Health professionals for Obsessive–compulsive disorder-OCD in the Northern suburbs of Athens

Dr. Maria Livanou, PhD, MSc, Senior Lecturer, is a Psychologist and Psychotherapist specializing in child and adolescent therapy, with a particular emphasis on the psychodynamic approach. She has an academic background in the United States and the United Kingdom and holds an academic post at King’s College London (KCL). Her research focuses on child and adolescent mental health.

Her therapeutic approach is primarily grounded in psychodynamic therapy, aiming to understand deeper emotional processes and relationship patterns. At the same time, it remains individualized and holistic, responding to the unique needs of each child, adolescent, adult, and family.

During sessions, parental counselling and parent therapy are offered—from pregnancy through the early years of the child—along with support for families during early parenthood. Discussions may include topics related to early child development and the parent–infant relationship. She places particular emphasis on addressing communication difficulties, enhancing psychological well-being, building self-confidence, and improving social relationships.

She works with a wide range of issues concerning childhood and adolescence, including:

• Anxiety and anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, panic attacks)
• Phobias, separation anxiety, and attachment issues
• Depressive mood, depression, social withdrawal
• Adjustment difficulties and emotional distress
• Psychosomatic symptom
• Low self-esteem
• Difficulties in communication and social relationships, family conflicts, and adaptation to change (e.g., divorce)
• Grief and loss management
• Eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image concerns
• School-related difficulties, academic stress, and performance anxiety
• Issues of identity, self-image, and adolescent development
• Conduct problems, anger management difficulties, delinquent behavior
• Family counselling and therapy
• Neurodevelopmental difficulties (e.g., autism, ADHD)
• Trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), developmental trauma, and adverse childhood experiences

Artemis Stasinou is a psychologist and psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Cholargos. She holds a psychology degree, which is her second degree, from the University of East London (UK) and a master's degree in "Health Promotion and Education" from the Medical School of Athens (NKUA). Furthermore, she has received further training in the Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapeutic approach at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling (K.E.PSY.SY.). She has specialized in Traumatic Events & Bereavement Management and in Health Psychology & Disease Management from NKUA, and has also participated in numerous conferences. In addition to her private practice, she collaborates with the NGO Agkalia, where she provides individual psychotherapy sessions within the framework of psychosocial rehabilitation. Previously, she worked as a psychologist in a General Surgery clinic, where she was a member of the interdisciplinary team, participated in designing and implementing comprehensive therapeutic plans, and provided intervention sessions to patients and/or their relatives. Additionally, as part of her internship, she worked as a psychologist at the Evangelismos General Hospital of Athens, both in the psychiatric clinic and in the outpatient psychiatric clinics.

Η Σηφάκη Μελιτίνη - Μελίνα είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια, απόφοιτη Ψυχολογίας του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών, από όπου αποφοίτησε με άριστα, ενώ παράλληλα εκπαιδεύεται στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφορική Ψυχοθεραπεία (CBT) στο Κέντρο Εφαρμοσμένης Ψυχοθεραπείας και Συμβουλευτικής. Διαθέτει επαγγελματική εμπειρία σε Κέντρα Ψυχοθεραπείας ενηλίκων, όπου σήμερα εστιάζει κυρίως το θεραπευτικό της έργο, παρέχοντας ψυχοθεραπευτική υποστήριξη ενηλίκων, πραγματοποιώντας συνεδρίες ατομικής ψυχοθεραπείας, καθώς και ομαδικές συνεδρίες και θεραπεία ζεύγους. 

Παράλληλα, έχει προηγούμενη εμπειρία σε κλινικά και μη κλινικά πλαίσια ψυχικής υγείας, μέσα από τη συμμετοχή της σε αξιολογητικές και θεραπευτικές παρεμβάσεις.

 Επιπλέον, προσφέρει εθελοντική εργασία στο Υπνωτήριο Αστέγων των Γιατρών του Κόσμου, υποστηρίζοντας ευάλωτες ομάδες του πληθυσμού μέσω ανθρωπιστικού έργου.

Έχει παρακολουθήσει πληθώρα εξειδικευμένων σεμιναρίων και επιστημονικών συνεδρίων, μεταξύ των οποίων:

• Θεραπεία Γνωστικού Ερεθισμού (CST) – Impact Hub Athens (2024)

• 1ο Πανελλήνιο Συνέδριο Έγκαιρης Παρέμβασης στην Ψύχωση (2024)

• 5ο Πανελλήνιο Συνέδριο Γνωσιακών Συμπεριφοριστικών Προσεγγίσεων σε Παιδιά και Εφήβους με θέμα «Σύγχρονες προκλήσεις σε έναν συνεχώς μεταβαλλόμενο κόσμο» – Πάντειο Πανεπιστήμιο (2023)

Σήμερα διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Χαλάνδρι, όπου παρέχει συνεδρίες ψυχοθεραπείας σε ενήλικες, δια ζώσης και διαδικτυακά, κατόπιν ραντεβού. Προσφέρει επίσης συνεδρίες στην αγγλική και γερμανική γλώσσα.

Ο Παπαδογιωργάκης Ιωάννης είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπευτής με ειδίκευση στη Γνωσιακή-Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία (CBT) και πραγματοποιεί διαδικτυακές συνεδρίες. Είναι απόφοιτος του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Ευρωπαϊκού Πανεπιστημίου Κύπρου και του Τμήματος Φιλοσοφικών και Κοινωνικών Σπουδών του Πανεπιστημίου Κρήτης. Έχει ολοκληρώσει εξειδικευμένη εκπαίδευση στη Γνωσιακή-Συμπεριφορική Ψυχοθεραπεία στο Κέντρο Εφαρμοσμένης Ψυχοθεραπείας & Συμβουλευτικής στην Αθήνα, ενώ εμπλουτίζει διαρκώς τις γνώσεις και τις δεξιότητές του μέσω επιστημονικών σεμιναρίων και επιμορφωτικών προγραμμάτων στον χώρο της ψυχικής υγείας. Παρέχει διαδικτυακές συνεδρίες ψυχοθεραπείας σε ενήλικες, αξιοποιώντας επιστημονικά τεκμηριωμένες θεραπευτικές προσεγγίσεις με στόχο την εξατομικευμένη υποστήριξη κάθε θεραπευόμενου. Παράλληλα, είναι Επιστημονικός Συνεργάτης στο Εθνικό Μετσόβιο Πολυτεχνείο (ΕΜΠ) και έχει συνεργαστεί ως ψυχοθεραπευτής με το Therapy Today. Διαθέτει κλινική εμπειρία από ψυχιατρικές κλινικές, κέντρα ψυχικής υγείας και μονάδες ψυχοκοινωνικής αποκατάστασης. Είναι μέλος της Αμερικανικής Ψυχολογικής Εταιρείας (APA) και δεσμεύεται στη συνεχή επαγγελματική εξέλιξη και στην παροχή υπηρεσιών ψυχικής υγείας υψηλής ποιότητας.

Skylitsi Ioanna Mag.Phil., MEd is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience supporting adults and couples, maintaining a private practice in Marousi. In her work, she creates a safe and meaningful space aimed at an in-depth understanding of the challenges affecting daily life, relationships, and internal balance. She has worked in Greece and Austria, both privately and within organized institutions, and for over ten years provided psychological support to women survivors of gender-based and domestic violence. She practices based on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and the Systemic approach for couples. She offers in-person and online sessions in Greek and German.

Georgia Koltsida MSc is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (grade 8.41/10) and holds a Master’s Degree (MSc) in “Child and Adolescent Mental Health” from the European University of Cyprus (grade 9.45/10). She has been trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy at the Society for Cognitive-Behavioral Studies (ΕΓΣΣ), recognized by the European Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Therapies (EABCT). Additionally, she has completed specializations in the use of psychometric tools (WISC-V, WAIS-IV, MMPI-2, SCID-5-CV, SCID-5-PD), as well as further training in school psychology and personality disorders (Cluster C). Professionally, she has worked in mental health facilities and special education centers, providing assessment and psychotherapeutic intervention to children, adolescents, and adults. Through the Doctor Anytime platform, she offers individual sessions to adults facing difficulties such as anxiety, depressive mood, low self-esteem, or interpersonal challenges, aiming at psychological empowerment and personal development within a framework of trust, respect, and empathy.

Parisi Androniki is a Psychologist and conducts online sessions. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens with a specialization in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The specialist offers online sessions, supporting adults with issues such as anxiety, emotion regulation, interpersonal relationships, and personal development. She provides a safe and confidential environment, tailored to the needs of each individual, aiming to improve mental well-being and quality of life.

Mparlou Klea BSc, MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Cholargos and serves as a Supervisor of Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Westminster and a master's degree in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy from Goldsmiths College - University of London. Additionally, she has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for patients with Eating Disorders and in Dialectical Behavior Therapy for patients with Borderline Personality Disorder at the 1st University Psychiatric Clinic of Aiginiteio Hospital. Furthermore, she received training in Behavioral Interventions for the management of somatic symptoms from the Hellenic Society for Behavioral Research. She has worked as a Scientific Collaborator at the RECBT - Hellenic Institute of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy and as a Psychologist at the Athens Alzheimer Association. Finally, she has served as a Teaching Psychologist in the Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy program at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy & Counseling (KEPSYSY). In her private practice, she offers a wide range of services, respecting the unique needs of each individual patient.

Gkaravela Rafaela is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Kifisia. She is a graduate of the University of Nicosia with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Psychology and has additional studies in Human Resource Management (HRM) from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling, and has attended training programs on topics such as panic attack management, human loss, grief, and loneliness. She has experience as a private psychologist with an office in Kifisia and has also worked at a Supported Living Day Center for People with Disabilities, providing psychological support and individualized interventions. Additionally, she has served as a human resources consultant for the company PULSO GR, specializing in occupational stress management and enhancing mental resilience in the workplace.

Kazepi Mikaela - Ermioni is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Marousi. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She specializes in stress and anxiety disorders through her postgraduate studies in the "Science of Stress and Health Promotion" program at the Medical School of Athens. She is specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with certification from Aeginiteio Hospital, the Research University Institute of Mental Health. She has been a member of Aeginiteio Hospital of Athens in the "Early Intervention in Crisis" department and in the hospital’s regular outpatient clinics. Additionally, she has previously served as a Psychologist at the Mental Health Center of the General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas". Subsequently, she completed the postgraduate seminar in Clinical Psychopathology "Panagiotis Oulis" of the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has completed her academic training in the annual postgraduate Clinical Training Program for Psychologists of the same institution. Concurrently, she conducts psychotherapy sessions with adults and adolescents, providing support for issues related to anxiety, stress, and other psychological difficulties.

Dafni Petrakogianni MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist, licensed to practice, and maintains a private practice in Cholargos. She studied Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and holds a master's degree in "Health Promotion and Education" from the Medical School of Athens. She employs an integrative psychotherapy model, having been trained in Cognitive Therapy at Aeginiteio Hospital, while completing a two-year training in Systemic Psychotherapy, training in Systemic Constellation, as well as a three-year supervision in "Family Therapy with a Systemic Approach" at the Psychiatric Hospital of Athens Dafni. She has volunteered as a Psychologist in hospitals and specializes in the management of issues arising from chronic illnesses. Additionally, she has taught psychology courses in post-secondary education institutions. She has experience in treating mood and anxiety disorders (anxiety disorders, depression) and, through her work at the primary care clinics of Agia Paraskevi and the Day Center of Agia Paraskevi - Ikelos Association, she gained extensive experience in counseling on interpersonal relationship issues, enhancing self-image, and adult psychotherapy. Finally, she has worked as a Psychologist in kindergartens of the Municipality of Agia Paraskevi, at the Youth Counseling Center of the Sivitanidios School, and at a Children's Workshop, gaining substantial experience in adolescent psychotherapy and parental counseling.

Saliverou Elisavet is a Psychologist - Psychoeducator - Psychotherapist, holding a Master's degree (MSc) in Counseling Psychology (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Excellence Scholarship), with studies in Psychology, Education (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens), and Social Work (University of West Attica). She has been trained in Systemic – Family Psychotherapy and maintains a private Counseling – Psychotherapy practice. Simultaneously, she is responsible for the Counseling Service and social initiatives of HEN Athens and coordinates educational and psychoeducational programs for children, adolescents, adults, and parents. She has collaborated with organizations such as ELIZA, the "Together for the Child" hotline, SOS Children's Villages, and the Social Psychiatry Company P. Sakellaropoulos. She applies an integrative therapeutic approach (Systemic, Psychoanalytic, Narrative, Art Therapy) to various mental health issues of children, adolescents, and adults.

Dimitrios Valavanis is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist (M.Sc.) specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). He is a graduate of the Department of Psychology of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a postgraduate degree in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy from the University of Bolton in the United Kingdom. He has also completed specialized clinical training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at the Psychiatric Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (E.P.I.P.S.Y. – Psychotherapy Center of Aeginition Hospital), further enhancing his clinical training in the application of evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions. He has extensive clinical experience in the fields of mental health, social care, and addiction treatment.

He has worked as a Psychologist at the Center for the Accommodation of Unaccompanied Minors of the Hellenic Red Cross, providing psychological support to children and adolescents with increased needs for protection, adjustment, and psychosocial support. In addition, he has worked in the community organization PRAKSIS, participating in psychosocial support programs and interventions for homeless individuals and socially vulnerable groups.

Furthermore,he has gained significant clinical experience in the field of addiction through his work in units of the Organization Against Drugs (OKANA), which are now integrated into the National Organization for the Prevention of and Treatment of Addictions (E.O.P.A.E.).His professional experience also includes working in hospital settings, such as Evangelismos Hospital and Alexandra General Hospital of Athens, where he provided psychological support, participated in clinical assessment, and collaborated with interdisciplinary teams in addressing addiction-related issues and supporting the treatment of patients. His therapeutic approach is based on the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, with an emphasis on creating a safe and collaborative therapeutic relationship, individualized understanding of each person’s needs, and the application of modern psychotherapeutic techniques aimed at improving mental health and quality of life.

The extensive and broad clinical psychiatric experience has provided him with the opportunity to manage anxiety, emotional, psychotic disorders, alcoholism, and other conditions at his successfully maintained clinic for 35 years in Athens. Besides the diagnostic and therapeutic management of psychotic and emotional disorders (such as unipolar depression, bipolar disorder, etc.), he has focused on alcoholism, particularly in conducting aversion tests to alcohol. Additionally, he has been involved in the training of clinical psychologists and social workers.

Polymeropoulou Lamprini MSc is a Psychologist, graduated from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, specialized in Systemic Psychotherapy, and maintains a private practice in Psychiko. She has experience providing psychological support to adolescents and adults in both individual and group settings, and she also works with members of the LGBTQ+ community and individuals facing neurological disorders. In her private practice, she offers counseling and psychotherapeutic support to individuals dealing with issues such as anxiety, panic attacks, difficulties in interpersonal relationships, psychosomatic symptoms, intense negative emotions (sadness, anger, disappointment), work-related stress, excessive shyness, and challenges in assertiveness. She possesses clinical experience in mental health assessment and developmental needs, as well as in the design and implementation of personalized therapeutic interventions. She works at the Adolescent Health Unit at the General Children's Hospital of Athens "P. & A. Kyriakou," providing parental counseling and participating in interdisciplinary teams. She has also worked at Rehabilitation Centers and Special Therapy Clinics, offering psychoeducational support to children and adolescents. She is characterized by empathy, active listening, and systemic thinking, with a core objective of creating a safe and inclusive therapeutic environment to promote psychosocial well-being and quality of life.