Health professionals for Family therapy 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

The office manager is Diamantis Akis Kai Synergates, Psychologist – Psychoanalyst, PhD, graduate of the Department of Psychology at Panteion University, member of the Hellenic Psychoanalytic Society and the International Psychoanalytic Association. He has completed postgraduate studies in Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology at Paris 7 – Denis Diderot University, in the Doctoral School of Research in Psychoanalysis.

From 2008 to 2018, he worked at the University Child Psychiatry Clinic of the General Children's Hospital "Agia Sofia," where he served as head of the Center for Adolescent Training and Psychosocial Support. He has extensive clinical experience in adult psychoanalysis and psychotherapy for children and adolescents.

The psychological office in Cholargos operates as a modern clinical setting for psychotherapy and psychoanalysis, oriented towards scientific validity, the therapeutic relationship, and respect for the uniqueness of each patient. Therapeutic work is conducted within a stable and organized clinical framework, supported by collaborators with diverse psychotherapeutic specializations, sharing a common foundation in clinical reasoning and mental health ethics.

The office functions as a dynamic space for clinical practice, dialogue, and collaboration, offering comprehensive psychotherapeutic care for adults, children, and adolescents.

Kovatsevits Konstantatou Alexandra is an experienced Mental Health Counselor – Psychotherapist in the field of individual, group, couples, and parent therapy. Since 2014, she has maintained a private practice, offering her support to individuals, couples, and groups.

Her approach is person-centered, humanistic, relational, and informed by attachment theory. She advocates for a non-diagnostic perspective on human distress, working with clients through non-pharmaceutical methods, and building a strong therapeutic alliance with them.

In addition, she specializes in working with couples using the Emotionally Focused Couple’s Therapy (EFT) model. Thanks to her international background and her language skills, she has gained substantial experience working with intercultural couples (mixed couples).

She possesses extensive and long-standing experience in various life situations and has lived and worked in many countries. With an academic background in Economics and professional experience in the business world of shipping—and always believing that life is a continuous process of change and learning—she once again set an example through her own life by training as a Mental Health Counselor, obtaining a Master’s degree in Person-Centered Counseling & Psychotherapy from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.

She then continued her training as a Parent Counselor with the EAG (Effective Parent Training) model by Gordon Hellas. She also trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) at the Hellenic Focusing Center, completing the Externship in EFT at the Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, as well as the Core Skills program with the EFT Greek Network.

Finally, she has also offered her services voluntarily at the Elderly Care Center “Nea Thalpi”, where she created a psychological support group for relatives of elderly people suffering from dementia, and at the Counseling Center “Together for Children.”

Piki Eirini works as a psychologist, psychotherapist, family therapist, lecturer and supervisor. She is a member of the ‘Greek Psychological Association’ as well as the ‘Hellenic Association of Systemic Therapy (HELASYTH). She has also obtained the European Certificate in Psychology (EuroPsy), and a work license as a psychologist (No. 5522/07). She completed her undergraduate degree (BSc) at the University of North London and her postgraduate (MA) and doctoral (PhD) studies at Goldsmiths University of London. Furthermore, she completed a training in individual, group and family psychotherapy at the Laboratory for the Study of Human Relations. She has worked for several years in different contexts in the field of psychology, such as in prisons, nursing homes and orphanages. She has given lectures at Goldsmiths University of London (UK) and at Mediterranean College (Greece). Since 2002, she has taken part in several seminars, with the aim of informing either the laymen or specific groups, such as parents, teachers and/or mental health care professionals. Since 2005, she has been working in private practice at her office in Agia Paraskevi, Athens, as a psychologist-psychotherapist for children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, as a group therapist, and also as a supervisor. Moreover, since 2005, she has been cooperating with a number of nurseries and, since 2012, she is in collaboration with the European Network of Women, which is an NGO dealing with issues of interfamilial violence and racial discrimination.

Samari Vasiliki is a Psychologist - Systemic Psychotherapist, with undergraduate studies in the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and postgraduate studies (MSc) in Child and Adolescent Mental Health at the European University Cyprus. She specializes in the Systemic Approach at the training and research institute “Logos Psychis” in the SANE-System Attachment Narrative Encephalon model, an approach that enriches contemporary postmodern systemic theory with attachment theory, narrative psychology, and recent findings in neuroscience. In psychotherapy, this approach is applied in sessions with individuals, couples, families, and groups. She has also received specialization in couples therapy and marriage counseling from the European Institute of Counseling and Psychotherapy, and has attended numerous seminars and conferences as part of her continual professional development and updating on new developments in the fields of psychology, psychopathology, and neuroscience. She has collaborated with the Social Protection and Solidarity Organization of the Municipality of Vrilissia, providing counseling-based therapy to adults and adolescents. She completed her practical training at the psychiatric clinic of the 414 Military Hospital of Special Diseases. She is a regular member of the Hellenic Psychological Society (SEPS) and holds a professional psychologist license issued by the Public Health Directorate of the Athens Prefecture. In her private practice located in Melissia, she works with adults, couples, adolescents, and families.

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.

"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.

Kyrkou Margarita is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains her private practice in Kifisia. She holds a degree in Psychology from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, possesses a license to practice as a Psychologist, and is a regular member of the Hellenic Psychological Society. She has completed a four-year specialization in the Integrative Model of Systemic - Family Therapy at the Laboratory for the Investigation of Human Relations of Ch. Kataki and concurrently holds a master's degree (MSc) in Organizational Psychology from Panteion University. She is also a certified trainer of Effective Parenting Workshops from Gordon Hellas. In a clinical context, she has completed internships at the Community Mental Health Center of the Central Sector of Thessaloniki and in the Psychiatric Department of the Attikon General Hospital "Sismanogleio." She has also worked at the DIKEPSY center as a Psychologist - Systemic - Family Psychotherapist, providing individual psychotherapy and parental counseling services. Currently, in her private practice, she offers individual psychotherapy, parent and family counseling, as well as couple counseling (both in-person and online). Additionally, she coordinates psychotherapy and counseling groups. At the same time, she has extensive experience as an Organizational Psychologist in large organizations and collaborates with a well-known provider of Employee Assistance Programmes, undertaking initiatives for the prevention and management of psychosocial risks and providing counseling, training, and psychological support services to employees and their families.

I am Prapas Ioannis, a psychologist and mental health counselor - psychotherapist. I maintain a private practice in Gerakas. I have studied Psychology in Greece (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens - E.K.P.A.) and Italy (E-Campus University), Cognitive and Behavioral Psychotherapy, Psycholinguistics and Counseling in Greece (E.K.P.A. and the Hellenic Open University - E.A.P.) and abroad (Scotland, Edinburgh). Additionally, I have training in Adult Education and Career Counseling. I hold diplomas in Integrative-Synthetic Psychotherapy, Counseling, and Positive Psychotherapy. I also collaborate on an external basis as a Parent and Adolescent Counselor with private organizations. In my practice, I handle cases spanning the entire spectrum of psychological and psychiatric mental health. I specialize in Parent and Adolescent Counseling with 30 years of experience, psychotherapy of a broad range of psychological and psychiatric cases, as well as career guidance for adolescents and adults.

Panagiotis Tsigkris is a certified Systemic Family Psychotherapist - Social Worker licensed to practice and a member of SKLE. He has completed a four-year specialization in the integrative model of family psychotherapy at the Laboratory for the Investigation of Human Relations. He has twenty-five years of experience providing psychotherapy and counseling to individuals, couples, families, as well as serving as a coordinator for psychotherapy, counseling, and personal development groups. He has extensive experience in addiction treatment, having worked in addiction care facilities with both adults and adolescents and their families. He has collaborated with educational institutions, conducting presentations and seminars aimed at parents focusing on enhancing communication and strengthening the parental role. In his private practice in Cholargos, as well as through online sessions, he accepts young people, adults, couples, and families. His clinical experience includes support for difficulties related to anxiety management, depression, psychosomatic symptoms, grief, as well as interpersonal issues, intrafamilial conflicts, parenting, identity, and dysfunctional communication.