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

Nikolaos Sxoretsanitis is a Clinical Psychologist - Psychoanalyst, graduate of the Department of Psychology and the Master's program in Clinical Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), and is also a PhD candidate at the same University. Since 2011, he has worked in community mental health services. For the past 10 years, he has been a psychologist at the Babel Day Center. He has been an active member of the Freud Lacan Psychoanalytic Society in Athens from 2010 to the present. He is also a collaborator of Le Pari de Lacan in France and the Irish School of Lacanian Psychoanalysis in Ireland.

Karagianni Marieui is a Psychologist who conducts both in-person and online sessions. She holds a professional practice license. She is a graduate of Psychology from Panteion University and holds a master's degree in "Applied Cognitive and Developmental Psychology." She has extensive experience in psychotherapy for adults, children, and adolescents, as well as in parent counseling. She has collaborated with private practices such as the initiatives Trust Your Therapist and Mind Your Emotion, as well as the Child, Adolescent, and Adult Support Center – Voutzis & Co. Additionally, she has been trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Adults by the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies. In the past, she has provided her services to organizations such as the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos," the Psychosocial Support Line 10306, and the Speech Processing Institute, and she has also been involved in preparing candidates for transfer exams in Psychology. She is distinguished by her scientific expertise, reliability, and respect for the needs of each patient.

Skoupra Maria Foteini is a Psychologist - Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapist with a professional license and maintains a private practice in Glyfada. She studied Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling. Subsequently, she specialized in the Third Wave of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which includes a variety of approaches such as Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Compassion-Focused Therapy, representing an evolution of traditional CBT. In addition to her private practice in Ilioupoli, she also works as a Psychologist on the online platforms Therapy Space and Melapus. Finally, she has attended and continues to attend numerous educational and scientific seminars and conferences, aiming for continuous education, while she herself is under supervision and personal therapy.

Grigoriadou Katerina is a licensed Psychologist and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Psychotherapist. She graduated from the Psychology Department of Panteion University and completed a four-year postgraduate training in Adult Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, according to the criteria of the European Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT), at the Society for Research and Behavioral Therapy. Simultaneously, she has attended various training programs and seminars in the cognitive-behavioral approach. She gained clinical experience through internships and volunteering at the child psychiatry department of Tzaneio Hospital, the neuropsychiatric clinic "Kastalia," and the Institute for Research and Behavioral Therapy. Additionally, she has worked in private psychotherapy and counseling centers. In these settings, she was trained in the use of psychometric tools such as the WISC, RORSCHACH, SCL-90 Self-Assessment Questionnaire of 90 Symptoms, PDQ-4, BAI, and BDI. Concurrently, she acquired experience in the management and treatment of anxiety disorders (such as panic attacks, phobias, health anxiety), personality disorders, mood disorders (such as depression), sleep disorders, eating disorders, interpersonal relationship issues, and anger management. During the completion of her thesis, she focused on topics in sports psychology, such as performance maximization, acquisition and improvement of skills and competencies (e.g., concentration, goal-setting, decision-making), and the management of emotions (e.g., anxiety, anger, low self-confidence). She is a member of the Greek Psychological Society, the Hellenic Society for Behavioral Research, and the European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies.

Vlaxou N Akrivi (MSc) is a Psychologist – Clinical Neuropsychologist and maintains a private practice in Nea Smyrni. She works with adults, providing psychotherapeutic support for a wide range of psychological difficulties, including anxiety disorders, panic attacks, specific phobias, personality disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), difficulties in emotional regulation, eating disorders, as well as challenges in interpersonal relationships. Additionally, she offers neuropsychological assessment and cognitive rehabilitation services, as well as evaluation of legal competency. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete and holds a Master's Degree in Clinical Neuropsychology – Cognitive Neurosciences (EKPA), in collaboration with the Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI) of McGill University, Canada, which she completed with distinction. Through her postgraduate education, she gained in-depth knowledge of nervous system functioning and neuropsychological assessment in cognitive disorders. Concurrently, she has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at the Institute of Research and Behavioral Therapy (IETHS), as well as in Compassion Focused Therapy, aiming to provide meaningful, individualized, and supportive therapeutic care within a safe and collaborative framework.

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.

Trousa Foteini MSc is a specialized Clinical Psychologist - Psychotherapist. She holds two pre-doctoral postgraduate diplomas, D.E.A. (University of Montpellier, France), as well as a postgraduate diploma D.E.S.S. in Clinical Psychology (University of Nice, France). She is a graduate in Clinical Psychology and Pathology from the University of Nice and holds a professional practice license. Additionally, she has been trained in Parent Counseling by the Panhellenic Association of Parent Schools, member of the Fédération Internationale pour l’Éducation des Parents, and has also been trained in "Addiction Counseling" by the University of Athens. She has coordinated parent counseling groups and has delivered informative lectures for parents and children at numerous organizations. She has extensive work experience, having been a vocational orientation and parent counseling trainer at the "Institute of Education and Business Studies," as well as a scientific collaborator of the Hellenic Police, Juvenile Protection Subdivision (General Police Directorate of Attica). Furthermore, she worked for six years at an International Humanitarian Organization, a member of the U.N. She has been practicing privately in Ilioupoli since 2011. She provides psychotherapeutic treatment for anxiety, depression, panic attacks, phobias, obsessions, obsessive-compulsive disorders, interpersonal relationship problems, low self-esteem, trauma, grief, psychosomatic symptoms, and offers counseling to parents.

Georgios Zaxariadis is a Clinical Psychologist - Psychotherapist - Sociologist who maintains a private practice in Glyfada. He studied International Psychology (BS) at Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands, and completed postgraduate studies at Utrecht University in the field of Clinical Psychology with a dissertation focusing on Epigenetics and Neuroplasticity. Additionally, he studied Sociology (BA) at the University of Crete in the field of Political Anthropology and holds certification in Social Psychology from Paul Valéry University Montpellier (Southern France). He completed his internship at a private mental health institution in Leiden (AntiLoneliness). He worked for two years as an assistant professor at Erasmus University Rotterdam, earning the title of "PBL - Problem Based Learning" higher education instructor. In Greece, he is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society (SEPS). He has worked and continues to collaborate as a Psychotherapist in private institutions as well as in academic positions managing educational seminars and study programs, such as the Educational Institute of Synthetic Approach (EK.ISY.P). Furthermore, he participated in the administration of psychodiagnostic instruments for measuring neurodegenerative disorders at Aeginiteio Hospital of Athens. He has been trained in Relational Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy at the Institute of Relational Group Psychotherapy (ISOPS) and stays updated with the latest research and academic developments by attending and participating in numerous conferences.

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.

Drakos Iosif is a Psychiatrist-Psychotherapist maintaining a private practice in Glyfada. Concurrently, he volunteers at the Behavioral Therapy Clinic of the Research University Institute of Mental Health as well as at the Behavioral Therapy Unit of the Hellenic Center for Mental Hygiene and Research, specializing in the management of patients with Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. He studied at Charles University in Prague, receiving two scholarships due to academic excellence. He specialized at the Attica Psychiatric Hospital while simultaneously undertaking further training and education in various fields of Psychiatry. Specifically, he received additional training in Behavioral Therapies for Anxiety Disorders, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Clinical Psychopharmacology, and Clinical Psychopathology. He possesses extensive theoretical knowledge and clinical experience in the management, treatment, and psychosocial rehabilitation of patients with a broad spectrum of mental disorders, as well as academic research experience. Currently, he is undertaking postgraduate studies with a scholarship at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, focusing on the "Science of Stress and Health Promotion." Finally, he is specialized in Anxiety and Affective Disorders.

Dr. Sakellaridi Vasiliki, MD, MSc, is a Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist with a private practice in Palaio Faliro. Concurrently, she is a scientific collaborator at the Psychodermatology Clinic of the 1st University Psychiatric Clinic of Aiginiteio Hospital and Syggrou Hospital. She is a graduate of the Medical School of the University of Crete and holds a postgraduate degree in Neurosciences from the interdepartmental program "Brain and Mind" at the Medical School of the University of Crete. She specialized in Psychiatry at the 8th Department of the Psychiatric Hospital of Attica, where she gained extensive clinical experience in severe mental disorders and psychopharmacology. Additionally, she specialized in Community Psychiatry at the Hellenic Center for Mental Health and Research. During her specialty, she received further training in Clinical Psychopathology, Clinical Psychopharmacology, and Psychoanalytic Theory and Technique. For two years, she worked as a B’ Registrar - Specialist Psychiatrist at the Psychiatric Hospital of Attica. She maintained a weekly outpatient clinic and was the responsible psychiatrist for two psychosocial rehabilitation hostels housing individuals with chronic mental disorders. At the Psychiatric Hospital of Attica, she consistently worked with a focus on a holistic approach to the patient, combating stigma, and social reintegration. She is currently receiving training in psychoanalysis and psychodynamic psychotherapy at the Hellenic Society of Psychoanalysis and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. She has attended numerous seminars related to the psychodynamic approach to issues in clinical practice. At present, she is conducting her doctoral dissertation at the University of West Attica. She has scientific publications in Greek and international journals. Additionally, she maintains a consistent presence and participation in psychiatric conferences through lectures and oral presentations.