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

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.

"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.

Ο Οικονομίδης Απόστολος είναι Ψυχολόγος – Ψυχοθεραπευτής και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Νέο Ψυχικό. Είναι κάτοχος πτυχίου Ψυχολογίας από το Αμερικανικό Κολλέγιο Ελλάδος και το Open University της Αγγλίας και μετέπειτα έλαβε διετή ειδίκευση στη Θεραπεία Συμπεριφοράς Διαταραχών Άγχους, Ιδεοψυχαναγκαστικής και Μετατραυματικής Διαταραχής στο Ερευνητικό Πανεπιστημιακό Ινστιτούτο Ψυχικής Υγιεινής σε συνεργασία με την Α’ Ψυχιατρική Κλινική του Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών. Επίσης, έχει παρακολουθήσει μονοετή μετεκπαιδευτικά προγράμματα στην Κλινική Ψυχοπαθολογία και τις Κλινικές Δεξιότητες από την Α΄ Ψυχιατρική Κλινική του Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών σε συνεργασία με την Ελληνική Ψυχιατρική Εταιρεία. Στο παρελθόν συνεργάστηκε με το Ιατρείο Θεραπείας Συμπεριφοράς καθώς και με τη Μονάδα Θεραπείας Συμπεριφοράς του Ελληνικού Κέντρου Ψυχικής Υγιεινής και Ερευνών, όπου αντιμετώπισε ψυχοθεραπευτικά ως επί το πλείστον περιστατικά αγχωδών και συναφών διαταραχών (διαταραχή πανικού, αγοραφοβία, γενικευμένο άγχος, ιδεοψυχαναγκαστική διαταραχή, κ.α). Συμμετέχει σταθερά σε ομάδες εποπτείας ψυχολόγων, ενώ έχει εμπειρία στην διοργάνωση ψυχοεκπαιδευτικών ομάδων με έμφαση στις δεξιότητες διαχείρισης ψυχοπιεστικών καταστάσεων.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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 Σπηλιωτοπούλου Τζένη έχει περισσότερα από 20 χρόνια εμπειρίας στον χώρο της ψυχικής υγείας. Σπούδασε και εκπαιδεύτηκε εξολοκλήρου στην Αγγλία. Έχοντας ολοκληρώσει το πτυχίο της στην Εφαρμοσμένη Ψυχολογία συνέχισε τις μεταπτυχιακές της σπουδές στο Goldsmiths College, University of London όπου είχε την τύχη να είναι ανάμεσα στους τελευταίους που διδάχθηκαν και εκπαιδεύτηκαν από τον ίδιο τον Professor Windy Dryden, πρωτοπόρο στον τομέα της RECBT. Επόπτης της ήταν ο Rob Willson, ηγετικό όνομα στην θεραπεία της Ιδεοψυχαναγκαστικής Διαταραχής (ΙΔΨ/ OCD) και της Σωματο-δυσμορφικής Διαταραχής (BDD). Ήταν μεταξύ των πρωτοπόρων που ξεκίνησαν τις CBT Clinics Βραχείας Ψυχοθεραπείας εντός των Γενικών Ιατρείων της Μ. Βρετανίας. Το NHS μονιμοποίησε και ενσωμάτωσε στο σύστημά του τις CBT Clinics ανακουφίζοντας έτσι τις μακρές και ασφυκτικές λίστες αναμονής, μέτρο που αξιοποιεί μέχρι σήμερα. Ξεκίνησε την καριέρα της σε Κλινική Γενικών Ιατρών παρέχοντας κύκλο σύντομων συνεδριών για ψυχολογικά θέματα όπως αγχώδεις διαταραχές, κατάθλιψη, πένθος, ζητήματα σχέσεων. Ταυτόχρονα, εργάστηκε ψυχοθεραπευτικά –ατομικά και ομαδικά- σε δομή της Richmond Fellowship (R.F.) με άτομα με οξεία προβλήματα ψυχικής υγείας όπως σχιζοφρένεια, ψυχώσεις, διπολική διαταραχή και παρόμοιες παθήσεις. Την ίδια περίοδο απέρριψε πρόταση του Priory Hospital of North London θέλοντας να τιμήσεις την δέσμευσή της προς τους θεραπευόμενους της Richmond Fellowship. Συνέχισε στην R.F. με καθηκοντολόγιο Διευθύντριας Δομής. Εξειδικεύτηκε στην ΙΔΨ διαταραχή δουλεύοντας εκτενώς ατομικά και ομαδικά με πάσχοντες καθ’ όλη τη διάρκεια της μακράς συνεργασίας της με το OCD Centre of London, Belgravia. Υιοθέτησε το επιτυχημένο θεραπευτικό μοντέλο εντατικής ψυχοθεραπείας για την ΙΔΨ διαταραχή με πολλούς πάσχοντες εντός και εκτός Η.Β. Επιστρέφοντας στην Ελλάδα για οικογενειακούς λόγους, εργάστηκε ιδιωτικά στο γραφείο της στο Κεφαλάρι Κηφισιάς. Συνεργάστηκε με αγγλόφωνα Εκπαιδευτικά Ιδρύματα διδάσκοντας Προπτυχιακά και Μεταπτυχιακά Προγράμματα Ψυχολογίας και Ψυχοθεραπείας. Επιπλέον έχει σχεδιάσει και διδάξει δικά της εκπαιδευτικά προγράμματα για επαγγελματίες ψυχικής υγείας και μη. Συνεχίζει να εκπαιδεύει και να παρέχει εποπτεία σε επαγγελματίες. Παραμένοντας ανήσυχο πνεύμα, εκπαιδεύτηκε σε Ενεργειακή Ψυχοθεραπεία. Η ευθύνη της προς τους θεραπευόμενους και η αγάπη της για το αντικείμενο την οδήγησαν να εκπαιδευτεί στην Κλινική Υπνοθεραπεία και στο NLP, ενώ είναι πλέον υποψήφια για διδακτορικό τίτλο. Είναι ιδρυτικό στέλεχος του Συλλόγου Κλινικών Υπνοθεραπευτών στην Ελλάδα (ΣΚΥΕ). Μοιράζει τον επαγγελματικό της χρόνο σε διαδικτυακές και κατ’ ιδίαν συνεδρίες στην Αθήνα και στην Πάτρα.

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).

Gorgoli Dimitra is a Psychiatrist - Psychoanalyst with a private practice in Kifisia. She holds a medical degree from the University of Ioannina School of Medicine and is specialized in psychoanalysis and psychotherapy. She manages cases of panic disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, Alzheimer's disease, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, interpersonal difficulties, and life challenges. As part of her continuous professional development, she regularly participates in European and global psychoanalysis conferences, seminars, workshops, clinical groups, and supervisions. Additionally, she is responsible for the Greek editorial team of a psychoanalytic journal and has authored numerous psychoanalytic articles on contemporary issues. Furthermore, she has published an article in a foreign medical journal following two years of primary research on the social impacts of gender in schizophrenia. Finally, she is a member of the Center for Psychoanalytic Research of Athens - French School of Psychoanalysis.

Vlaxakis Ioannis is a Psychiatrist practicing privately in Ampelokipoi since 2007. He is a graduate of the Medical School of Democritus University of Thrace and has completed a 5-year specialization in Psychiatry at the Psychiatric Clinic of the General Hospital of Thoracic Diseases of Athens "Sotiria". Additionally, he collaborates with the Psychiatric Clinic "Galini" and is a member of SOS Doctors, having conducted over a thousand home visits and managed cases spanning the entire spectrum of psychiatric pathology, many of which were acute and emergency situations. Finally, the doctor specializes in the treatment of conditions such as depression, dementia, and anxiety and is a member of the Athens Medical Association.

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.

Eleni Yoldasi is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Kifisia. With specialization in Person-Centered Psychotherapy, she offers a safe and supportive environment for personal development, self-awareness, and enhancement of mental well-being. Her goal is to help clients discover their potential, focusing on the values and needs that lead to an authentic and fulfilling life.

She completed her studies in Psychology at the **University of Essex** and is currently completing her training in **Person-Centered and Focusing-Oriented Counseling & Psychotherapy** at the **Hellenic Focusing Centre**. In parallel, she holds a diploma in **Health and Wellness Coaching** from the **International Authority for Professional Coaching & Mentoring**, while she continuously expands her knowledge with courses in philosophy, focusing on fundamental questions concerning life and human existence.

**Person-Centered Psychotherapy** is a therapeutic approach developed by **Carl Rogers** in the 20th century. Its core idea is that every individual has the potential to grow and resolve their issues when they feel accepted and understood. The therapist does not guide or judge the client but supports them with empathy and unconditional positive regard. This allows the client to explore their emotions, thoughts, and concerns in a safe space.

The therapy focuses on the person and their needs, rather than on the problem or diagnosis. The essence lies in the development of a genuine and honest relationship between therapist and client, which enables the latter to discover their own solutions and strengthen their self-esteem. Person-Centered Psychotherapy believes that we all possess the capacity for self-actualization and to live a life that truly satisfies us, as long as we have the appropriate environment of support and understanding.