Health professionals for Depression in the Southern suburbs of Athens

Zoumpoulaki Xara is a psychologist, graduate of the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and a trainee member of the Hellenic Society of Psychoanalytic Group Psychotherapy. She holds a professional license to practice psychology and maintains a private practice based in Dafni, Attica. She completed her postgraduate studies in the program "Liaison Psychiatry: Integrated Care of Physical and Mental Health" at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has been trained and collaborated with mental health structures and public organizations such as Attikon University General Hospital (2nd Psychiatric Clinic and Liaison Psychiatry), the Institute of Mental Health for Children and Adults (Psychiatric Home Care), the NGO Homestart Athens, and the organization Megalo Mas Spiti. She works as a psychologist in collaboration with centers in Athens, offering psychotherapy services for children, adolescents, and adults, as well as parental counseling. She has attended numerous seminars and additional training in mental health and psychotherapy topics with the aim of continuous professional development. She provides individual therapy sessions addressing a wide range of human difficulties and conditions.

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.

Koutra Aggeliki is a Psychologist Msc and systemic psychotherapist. She completed her undergraduate studies in Psychology at the University of Bordeaux, France, and holds a master's degree in Health Psychology from Northumbria University in Newcastle, UK. She has completed her training in the four-year specialization program in Systemic Psychotherapy and Counseling implemented by the Center for Systemic Study and Therapy. Additionally, she attended the two-year seminar on Eating Disorders at the ANASA Day Center. She has volunteered her services in various organizations and has been involved in psychotherapeutic intervention in addiction treatment in Greece and the UK. Currently, she maintains a private practice in Kallithea, Attica, and is an external collaborator of the Special Clinic for Anxiety Disorders and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder at the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of the University of Athens at Aeginiteio Hospital.

Η Χρύσα Πήλιου είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια, είναι συγγραφέας του βιβλίου αυτοβοήθειας «Βάλε χρώμα στις πληγές σου».Και επιστημονικά υπεύθυνη του HarmonyLife.

Έχει ολοκληρώσει τετραετή εκπαίδευση στη Συνθετική Συμβουλευτική και Ψυχοθεραπεία στο Πειραϊκό Ινστιτούτο Συνθετικής Ψυχοθεραπείας, με εκπαίδευση στη Γνωσιακή-Συμπεριφορική, την Ψυχοδυναμική και τη Συστημική προσέγγιση. Έχει επίσης ολοκληρώσει μονοετή εκπαίδευση στην Κλινική Ύπνωση. Η επιπλέον κατάρτισή της περιλαμβάνει Breathwork Level 1 (GPBA Certification Training, 262 ώρες) και Mindfulness & Meditation Therapy.

Είναι απόφοιτη του London Metropolitan University με πτυχίο BSc (Hons) in Psychology και διάκριση First Class Honours. Παράλληλα, ολοκληρώνει μεταπτυχιακές σπουδές MSc in Clinical Psychology στο ίδιο πανεπιστήμιο. Είναι επίσης κάτοχος BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND) in Psychology.

Στο θεραπευτικό της έργο εργάζεται με ενήλικες, εφήβους, ζευγάρια και ομάδες, καλύπτοντας ένα ευρύ φάσμα θεμάτων ψυχικής υγείας και διαπροσωπικών σχέσεων. Μεταξύ αυτών περιλαμβάνονται το άγχος και οι αγχώδεις διαταραχές, οι κρίσεις πανικού, οι φοβίες, οι συναισθηματικές δυσκολίες, τα ψυχοσωματικά συμπτώματα, τα ζητήματα αυτοεκτίμησης και οι δυσκολίες στη διαχείριση των συναισθημάτων. Ασχολείται επίσης με τις δυσκολίες στις σχέσεις, την επικοινωνία και τη διαχείριση συγκρούσεων, καθώς και με την κατανόηση και επεξεργασία του ψυχικού τραύματος. Παράλληλα, υποστηρίζει ανθρώπους που αντιμετωπίζουν προκλήσεις λόγω σημαντικών αλλαγών στη ζωή τους ή χρόνιων παθήσεων, οι οποίες επηρεάζουν τη συναισθηματική τους κατάσταση και την καθημερινότητά τους.

Τέλος, αναλαμβάνει την υποστήριξη εταιρειών σε θέματα ανθρώπινου δυναμικού και επαγγελματικής ευημερίας, αξιοποιώντας την 15ετή επαγγελματική της εμπειρία στον τραπεζικό τομέα, όπου εργάστηκε σε θέσεις Human Resources και υποστήριξης Διοίκησης.

Komninou Eui is a Psychologist, graduate of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with a professional license to practice. She conducts online counseling and psychotherapy sessions with children, adolescents, and adults. She maintains a strong commitment to continuous education and professional development, having attended numerous seminars and specialized training programs. Since 2023, she has gained valuable experience by completing her internship at the Mental Health Center of the Armed Forces. She has engaged in both psychological assessment using psychometric tools and individual and group sessions with children, adolescents, adults, and families, addressing issues such as addiction management, bridging family relationships, couples therapy, parental counseling, self-image improvement, and enhancing self-awareness. Her goal is to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment where authentic connection and meaningful psychological support are cultivated with respect for the uniqueness of each individual, through an approach grounded in empathy and acceptance. She invests in creating a trusting space where the individual can freely express themselves without fear of judgment. In this context, particular emphasis is placed on psychological safety, confidentiality, and a consistent therapeutic relationship, taking into account the needs, experiences, and uniqueness of each person.

Karagianni Anastasia Xara is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains her practice in Nea Erythraia. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology of the School of Social Sciences at the University of Crete. She has received specialized training in the Person-Centered Approach to Psychotherapy from the College of Human Sciences-ICPS and has completed advanced postgraduate seminars. She has worked as a Psychologist in a Geriatric Care Unit as well as in a Psychiatric Clinic. She handles a wide range of cases, always focusing on providing the best possible service tailored to the individual needs of each person she undertakes.

Papakonstantinou Natalia - Aspasia MSc, BCBA is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Nea Smyrni. She holds a degree in Psychology from Winona State University and has completed doctoral studies in Neurobiology at the University of Pittsburgh. Additionally, she possesses a master's degree in Child Developmental Psychology from the University of Central Lancashire and has specialized in Special Education: Learning Disabilities and Dyslexia at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She is a Certified Behavior Analyst and has specialized in Eating Disorders at the Center for Training and Treatment of Eating Disorders. To date, she continues her educational journey with an approach in Systemic Psychotherapy and Counseling at the Laboratory of Systemic Psychology and Pedagogy "Rodakino". The psychologist has worked in numerous Centers and NGOs in Greece and abroad, gaining significant experience, and has participated in numerous conferences and publications. Finally, she has served as president of the Psychology Club and Psi Chi - Psychology Honor Society.

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.

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.

Kondylis Antonis is a Psychologist who provides individual adult sessions with experience in anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and phobias. He holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and has undergone further training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

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.

She was born in Athens and obtained her degree from the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) (psychologist professional license, No. 1064783). She continued her education by completing a three-year training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling, followed by additional training in Systemic Psychotherapy at the Systemic Counseling and Psychotherapeutic Center. Subsequently, she earned her certification in trauma therapy – EMDR, at the Institute of Trauma Therapy. Additionally, she has attended various seminars and received training in biofeedback (a non-pharmacological therapeutic approach). She works as a Psychologist – Psychotherapist and collaborates with the Stress Management Center SMS (Stress Management Solutions). She specializes in anxiety and stress management, panic attack treatment, depression treatment, and eating disorder issues. She also specializes in the treatment of children and adolescents with anxiety-related issues, such as performance anxiety and the management of various other distressing emotions, as well as in parental counseling. The intervention is personalized and collaborative with the individual, considering various factors that become clear through individual interviews and questionnaires, aiming at the overall enhancement of the individual's quality of life across all domains.

Angeliki Kagkadi was born in Athens, is a Psychologist, and maintains a private practice in Argyroupoli, where she conducts sessions either in person or online. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, holds a postgraduate degree in Clinical Psychology from Leiden University, and possesses a license to practice as a psychologist. She specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and is proficient in effectively treating anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias, mood disorders, eating disorders, sexual dysfunctions, trauma, grief, addictions, and self-esteem issues through psychotherapy. She is a member of the Greek Psychological Society (SEPS) and participates in the cognitive psychotherapy program conducted by the Hellenic Society of Cognitive Psychotherapies (EPIPSY) and Aiginiteio Hospital. She has extensive clinical experience, having worked with the NGO Nostos, focusing on refugee and migrant populations. Additionally, she has worked in various facilities, including OKANA, the Attica Psychiatric Hospital (DAFNI), and has completed her internship in the adolescent-young adult department of the 18+ Detoxification Unit, thus gaining familiarity with socially vulnerable groups. She writes self-help and psychological content articles for various psychology blogs. Finally, she believes in continuous professional development and regularly enhances her skills by attending seminars, conferences, and workshops.

Tsalikidou Aliki is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Nea Smyrni. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has earned an MSc from the Medical School of the same university in the field of Mental Health Promotion - Prevention of Psychiatric Disorders. Professionally, over the past 16 years, she worked at KETHEA. She has been trained in Group Dynamics and has attended various training cycles in Systemic - Family Therapy. She has completed training in Counseling in the field of Substance Addiction at the Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego. Additionally, she has received training in "New Therapeutic Techniques" at Amsterdam UMC (University Medical Center), as part of the Erasmus+ program (professional mobility in the healthcare sector). She has participated in numerous training programs for managing difficult patients, eating disorders, internet addiction, as well as special developmental disorders. She has collaborated with the Experimental Psychology Laboratory of the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has participated in various research projects. From 2005 to 2006, she worked at the Children's Workshop, Center for Speech, Writing, and Behavior, providing Emotional Support services for children and Counseling for parents. From 2006 to 2022, she worked at KETHEA Diavasi, supporting both the addicted individuals and their families. From 2015, she held Unit Manager positions, initially at the KETHEA Diavasi Family Support Center and later in the Main Treatment Phase (Therapeutic Community).

Η Τζαννετάκου Αυγερινή είναι Ψυχολόγος - Παιδοψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια με ιδιωτικό γραφείο στην Καλλιθέα. Κατέχει Άδεια Ασκήσεως Ψυχολόγου (Αρ.Πρωτ. 243931) και είναι Τακτικό Μέλος του Συλλόγου Ελλήνων Ψυχολόγων. Είναι αριστούχος απόφοιτος Ψυχολογίας του Πανεπιστημίου Ουαλίας (University of Wales, Bachelor of Science Hons in Psychology, BSc). Κατέχει Μεταπτυχιακό τίτλο στην Κλινική Ψυχολογία με «Άριστα» από το ίδιο Πανεπιστήμιο (University of Wales, Master of Science in Clinical Psychology, MSc).

Έχει Μεταπτυχιακό Δίπλωμα στις Βιωματικές Τεχνικές Συμβουλευτικής και στις Τεχνικές Προσωπικής Ανάπτυξης (Experiential Counselling Techniques and Techniques of Personal Development) από το Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA). Είναι κάτοχος Ευρωπαϊκού διπλώματος Τραυματοθεραπείας με τη μέθοδο EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) από το Ινστιτούτο Τραυματοθεραπείας Αθηνών.

Έχει ειδικευτεί στην Ψυχοδυναμική-Ψυχαναλυτική Ψυχοθεραπεία (Psychodynamic-Psychoanalytic approach) Παιδιών, Εφήβων και Ενηλίκων στο κέντρο ΔΙ.ΚΕ.Ψ.Υ. (Διεπιστημονική & Ερευνητική Ψυχοκοινωνική Υποστήριξη Παιδιών και Ενηλίκων), με πιστοποίηση από τη Βρετανική Ένωση Συμβουλευτικής και Ψυχοθεραπείας (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy – BACP) και της Eυρωπαικής Εταιρίας Ψυχοθεραπείας (European Association of Psychotherapy - EAP).

 Έχει εκπαιδευτεί σε ένα εύρος διαγνωστικών Ψυχομετρικών και Προβολικών δοκιμασιών όπως επί παραδείγματι, το Ερωτηματολόγιο Προσωπικότητας της Μιννεσότα MMPI®-2, το Τεστ Θεματικής Αντίληψης (Thematic Apperception Test-T.A.T), το Τεστ Θεματικής Αντίληψης για παιδιά (Children’s Apperception Test-C.A.T), το Τεστ κηλίδων μελάνης Rorschach. Ερευνητικά έχει ασχοληθεί εκτενώς με το θέμα του Γονεϊκού και του Ενήλικου Συναισθηματικού Δεσμού (Αttachment Τheory) σε διάφορες Ψυχιατρικές οντότητες και έχει εκπαιδευτεί σε σύγχρονα θέματα ψυχαναλυτικής σκέψης και Βρεφικής ανάπτυξης μέσω σεμιναρίων παρατήρησης βρέφους.

Στα πλαίσια της πρακτικής άσκησης και της εθελοντικής της εργασίας έχει απασχοληθεί σε κέντρα ψυχικής υγείας και αποκατάστασης όπως: το Ψυχιατρικό Νοσοκομείο Αττικής «Δρομοκαΐτειο» σε Τμήματα οξέων περιστατικών, τη Νευροψυχιατρική Κλινική «Γαλήνειον Μέλαθρον», τη Μονάδα Φροντίδας και Αποκατάστασης Ηλικιωμένων με Alzheimer και συναφείς άνοιες-ΆΚΤΙΟΣ. Κατέχει τιμητική βράβευση για την εθελοντική της εργασία στο Κέντρο Διημέρευσης και Ημερησίας Φροντίδας Ατόμων με αναπηρίες του φορέα Κ.Ε.Ε.Π.Ε.Α «Ορίζοντες». 

Έχει συνεργαστεί με το Ερευνητικό Κέντρο Aegean Research Centre (ARC) σε πειράματα που αφορούν ψυχοκοινωνικά θέματα και έχει συμμετοχές σε επιστημονικά συνέδρια.

Ακαδημαϊκά, έχει διδάξει ως λέκτορας μαθήματα ψυχολογίας και ψυχοθεραπευτικής βιωματικής εκπαίδευσης σε Ιδιωτικό Φορέα Εκπαίδευσης στην Αθήνα και στον Πειραιά. Έχει εποπτεύσει επίσης διπλωματικές εργασίες σε προγράμματα σπουδών Ψυχολογίας. 

Κλινικά, έχει εργαστεί σε Κέντρο Ειδικών Θεραπειών και Ψυχοθεραπείας παρέχοντας ατομική Ψυχοθεραπεία και Συμβουλευτική σε Παιδιά, Εφήβους και Ενήλικες.  Συντονίζει επίσης Ομάδες Παιδιών ψυχοκοινωνικής ανάπτυξης και παρέχει Συμβουλευτική Γονέων.