Health professionals for Obsessive–compulsive disorder-OCD in Attica

Georgios Vyrinis, MD, MSc, is a Psychiatrist and Certified Psychotherapist with a private practice in Voula, Athens. He has extensive clinical experience in Sweden, where he completed his psychiatric residency at Sahlgrenska University Hospital — the largest hospital in Scandinavia.

He has supported numerous individuals facing challenges such as Anxiety, Depressive mood, Bipolar disorder, Addiction issues, Self-destructive tendencies, as well as difficulties with focus, organization (e.g., ADHD) and social interaction (e.g., Asperger’s). He also has experience working with individuals struggling with obsessions, intrusive thoughts, or compulsive rituals (OCD), as well as in psychotic spectrum conditions.

His psychotherapy training spans eight years and includes:

– Certification in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy from the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare

– Specialization in ISTDP (Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy) under the supervision of Dr. Allan Abbass, a renowned psychiatrist and psychotherapist

– Training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

He strongly believes in the importance of the therapist’s personal inner work, having completed over 250 hours of personal psychotherapy as an essential part of understanding the therapeutic role.

In his private practice, he offers:

– Psychiatric evaluation and Diagnosis

– Follow-up with or without medication, based on each individual’s needs

– Individual and Group psychotherapy

– Couple therapy and Parental support

– Exploration of emotional and cognitive difficulties in adults

– Counseling on personal or professional development and management of inner conflicts

The psychotherapeutic methods are based on contemporary scientific research and are included in leading international clinical guidelines as first-line treatments for mental health difficulties. He integrates techniques that support both the understanding of thought patterns and the experiential processing of emotions.

He works with individuals across a wide spectrum of functionality — from those who are able to meet the demands of daily life and relationships, to those experiencing significant limitations due to persistent psychological or emotional difficulties.

He also has extensive experience working in hospital-based Liaison psychiatry, supporting patients facing mental health challenges related to physical illness, such as cancer or chronic medical conditions. He provides psychological and/or pharmacological support for grief and emotional distress related to motherhood, infertility, and perinatal periods.

Dr. Vyrinis is trained in providing online psychotherapy sessions, maintaining the depth and quality of the therapeutic relationship. He also offers home visits, when needed, for individuals with limited mobility or other restrictions.

His office is located in a quiet area of Voula, with available parking, and offers a warm and confidential setting. He conducts sessions in Greek, English, and Swedish.

Anastasia Perikleous is a Psychoanalytically-Oriented Psychologist with a professional license and maintains a private practice in Athens. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, BSc(Hons), from the University of Greenwich in the United Kingdom and has been undergoing Clinical Training at the Lacanian Psychoanalysis School in Athens since 2022. She has participated in numerous seminars and workshops (NKUA, University of the Aegean, DI.K.E.PS.Y, Therapeutic Riding Association, K.E.PS.P, etc.) and collaborates as a psychologist with mental health institutions in Greece. She is also a founding and active member of an online platform focused on psychological support, with an emphasis on eating disorders.

Antonia Mpeka is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Galatsi. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and possesses a certified four-year specialization in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) from the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies. She has worked as a Psychologist at The Smile of the Child, supporting children and parents through counseling helplines. Additionally, she has conducted individual CBT Psychotherapy sessions. Within the framework of lifelong learning, she attends seminars in the field of mental health.

Zaxaropoulou Niki - Maria MD, MSc is a Psychiatrist with a private practice in Pangrati. She has served as a Collaborator with the Organization Against Narcotics (OKANA) and the Mental Health Agency AmKE Anodos. She graduated from the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and specialized in psychiatry at the Hellenic Center for Mental Hygiene and Research and the Aeginiteio University Hospital. Additionally, she completed postgraduate studies (MSc) at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens focusing on the Promotion of Mental Health and Prevention of Psychiatric Disorders. Dr. Zaxaropoulou is a scientific associate of the 1st University Psychiatric Clinic at Aeginiteio Hospital. She has expertise in liaison psychiatry, women's mental health issues, menopause, emotional aspects of infertility, miscarriage, abortion, support during fertility treatments, pregnancy, breastfeeding, maternal grief – postpartum blues, postpartum depression, parental support, pervasive developmental disorders, psychotherapeutic counseling, as well as pharmacological support for individuals with autism and Asperger syndrome.

Klonizakis Markos is a psychiatrist-psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Kypseli. He is a graduate of the Medical School of Democritus University of Thrace and completed his psychiatry specialty at the Psychiatric Hospital of Attica, the Mental Health Center of Nea Filadelfeia - Agioi Anargyroi, the General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas," and the 18 ANO Addiction Program. Additionally, he received training in Systemic-Family Psychotherapy from the Family Therapy Unit of the Psychiatric Hospital of Athens and the Athens Center for Human Studies. Alongside his private practice, he serves as the Scientific Director at the Day Care Center for People with Disabilities in Salamina. He manages cases of anxiety disorders, panic disorder, depression, character difficulties, interpersonal and couple relationships, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. His therapeutic approach includes psychopharmacological treatment, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. Finally, Dr. Klonizakis is a member of the Athens Medical Association, the Hellenic Psychiatric Society, and the Hellenic Society of Systemic Thinking and Family Psychotherapy.

Karalis Georgios is a Specialist Psychiatrist with 9 years of experience in psychiatry and addiction treatment, and maintains a private practice in Ilion as well as within the Kostarelos Medical Center in Markopoulo. He is a graduate of the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and has completed basic training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) through the Karolinska Institute within the framework of his specialty. During his career, he has been trained in psychiatry, addiction treatment, geriatrics, and neurological rehabilitation. He has worked in emergency departments, counseling groups, and outpatient psychiatric and addiction clinics, both in Sweden and Greece, managing patients with complex conditions. Furthermore, he has served in numerous on-call shifts as a primary on-call physician in Psychiatric Emergency Units and Addiction Emergency Clinics. He has also served as a physician in the Hellenic Armed Forces, where he was the responsible doctor at a military base in Leros and additionally provided medical care in a refugee camp with the NGO Praxis. At the 401 General Military Hospital in Athens, he gained experience in emergency care, hospitalization, and rehabilitation. Finally, the physician has participated in over 20 continuing education seminars within the field of psychiatry and has completed relapse prevention training for patients with addictions.

Η κα Φωτεινή Καλαβριζιώτη είναι Ψυχολόγος - Εκπ. Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Περιστέρι. Είναι απόφοιτος του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών (ΕΚΠΑ) και έχει ολοκληρώσει τετραετή εκπαίδευση στη Διαγνωστική Ψυχολογία στο Ινστιτούτο Διαγνωστικής Ψυχολογίας του Ανοιχτού Ψυχοθεραπευτικού Κέντρου. Παράλληλα, ολοκληρώνει την τετραετή εκπαίδευσή της ως Ομαδική Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια/ Ψυχοδραματίστρια στο Ινστιτούτο Ψυχοδράματος – Κοινωνικοθεραπείας (Τακτικό Μέλος F.E.P.T.O.).

Η θεραπευτική προσέγγιση που ακολουθεί βασίζεται στη δυναμική της ομάδας και το Ψυχόδραμα. Στόχο έχει τη διερεύνηση των διαπροσωπικών σχέσεων, την ενίσχυση της προσωπικής εξέλιξης και κατανόησης του εαυτού μέσα από τη σχέση με τους άλλους, όπως και την ανάπτυξη ενός πιο αυθόρμητου σχετίζεσθαι. Οι θεραπευτικές αρχές του Ομαδικοαναλατικού Ψυχοδράματος αξιοποιούνται τόσο στις ομαδικές όσο και τις ατομικές συνεδρίες, δίνοντας ιδιαίτερη έμφαση στην εγκαθίδρυση μιας ασφαλούς θεραπευτικής συμμαχίας. 

Από το 2022 έως σήμερα εργάζεται ως Ψυχολόγος σε Κέντρα Ειδικών Θεραπειών και Ψυχοθεραπείας, όπου πραγματοποιεί ψυχολογικές αξιολογήσεις, ατομικές και ομαδικές συνεδρίες με παιδιά και εφήβους, καθώς και συμβουλευτικές συναντήσεις με γονείς.

Στο ιδιωτικό της γραφείο, εργάζεται με ενήλικες τόσο σε ατομικό όσο και σε ομαδικό πλαίσιο, εστιάζοντας σε ζητήματα άγχους και διάθεσης, κρίσεις πανικού, ιδεοψυχαναγκαστική συμπτωματολογία, δυσκολίες στις διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις και θέματα περιόδου ζωής. Παράλληλα, πραγματοποιούνται Ψυχολογικές Αξιολογήσεις ενηλίκων στο πλαίσιο της θεραπευτικής διαδικασίας. 

Lona Elisavet is a Psychologist with a private practice in Athens. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of East London and a master's degree in Clinical Psychology from the same university. Additionally, she has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She participates in various conferences in her field. She works in a facility with individuals on the autism spectrum. Finally, she is a member of the British Psychological Society.

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.

Elena Georgakopoulou is a Counseling Psychologist - Psychotherapist for children, adolescents, and adults. She holds a professional license to practice in England (HCPC Register PYL 15025) since 2006, and a professional license in Greece since 2008. She is also a regular member of the Hellenic Psychological Society and has worked as a Psychologist in the National Health Service of the United Kingdom (NHS), providing therapy to adults and children with severe clinical symptomatology. She has worked with adults and children and utilizes an eclectic and integrative model combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), systemic, and person-centered approaches. Her work often involves collaboration with parents, as well as coordination with other agencies such as educational settings, while in Greece she works remotely. She is interested in and can assist in areas such as autism and autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, anxiety and depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), low self-esteem and self-confidence, loss of meaning and direction in life, relational and attachment difficulties, and parental counseling. Sessions are also provided in English.

Panagiota Sampalou is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with extensive experience in individual psychotherapy for adults and young adults, maintaining a private practice in Cholargos. She has been active in the field since 2014, concurrently engaging in academic teaching and participating in Psychoanalytic and Psychotherapeutic programs. She holds a degree in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She possesses a professional psychologist license valid throughout the country issued by the General Directorate of Public Health and Social Welfare. She teaches "Psychodynamic Models" and "Psychodynamic Developmental Theories" at the Greek Center for Training – Psychotherapy through Arts. She specializes in Relational Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy as well as classical Psychoanalytic thought and practice. She has participated as a speaker at conferences and workshops.

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).

Yfanti Katerina is a Psychologist with a private practice in Pangrati. She holds a degree in Psychology from Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, a master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Keele University (MSc), and has been trained in Person-Centered Therapy. She is a member of the BPS (British Psychological Society) and the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy). She has been trained in Behavioral Therapy specializing in Anxiety, Somatoform, and Sexual Disorders (THESY), in Clinical Hypnotherapy (Emotional Research Center & Self-esteem), in Counseling Support for Children of Infant, Child, and Adolescent age (Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling), in Parent Counseling (Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling), and in Trauma and Grief Therapy (Taking Flight International Corporation). For several years she worked in Psychosocial Rehabilitation structures of the Ministry of Health (EPSAMY), while simultaneously maintaining her private practice in Athens for over ten years, offering psychological services across the full spectrum of human behavior, creating a therapeutic framework of safety and trust.

Kouvaras Konstantinos is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Chalandri. He holds a master's degree in Child and Adolescent Psychology (Child and Adolescent Psychology M.Sc.) from Leiden University in the Netherlands and a degree in Psychology from Panteion University. He is a certified Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist and has completed his studies at the Institute for Research and Behavioral Therapy. He specializes in anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and personality disorders. He holds a Professional License to Practice Psychology (License No. 1247, Date 25/02/2011).

Dr. Xaidemenos Aleksandros is a specialist Psychiatrist-Neurologist, PhD holder from the University of Athens, with expertise in Clinical Psychiatry, Psychopharmacology, Psychosomatic Medicine, cognitive and behavioral psychotherapy. He has served in Psychiatric clinics of major General Hospitals and in Specialized Psychiatric Hospitals. For 19 years, he was the Chief Coordinating Psychiatrist at the Psychiatric Hospital of Attica, where he also served as Chairman of the Scientific Council. He was a permanent member of the examination committee for the granting of Psychiatric specialty, based at the Aeginiteio University Psychiatric Hospital. He has an extensive scientific portfolio including publications in international and Greek journals, presentations at international and Greek conferences. Additionally, he is a scientific collaborator of the newspaper "Kathimerini" with numerous published articles. Finally, the physician accepts appointments and offers the possibility of home visits and online sessions via Skype, Viber, Messenger, Zoom, etc.