Health professionals for Depression in the Southern suburbs of Athens

Skoupra Maria Foteini is a Psychologist - Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapist with a professional license and maintains a private practice in Glyfada. She studied Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling. Subsequently, she specialized in the Third Wave of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which includes a variety of approaches such as Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Compassion-Focused Therapy, representing an evolution of traditional CBT. In addition to her private practice in Ilioupoli, she also works as a Psychologist on the online platforms Therapy Space and Melapus. Finally, she has attended and continues to attend numerous educational and scientific seminars and conferences, aiming for continuous education, while she herself is under supervision and personal therapy.

Mitsi Eriola is a Psychologist and certified Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapist, licensed to practice in Greece and the United Kingdom. She completed her Psychology studies at Panteion University and her training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at University College London and King’s College London. She has extensive experience in treating anxiety disorders and depression, having worked for eight years in the public mental health system in London and currently in the private sector. Her goal is to create a safe, supportive therapeutic environment where each individual can be heard, understand their difficulties, and learn to manage them better in order to achieve their goals.

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

Drakatou Dimitra is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Glyfada. She holds a degree in Psychology from the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has received training in Adult Psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy from the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies, and has attended the annual postgraduate clinical psychopathology seminar "Panagiotis Oulis" (Aeginiteio University Hospital). She manages a wide range of cases, addressing each case individually and based on its specific needs, guided by scientific rigor, professionalism, and a genuine care for the individual.

Koniari Xristina MSc, BSc is a Psychologist with a postgraduate degree in Cognitive Neuropsychology. Her work focuses on understanding how cognitive functions, emotions, and life experiences influence behavior, mood, and interpersonal relationships.

Simultaneously, she undergoes continuous training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and is currently receiving education in the CBT approach at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling. Her approach is structured, collaborative, and tailored to the needs of each individual, aiming for practical tools and measurable progress in daily life.

She works with adults, as well as with parents and children, supporting difficulties such as anxiety and panic attacks, mood disorders, challenges in emotion/anger regulation, grief issues, self-esteem and relationship concerns, as well as challenges related to parenting and family dynamics. Particular emphasis is placed on creating a safe therapeutic environment, characterized by respect, empathy, and clear objectives.

Asimiadou Matilnta is a Psychologist and aspiring Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Palaio Faliro. She also collaborates with educational and therapeutic centers, providing support to parents and children. She holds a degree in Psychology from the European University of Cyprus and is undergoing training in Gestalt Psychotherapy at the Gestalt Foundation Psychotherapy & Education Center. Concurrently, she participates in the Effective Parenting Workshop at Gordon Hellas. Additionally, she has completed numerous specialized trainings in areas such as psychopathology and evidence-based coaching, while continuously advancing her professional development through supervision and ongoing education.

On a personal level, she has maintained an active therapeutic journey over many years, both through her individual therapy process and participation in psychotherapy groups and various experiential seminars. Her work is characterized by respect for the uniqueness of each individual and a commitment to co-creating therapeutic relationships based on trust and authentic connection. Her aim is to provide a safe and accepting environment in which the individual can explore and make sense of their experiences, starting from present life circumstances. Through this therapeutic coexistence, space is created for self-understanding, recognition of protective mechanisms (which may now be limiting), and the experience of repair through a new, authentic encounter with the Other.

Kentro Logotherapeias Kai Eidikon Therapeion - Lazari Kleopatra is located in Kallithea and specializes in Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and also has a Special Educator and a Psychologist - Psychotherapist (Nikoleta Perraki and Efthalia Tsangari). The head of the center is Lazari Kleopatra, a Speech Therapist. She holds a degree in Speech Therapy from the School of Health Professions and Welfare of the Technological Educational Institute of Patras. Her thesis, titled "Speech Disorders in an Institutionalized Population," was presented at the 12th World Congress on Aphasia Rehabilitation. Subsequently, she received further training in "Special Education" and "Educational Psychology" at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, while also attending numerous continuing education and lifelong learning programs. She worked as a Speech Therapist at the Special Vocational High School of Agios Dimitrios, Attica, and during her practicum, she worked at the National Rehabilitation Center for the Disabled, where she dealt with cases of aphasia, dysarthria, apraxia, dysphagia, and voice disorders in adult patients. Her articles are published online on informational websites and portals, she collaborates with the charitable association "Friends of the Child," and she is a member of the Association of Speech Pathologists - Speech Therapists of Greece.

Foskolou Elisavet is a Psychologist with a private practice in Voula. She is a PhD candidate in the Department of Psychiatry at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Panteion University. Additionally, she completed her postgraduate specialization in Clinical Psychology at Columbia University in New York and specialized in child and adolescent mental health as well as reproductive-related psychological difficulties in women, including emotional and anxiety disorders during pregnancy and postpartum, premenstrual symptoms, and menopause associated with psychological difficulties. She has extensive clinical training that includes providing services in hospital and community settings, as well as outpatient clinics. Currently, she serves as a Clinical Psychologist and clinical practice supervisor at the UNESCO Chair of Adolescent Health and Medicine of the First Pediatric Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, at the General Children’s Hospital "Agia Sofia." Finally, it is noteworthy that she is a founding member of the Hellenic Society for the Study and Promotion of Interpersonal Therapies.

Maria Mpotsari is a Psychologist specializing in school psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy for adults, children, and adolescents, and maintains a private practice in Alimos. She has completed undergraduate studies in Psychology at the Université de Strasbourg and is continuing her studies in School Psychology at the University of Patras. Concurrently, she has trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy & Counseling, and has attended numerous specialized seminars and training programs (WISC-V, Play Therapy, Parent Counseling, Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology, etc.). She has experience in psychological assessment (including administration of the WISC-V), psychotherapeutic support for children, adolescents, and adults, as well as parent counseling. She has worked in clinical and educational settings, such as the Support and Family Center, the "Together for the Child" program, and the Center for Applied Psychotherapy & Counseling. Her focus is on a holistic approach to mental health, utilizing modern therapeutic methods and creative tools such as psychoeducation through play and the development of personalized materials (e.g., emotion cards, worksheets). She is particularly sensitive to issues related to neurodevelopmental disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum, and school difficulties.

Fatourou Ioulia is a Psychologist-Psychotherapist specializing in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), offering a warm and safe space where every individual can express themselves freely. She studied Psychology at the Hellenic American College of Athens and holds a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from the same institution. She works with adults facing anxiety, mood difficulties, stress, or challenges in their relationships, helping them understand their thoughts and emotions and develop healthier coping strategies. Her goal is meaningful empowerment and improvement of daily life through a supportive and humane therapeutic relationship.

Η Λυραράκη Ελευθερία είναι Ψυχολόγος - Σύμβουλος Ψυγικής Υγείας και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στη Γλυφάδα. Έλαβε το πτυχίο της από το τμήμα Ψυχολογίας του δημοσίου Πανεπιστήμιου του Στρασβούργου και έχει εξειδικευτεί στη Συνθετική Προσέγγιση. Έχει λάβει επιπλέον εκπαιδεύσεις στη θεραπεία ζεύγους, στη διαχείριση απώλειας και πένθους και τις ψυχοσεξουαλικές διαταραχές (ασκώντας την πρακτική της στο Ινστιτούτο Ψυχικής και Σεξουαλικής Υγείας κατά την περίοδο 18/03/22 έως 21/04/2022). Ακόμη, διαθέτει δίπλωμα Συμβούλου Ψυχικής Υγείας από το Athens Synthesis Centre, αναγνωρισμένο από το διεθνώς γνωστό οργανισμό συμβουλευτικής και ψυχοθεραπείας COSCA (Counseling & Psychotherapy in Scotland) και της έχει απονεμηθεί το «COSCA Counselling Skills Certificate», αναγνωρισμένο από το Napier University of Edinburgh. Έχει παρακολουθήσει πλήθος εκπαιδευτικών σεμιναρίων αναφορικά με τη Θεραπεία Τέχνης, την αντιμετώπιση των εξαρτήσεων, τη συναλλακτική ανάλυση, την Ψυχοπαθολογία, τη βραχεία συνθετική θεραπεία ζεύγους, τις ψυχοσεξουαλικές διαταραχές και τη θεραπεία απώλειας και πένθους στο Athens Synthesis Center. Επιπλέον, έχει παρακολουθήσει το εκπαιδευτικό σεμινάριο στη Συγκινησιακά Εστιασμένη Θεραπεία (Emotionally Focused Therapy-EFT), το ετήσιο πρόγραμμα μεταπτυχιακής εκπαίδευσης στη Gestalt στο Athens Synthesis Center και το εκπαιδευτικό Πρόγραμμα «Αξιολογική Ψυχοσωματική Συμβουλευτική» στο Κέντρο Επιμόρφωσης και Διά Βίου Μάθησης του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών. Διαθέτει πολυετή εμπειρία έχοντας ασχοληθεί με ζευγάρια με σκοπό την από κοινού εξεύρεση λύσεων ιδανικής συνύπαρξης, με γονείς για την αντιμετώπιση των προκλήσεων της εποχής μας απέναντι στα παιδιά και τους εφήβους, για την αντιμετώπιση της σύγχρονης μάστιγας του άγχους στην προσωπική και την επαγγελματική ζωή. Εφαρμόζει ένα συνθετικό μοντέλο θεραπείας με αποδοχή και σεβασμό στις ανάγκες και στις ιδιαιτερότητες του κάθε ατόμου. Επικεντρώνεται στην αποτελεσματική θεραπεία της κατάθλιψης, του άγχους, της αϋπνίας, του στρες, της αυτοεκτίμησης, σε θέματα διαχείρισης και αποδοχής της ομοφυλοφιλίας. Τέλος, εργάστηκε σε ιδιωτική εταιρεία ως Ψυχολόγος. Η διαχείριση σχέσεων, η αντιμετώπιση απαιτήσεων και παραπόνων αλλά και η ευημερία των εργαζομένων ήταν μερικά από τα καθήκοντά της.

Panagiotakopoulou Eleni and Associates maintain a private practice in Nea Smyrni. Eleni Panagiotakopoulou holds a degree in Psychology from Panteion University and is trained in Interventional Non-Directive Psychotherapy. She works with adults in individual sessions and facilitates self-awareness groups. She addresses those who wish to deepen their personal relationships as well as their self-knowledge, and those whose bodies signal that "something is not right," functioning not as an expert who interprets, but as a facilitator to help them explore their emotions, thoughts, and desires. Takis Pantelopoulos is a Mental Health Counselor and a student in the Department of Psychology at Panteion University. Although his initial studies were in the field of Informatics, his interest in people and human relationships led him to the field of psychology and counseling. He is trained in the Interventional Non-Directive method of training, facilitation, and psychotherapy. He works with adults in individual sessions and facilitates self-awareness groups. He addresses individuals with questions and concerns who wish to understand themselves and others, emphasizing the emergence of their desires.

Dr. Christina Patitsa is a licensed Psychologist practicing privately in her office in Paleo Faliro. She holds a PhD from Panteion University, with a research focus on relationship counseling and partner selection. She completed her undergraduate studies in Psychology in Boston, USA, holds a master's degree in counseling psychology from Boston College, and has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Counseling. She has attended numerous postgraduate training programs, including those at Harvard Medical School and the Benson Institute, related to positive psychology and family therapy. She possesses ten years of clinical experience and has worked in various settings. She provides psychological support to adults, both individually and as couples, as well as online, addressing a broad range of issues such as anxiety problems, interpersonal relationships, anger, self-esteem, infertility, crisis management, and occupational stress. She has an extensive teaching background and a recognized body of written and research work on mental health topics.

Maria Vlachaki, MSc, is a Psychologist, Cyberpsychologist, and Psychotherapist, currently operating a private practice in Alimos, Athens.She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and a Master's degree in Cyberpsychology from the same institution.She has specialized in Systemic and Family Therapy through studies at the Laboratory for the Investigation of Human Relations (Charis Katakis, 2022–2023) and the University Mental Health Research Institute (UMHRI). She is also attending the annual program “Therapeutic Approaches to Addictions” at the 18 ANO Addiction Rehabilitation Center.Her professional experience includes providing individual psychotherapy sessions since September 2023, as well as collaborations with the Psychiatric Clinic of Attikon University General Hospital (volunteer work), the Evaluation Committee for the Ministry of Health’s “Personal Assistant for People with Disabilities” program (June–July 2023), and the “ARGO” Association for Children with Special Needs. Since 2024, she has been working with the Municipal Health Clinics of Nea Smyrni and the P. Sakellaropoulos Association for Social Psychiatry.She is trained in the administration of psychometric tools such as the MMPI-1, Raven's Progressive Matrices, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), MoCA, and the Geriatric Depression Scale.Maria actively participates in numerous scientific conferences, symposia, and workshops related to psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, mental health, and technology. Notably, she has attended the Psychotherapy Conferences of the Hellenic Psychiatric Association, the Panhellenic Conference on Counseling Psychology, events at Attikon Hospital, and seminars by the Hellenic Psychological Society, as well as initiatives promoting community mental health awareness.As a speaker, she presented her research titled “Netflix and binge watching: A qualitative exploration of the subjective viewing experience” at Panteion University (April 9, 2024). She has also participated in a women’s empowerment and breast cancer awareness event at the Kallithea Municipal Library (October 2024), and in a public seminar on cyberbullying organized by the Municipality of Rentis/Moschato (November 2024).

Η Κουγιουμτζή Κατερίνα είναι Ψυχολόγος - CBT Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Παλαιό Φάληρο. Παρέχει ατομικές συνεδρίες ενηλίκων στα ελληνικά και στα αγγλικά, ακολουθώντας τη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφοριστική προσέγγιση, δια ζώσης και διαδικτυακά προσεγγίζοντας αιτήματα, όπως άγχος, διαταραχές της διάθεσης, διαταραχές πρόσληψης τροφής, διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις, τραύμα, χαμηλή αυτοεκτίμηση και τελειοθηρία. Εκπαιδεύτηκε ως Ψυχολόγος στη Μεγάλη Βρετανία αποκτώντας πτυχίο Ψυχολογίας από το Goldsmiths University of London και μεταπτυχιακό στην Ψυχική Υγεία και τις Ψυχολογικές Θεραπείες (MSc Mental Health, Psychological Therapies) από το Queen Mary University of London. Διαθέτει Post Graduate Diploma στις Ψυχολογικές θεραπείες από το από το ίδιο πανεπιστήμιο και έχει λάβει εκπαίδευση Γνωσιακής Συμπεριφοριστικής Ψυχοθεραπείας (CBT) από την IAPT του Surrey, από το Kέντρο Εφαρμοσμένης Ψυχοθεραπείας και Συμβουλευτικής στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφοριστική Ψυχοθεραπεία ενηλίκων και στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφοριστική Ψυχοθεραπεία παιδιών και εφήβων από το Ινστιτούτο Έρευνας και Θεραπείας της Συμπεριφοράς. Ακόμη, έχει εκπαιδευτεί στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία (CBT) για τις διαταραχές πρόσληψης τροφής στο Ερευνητικό Πανεπιστημιακό Ινστιτούτο Ψυχικής Υγιεινής (Ε.Π.Ι.Ψ.Υ.), σε συνεργασία με το Αιγινήτειο Νοσοκομείο, όπου και εκτελεί κλινική άσκηση. Τέλος, έχει λάβει εκπαίδευση Συμβουλευτικής από το SANE του Λονδίνου εγκεκριμένη από το Royal College of Psychiatrists. Έχει εργαστεί σε ψυχιατρικές κλινικές του NHS στο Λονδίνο (Homerton University Hospital, Mile End University Hospital), σε ξενώνες ψυχιατρικής αποκατάστασης, σε γραμμή βοήθειας για την ψυχική υγεία για πάσχοντες και τους φροντιστές τους, στην εξωνοσοκομειακή φροντίδα ψυχικής υγείας του NHS μέσω ψυχολογικών θεραπειών καθώς και ως συντονίστρια ομάδας για την κατάθλιψη στη Μεγάλη Βρετανία. Τέλος, έχει εργαστεί σε διεθνείς οργανισμούς και ΜΚΟ προσφέροντας ψυχοθεραπεία, συμβουλευτική και ψυχοκοινωνική στήριξη σε ευάλωτους πληθυσμούς και επιζώσες έμφυλης βίας.