Health professionals for Μαθησιακές δυσκολίες in Attica

The Paediatric Therapy Centres "Iliaxtida" are modern facilities with specialized teams that provide holistic support for each case. The owner of the centre is Paidiatrika Kentra Therapeion Iliaxtida. Moving beyond traditional intervention frameworks, they aim for a profound psychotherapeutic approach for children and parents, fully aligned with the principles of contemporary parenting. Every child is unique and requires the upbringing that suits them. Using standardized as well as informal assessment tools that fully acknowledge the medical profile of each child, we support the development of both the child and the family individually. At the "Iliaxtida" Paediatric Centres, services provided include Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Special Education, Child Psychological Intervention, specialized physiotherapy, parental support, and English language support for learning difficulties.

Maria Krokou is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist, currently running a private practice at Kotzia Square, in the center of Athens. She graduated with distinction (grade: 8/10) from the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, having been awarded a merit-based scholarship following an entrance examination. During her studies, she completed part of her academic training through an Erasmus scholarship at the Autonomous University of Madrid, where she focused on cognitive and behavioral techniques. In parallel, she participated for one year in the psychoeducational program of the Madrid City Council, Educamoscontigo, offering weekly online psychological support sessions to a secondary school student. She later completed a practical training program, also through an Erasmus scholarship, at the Las Torrecillas Therapeutic Educational Center of the NGO DIANOVA España, where she conducted psychoeducational classroom interventions as well as individual and group psychotherapy with adolescents facing recent addiction-related and emotional difficulties. Maria has also worked at the private psychotherapy center Moebius, where she participated in individual, family, group, and couples’ sessions, with a particular focus on psychosomatic conditions. Her supervisor there was Alicia Golijov, founder of the Iberian Neuropsychoanalysis Association. Currently, she works as a self-employed psychologist – psychotherapist, offering individual therapy for adolescents and adults. Her clinical focus includes supporting individuals in their parenting role, exploring ambivalence in relationships, promoting self-awareness, interrupting dysfunctional repetitive patterns, reducing distressing symptoms, building self-confidence, and enhancing relational capacity, among others. In the past, she has also worked at the “Anagennisi” Creative Employment Center for Individuals with Autism, supporting individuals with co-occurring symptoms such as ADHD, selective mutism, social withdrawal, and relational difficulties. Additionally, she worked as a shadow teacher for a first-year high school student facing emotional, social, and learning challenges. Maria completed her internship through an ESPA program at the Family Therapy Unit of the Psychiatric Hospital of Attica, where she participated in observation groups of family therapy sessions as well as systemic psychotherapy groups. She has also completed, among other programs, the one-year Postgraduate Clinical Training Program for Psychologists at the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of the University of Athens (Aiginiteio Hospital), where she coordinated group sessions with individuals on the psychotic spectrum at the hospital’s Day Unit. She is currently completing her training at the Hellenic Association for Analytic Group and Family Psychotherapy.

Therapy sessions are also available in Spanish.

Papaioannou Natassa is a Psychologist - Child Psychologist and maintains her private practice in Alimos. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the Open University of the United Kingdom and completed her postgraduate studies in developmental psychology with distinction (Master of Science in Child Psychology) at the University of Central Lancashire, England. As part of her ongoing education and training, she is being trained in the approach of Systemic Family and Couple Therapy at EPIPSY (Research University Institute of Mental Health), as well as in the theoretical foundations and practice of the modern and innovative therapeutic approach ‘Play Therapy.’ Additionally, she is a certified member of Play Therapy (PTUK - Play Therapy UK) in England. She has served as a Psychologist at the largest special education school in the Balkans (EEEAK of Agios Dimitrios) and in child protection structures in both the public and private sectors, most notably at SOS Children’s Villages, where she continues to provide her services always with the aim of the best possible service tailored to the individualized needs of each person she undertakes. Since 2020 and to the present, she has also been working at the Aiginiteio University Hospital of Athens (1st Psychiatric Clinic) as a Psychologist in research projects. The pioneering results of the research conducted so far have been published in two reputable international scientific journals. Finally, it is worth mentioning that sessions are available for both adults and children, offered in-person as well as online.

Special Heroes is an organized therapeutic framework for children, adolescents, and families, where comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic services are provided by specialized professionals of various disciplines. At our center, among other services, Psychological Assessment of the Child-Adolescent's Intellectual Functioning and Personality is offered. Intelligence assessment tests constitute scales that provide significant information across multiple areas of cognitive development, such as general knowledge, abstract reasoning, logical thinking ability, problem-solving skills, auditory and visual memory capacity, social judgment, and cognitive flexibility. The WPPSI-III is administered to children aged 2.6 to 7.3 years. The WISC-V is administered to children aged 6 to 16 years. Personality tests include various methods for the objective evaluation of behavior and personality, which are classified into three main categories: a) observation methods, b) questionnaires, and c) projective tests (Rorschach Inkblot Test), which reveal motives and personality traits that even the individual may be unaware of.

Ο Κοψαλής Δημήτρης BSc είναι Ψυχολόγος και παρέχει Συστημική ψυχοθεραπεία σε ενήλικες, παιδιά, έφηβους και ζευγάρια στο ιδιωτικό του γραφείο στο Nέο Ψυχικό, πλησίον της Κατεχάκη.

Ολοκλήρωσε τις σπουδές του στην Ψυχολογία από το London Metropolitan College και εκπαιδεύεται στη Συστημική Ψυχοθεραπεία, στο Κέντρο Εφαρμοσμένης Ψυχοθεραπείας και Συμβουλευτικής. Προσεγγίζει κάθε θεραπευτική σχέση με σεβασμό στη μοναδικότητα του ανθρώπου που έχει απέναντί του. Δεν πιστεύει στις έτοιμες λύσεις ή στις γενικές συμβουλές, αλλά στη δύναμη της συνεργασίας, του διαλόγου και της κοινής διερεύνησης καθώς η ψυχοθεραπεία για εκείνον είναι μια ουσιαστική συνάντηση δύο ανθρώπων. Πιστεύει ότι κάθε άνθρωπος έχει τη δική του μοναδική ιστορία και ότι η κατανόηση των δυσκολιών του χρειάζεται να γίνεται μέσα από τις εμπειρίες, τις σχέσεις και το πλαίσιο της ζωής του.

Στόχος του είναι να δημιουργήσει έναν χώρο όπου ο άνθρωπος θα μπορεί να εκφραστεί με ειλικρίνεια, να κατανοήσει βαθύτερα τον εαυτό του και να κάνει ουσιαστικά βήματα προς την αλλαγή που επιθυμεί.

Anna Gravani is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. She holds a degree in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and a postgraduate degree in Developmental Psychology from the University of Dundee, United Kingdom. Additionally, she has been trained in Play Therapy at the Psychotherapeutic & Educational Lifelong Learning Center "ERMA," as well as in the Assessment of Child and Adolescent Intelligence using the Greek WISC Intelligence Scale from the Hellenic Society for Psychosocial Health of Children and Adolescents. She completed her internship at the Scientific Association of Adapted Activities "NIKI," the Prevention Center for Substance Abuse & Health Promotion, as well as in Dundee, Scotland. Furthermore, she has been involved in parental counseling and the psychological and educational support of children in centers and facilities such as the Children's Multispace "PRO-PAIDEIA," the Special Education Center "Psycho-Logos," and the Special Education Center "PLAY AND SPEAK." Finally, from 2020 to 2024, she served as the Scientific Director - Supervisor of the team of Psychologists and Special Educators at the Special Education Center "Logocare." In her private practice, she offers a wide range of services, respecting the unique needs of each patient.

Since September 2022, Logia Kai Erga - Darla Eleni has been the Founder and Scientific Director of the Specialized Therapy Center "Logia Kai Erga" in Pangrati. She is a graduate of the Speech Therapy Department of the School of Health Professions at the Technological Educational Institute of Epirus, a member of the Association of Speech-Language Pathologists-Therapists of Greece, and holds a professional practice license. She has been providing speech therapy services for the past 12 years to children and adults with communication, language, and speech disorders. Her work involves the assessment and therapeutic intervention for children with disorders such as delayed speech and language development, articulation disorders, phonological disorders, autism spectrum disorders, stuttering, and hearing impairment. She has attended numerous seminars related to Speech Therapy and Special Education and continues to advance her scientific knowledge both theoretically and practically. Notably, she is certified in widely recognized therapeutic methods such as TEACCH, Makaton, among others. She also completed a nine-month training seminar on "AUTISM" at the University of Patras.

Mpooules Katri Tereza is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Ilioupoli. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Nicosia in Cyprus and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and Health Psychology from the Autonomous University of Barcelona. She specializes in a four-year training program in Systemic - Family Psychotherapy at the Institute for Education and Research in Systemic Psychotherapy "Logo Psychis." She has attended numerous educational seminars, and currently, in addition to her private practice, she serves as a Psychologist at the Athens Therapy Center. Previously, she has worked as a Psychologist for the Municipality of Ilioupoli and has completed her internship at the Institute of Mental Health & Personal Development "Galinos" as well as at ALMA (Panhellenic Association for Adaptive Activities). In her private practice, she manages a variety of cases, utilizing her scientific expertise and always prioritizing the best possible service to meet the individualized needs of each client she undertakes.

Pitsirelou Anthi Kai Synergates is a certified Psychologist MSc, specialized in psychoanalysis and integrative psychotherapy. She holds a professional license to practice psychology. She studied Clinical Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and completed her internship at the child psychiatry clinic of the "Agia Sofia" Children's Hospital. She obtained a postgraduate degree in Psychoanalysis from the French university Montpellier Paul Valery 3. She has specialized in Integrative Psychotherapy, which, according to the definition of the European Association for Integrative Psychotherapy (EAIP), implements a unique practice aimed at a unified approach to individuals. She has attended seminars in Child Psychology, Positive Psychology, and School Psychology. She has received NOCN certification in Psychopathology after 100 hours of training. She volunteered as a psychologist on the "Milame" platform, where she provides services to individuals of all age groups throughout Greece, aiming at managing multiple mental health issues, achieving higher levels of self-awareness, and promoting mental health. Additionally, she collaborates with the "PSYCHOLOGY.GR" platform, where she publishes articles. She has worked with children and adults on the autism spectrum, individuals with ADHD and Down syndrome, primarily aiming at their psychosocial development and crisis management within the school and family contexts. She also offers counseling services to parents, children, and adolescents. Furthermore, she conducts individual sessions for adults and adolescents (focusing mainly on managing generalized anxiety disorder, anxiety attacks, grief, depression, panic attacks, and fostering self-awareness). Finally, she collaborates with physicians and healthcare professionals whenever interdisciplinary cooperation is deemed necessary for effective therapeutic intervention.

Matthaiou Dimitrios is a Psychologist and Child Psychologist trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Psychotherapy and Counseling Center and maintains a private practice in the Gyzi area of Attica.

Η Τσούλου Έλενα είναι Ψυχαναλυτική Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια, Προσωπική Ακαδημαϊκή Σύμβουλος Φοιτητών Ψυχολογίας στο τμήμα Ψυχολογίας του Μητροπολιτικού Κολλεγίου (Oxford Brookes University). Διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Ηράκλειο Αττικής. Ανήκει στο Βρετανικό Σύλλογο Ψυχοθεραπείας (BACP- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) ενώ βρίσκεται σε διαδικασία απόκτησης πιστοποιητικού της Ευρωπαικής Εταιρείας Ψυχοθεραπείας (European Association for Psychotherapy- EAP) από την Εθνική Εταιρεία Ψυχοθεραπείας Ελλάδος (ΕΕΨΕ). Ολοκληρώνοντας το μεταπτυχιακό της με τίτλο “Συνθετική Ψυχοθεραπεία και Συμβουλευτική” ( διάρκεια 3 έτη) στο University of East London πραγματοποίησε την πρακτική της άσκηση στο Ιδιωτικό Κέντρο Ψυχοθεραπείας “Roots” στην Καλλιθέα Αττικής. Εκεί εργάστηκε ως εκπαιδευόμενη ψυχοθεραπεύτρια ενηλίκων, πραγματοποιώντας ατομικές συνεδρίες ενηλίκων με έμφαση στην Ψυχοδυναμική Προσέγγιση. Κατά τη διάρκεια αυτής της εμπειρίας, συνεργάστηκε με επόπτες διαφορετικών θεραπευτικών προσεγγίσεων, γεγονός που της επέτρεψε να αναπτύξει μια ολιστική ματιά στη θεραπευτική διαδικασία, λαμβάνοντας υπόψη τη μοναδικότητα και τις ανάγκες κάθε ανθρώπου. Έπειτα, ξεκίνησε την μετεκπαίδευσή της, την Κλινική Εκπαίδευση στην “Ψυχοδυναμική/Ψυχαναλυτική Ψυχοθεραπεία Παιδιών και Ενηλίκων” στο ΔΙ.ΚΕ.Ψ.Υ (Διεπιστημονική και Ερευνητική Ψυχοκοινωνική Υποστήριξη Παιδιών και Ενηλίκων) (διάρκεια 4 έτη) η οποία αποτελεί για εκείνη τον πυρήνα της θεραπευτικής της πορείας, καθώς αποτελεί μια βαθιά εμβάθυνση στην κατανόηση της ανθρώπινης ψυχολογίας, όχι μόνο του εαυτού της αλλά και των άλλων. Υπήρξε κινητήριος δύναμη για την εφαρμογή ψυχοδυναμικών αρχών για την υποστήριξη τόσο παιδιών, όσο και ενηλίκων. Στη πορεία, συνειδητοποίησε ότι η εμπειρία και το ενδιαφέρον της συνδέονται άμεσα με την ψυχοθεραπεία ενηλίκων, στην οποία τελικά επέλεξε να ειδικευτεί. Πιστεύει βαθιά ότι κάθε άνθρωπος κρύβει μέσα του ένα παιδί που αναζητά τη φροντίδα. Εργάζεται κλινικά τα τελευταία χρόνια, διατηρώντας ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Ηράκλειο Αττικής πραγματοποιώντας ατομικές συνεδρίες ενηλίκων, αξιοποιώντας όλα όσα έχει διδαχθεί και βιώσει μέσα από την ψυχαναλυτική διαδικασία. Αποτελεί μέλος της ομάδας του Κέντρου ατομικών και ομαδικών θεραπειών “Ψυχή και Σώμα” στο Βύρωνα, μιας ομάδας διαφορετικών προσεγγίσεων, όπου λειτουργώντας συνεργατικά, προσπαθούν για την καλύτερη θεραπευτική συνθήκη, λαμβάνοντας υπόψη την μοναδικότητα του κάθε ανθρώπου. Η Ψυχαναλυτική Ψυχοθεραπεία για εκείνη είναι η τέχνη της κατανόησης του εαυτού και βασίζεται στην αυθεντική σχέση που δημιουργεί ο θεραπευτής µε τον θεραπευόμενο. Πιστεύει πως η ψυχαναλυτική ψυχοθεραπεία δεν αλλάζει το ποιος είσαι. Σε βοηθά να αντέχεις τον εαυτό σου και την συναισθηματική σου πραγματικότητα. Κατά την διάρκεια της συνάντησης των δύο, ως θεραπεύτρια ενθαρρύνει τον θεραπευόμενο/η να υπάρξει όσο το δυνατόν περισσότερο ελεύθερα και ειλικρινά γίνεται μέσα στον θεραπευτικό χώρο, καλώντας τον/την να μιλήσει για οτιδήποτε του έρχεται στον νου χωρίς λογοκρισία με όλες τους τις σκέψεις και φαντασιώσεις. Παρέχεται ένας ασφαλής χώρος όπου παρουσία της γίνεται μια βαθιά εξερεύνηση όλων των ανυπόφορων συναισθημάτων, όπου ως θεραπεύτρια είναι η φωνή ενός απλού ανθρώπου που μιλάει σε έναν άλλον άνθρωπο με τρόπο που αφορά προσωπικά τον άλλον άνθρωπο και την ιστορία της μεταξύ τους σχέσης. Η ίδια μέσα από µια διαδικασία προσωπικής ανάλυσης μπορεί να υπάρξει αυθεντικά στον θεραπευτικό χώρο και μαθαίνοντας να αντέχει δικές της δυσκολίες μπορεί να βοηθήσει και άλλους ανθρώπους να κάνουν ελεύθερες επιλογές μέσα από την εξερεύνηση του ασυνειδήτου. Πιστεύει πως όσο πιο βαθιά φτάσει κανείς τον εαυτό του, τόσο βαθιά µπορει να φτάσει και κάποιον άλλον, γνωρίζοντας τι ανήκει σε εκείνον και τι στον άνθρωπο που έχει απέναντι του. Μπορεί να δημιουργήσει µια αυθεντική και ειλικρινής σχέση που να ευνοεί την εξερεύνηση ακόμη και των πιο τρομακτικών δυσκολιών, σκέψεων και συναισθημάτων και καλείται να αυξήσει την ικανότητα του “ονειρεύεσθαι”. Γίνεται µια προσπάθεια μεταξύ σας να βάλετε σε λόγια την αλήθεια σχετικά µε την συναισθηματική εμπειρία µε στόχο να δημιουργηθεί µια δυνητικά νέα εμπειρία που θα εργαστείτε ψυχικά. Σκοπός της θεραπευτικής σας συνεργασίας είναι να κάνετε ελεύθερες επιλογές, λαμβάνοντας υπόψη τις δικές σας ανάγκες. Ένας άνθρωπος για να υπάρξει ελεύθερος πρέπει να ζει. Και πως ζει κανείς; Ζει κανείς μόνο όταν έρχεται σε επαφή με τα συναισθήματα του και αντέχει την συναισθηματική του πραγματικότητα.

Liamis Nikos is a Psychologist - Specialist Systemic Psychotherapist.

He holds a Bachelor's degree from the Department of Psychology at the Metropolitan College of Piraeus, with a specialization in Systemic - Family Psychotherapy from the Institute of Education and Research "Logos Psyche," following the SANE model (System Attachment Narrative Encephalon). This specific model is an enriched systemic psychotherapy model that integrates elements from attachment theory, the narrative approach, and findings from neuroscience into therapeutic practice.

Additionally, he holds a Bachelor's degree from the Department of Primary Education of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and a Master's degree (MA) in "Child Psychology in Education." Concurrently, he works and has extensive experience at the Franco-Hellenic School "Saint Joseph," frequently engaging with the needs and concerns of students.

His practice is located in Piraeus, at the Counseling and Psychotherapy Center "SyneDRo," where he hosts adult and adolescent clients, respecting their individual needs and concerns.

He believes that psychotherapy is a journey of relief and gradual healing of past wounds. Every wound has its own magnitude and its own time toward healing. He approaches this process with care and understanding alongside each client, so that at their own pace, they are guided toward a healthier mental everyday life.

Chrysoula Mpouka is an Occupational Therapist and the scientific director of the Special Therapy Center "Epi Paidon Ergo," located in Glyfada, Attica.

She possesses extensive education and experience in her field. She is a graduate of the University of West Attica, a member of the Panhellenic Association of Occupational Therapists, and continues her postgraduate studies in Developmental Psychology. She has obtained certifications in Sensory Integration (S.I.T.), administration of the EDALFA test, the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2, Greek version), Logometer, the Achenbach Preschool and School-Age forms, BAYLEY-4 Scales, RAVEN'S Educational CPM/CVS, as well as in dysgraphia. Additionally, she has attended the theoretical component of the Neurodevelopmental Bobath Approach (N.D.T.).

Her professional experience includes working with children and adolescents with various diagnoses, as well as participation as a member of Special Evaluation Committees within the framework of the "Personal Assistant for Persons with Disabilities" program. Continuous education and dedication to professional development are fundamental goals for her to provide high-quality occupational therapy services.

Savvidaki Dimitra is a Psychologist - Play Therapist and maintains a private practice in Ampelokipoi. She studied at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in the Department of Psychology and continued her studies in Psychoanalysis at the Academy of Clinical Studies of Athens. She provided individual and group therapies at the Psychiatric Hospital of Attica as an External Collaborator. She has participated in various educational seminars, including school psychology, facilitation groups, theatrical play, and several clinical research projects concerning mental illnesses. Since 2012, she has been working in public primary schools and special primary schools as a Mental Health Consultant. Simultaneously, she worked in special therapy centers as a Psychologist - Psychotherapist, offering individual therapies to children and adults. Following extensive training in Play Therapy at PlaytherapyGr, her passion for therapeutic play and Person-Centered Therapy emerged. She is also a certified play therapist by the World Play Therapy Organization and the Health Services Control Organization PSA, and the Founder of Paixnidoxoros. Paixnidoxoros is a space for exploration and discussion through shared play. In this space, through creative expression and play, each individual can care for themselves and evolve. The therapy of adults, children, and adolescents with the assistance of Play Therapy is a core element of Paixnidoxoros' philosophy. Paixnidoxoros embraces all ages, professional backgrounds, and social strata. Its philosophy is the empowerment of relationships for a happy and creative quality of life. It offers play therapy sessions to children and adolescents, as well as individual therapies to adults.

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.

Pilavios Mixalis (MA) is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains private practices in Kolonaki and Marousi, working with both adolescents and adults. Simultaneously, he works as a Psychologist at the Mind Balance Psychotherapy Center. He earned his master's degree in Process Oriented Psychology from the Process Work Institute in Portland, Oregon (USA). He also holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Newcastle, United Kingdom. He completed his clinical training through River's Way Clinic in Portland (USA) and is a member of the International Association of Process Oriented Psychology (IAPOP) and Process Work Greece. His primary areas of focus include anxiety and stress (particularly school-related), low self-esteem, difficulties in friendships and peer relationships, family tensions, romantic relationships, management of emotions such as anger and sadness, identity and self-determination issues, as well as balancing school, friends, and family.

Ms. Gkioka S Maria is a Psychologist and maintains her private practice in Aigaleo. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Indianapolis (license no.: 1070) and a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology. She has been trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy as well as in Systemic Counseling and Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents & Parent Counseling. Additionally, she has attended continuing education seminars to update and enhance her knowledge, always aiming for accurate assessment and therapeutic treatment of the individualized needs of each person. She has served as a Scientific Collaborator/Counseling Psychologist at the Adolescent Health Unit, 2nd Pediatric Clinic, University of Athens, ‘P. & A. Kyriakou’ Children's Hospital, the Hellenic Institute for the United Nations, and other private centers and NGOs, focusing on the psychological support and well-being of minors and young people. In her private practice, she works with children, adolescents, and young adults, while possessing particular expertise in Eating Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Anger Management, Interpersonal Relationships, Bullying, Excessive Use of Gaming and Internet, Learning Disabilities, and ADHD. Furthermore, she provides parent counseling sessions on these topics.