Health professionals for Μαθησιακές δυσκολίες in Attica

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.

Bpokou Anastasia is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Kifisia. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Subsequently, she completed her postgraduate studies (MSc), earning a master's degree in Liaison Psychiatry from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. As part of her psychotherapeutic training, she participates in the Educational Program in Cognitive Psychotherapies at the Research University Institute of Mental Health (EPIΨY). She has also completed basic training in EMDR Therapy at TACT HELLAS as well as in the administration, interpretation, and scoring of diagnostic tools (WAIS-IV, WISC, SCID II, SCID-5, MMPI II). She has gained experience through her internship in Psychology and Psychotherapy at the Hellenic Institute for Rational Emotive and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and collaborates with the Neurodevelopmental Disorders department of the 1st Psychiatric Clinic at Aeginiteio Hospital. Finally, she specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy and clinical psychology.

Chrysoula Mpouka is the scientific director of the Center for Special Therapies "Epi Paidon Ergo," located in Glyfada, Attica.

She has extensive training and experience in her field. She graduated from the University of West Attica, is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Occupational Therapists, and is continuing her postgraduate studies in Developmental Psychology. She has obtained certifications in Sensory Integration (S.I.T.), administration of the EDAFALFA test, the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2, Greek version), Logometro, Achenbach for preschool and school-aged children, BAYLEY-4 Scales, RAVEN'S Educational CPM/CVS, as well as in dysgraphia. Additionally, she has completed the theoretical part of the Neurodevelopmental Treatment Bobath method (N.D.T.).

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

Metta Kalliopi, MSc, is a Psychotherapist offering online sessions in both Greek and English, based between Athens and Amsterdam. She holds two Master’s degrees — in Clinical Psychology (Leiden University, the Netherlands) and Neuroscience (Carleton University, Canada). Kalliopi works exclusively online, providing psychotherapeutic support to adults in Greece and abroad. She works with individuals experiencing anxiety disorders, panic attacks, work-related stress, depression, ADHD, emotional regulation difficulties, interpersonal issues, psychosomatic symptoms, self-esteem challenges, addictions, as well as existential concerns related to meaning and identity. In her therapeutic practice, she integrates techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamic Therapy, aiming to help clients understand and change limiting patterns of thought and behavior. She supports individuals in managing anxiety, improving relationships, and enhancing self-esteem. Kalliopi also places particular emphasis on empowering and supporting members of the LGBTQIA+ community, approaching every individual with acceptance, respect, and authenticity. She has completed over 300 hours of personal psychotherapy, deepening her understanding of the therapeutic process and human experience.

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.

The Center "Dromoi Epikoinonias", based in Kypseli and managed by Kentro Logotherapeias Ergotherapeias Kai Psyxotherapeias Paidion Kai Enilikon - Dromoi Epikoinonias, offers speech therapy services, occupational therapy, psycho-educational programs, and psychotherapy for children and adults. The team consists of experienced speech therapists and psychologists who work closely together to provide comprehensive support for each individual. The Center provides speech therapy for children and adults, feeding therapy, psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults, parental counseling, as well as social skills groups. With respect for the needs and uniqueness of each person, a safe and supportive environment is created that fosters development, communication, and personal growth.

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.

Ergotherapei - Center for Special Therapies is located in Galatsi. The founders and scientific directors of the Center are Dimitra Efthymiou, a qualified occupational therapist, and Georgia Paschali, a qualified speech therapist.

Ergotherapei Center is a specialized therapeutic facility focusing on the assessment and intervention of neonates, infants, children, and adolescents with motor, neurological, developmental, psychosocial, and learning difficulties. The center offers specialties in Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Special Education, Early Intervention, and Psychological Support for children. Additionally, it provides Counseling Services and Parent-Caregiver Psychoeducation, which, combined with individualized programs for each patient, aim to enhance functionality, independence, emotional and communicative maturation, and autonomy of the individual.

The directors and the center’s team, guided by their scientific and specialized training, offer a wide range of therapeutic approaches for assessment and intervention.

Το Κέντρο Ειδικών Θεραπειών "Focus Lab" ιδρύθηκε το 2016 με σκοπό την παροχή ψυχοκοινωνικών υπηρεσιών και βρίσκεται στον Πειραιά.

Στο κέντρο παρέχονται υπηρεσίες ψυχοθεραπείας, παιγνιοθεραπείας, λογοθεραπείας, εργοθεραπείας, νευροανάδρασης, ειδικού μαθησιακού προγράμματος, ψυχοκοινωνικών ομάδων για παιδιά και ενήλικες, καθώς και συμβουλευτικής γονέων, τόσο διά ζώσης, όσο κι εξ αποστάσεως.

Το Κέντρο Ειδικών Θεραπειών "Focus Lab" στελεχώνεται από έμπειρους κι εξειδικευμένους ψυχολόγους, ψυχοθεραπευτές, παιγνιοθεραπευτές, λογοθεραπευτές, ειδικούς παιδαγωγούς κι εργοθεραπευτές, οι οποίοι σχεδιάζουν και εφαρμόζουν εξατομικευμένα θεραπευτικά προγράμματα, λαμβάνοντας υπόψη τις ιδιαίτερες ανάγκες του εκάστοτε παιδιού και ενήλικα αλλά και του οικογενειακού περιβάλλοντος.

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.

The Kentro Eidikon Therapeion Epi Paidos in Alimos envisions supporting children with difficulties and their families who need assistance during this period of their lives, provided by a qualified professional with expertise and genuine interest in the optimal and accelerated progress of the child. The center conducts assessments and therapeutic sessions by Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Child Psychologists. Sessions of special education and school support are also provided. Parents receive support through counseling sessions. Its multidisciplinary team is supervised by Kassimi Penny, a Speech Therapist specialized in ADHD and Developmental Disorders. She studied Speech Therapy at the School of Health Sciences of the Technological Educational Institute of Patras and holds a diploma from the Higher School of Pedagogical and Technological Education (ASPETE), with a professional license and work experience since 2009. She specializes in speech and language delays, phonological disorders, attention deficit and hyperactivity, apraxia, developmental disorders, as well as learning difficulties. The individualized therapeutic programs, tailored to the needs of each child with respect to their personality and particularities, aim primarily at improving the quality of life of the child and the family.

Το Λόγου Χάριν είναι ένα Κέντρο Ανάπτυξης Λόγου, Κίνησης και Κοινωνικών Δεξιοτήτων στον Πειραιά, το οποίο ιδρύθηκε το 2007 από τη λογοπεδικό Βαρβάρα Ρούσσου. Η κα Ρούσσου έχει σπουδάσει Λογοθεραπεία στη Φλωρεντία και είναι κάτοχος MSc στην Ακοολογία - Νευροωτολογία από την Ιατρική Σχολή του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών, με συνεχή επιμόρφωση σε σύγχρονες θεραπευτικές μεθόδους και προσεγγίσεις.

Είναι εξειδικευμένη στις Νευροαναπτυξιακές Διαταραχές (Αυτισμός - ΔΕΠΥ), έχοντας παρακολουθήσει πλήθος μετεκπαιδεύσεων και έχοντας πιστοποιηθεί σε σύγχρονες μεθόδους και προσεγγίσεις. Έχει υπάρξει βασική εισηγήτρια στο παγκόσμιο συνέδριο του PAMA στη Νέα Υόρκη. Τέλος, είναι συντονίστρια Ειδικής Αγωγής στο International School of Piraeus.

Στο Λόγου Χάριν λειτουργεί μια διεπιστημονική ομάδα λογοθεραπευτών, εργοθεραπευτών, ψυχολόγων και ειδικών παιδαγωγών,η οποία παρέχει υπηρεσίες αξιολόγησης, θεραπευτικής παρέμβασης και συμβουλευτικής σε παιδιά, εφήβους και τις οικογένειές τους ακολουθώντας τις πιο σύγχρονες μεθόδους θεραπευτικής προσέγγισης στον χώρο της ψυχικής υγείας με ειδίκευση στις νευροαναπτυξιακές διαταραχές (αυτισμός, ΔΕΠΥ, δυσλεξία). 

Ειδικότερα, τo κέντρο διαθέτει υπηρεσίες λογοθεραπείας, εργοθεραπείας - αισθητηριακής ολοκλήρωσης, ειδικής διαπαιδαγώγησης, ψυχοθεραπείας παιδιών και εφήβων, ψυχοπαιδαγωγικό πρόγραμμα τόσο ατομικό όσο και ομάδες κοινωνικών δεξιοτήτων παιδιών και εφήβων αλλά και υπηρεσίες συμβουλευτικής.

Επιπλέον, στον χώρο πραγματοποιούνται ψυχομετρικές εκτιμήσεις (WISC-V, ερωτηματολόγια Achenbach, κλίμακα αξιολόγησης της ΔΕΠΥ) αλλά και προγράμματα μελέτης για παιδιά με μαθησιακές και άλλες δυσκολίες. Τέλος, πραγματοποιούνται διαδικτυακές συνεδρίες και συναντήσεις, γεγονός που εξυπηρετεί εκείνους που ενδιαφέρονται να συνεργαστούν με τον χώρο μας αλλά δεν μπορούν λόγω συνθηκών ή απόστασης.

Η Ρούσσου Βαρβάρα είναι επιστημονική υπεύθυνη του Λόγου Χάριν. Όπως λέει η ίδια: "Ο χώρος μας δημιουργήθηκε για να βρει στέγη και να πάρει μορφή η αγάπη μου για την εξέλιξη των ανθρώπων μέσα από την προσωπική τους έκφραση.

 Ο λόγος, η κίνηση, η κοινωνική διάδραση και το παιχνίδι αποτελούν το μονοπάτι για μια χαρούμενη, ελεύθερη, και ανεξάρτητη ζωή. Στο Λόγου Χάριν βοηθάμε παιδιά και εφήβους να καλλιεργούν τις δεξιότητές τους και να εκφράζουν τις σκέψεις, τα συναισθήματα και τα "θέλω" τους συνειδητοποιώντας την πολύτιμη μοναδικότητά τους."

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.

Xrysolora Artemis Kai Synergates is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Syros. She holds a degree from the Open University Milton Keynes in the United Kingdom and has completed postgraduate training in Art Therapy, focusing on "Behavior Analysis - Therapy through Art," as well as postgraduate training in Play Therapy specializing in “Sensory & Messy Play.” Additionally, she completed postgraduate studies in “Child and Youth Studies” at University West in Sweden. In her private practice, she handles a wide range of cases encompassing the full spectrum of her specialty, always prioritizing the best possible care tailored to the individual needs of each person she supports.

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.

Anna Maria Smyrnaiou is a Speech Therapist and the scientific director of the Speech Therapy & Special Education center "Prota Logia", located in Moschato since 2022. She graduated from the Franco-Hellenic school Jeanne D' Arc in 2007 and subsequently pursued her studies at the University of Western Greece in the Department of Speech Therapy. Upon completing her studies, she began working as a speech therapist in 2012. From 2014 to 2017, she was a member of the board of directors of the Association of Speech Pathologists and Speech Therapists of Greece. In 2018, she completed her postgraduate studies in Educational Psychology at the University of Nicosia. Simultaneously, she continued to train and expand her knowledge in her field according to her specific scientific interests. Some of the certifications she holds include ABA method, PECS, OPT, TEACCH, INTENSIVE INTERACTION, GESTALT LANGUAGE PROCESSING, among others. Additionally, she has attended numerous seminars covering ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, Early Intervention, as well as articulation and phonological disorders.

 Η Ζήκου Βασιλική είναι Kλινική Ψυχολόγος, απόφοιτη του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών και τελειόφοιτη στο Ανοιχτό Ψυχοθεραπευτικό Κέντρο - Ινστιτούτο Διαγνωστικής Ψυχολογίας Αθηνών, όπου έχει εκπαιδευτεί στις ψυχολογικές δοκιμασίες και τις ψυχοδιαγνωστικές τεχνικές (WISC, WAIS, Rorschach, TAT, CAT, MMPI κ.α.) ενηλίκων και παιδιών καθώς και στις δοκιμασίες εκτίμησης των επαγγελματικών δεξιοτήτων, με σκοπό τον επαγγελματικό προσανατολισμό και την επιλογή προσωπικού. Στο παρόν διατηρεί συνεργασία με τα Κέντρα Υποστηρικτικών Ψυχοκοινωνικών Υπηρεσιών «Ταξίδι στην Ανάπτυξη» και «1 δις abilities» όπου παρέχει ψυχοθεραπεία σε παιδιά, εφήβους και ενήλικες, καθώς και συμβουλευτική σε γονείς και ζευγάρια. Έχει εργαστεί σε σημαντικούς φορείς της ψυχικής υγείας, όπως η Ομοσπονδία «Αργώ», η ΕΠΑΨΥ, η ΙΑΣΙΣ NGO και το ΚΜΟΠ, παρέχοντας ψυχοκοινωνική και ψυχοθεραπευτική υποστήριξη στον γενικό πληθυσμό, σε άτομα που επλήγησαν από την πανδημία Covid-19, σε ασθενείς με χρόνιες παθήσεις και στις οικογένειές τους, καθώς και σε υγειονομικό προσωπικό. Παράλληλα, έχει εργαστεί παρέχοντας ψυχολογική υποστήριξη στις πυρόπληκτες περιοχές της Βόρειας Εύβοιας, ενώ συμμετείχε εθελοντικά σε δράσεις διαχείρισης κρίσεων, στη λειτουργία της τηλεφωνικής γραμμής ψυχοκοινωνικής υποστήριξης 10306, καθώς και στη διοργάνωση ψυχοεκπαιδευτικών σεμιναρίων. Από το 2019 εκπαιδεύεται στο Ανοιχτό Ψυχοθεραπευτικό Κέντρο, όπου υπήρξε συντονίστρια σε ψυχοθεραπευτικές ομάδες κοινωνικοθεραπείας. Παράλληλα, πραγματοποιεί ψυχοδιαγνωστικές αξιολογήσεις σε παιδιά, εφήβους, ενήλικες, ζευγάρια και οικογένειες. Επίσης, έχει πραγματοποιήσει πρακτική άσκηση στην ΠΕΨΑΕΕ, όπου απέκτησε εμπειρία σε ατομικές και ομαδικές συνεδρίες, καθώς και σε δράσεις ψυχοκοινωνικής αποκατάστασης. Ταυτόχρονα, παρακολουθεί συστηματικά σεμινάρια, ημερίδες και εκπαιδευτικά προγράμματα, ενώ φροντίζει για τη συνεχή της εποπτεία και προσωπική ανάπτυξη. Στόχος της είναι η πολύπλευρη υποστήριξη των ανθρώπων που απευθύνονται σε εκείνη, μέσα από ένα θεραπευτικό πλαίσιο εμπιστοσύνης, ασφάλειας και ουσιαστικής συνεργασίας.