Health professionals for Depression in the Northern suburbs of Athens

Panagiota Seferai is a licensed Psychologist - Psychotherapist specializing in Clinical Counseling, with experience in providing psychological support to children, adolescents, and adults, and conducts Online Psychotherapy sessions. She studied Psychology at the University of Derby (United Kingdom), where she completed both her undergraduate studies in Psychology and her postgraduate degree in Applied Clinical Counseling Psychology. She works in psychopedagogical settings, providing sessions for children and adolescents with autism, ADHD, learning difficulties, and other emotional or developmental disorders, as well as offering parent counseling. Concurrently, she works on an adult psychotherapy platform, offering support for anxiety disorders, enhancing self-regulation skills and mental resilience, applying cognitive-behavioral approaches and mindfulness techniques. Additionally, she has substantial experience in social institutions, where she provided psychological support, organized empowerment groups, and promoted social inclusion of vulnerable populations. She has been trained in specialized seminars on psychotherapy for autism, selective mutism, and the Marte Meo approach. The specialist approaches each therapeutic relationship with empathy and professionalism, tailoring interventions to the needs of each individual.

Panagiotis Tagaris holds an MSc and is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with private practices in Nea Filadelfeia and Neo Iraklio. He has extensive experience managing a wide range of clinical cases. He holds a BSc in Psychology from Panteion University, a BSc in Primary Education from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, an MSc in School Counseling and Guidance from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the University of Cyprus, as well as an MSc in Educational Sciences from the University of the Aegean.

Additionally, he has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) by the Society of Cognitive and Behavioral Studies, recognized by the European Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Therapies (EABCT), and is a Certified Career Counselor (Certified Ariston Counsellor – CAS).

He works privately, providing individual psychotherapy sessions for adults, children, and adolescents with a broad spectrum of interpersonal difficulties (separation, grief), depression, anxiety disorders (Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Phobias), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and also offers parental counseling sessions.

He is employed as a Psychologist at the Ministry of Education, providing psychological support and counseling to students, educators, and families. He has many years of experience in mental health, education, and social service, actively participating in initiatives for the prevention of school bullying and adult education.

He has participated as a speaker in numerous conferences and training sessions and has been honored by the Hellenic Cardiological Society and the European Resuscitation Council for his longstanding contribution to the education of citizens and healthcare professionals in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

Anastasia Olympiou - Hansen is a Psychologist (BSc, MSc), licensed in Greece and registered as a Mental Health Counselor in Norway, with experience in supporting adults.

She has completed postgraduate training in Health Psychology at the University of Derby.

She works with a range of concerns including phobias, panic attacks, stress, burnout, emotional difficulties, relationships difficulties and life transitions (e.g. career changes, migration, relationships). She supports individuals in effectively managing anxiety and panic, strengthening self-confidence and psychological resilience, and improving their overall daily functioning and quality of life.

She has experience in behavioural change interventions and has supported adults in individual settings, aiming at sustainable and meaningful improvements in mental health and well-being.

She is also active in research in the field of Health Psychology, with a recent publication in 2024 in an international peer-reviewed journal (SAGE) on laughter interventions and their impact on psychological well-being and quality of life in cancer patients.

Olympiou, A., & Ahmed, S. (2024). Laughter Interventions to Improve Psychological Well-Being/QoL in Cancer Patients: A Mini Systematic Review. Sage Open, 14(4).

Sessions are available in Greek, English, and Norwegian.

Seminars

1. Building Personal Resilience:Managing Anxiety and Mental Health, HarvardX, March 2026, CME Online Down Syndrome, Harvard University Online, October 2015
2. Assessment and Treatment of Depression in the Primary Care Setting, Harvard University Online, November 2015
3. Assessment and Treatment of Anxiety in the Primary Care Setting, Harvard University Online, November 2015
4. Altzheimer's Disease, Harvard University Online, November 2015
5. Addiction in Your Practice: Information and Resources for Dealing with Addictive Behavior, Harvard University Online, November 2014

Filippos Kourtanovits is a Psychologist-Sexologist maintaining a private practice in Pefki. He graduated from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and completed his postgraduate studies at E.P.I.P.S.Y. focusing on the Diagnosis, Assessment, and Treatment of Psychosexual Dysfunctions. His experience includes an internship at Aeginiteio Hospital, monitoring psychotherapy cases of sexual dysfunctions, collaboration with the Institute of Mental and Sexual Health and Professor of Psychiatry Thanos Askitis on the depression helpline of the Institute and the authorship of the manual "Sexuality in Developmental Ages," as well as the monitoring and evaluation of adolescent mental health at P.A.A.P.A Voula. Noteworthy is his experience in the military, involving the monitoring and interviewing of over 1100 soldiers and officers, as well as the assessment of the suitability of conscripts for special forces. His areas of specialization include chronic stress, depression, panic attacks, phobias, individual and couple sexual dysfunctions, and psychotherapy for LGBTQ individuals. A strong advocate of lifelong learning, he continues his training through numerous certified seminars, such as mental disorders in adolescence and management of parental separation-divorce.

Giannakopoulou Maria is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist providing individual sessions both in-person and online. She has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She offers psychotherapeutic support to adults, adolescents, and children, focusing on understanding and modifying dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors related to anxiety, mood, and interpersonal difficulties.

She studied Psychology at the University of Derby and completed her training in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling. Additionally, she holds a Master's degree (MSc) in Counseling and Guidance from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

She has worked in private and public mental health institutions, supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, depressive symptoms, relationship difficulties, and self-esteem issues.

Within the therapeutic setting, she emphasizes a collaborative relationship with the client and the clear formulation of goals. Through understanding cognitive and emotional patterns, the aim is to develop more functional ways of thinking and behaving, as well as to enhance psychological resilience. The therapeutic process is individually tailored, taking into account each person's needs, pace, and objectives.

Simultaneously, she regularly participates in supervision and professional development programs, aiming for continuous professional and personal growth.

Nikolaidis Aleksandros is a Psychologist, a graduate of the University of Groningen (BSc in Psychology) specializing in Systemic approach training. He has experience in psychological assessment and intervention with children, adolescents, and adults, as well as in family and parent counseling. He has collaborated with centers for specialized therapies, speech therapy, and support structures for individuals with disabilities, and completed an internship at KETHEA Exelixis, providing psychological support to individuals with addictions. His goal is to empower the individual within a climate of safety, acceptance, and trust, based on contemporary therapeutic approaches such as systemic therapy and mindfulness. He offers psychotherapy and counseling for issues including anxiety, depression, relationship management, addictions, difficulties in children and adolescents, as well as development of self-esteem and assertiveness skills. Sessions are available for adolescents and adults both in-person and online.

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.

Tsouki Sofia MSc is a Psychologist and conducts online sessions. She holds a master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Leiden University in the Netherlands and is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She has completed extensive professional training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for children, adolescents, and adults, and has further specialized in various programs including adolescent psychopathology, panic crisis management, sexual education, special education, and Mindfulness intervention techniques. She has many years of professional experience in public and private institutions, as well as working independently. She has worked as a Psychologist at the Ministry of Education, providing psychosocial support to children, adolescents, and families, while maintaining a private practice offering individual and group psychotherapy for adults and adolescents. Additionally, she has collaborated with Day Centers for children with autism spectrum disorders, kindergartens, camps, and psychoeducational settings. Her clinical approach is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, integrating contemporary psychoeducation and mindfulness techniques, aiming for meaningful support and empowerment of her clients.

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.

Kalofonou Evita is a Systemic - Family Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Athens, working with individuals, couples, and groups within psychotherapeutic and counseling frameworks. She completed her undergraduate studies in Psychology at the University of Crete and subsequently specialized in systemic-family counseling and psychotherapy. She has completed her master's degree in Health Psychology in the United Kingdom and has attended various seminars on clinical psychopathology, couples therapy, trauma, etc. She has worked in mental health settings both within and outside Greece and possesses significant experience in interpersonal relationship issues, parenting concerns, depression, anxiety, trauma, and more.

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.

Kontou Kelly is a Psychologist - Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist, with postgraduate studies in Mental Health from the MSc program at King’s College London. Additionally, she has significant experience as a Group Analyst and Family and Couple Therapist, providing treatment to patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders. In adult and adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Kontou Kelly addresses issues such as anxiety disorders (panic attacks, agoraphobia), mood disorders, depression, dysthymia, eating disorders (bulimia, anorexia, obesity), work-related stress management, conflict resolution in the workplace, existential issues (loss, death anxiety, loneliness), lack of goals and direction, and difficulties in accepting sexual orientation. Moreover, she conducts group therapy sessions for adults and adolescents aimed at improving communication, interpersonal relationships, and assertiveness. Lastly, by offering family and couple therapies, the Psychologist assists in addressing problems within parental relationships as well as their relationships with their children, including situations involving divorce.

Η Κοσσυβάκη Ναταλία - Γεωργία εργάζεται ιδιωτικά ως Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια στην περιοχή της Κηφισιάς και είναι επιστημονικά υπεύθυνη του Κέντρου Συμβουλευτικής και Ψυχοθεραπείας "ΜΕΤΑΣΚΕΨΙΣ", όπου παρέχει ατομική και ομαδική ψυχοθεραπεία. Ειδικότερα, αφού αποφοίτησε ως αριστούχος από το τμήμα Ψυχολογίας του Παντείου Πανεπιστημίου Κοινωνικών και Πολιτικών Επιστημών, πραγματοποίησε τετραετή εκπαίδευση στην Προσωποκεντρική Συμβουλευτική και Ψυχοθεραπεία στο Κολλέγιο Ανθρωπιστικών Επιστημών (ICPS) για την απόκτηση του Ευρωπαϊκού Πιστοποιητικού Ψυχοθεραπείας (ECP) από την από την European Association for Psychotherapy (EAP). Παράλληλα, μετεκπαιδεύτηκε στην Έγκαιρη Παρέμβαση στην Ψύχωση στο Ερευνητικό και Πανεπιστημιακό Ινστιτούτο Ψυχικής Υγιεινής, ενώ, στη συνέχεια πραγματοποίησε μεταπτυχιακές σπουδές στον τομέα της Παιδοψυχολογίας (MSc, Psychology of Child Development) στο University of Central Lancashire της Αγγλίας, από το οποίο αποφοίτησε με Άριστα. Επίσης, αναγνωρίζοντας την αναγκαιότητα συνεχούς εκπαίδευσης και κατάρτισης, έχει παρακολουθήσει πλήθος σεμιναρίων και έχει πιστοποιηθεί για τη χρήση ψυχομετρικών εργαλείων, όπως είναι το Πολυδιάστατο Ερωτηματολόγιο Προσωπικότητας της Μινεσότα (MMPI-2). Επιπρόσθετα, έχει πιστοποιηθεί για τη διεξαγωγή προγραμμάτων Επαγγελματικού Προσανατολισμού με χρήση των τεστ Προσωπικότητας, Ικανοτήτων και Ενδιαφερόντων e-mellon. Τέλος, έχει μετεκπαιδευτεί στην Ειδική Αγωγή και τη Χαρισματικότητα στο Εθνικό και Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών. Πέραν του πεδίου της Ψυχολογίας - Ψυχοθεραπείας, είναι πτυχιούχος του τμήματος Πολιτικής Επιστήμης και Δημόσιας Διοίκησης του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών. Όσον αφορά την κλινική πρακτική, πραγματοποίησε την πρακτική της άσκηση στη Διεύθυνση Κοινωνικής Πολιτικής και Υγείας του δήμου Βύρωνα. Στη συνέχεια, εργάστηκε εθελοντικά στη Μονάδα Ψυχοκοινωνικής Αποκατάστασης του Γενικού Νοσοκομείου Ναυπλίου, ενώ μετεκπαιδεύτηκε και στο Αιγινήτειο Νοσοκομείο. Παράλληλα, ως μέλος του εκπαιδευτικού προσωπικού του Κολλεγίου Ανθρωπιστικών Επιστημών (ICPS) έχει συμμετάσχει σε μεταπτυχιακά προγράμματα Προσωποκεντρικής Ψυχοθεραπείας. Τα τελευταία χρόνια, εργάζεται ιδιωτικά συντονίζοντας ομάδες προσωπικής ανάπτυξης και παρέχοντας ατομική συμβουλευτική και ψυχοθεραπεία σε εφήβους και ενήλικες. Η θεραπευτική προσέγγιση που ακολουθεί είναι εξατομικευμένη, ώστε να ανταποκρίνεται στα ιδιαίτερα χαρακτηριστικά και τις ανάγκες του κάθε ατόμου.

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.

Konstantina Papapanou is a Psychologist - Systemic Psychotherapist, licensed under number 160044/918. She holds a degree in Psychology from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a Master's Diploma from the Medical School of Athens entitled "Science of Stress and Health Promotion." She completed her clinical training at the Specialized Adolescent Medicine Center, UNESCO Chair of Adolescent Health and Medicine, at the "Agia Sofia" Children's Hospital. Subsequently, she began training in the four-year Systemic Psychotherapy and Counseling program conducted by the Center for Systemic Study and Therapy. Systemic psychotherapy views the individual as part of a wider system rather than in isolation. After all, a puzzle is composed of many pieces, not just one. It focuses on the individual's relationships, the way they interact with their environment, and how these relationships affect their thoughts and feelings. Additionally, she has worked in mental health facilities, on the psychological support helpline 10306, and in day centers. She collaborates with specialized therapy centers and provides psychotherapeutic care to adults. She is here to jointly begin a journey towards self-discovery.

Drandaki Aliki is a Psychologist with a private practice in Marousi. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University and holds a master's degree in Counseling Psychology (MSc Counseling Psychology) from the University of London. In her private practice, she treats cases of agoraphobia, anxiety disorders, aerophobia, self-awareness, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, panic attacks, depression, social phobia, and stress. Additionally, she provides parent counseling, divorce counseling, and couples counseling. She also has extensive experience, having worked in psychiatric hospital units, outpatient clinics, and therapeutic communities, as well as in public and private organizations, conducting workplace interventions such as coordinating self-awareness groups and delivering seminar series presentations. Finally, she is a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society, the British Psychological Society, the Panhellenic Association of Parent Schools, and the Hellenic Society for Counseling and Guidance.

Empeoglou Varvara holds a Professional Practice License, a degree in Psychology from the University of Essex, and a postgraduate degree in Applied Clinical Psychology from the University of Central Lancashire. She has certified training in Group Analytical Psychotherapy, Couples and Family Counseling, as well as the international four-year postgraduate program at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Systemic, Dialogical, and Narrative Approaches, focusing her therapeutic practice on postmodern forms of psychotherapy. Additionally, she possesses certifications in brief therapeutic interventions such as Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Narrative Therapy. These approaches, with their practical and immediately applicable nature, complement long-term therapy by facilitating small, actionable steps of change that empower the therapeutic process. Her clinical experience includes internship at Sismanoglio Hospital, in the Adult Psychiatric Clinic and the Eating Disorders Unit, as well as collaborations with clinics, care and rehabilitation units, specialized therapy centers, and mental health centers. Currently, she works as a Clinical Psychologist in a group of elder care units and maintains a private practice in Nea Erythraia, providing psychotherapeutic support to adults, adolescents, couples, families, as well as parent counseling. Concurrently, she actively participates in scientific conferences, seminars, and workshops, enhancing her therapeutic practice with insights from the continuous advancement of science.

Mamo Xrysovalanto - Eirini is a Psychologist specializing in Clinical Psychology and Counseling, holding a Master of Science (MSc) degree from the University of Derby, as well as a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Applied Psychology. Her experience includes professional and voluntary work across a wide range of psychological needs and interventions. She has collaborated with organizations such as the Hellenic Network of European Women, IASIS, and Ithaca Laundry, providing counseling sessions and contributing to programs that promote social inclusion and psychological well-being. Additionally, she actively participates in continuous education, currently undergoing a four-year training program in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). In the past, she has completed specialized training programs in Psychodynamic Therapy, Systemic Counseling, and Counseling Psychotherapy. She has an extensive research portfolio, with publications exploring topics such as "emotional nourishment," attachment, mental disorders, and innovative psychological interventions.