Health professionals for Obsessive–compulsive disorder-OCD

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.

Giakoumi Xristina is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Kalamata, where she provides individual and group psychotherapy sessions. She graduated from the Universita' Degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo" where she studied Psychology.

Krikeli Eleni is a Psychologist and Author. Her academic studies began in the Department of History, Archaeology, and Social Anthropology at the University of Thessaly and were completed at the University of Crete, where she graduated from the Department of Psychology. Since then, she has continued her studies at the Center for Systemic Study and Therapy (ΚΕ.Σ.ΜΕ.Θ), where she is training in Systemic Psychotherapy. During her professional career, she has collaborated as a volunteer Psychologist with the General Hospital of Rethymno in the Psychiatry Department and has worked for several years as a Psychologist at the private Neuropsychiatric Clinic "KASTALIA." Currently, her professional activity continues with online sessions, while she also serves as the lead Psychologist at the Elderly Care Unit "Leonia" in Kallithea, Attica. Additionally, organizing seminars related to her professional interests and the knowledge she acquires each time enriches an ever-expanding portfolio, which is a priority for her. Finally, writing articles and authoring books are significant facets of her life, playing an important role. Having already published a book titled "The Comfort of the Lion," she regularly presents the fascination and admiration inspired in her by human existence, diversity, flexibility, anxiety, and fear. As a Psychologist, she admires the truth revealed by the client during their sessions, takes pride in their courage and strength to focus on their real challenges, and equally rejoices in the changes they achieve! With all these perspectives she has had and continues to encounter, it is clear that the central theme of her articles and books is... the human being!

Η Σταυρουλάκη Γεωργία - Μαρία είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια με ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Κολωνάκι. Είναι κάτοχος διδακτορικού τίτλου (PsychD) στη Συμβουλευτική Ψυχολογία από το University of Roehampton στο Λονδίνο, αναγνωρισμένο από τη British Psychological Society. Η διδακτορική της διατριβή επικεντρώθηκε στον ρόλο του ναρκισσισμού στον τρόπο με τον οποίο οι συμβουλευτικοί ψυχολόγοι διαχειρίζονται τον εαυτό τους στη θεραπευτική σχέση, ακολουθώντας μια συνθετική προσέγγιση που ενσωματώνει στοιχεία γνωσιακής - συμπεριφορικής και ψυχοδυναμικής θεωρίας. Έχει επίσης αποκτήσει Professional Certificate στις δεξιότητες Συμβουλευτικής από το The Hellenic Association of Continuing Education (THACE)), ενώ είναι απόφοιτος του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Παντείου Πανεπιστημίου Κοινωνικών και Πολιτικών Επιστημών.

Από το 2016 έως σήμερα εργάζεται ως Ψυχολόγος στο Υπουργείο Παιδείας, παρέχοντας κλινική αξιολόγηση και ψυχο-συναισθηματική υποστήριξη σε μαθητές ηλικίας 4 έως 21 ετών, καθώς και ψυχοπαιδαγωγικές παρεμβάσεις στο σχολικό πλαίσιο. Παράλληλα, υποστηρίζει εκπαιδευτικούς, υλοποιεί σεμινάρια ευαισθητοποίησης και πρόληψης σε θέματα ψυχικής υγείας και διαφορετικότητας, συμβουλεύει γονείς και συνεργάζεται με φορείς όπως νοσοκομεία και κέντρα ψυχικής υγείας. Έχει εργαστεί ως ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και εισηγήτρια ψυχοεκπαιδευτικών σεμιναρίων στο ΠΑΙ.ΚΕ.ΨΥ, παρέχοντας αξιολόγηση και θεραπευτική παρέμβαση σε παιδιά με μαθησιακές και συμπεριφορικές δυσκολίες, καθώς και υποστήριξη σε γονείς. Στο Συμβουλευτικό Κέντρο του Πανεπιστημίου Κρήτης προσέφερε ατομικές συνεδρίες συμβουλευτικής σε φοιτητές, αντιμετωπίζοντας ζητήματα όπως άγχος, διαπροσωπικές δυσκολίες και μαθησιακές προκλήσεις.

Η επαγγελματική της εμπειρία στο Ηνωμένο Βασίλειο περιλαμβάνει τη συνεργασία με το Macmillan Bereavement Service στο Ealing Hospital, όπου παρείχε υποστήριξη πένθους σε ενήλικες, εφήβους και παιδιά, καθώς και με το Wandsworth Association of Psychotherapists και το Kid’s Company, προσφέροντας συμβουλευτική σε άτομα με άγχος, κατάθλιψη, διατροφικές διαταραχές και προβλήματα συμπεριφοράς. Επιπλέον, πραγματοποίησε την πρακτική της άσκηση στον ΟΚΑΝΑ Πειραιά, στο πρόγραμμα υποκατάστασης μεθαδόνης.

Στον ακαδημαϊκό τομέα, διδάσκει ως Καθηγήτρια Ψυχολογίας στο Aegean College από το 2022 έως σήμερα, σε προπτυχιακά και μεταπτυχιακά προγράμματα, ενώ στο παρελθόν διετέλεσε καθηγήτρια και υπεύθυνη προγράμματος Ψυχολογίας στο MBS Κολλέγιο Κρήτης, όπου δίδαξε πλήθος μαθημάτων και είχε ενεργό ρόλο στον συντονισμό και την ανάπτυξη του προγράμματος σπουδών.

Έχει συμμετάσχει ενεργά σε επιστημονικά συνέδρια και εκπαιδευτικά σεμινάρια, με εισηγήσεις σε θέματα όπως η ενίσχυση κινήτρων μάθησης, η διαφορετικότητα, ο σχολικός εκφοβισμός και οι ψυχοδυναμικές προσεγγίσεις στην αντιμετώπιση ψυχολογικών επιπτώσεων της πανδημίας COVID-19 σε παιδιά και εφήβους. Τέλος, έχει παρακολουθήσει πληθώρα εκπαιδευτικών προγραμμάτων και σεμιναρίων σε τομείς όπως η ψύχωση, η δραματοθεραπεία, η υποστήριξη ευάλωτων ομάδων και ο αυτισμός.

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).

Thomas Palikrousis is a Psychologist (UEL), certified Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapist (EEGSPS), Dietitian-Nutritionist (ATEITH), and Food Technologist (ATEITH), twice awarded scholarships by the State Scholarship Foundation (IKY). He holds four postgraduate degrees (MSc) in Aging and Chronic Disease Management (HOU), Quality Management and Food Industry Production Organization (ATEITH), Quality Assurance (HOU), and Food Chemistry (AUTH). He is a doctoral candidate at the Department of Food Science and Technology (DIPE), a student in the Department of Agriculture at the University of Western Macedonia, and a postgraduate student in Applied Developmental Psychology (HOU).

His professional work focuses on bridging theory and practice through an interdisciplinary approach. Specifically, he practices privately as a Psychologist, having provided mental health services at the Student Counseling and Support Center (KSSF) of the University of Macedonia (PAMAK). As a Dietitian-Nutritionist, alongside operating a private practice, he has collaborated with professional and amateur sports clubs. As a Food Technologist, he has worked with numerous food industries, contributing to the design of products that have received significant awards at the International Taste Awards and Healthy Diet Awards. Additionally, he is a researcher at the International Hellenic University (DIPE) and has served as a faculty member at a private university college in collaboration with the state University of Essex (United Kingdom), independently teaching courses in the BSc (Hons) Dietetics (Applied) program. Finally, he is a member of the Sports Nutrition Working Group and the Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Committee of the Pan-Hellenic Association of Dietitians-Nutritionists, as well as the association's representative for the Florina Prefecture.

Η Τσαούση Άννα BSc, MSc είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στα Ιωάννινα. Είναι απόφοιτη του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Πανεπιστημίου Ιωαννίνων και κάτοχος Μεταπτυχιακού Τίτλου (MSc) στην Κλινική Ψυχική Υγεία από την Ιατρική Σχολή του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης. Παράλληλα, εκπαιδεύεται στη Γνωστική Συμπεριφορική Ψυχοθεραπεία μέσω τετραετούς προγράμματος σπουδών της Ελληνικής Εταιρείας Έρευνας της Συμπεριφοράς – Παραρτήματος Μακεδονίας.

Έχει εργαστεί ως Ψυχολόγος σε Δομές υποστήριξης ατόμων με αναπηρία και ασυνόδευτων ανήλικων προσφύγων, αποκτώντας εμπειρία στη διαχείριση ψυχοκοινωνικών δυσκολιών και στην παροχή συμβουλευτικής και ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης. Επιπλέον, πραγματοποίησε την πρακτική της άσκηση στο Κέντρο Πρόληψης "Σχεδία" στα Ιωάννινα, εστιάζοντας στην πρόληψη και την προαγωγή της ψυχοκοινωνικής υγείας.

Στόχος της είναι η δημιουργία ενός ασφαλούς και υποστηρικτικού θεραπευτικού πλαισίου, όπου κάθε άνθρωπος μπορεί να εκφραστεί ελεύθερα, να κατανοήσει βαθύτερα τον εαυτό του και να ενισχύσει την ψυχική του ανθεκτικότητα και ευεξία.

Kollias Thanos MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Athens, providing psychological support and counseling to adolescents, adults, and couples, applying principles of cognitive and behavioral psychotherapy. He is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has also completed undergraduate studies in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at the same university, as well as postgraduate studies in Communication, Management, and Innovation at Wageningen University in the Netherlands. His interdisciplinary training contributes to a holistic understanding of human behavior, communication, and interpersonal relationships. He has received further training in Cognitive and Behavioral Psychotherapy at the Society for Cognitive and Behavioral Studies, recognized by the European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT), while simultaneously pursuing a Master's degree in Educational Sciences at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), specializing in the Psychopedagogy of Reading. He has collaborated with mental health institutions such as the Non-Profit Organization IASIS and the General Hospital Asklipieio Voulas (Child Psychiatry Department), gaining experience in assessment, parent counseling, and psychotherapeutic intervention with children and adolescents. In his therapeutic approach, he utilizes music therapy as a means of expression and processing emotions, enhancing emotional understanding and creative communication.

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. 

Olympia Xalikiopoulou is a Psychologist licensed to practice, with postgraduate specializations in Clinical Neuropsychology and Neurosciences from Leiden University in the Netherlands and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, respectively. Over the past decade, she has been professionally active in Thessaloniki, where she maintains a private practice. She has worked with adolescents and children with neurodevelopmental difficulties within the framework of psychosocial support, as well as with adults facing issues related to anxiety, phobias, relationship problems, and psychosomatic symptoms. Currently, she practices privately, providing individual sessions for adults. In her clinical practice, she employs an integrative model, incorporating techniques and methodologies from the main psychotherapeutic approaches as well as principles from neuroscience in order to offer personalized support plans tailored to each individual. Additionally, she maintains a long-term collaboration with a private educational institution as a Psychology instructor. In 2017, she obtained certification in Greek Sign Language (GSL) from the Hellenic Federation of the Deaf, ensuring equal access to mental health services.

Makrogianni Vitalioti Mariantzela is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as well as in Biothymia Clinical Hypnosis. She maintains a private practice in Peristeri. She is certified by the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling. She is the Director of the Damala Foundation, a contributing writer, and has worked at KETHEA in action and street work, gaining extensive experience in Anxiety Disorders and addictions. Additionally, she attends numerous seminars on eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and holistic medicine as part of her continuous professional development.

Kexagias S Ioannis is a Psychologist MA and Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Kavala. He holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at the University of Sheffield and has a Master's degree (MA) in Counseling Psychology from the University of Sheffield. He has completed psychotherapeutic training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and conducted his internship as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist at the private psychiatric clinic “Η Γαλήνη” and at the Community Counseling Center in Thessaloniki. He provides individual adult sessions both in person and online. Additionally, he specializes in anxiety and mood disorders, specific phobias, depression, eating disorders, panic attacks, psychosomatic symptoms, difficulties in relationships and communication, and the enhancement of self-image and self-esteem.

As part of his ongoing professional development, he attends numerous seminars and training sessions related to clinical health.

Thrapsanioti Eleutheria MD is a Psychiatrist - Psychotherapist and a collaborator of the "P. Sakkelaropoulos" Institute of Mental Health for Children and Adults. She studied and is preparing her doctoral thesis at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Since her graduation, she has worked as a scientific associate at the Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Sensorimotor Control at the Research University Mental Health Institute "KOSTAS STEFANIS," investigating the neurophysiology of psychoses. She specialized at the Hellenic Center for Mental Health and Research (E.KE.PSY.E) and the First Psychiatric Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens at Aeginiteio Hospital, where she collaborated in the Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Department and received further training in psychoanalytic theory and technique. She served for two years at the General Hospital of Chania as a Senior Registrar B', responsible for a closed ward and outpatient clinic, gaining significant clinical experience across the full spectrum of mental disorders (psychosis, depression, anxiety, dementia, etc.). Concurrently, as a regular board member of the Chania Medical Association, she participated in various initiatives for mental health rights (combating stigma, community reintegration, promoting awareness and enlightenment). She has published scientific papers in international journals, presented at the 2015 conference of the American Society for Neuroscience, and continues to actively pursue her research activities.

Karaiskou Euaggelia is a Psychologist-Psychotherapist with a private practice in Hymittos. She studied at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and subsequently specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Since 2015, she has been treating adult and adolescent patients experiencing difficulties related to anxiety (panic attacks, tics, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, etc.), mood disorders (depression, feelings of emptiness, binge eating episodes, anger, etc.), and interpersonal relationship challenges (low self-esteem, impulsivity, commitment, trust, etc.). She also provides counseling and psychotherapeutic support to parents and children over the age of 8. She has been trained in Active Listening within Thomas Gordon’s Effective Communication method, a valuable tool in her work. She continuously pursues further training through seminars, keeping up-to-date with new practices in her field. Her personal therapy, education, and many years of professional experience have led her to the beliefs that: "The first major step toward change and development happens by seeking help." and "Seeking help demonstrates strength and desire, not weakness."

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.

Kouta Viky is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Marousi. Upon completing her studies at the Faculty of Philosophy of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, she studied Psychology at the University of Nicosia. She subsequently pursued postgraduate studies in Child and Adolescent Mental Health at the University of Edinburgh and attended a specialized training seminar in Clinical Psychopathology "Panagiotis Oulis" at the First Psychiatric Clinic of the University of Athens. Additionally, she trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy at the Institute of Research and Therapy of Behavior and is currently undergoing further training in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy at the Oxford Mindfulness Centre. She has professional experience working in various settings in Scotland and Greece, such as the Lothian Autistic Society and the Day Care Center for Individuals with Disabilities "Chloe," respectively, while also being a trainee Psychologist - Psychotherapist at the Institute of Research and Therapy of Behavior (IETHS). Finally, she specializes in personality disorders and emotional disorders.

Sartzetaki Rafaela is a Psychologist licensed to practice (License No. 270297/2021) and maintains a private practice in Chania. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and holds a Master's Degree from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, specializing in Mental Health and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) according to the standards of the European Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT). She is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Approaches (Trauma-Focused CBT) to address the consequences of traumatic experiences, such as domestic violence, significant losses, and abuse. She holds certification in the Principles of Medical Research Methodology from the Medical School of NKUA. She has clinical experience providing psychological support and psychotherapeutic intervention to children, adolescents, and adults through collaborations with private therapeutic settings, psychological centers, and public institutions. Additionally, she has completed internships at the Naval Hospital of Athens and the Child Psychiatry Clinic of the "Agia Sofia" Children's Hospital.