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

Paraskeuopoulou Stratigoula is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Kifisia. She completed her studies in Psychology at the University of Derby, holding a professional license with protocol number 459215. Subsequently, she expanded her training in the field of psychotherapy by studying at the Hellenic Organization of Psychotherapy and Education, specializing in Group Analysis, which is recognized by the European Group Analytic Training Institution Network (EGATIN).

Her training includes both individual and group psychotherapy for adults, through a personal therapeutic process and supervision in group analytic orientation. Additionally, she completed her practical training at the Department of Public and Community Health, in the Hygiene and Epidemiology Laboratory of the School of Public Health at the University of West Attica.

Ms. Paraskeuopoulou has also collaborated with the Hellenic Society for the Rheumatic Diseases (EL.E.A.N.A.), where she was responsible for coordinating adult groups and implementing experiential programs within these groups, demonstrating her commitment to improving the quality of life of the participants.

Miliordou Kristi MBA, MSc, MBPsS is a Psychologist, Psychotherapist - Sports Psychologist - Psychotherapy for Adolescents and Adults and maintains a private practice in Marousi. She is a Psychology graduate of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens with further training in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy at Aiginiteio Hospital and in Health Psychology, holds a Certificate in Psychology for High Performance Sports, and a Professional Diploma in Neurobiology and Psychology in Team Sports from Barca Innovation Hub, Universitas. Additionally, she has specialized in Health Unit Management, Sports Management, and Marketing. Currently, she works as an independent professional psychologist at her office in Marousi, as a Sports Psychologist at the Olympiacos BC Academy, and as an external collaborator-psychologist for employees through the company Hellas EAP. Furthermore, she participates in conferences related to Mental Health and has created the asynchronous seminar "Small Movements - Big Changes, The Beginning of a New Life," focusing on integrating exercise and movement into daily life.

Together with her colleagues at the office, they operate as a Team with continuous collaboration and supervision, offering scientifically substantiated and high-quality care.

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.

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.

Metaksas Spyridon is a Psychiatrist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Marousi. He holds a medical degree from the University of Verona in Italy. He has extensive experience in Cognitive Psychotherapy and has been trained in Systemic Psychotherapy. The doctor has many years of professional experience, having served from 2013 to 2017 as the Director of the psychiatric clinic "Galini" and collaborated with the Center for Addiction Treatment. In his private practice, he provides a wide range of services including individual adult sessions, treatment of sexual disorders, and management of anxiety disorders/panic attacks, while also addressing numerous conditions such as agoraphobia, depression, sleep disorders, and psychosomatic disorders. The therapeutic approach is based on psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and the combination of psychopharmacology with psychotherapy. Finally, Dr. Metaksas is a member of the Hellenic Psychiatric Association, the Hellenic Society of Systemic Therapy, and the European Family Therapy Association.

Mpalomenou Eirini is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist licensed to practice (#106342) and maintains a private practice in Neo Psychiko. She holds degrees from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and Guglielmo Marconi University. Currently, she is undergoing training in Systemic Psychotherapy at the Athens Center for the Study of Man (AKMA), while receiving weekly supervision to ensure comprehensive case management. She has been trained in Clinical Psychopathology (EPIPSY) and in Psychoeducation of families with individuals experiencing Psychosis (EPIPSY). Simultaneously, she regularly attends educational seminars and programs for her continuous professional development and specialization. She has experience in psychotherapy for children and adolescents with psychosocial and emotional disorders, having worked with children, adolescents, and adults in Centers for Special Therapies. 

Mamo Xrysovalanto - Eirini is a Psychologist specializing in Clinical Psychology and Counseling, holding a Master of Science (MSc) degree from the University of Derby, as well as a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Applied Psychology. Her experience includes professional and voluntary work across a wide range of psychological needs and interventions. She has collaborated with organizations such as the Hellenic Network of European Women, IASIS, and Ithaca Laundry, providing counseling sessions and contributing to programs that promote social inclusion and psychological well-being. Additionally, she actively participates in continuous education, currently undergoing a four-year training program in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). In the past, she has completed specialized training programs in Psychodynamic Therapy, Systemic Counseling, and Counseling Psychotherapy. She has an extensive research portfolio, with publications exploring topics such as "emotional nourishment," attachment, mental disorders, and innovative psychological interventions.

"Με ενδιαφέρει ο άνθρωπος, η ιστορία του, και ο τρόπος που σχετίζεται με τον εαυτό του και τους άλλους."

Η Καραδήμου Θάλεια είναι απόφοιτος Ψυχολογίας από το Αμερικανικό Κολλέγιο και κάτοχος μεταπτυχιακού από το King’s College. Μέσα από το δικό της, προσωπικό ταξίδι αναζήτησης νοήματος, εντός και εκτός της ψυχοθεραπείας, κατέληξε πως της ταιριάζει η Συστημική - Οικογενειακή Προσέγγιση στην οποία εκπαιδεύεται και εποπτεύεται. Και αυτό, γιατί από όποια πλευρά έχει προσπαθήσει να δει και να καταλάβει την ιστορία της και την ιστορία των γύρω της, πάντα καταλήγει πως το νόημα της ζωής μας είναι οι ανθρώπινες σχέσεις. Όποια δύναμη, σιγουριά, φόβο και δυσκολία έχει ο καθένας μας προέρχεται από αυτές και ταυτόχρονα τις τροφοδοτεί.

Πολύ απλά δεν μπορούμε να υπάρξουμε χωρίς να συνδεόμαστε και να σχετιζόμαστε.

Η δική της διαδρομή στην ψυχοθεραπεία την δίδαξε ότι η μετακίνηση και η αλλαγή δεν είναι ποτέ μονόπλευρη· συντελείται μέσα στην σχέση, στον διάλογο, στη συν-κατασκευή νοήματος.

Αυτή είναι η φιλοσοφία της:

• Να συν-βαδίζουμε, να συν-δημιουργούμε και να συν-νοηματοδοτούμε
• Να αφήνουμε τον διάλογο να φωτίζει το μονοπάτι
• Να τιμούμε την ανθρώπινη σχέση ως τον πυρήνα της θεραπείας

"Για εμένα η θεραπεία δεν είναι «ανάλυση», αλλά ένα κοινό ταξίδι· μια σχέση όπου ερχόμαστε σε επαφή με αυθεντικότητα, συναισθηματική παρουσία, ηθική δέσμευση και ευθύνη, και όπου δημιουργείται χώρος για να ακουστεί η ιστορία σου — και όλα όσα υπάρχουν πίσω από αυτήν".

Έχει βρεθεί κι εκείνη στη θέση του θεραπευόμενου. Γνωρίζει τους φόβους, τις δυσκολίες της διαδικασίας, τον κόπο και το θάρρος που απαιτείται, αλλά και το πόσο ανεκτίμητο δώρο μπορεί να γίνει όταν υπάρχει ασφάλεια, σύνδεση και σεβασμός.

• Δεν φέρνει έτοιμες απαντήσεις· φέρνει περιέργεια.
• Δεν φέρνει εξηγήσεις· φέρνει χώρο.
• Στόχος της είναι να συν-κατασκευάσετε νέες οπτικές και νέες δυνατότητες· να σε βοηθήσει να βρεις έναν νέο τρόπο να υπάρξεις μέσα από τα νοήματα που θα ανακαλύψετε μαζί.

Sklaveniti Xristina is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist with many years of experience in Greece and abroad, accompanying individuals through both small and significant life stories. She emphasizes the unique characteristics and needs of each person, offering personalized care with respect for human rights, regardless of gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, or gender expression. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Crete and a master's degree in Gender Studies from the Hellenic Open University, awarded with an academic excellence scholarship. Her research work focused on the phenomenon of obstetric violence as experienced and narrated by those who have undergone it, through a feminist research perspective with an emphasis on the voices of the subjects. She is specialized in Narrative Psychotherapy and Systemic Psychodrama, as well as in approaches that incorporate feminist, intersectional, and inclusive perspectives. She provides individual therapy, couples therapy, support for children and adolescents, parental counseling, therapy for LGBTQ+ individuals, and experiential empowerment groups. Her focus is on the therapeutic relationship, empathy, and the creation of a safe environment where one can rewrite their story with meaning and purpose.

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.

Tsitenidou Natasa is a Clinical Psychologist - Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapist, licensed to practice. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at the University of East London (UEL), England, in 2020, and subsequently pursued her postgraduate studies at the same university in the program entitled “MSc – Clinical and Community Psychology.” Her practical internship during her studies was completed at the General Hospital of Thessaloniki “Hippokration.” Her training continued at the Hellenic Society of Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy (HSCBP) in Thessaloniki, in the three-year adult program and later in the one-year program for children and adolescents. Additionally, she has participated in the educational program titled “Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Approaches (TF-CBT, CPT, DBT-PTSD, PE)” at the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies (SCBS). Currently, she practices professionally in a private office and provides online psychotherapy sessions, following the Cognitive Behavioral approach. You can schedule your session immediately!

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.

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.

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.

Panagiotou Maria - Anna is a Psychologist (BSc) and Psychotherapist specializing in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy. She graduated from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a professional practice license valid nationwide (License No: 1401991). She has worked as a Psychologist at the Elderly Care Unit "Rodi" in Filothei, as well as an external collaborator in a Medical Clinic and an English tutoring center to support employees and students. Additionally, she has volunteered in various settings, including public elderly care units and telephone support platforms. She has been trained in the Behavioral-Cognitive approach (higher education) at KEPSYSY in areas such as anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, psychosomatic disorders, depression, traumatic experiences, relationship issues, and has specialized in the non-pharmacological management of geriatric issues and caregivers, including dementia, grief, and anxiety at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She works with both adults and adolescents on family matters, crisis management, school performance, and violence-related issues. Her approach is based, among others, on the Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy model by Ellis, Beck's Cognitive Therapy model, as well as Meichenbaum's Cognitive-Behavioral Modification. Finally, the specialist is a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society (SEPS). Guided by empathy, authenticity, and scientific practices, individuals will progressively be able to manage life situations effectively. For optimal service provision, she is supervised and participates in personal psychotherapy.

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.

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 Ζαφειροπούλου Γεωργία είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια με ιδιωτικό γραφείο στην Κηφισιά. Εξειδικεύεται στη γνωσιακή - συμπεριφορική ψυχοθεραπεία (CBT) και παρέχει ψυχοθεραπευτικές υπηρεσίες σε ενήλικες που αντιμετωπίζουν άγχος, κατάθλιψη, κρίσεις πανικού, εργασιακό στρες και δυσκολίες στις διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις. Οι συνεδρίες πραγματοποιούνται δια ζώσης και εξ αποστάσεως.

Έχει ολοκληρώσει σπουδές στην Ψυχολογία και Συμβουλευτική και την Οργανωσιακή ψυχολογία, κατέχοντας πτυχίο BSc in Psychology and Counselling από το Teesside University, μεταπτυχιακό MSc in Psychology από το University of Plymouth και μεταπτυχιακό MSc in Work Psychology από το Loughborough University. 

Παράλληλα, έχει εξειδικευτεί στη Γνωσιακή - Συμπεριφορική ψυχοθεραπεία (CBT) με 4ετή εκπαίδευση στο Ινστιτούτο Έρευνας και Θεραπείας Συμπεριφοράς (ΙΕΘΣ). Επιπλέον, έχει μετεκπαιδευτεί στην κλινική ψυχοπαθολογία και τις κλινικές δεξιότητες στην ψυχοπαθολογία "Παναγιώτης Ουλής" από την Α΄ Ψυχιατρική Κλινική του ΕΚΠΑ (Ερευνητικό Πανεπιστημιακό Ινστιτούτο Ψυχικής Υγιεινής) και έχει ολοκληρώσει εκπαίδευση 500 ωρών στην εφαρμοσμένη ανάλυση συμπεριφοράς (ABA). Τέλος, έχει εκπαιδευτεί στη Θεραπεία Εστιασμένη στη Συμπόνια (Compassion Focused Therapy - CFT).

Διαθέτει εμπειρία σε ψυχοθεραπευτικά και κλινικά πλαίσια, έχοντας συνεργαστεί με το Ινστιτούτο Έρευνας και Θεραπείας Συμπεριφοράς (ΙΕΘΣ) στο Τμήμα Θεραπειών Ενηλίκων, με δομές υποστήριξης ηλικιωμένων παρέχοντας ψυχολογική υποστήριξη, καθώς και με άτομα στο φάσμα του αυτισμού εφαρμόζοντας συμπεριφορικές παρεμβάσεις. 

Παράλληλα, έχει  μακρόχρονη εμπειρία ως Οργανωσιακός Ψυχολόγος σε μεγάλους οργανισμούς, ενώ συνεργάζεται με πάροχο Employee Assistance Programmes, αναλαμβάνοντας δράσεις για την πρόληψη και διαχείριση ψυχοκοινωνικών κινδύνων και παρέχοντας υπηρεσίες συμβουλευτικής, εκπαίδευσης και ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης σε εργαζόμενους και τις οικογένειές τους.