specializes in the Systemic Approach at the training and research institute “Logos Psychis” in the SANE-System Attachment Narrative Encephalon model, an approach that enriches contemporary postmodern systemic theory with attachment theory, narrative psychology, and recent findings in neuroscience. In psychotherapy, this approach is applied in sessions with individuals, couples, families, and groups. She has also received specialization in couples therapy and marriage counseling from the European Institute of Counseling and Psychotherapy, and has attended numerous seminars and conferences as part of her continual professional development and updating on new developments in the fields of psychology, psychopathology, and neuroscience. She has collaborated with the Social Protection and Solidarity Organization of the Municipality of Vrilissia, providing counseling-based therapy to adults and adolescents. She completed her practical training at the psychiatric clinic of the 414 Military Hospital of Special Diseases. She is a regular member of the Hellenic Psychological Society (SEPS) and holds a professional psychologist license issued by the Public Health Directorate of the Athens Prefecture. In her private practice located in Melissia, she works with adults, couples, adolescents, and families.

"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.

Kyriazi Ntaniella is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist licensed to practice and maintains a private practice in Kifisia. She provides Psychotherapy and Counseling for adults on issues related to interpersonal relationships, separation/divorce, loss and grief, anxiety and depression, adjustment difficulties and cross-cultural differences, personal development and self-awareness, among others, in both Greek and English. She is also interested in mental health prevention and social welfare issues. In this context, she has been trained as a Coordinator of Parent School Groups by the Panhellenic Association of Parent Schools and has volunteered as a Psychologist in collaboration with the Municipalities of Dionysos, Vrilissia, and Kifisia. She holds a Master's degree in Integrative Counseling and Psychotherapy from the University of Derby in the United Kingdom. Additionally, she has training in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy from the International Psychotherapy Institute in the USA. Finally, she is a regular member of the Hellenic Psychological Society, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, The International Psychotherapy Institute, and The International Association for Relational Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy.

Pavlos Karathanos is a licensed Psychologist (License No. 281828/5193) who offers online therapy sessions based in Athens, Greece. He completed his undergraduate studies in Psychology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and pursued further training in Theoretical Approaches at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, specializing in Music Therapy (therapy through the arts).

In 2011, he provided his services as a Psychologist at the Psychological Support and Telecounseling Helpline of KETHEA, and later worked at the American School of The Hague in the Netherlands, offering one-to-one coaching

He has specialized in issues related to anxiety disorders, emotional regulation difficulties, panic attacks, psychosomatic symptoms, performance anxiety, school-related stress (including university entrance exam anxiety), tics, and the empowerment of LGBTQI+ individuals.

He is in ongoing personal therapy and clinical supervision.

Dallas Athanasios is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist licensed to practice since 2016. He holds a master's degree in Person-Centered Psychotherapy (Keele University) and is currently undergoing further training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for children and adolescents. At the core of his therapeutic approach lies the human relationship characterized by non-judgment, empathy, acceptance, and honesty. Every individual possesses the capacity for change and often simply needs a safe space of understanding and meaningful communication to activate it. Mr. Dallas offers online sessions for adults, adolescents, and children, as well as counseling support for parents and couples. His approach focuses on addressing anxiety, emotional difficulties, relationship problems, and self-esteem, aiming to empower and promote personal growth. With experience in schools, mental health centers, and social support structures, he has accompanied individuals from diverse backgrounds and ages on personal journeys of relief, empowerment, and self-awareness. If you are seeking someone who will truly listen without judgment and support you with respect and confidentiality, he is here to help you wherever you are, through the internet.

Rapanaki Elena is a Psychologist - Systemic Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Nea Ionia.

She studied in the Department of Psychology at Panteion University and trained in the Synthetic Model of Systemic Psychotherapy at the Laboratory for the Investigation of Human Relations. Regarding this approach, individual psychological problems are perceived as symptoms of dysfunction within a broader system (such as the family), and therefore it is believed that change will occur by intervening in the functioning of this broader system. Within this approach, concepts and perspectives from other psychotherapeutic schools are adopted, enriching the repertoire of techniques and adapting them according to the needs of each client. Having started her professional career, she has worked with adolescents and adults in an intervention unit for young people with delinquent behavior "Oseletos," on an online platform providing mental health services, as well as privately. In the past, she has voluntarily participated in a program at the "YWCA Greece" prisons with female detainees and in voluntary actions at "EPANODO" for the social reintegration of released prisoners. Finally, she has attended conferences and seminars related to mental health awareness, clinical psychopathology, domestic violence, delinquency, interpersonal relationships, and family relations.

Dr. Maria Livanou, PhD, MSc, Senior Lecturer, is a Psychologist and Psychotherapist specializing in child and adolescent therapy, with a particular emphasis on the psychodynamic approach. She has an academic background in the United States and the United Kingdom and holds an academic post at King’s College London (KCL). Her research focuses on child and adolescent mental health.

Her therapeutic approach is primarily grounded in psychodynamic therapy, aiming to understand deeper emotional processes and relationship patterns. At the same time, it remains individualized and holistic, responding to the unique needs of each child, adolescent, adult, and family.

During sessions, parental counselling and parent therapy are offered—from pregnancy through the early years of the child—along with support for families during early parenthood. Discussions may include topics related to early child development and the parent–infant relationship. She places particular emphasis on addressing communication difficulties, enhancing psychological well-being, building self-confidence, and improving social relationships.

She works with a wide range of issues concerning childhood and adolescence, including:

• Anxiety and anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, panic attacks)
• Phobias, separation anxiety, and attachment issues
• Depressive mood, depression, social withdrawal
• Adjustment difficulties and emotional distress
• Psychosomatic symptom
• Low self-esteem
• Difficulties in communication and social relationships, family conflicts, and adaptation to change (e.g., divorce)
• Grief and loss management
• Eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image concerns
• School-related difficulties, academic stress, and performance anxiety
• Issues of identity, self-image, and adolescent development
• Conduct problems, anger management difficulties, delinquent behavior
• Family counselling and therapy
• Neurodevelopmental difficulties (e.g., autism, ADHD)
• Trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), developmental trauma, and adverse childhood experiences

Sarri Sylva BSc, MA, is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Cholargos. She studied Psychology in England (University of Bedfordshire) and subsequently pursued a postgraduate specialization program in Organizational Psychology in the United States (University of New Haven).

She holds a License to Practice Psychology with official recognition from DOATAP (Hellenic National Academic Recognition and Information Center).

She completed a four-year specialization program in Family Counseling and Psychotherapy at the Laboratory for the Study of Human Relations.

She has been working as a psychologist with adults, couples, families, and groups since 2007. Her professional experience covers anxiety and panic attacks, phobias and depression, low self-esteem and abuse, issues related to gender identity and sexual orientation, parent-child relationships, parental counseling, couples therapy, divorce, and grief.

She has worked with individuals who have experienced road traffic accidents and have undergone post-traumatic stress and grief (Status Merimna). She has worked in a psychiatrist's clinic where she provided care to individuals, couples, and groups. She has collaborated with corporate employees experiencing personal issues outside the workplace. She has volunteered with NGOs assisting refugees and migrants, as well as in a developmental center for children (PRAKSIS, ARSI). Her clinical training took place at Aeginiteio Hospital, focusing on individuals with neurotic disorders. She participated in conducting a seminar related to employee performance (Develop Hellas Human Resources). She has attended seminars on topics including interpersonal relationships, psychosomatic illnesses and anxiety, sexual abuse and children’s drawings, career guidance, and psychology in mass disaster situations.

She is a member of the Hellenic Psychologists Association.

Ioanna Lazou is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Neo Psychiko. She studied in the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete and holds a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy through the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies, in accordance with the criteria of the European Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT). She has also completed a postgraduate seminar in Clinical Psychopathology at the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of Aeginiteio Hospital. She possesses professional experience from her work in mental health organizations and has participated as a speaker at scientific conferences. As part of her ongoing professional development, she attends seminars and training programs.

Dr. Lioupi Xrysanthi is a Psychologist and Systemic Family Psychotherapist with a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. She holds a Doctorate in Health Psychology, a Master's degree in Psychology from the UK, and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She is specialized in Systemic and Family Psychotherapy, Trauma Therapy using the EMDR method, and Psychology of Infants, Children, and Adolescents. She has 10 years of clinical experience in public and private mental health facilities and hospitals, research work in national and pan-European programs, as well as teaching experience as a Psychology Lecturer at universities in Greece and abroad. She supports Adults, Children, Adolescents, Couples, and Families facing difficulties such as anxiety, depressive mood, phobias, panic attacks, stress, addictions, or problems related to school, work, and relationships. She offers a framework of safety, confidentiality, and support, respecting the pace and needs of each individual. Her goal is for every client to feel heard and truly understood. Sessions are conducted in person in Agia Paraskevi or online.

Mpaloti Maria MA is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in the Kifisia area. She holds a degree in Psychology from Panteion University and postgraduate studies from the University of Nottingham, UK. She has specialized in the systemic approach, following extensive training at AKMA (Athens Center for the Study of Man). The Psychologist has participated in European conferences and has many years of experience in psychotherapy for adolescents and adults, as well as in group and family therapy.

Saranti Natalia is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist, licensed to practice, and maintains a private practice in Neo Psychiko. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Psychology from the American College of Greece (Deree College) as well as from the Open University of the United Kingdom. Subsequently, she obtained a postgraduate diploma (MSc) in Counseling Psychology and Psychotherapy from the American College of Greece. Her clinical experience includes adult psychotherapy in both private and public settings. As part of her practical training, she worked at the Counseling Center of the American College of Greece, providing short-term psychotherapy to students. She also worked at the Municipal Clinics of the City of Athens (1st Polydynamic Center - Kalfopouleio Health Center and 6th Polydynamic Center of Kypseli), offering psychotherapeutic services to residents of various ages. Concurrently, she served as a coordinator for psychotherapeutic as well as psychoeducational groups in the Municipal Clinics, as well as in Friendship Clubs. With the outbreak of the pandemic, she volunteered in the "Talk to Me" initiative, offering telephone sessions to individuals in need. Additionally, she has expanded her knowledge and experience in supporting children with psychosocial difficulties. She has attended seminar series on psychotherapy for children, as well as a two-year training program in Child Psychodrama, a therapeutic method based on play. For the past four years, she has worked in a private school providing shadow teaching support to primary and secondary school students with learning and psychosocial difficulties. In her private practice, she provides psychotherapy to adults and children, both in Greek and English, following an integrative psychotherapy approach that draws elements from various distinct therapeutic approaches, aiming to individualize therapeutic intervention according to the personal needs of each client.

Marina Apostolou is a Psychologist and maintains a private practice in Nea Filadelfeia - Nea Chalkidona. She is a graduate of the European University Cyprus, based in Nicosia, and holds a professional license to practice as a Psychologist with license number 1248798/26-11-22. She has completed a comprehensive training program in Applied Behavior Analysis at Panteion University. She has particularly focused on mental health and well-being issues of the elderly. She has participated in numerous seminars covering, among other topics, sexology, personality disorders, as well as issues related to stereotypes and discrimination within the family.

Gkioka Nikolina is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Neo Psychiko. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences. She has been trained for 4 years in the Gestalt psychotherapeutic method at the Gestalt Foundation and in EMDR Psychotherapy for trauma treatment at the Athens Trauma Therapy Institute. She has collaborated in various settings such as the telephone support line "Together for the Child" and the association K.E.F.I. (Association of Cancer Patients, Volunteers, Friends, and Doctors of Athens). She worked with the Hellenic National Association Against Epilepsy with patient groups and individual sessions, as well as with visits to epilepsy clinics in hospitals. Additionally, she has worked as a Psychologist at the 1st General Lyceum of Galatsi and as a trainer Psychologist at the Lifelong Learning Centers of the Municipality of Athens and in Parenting Schools. Currently, she practices privately in Neo Psychiko, where she provides services as a psychotherapist for adults, adolescents, and children and as a coordinator of adult therapeutic groups and experiential workshops.