Health professionals for Panic attacks

Platon Xristopoulos is a Psychiatrist with a private practice in Patras. He holds a medical degree and a postgraduate diploma in Biological Psychiatry, specifically in the variation of depression biomarkers during treatment, from the University of Patras. Additionally, he has received further training in the management of anxiety and depression from Harvard Medical School and Marchwood Priory Hospital. He has also been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy and Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy at the Hellenic Center for Mental Health in Patras and the Sigmund Freud University of Vienna, respectively. Throughout his career, he has served as a Scientific Collaborator at the London Psychiatry Center and as the Principal Investigator in the "Sorranos" research program at the Medical School of the University of Crete. Currently, in his private practice, he offers a wide range of specialized services, always ensuring to find tailored solutions based on the individual needs of his patients. Finally, it is worth mentioning that he is committed to continuous professional development and has received a scholarship to attend a series of seminars on Brain Plasticity: From Molecules to Behavior.

Angeliki Xatzimanoli, MSc is a Psychologist, certified Psychotherapist, and maintains a private practice in Ilisia. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at the University of Central Lancashire and graduated from the Department of Social Policy at Panteion University. Additionally, she has a master's degree in "Addiction Treatment - Addictology" from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, in collaboration with the Medical School of Athens. Currently, she is training in "Systemic Psychotherapy and Counseling" at the Center for Systemic Study and Therapy of Athens (Ke.S.Me.Th.). Throughout her career, she has volunteered with the Non-Governmental Organizations "ActionAid Hellas" and the International Cybersecurity Institute (CSI). She served as a Psychologist for the NGO "The Home Project" and collaborates as an external associate with the Center for Special Therapies "Oikogeneia." She also writes voluntarily for the website ''efiveia.gr,'' focusing on family and its connection and collaboration with the online therapy platform Terappin. She has been trained in the application of the Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy protocol (TF-CBT). She provides psychological support to children, adolescents, and adults. It is noteworthy that she participated in authoring the European program "TRACeD," within the framework of actions for the awareness and prevention of online gender-based violence. In her private practice, she undertakes the assessment, monitoring, and psychotherapeutic treatment of various psychological difficulties, such as anxiety disorders, depressive episodes, adjustment disorders, personality disorders, as well as issues related to interpersonal relationships and self-esteem.

Katerina Aslanoglou is a Psychologist-Psychotherapist and PhD Candidate in Clinical Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT. Concurrently, she collaborates as part of her internship practice with the Institute for Research and Therapy of Behavior (ΙΕΘΣ). She graduated from the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and completed her postgraduate studies in Health Promotion and Education at the Medical School of Athens, graduating with honors. Currently, she continues her academic career as a PhD Candidate in Clinical Psychology at the Department of Psychology of NKUA. Additionally, she has been trained in Counseling and Psychotherapy for LGBTQ+ individuals by Orlando LGBT - Mental Health Without Stigma. She has attended numerous seminars, is the author of scientific articles, and has participated in national and European scientific conferences. She works privately with adults in individual psychotherapy and simultaneously collaborates with an organization providing psychological support and empowerment to women and female-identifying individuals experiencing gender-based violence. Finally, she was honored with a commendation from the National Center for Social Solidarity (E.K.K.A) for her voluntary contribution to policies of inclusion and empowerment of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Samaras Konstantinos is a Psychiatrist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Athens. He studied at the Medical School of the University of Thessaly. He specialized in Psychiatry at Aeginiteio Hospital, where he also completed training in Cognitive Psychotherapy at the First University Psychiatric Department. Additionally, he has completed a two-year Postgraduate Training in Behavioral Therapy of Anxiety Disorders at the Research University Institute of Mental Health. He has worked as a Medical Advisor Neuroscience at Janssen-Cilag, where he participated in the esketamine program for treatment-resistant depression, as well as serving as Scientific Director at the Mobile Unit of the Society of Social Psychiatry. Finally, he is specialized in Anxiety, Depression, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Polyxronaki Panagiota is a clinical psychologist - psychotherapist providing online sessions.

She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete and a master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Leiden University, Netherlands. She has been trained in the Cognitive Behavioral Approach by the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies.

She is certified in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, has completed the one-year postgraduate program in Clinical Psychopathology at the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and the Research University Mental Health Institute (EPISY), as well as holding a diploma in Coaching from UGROW and the Positive Psychology Society.

In parallel, she has attended numerous specialized trainings and continually pursues her professional development through supervision and ongoing education.

Regarding her professional training, she completed her internship as part of her postgraduate studies at the Psychiatric Clinic of the University Hospital of Heraklion and at the Alzheimer Day Center "Nefeli". Additionally, she completed an internship at the Student Counseling Center of NKUA, providing therapeutic support to students.

She works privately, providing sessions to adults and adolescents.

Lila Karali is a Psychologist, an honor graduate of the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete (BSc), licensed to practice professionally. She has an academic background in the natural sciences (Chemistry-BSc, MSc), and a postgraduate diploma in Bioethics (MA). Her interdisciplinary education enhances her ability to bridge the biological and psychological perspectives, focusing on a comprehensive understanding of the human experience. She possesses clinical experience with the adult population and has specialized in Systemic Psychotherapy (a four-year training program), promoting the understanding of the self in relation to significant life systems (family, work, society). Additionally, she has training and experience in Compassion Focused Therapy to alleviate psychological distress related to persistent shame and self-criticism. Her therapeutic practice emphasizes the autonomy and values of each individual.

Hatzinikoli Margarita is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Thessaloniki. She is a graduate of the Psychology Department of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. During her internship, she collaborated with the Youth Support Center of the non-governmental organization "Arsis." Within the framework of her systemic orientation, as a trainee Systemic – Family therapist at the Institute of Systemic Approach and Family Therapy, she works with families and their members, resonating with them and accompanying each individual separately, as well as all together, on the issues for which they seek her assistance. In recent years, she has participated in the design and coordination of psychosocial programs in collaboration with the "Psychotopos" team, some of which address assertiveness, conflict resolution, anger management, and sexual education. Additionally, together with the above-mentioned team, they coordinate groups focused on either personal development or various themes such as infertility and adoption. As a Professional Focusing Partner, having completed the Focusing training cycle (Level I & II), she employs the Focusing Process, an experiential (internal) method, to address cases of severe anxiety and panic attacks. Furthermore, she has completed the Effective Parenting training cycle by Gordon Hellas. Finally, as part of her ongoing professional development, she attends and participates in seminars and training programs related to domestic violence and the support of socially vulnerable groups (LGBTQ+, persons with disabilities, etc.).

Η Σούμα Κέλλυ είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και πραγματοποιεί διαδικτυακές συνεδρίες Ψυχοθεραπείας. Κατέχει άδεια ασκήσεως επαγγέλματος και διαθέτει εκπαίδευση σε ψυχοθεραπευτική προσέγγιση στη Λογικοθυμική και Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφορική Ψυχοθεραπεία (RECBT) από το Albert Ellis Institute. Έχει αφιερώσει το έργο της στη βαθιά και ουσιαστική αλλαγή στον τρόπο που οι άνθρωποι αντιλαμβάνονται τον εαυτό τους, τους άλλους και τον κόσμο γύρω τους. Ολοκλήρωσε τις προπτυχιακές σπουδές της στην Ψυχολογία στο University of East London με άριστα (First Class Honors), εστιάζοντας στη δύναμη της Ψυχολογίας να εμπνέει φιλοσοφική αλλαγή, πέρα από την άμεση και βραχυπρόθεσμη ανακούφιση των συμπτωμάτων.Η θεραπευτική της προσέγγιση εστιάζει σε μια βαθιά και ουσιαστική αλλαγή – όχι μόνο στην ανακούφιση από συμπτώματα όπως το άγχος, η κατάθλιψη, ο θυμός, ο πληγωμένος πόνος, η ντροπή, οι ενοχές, η ζήλια, ο φθόνος αλλά και στην κατανόηση της προέλευσης των σκέψεων και των πεποιθήσεών μας. Στην RECBT, επομένως, η αλλαγή δεν είναι επιφανειακή. Καθοδηγεί τους θεραπευόμενους να αποδομήσουν τις Μη Ορθολογικές Πεποιθήσεις (ΜΟΠ), οι οποίες είναι λιγότερο βοηθητικές, μη ρεαλιστικές, άκαμπτες, απόλυτες και μη συνεπείς με την πραγματικότητα και συχνά επηρεάζουν βαθιά τον συναισθηματικό τους κόσμο. Σε αυτό το ταξίδι, τους ενδυναμώνει να οικοδομήσουν νέες Ορθολογικές Πεποιθήσεις (ΟΠ),  οι οποίες είναι περισσότερο βοηθητικές, ρεαλιστικές, ευέλικτες και συνεπής με την πραγματικότητα. Με αυτό το τρόπο, οι Ορθολογικές Πεποιθήσεις προάγουν τη λειτουργικότητα και την ψυχική ισορροπία του ατόμου. Στόχος της ειδικού είναι να βοηθά κάθε άτομο να κατανοήσει πως όταν αναλαμβάνουμε τη συναισθηματική ευθύνη της ύπαρξής μας με τρόπο συμβατό με τη βαθύτερη φιλοσοφία του ίδιου μας του εαυτού, τότε καταφέρνουμε αφενός να απολαμβάνουμε περισσότερο την ζωή μας και αφετέρου να βιώνουμε πιο λειτουργικά συναισθήματα. Ακόμα και αν αυτά πρόκειται να είναι αρνητικά. Η ανάληψη ευθύνης ότι τα συναισθήματα και οι αντιδράσεις μας δεν οφείλονται μόνο σε εξωτερικά γεγονότα αλλά κυρίως στις εσωτερικές μας πεποιθήσεις, νοοτροπίες και στάσεις, μας βοηθάει να κατανοήσουμε/διαχειριστούμε με μεγαλύτερη ορθότητα τα συναισθήματά μας. Επομένως, κάθε άτομο έχει τις δικές του αξίες, στόχους και πεποιθήσεις, οι  οποίες διαμορφώνουν έναν προσωπικό «κώδικα» ζωής για τον εαυτό, τους άλλους και τη ζωή. Η αλλαγή λοιπόν που επιτυγχάνουμε στη θεραπεία είναι προσαρμοσμένη στη διαδικασία που ταιριάζει με αυτόν τον «κώδικα». Το άτομο, δηλαδή, κάνει αλλαγές που δεν του είναι ξένες, αλλά συμβατές με τον πυρήνα του. Η RECBT επομένως, καθώς και η βιωματική - Ορθολογική Ψυχοθεραπεία, δεν είναι μόνο ένα θεραπευτικό εργαλείο, αλλά μια φιλοσοφία ζωής. Σε αυτό το πλαίσιο, το φιλοσοφικό μοντέλο που εφαρμόζει δεν στοχεύει απλώς στο «να νιώθουμε καλύτερα», αλλά στο να αλλάξουμε τη δομή της σκέψης μας, ώστε να «σκεφτόμαστε καλύτερα».

Η εμπειρία της καλύπτει ένα ευρύ φάσμα ψυχολογικών θεμάτων, όπως γενικευμένη αγχώδη διαταραχή, κρίσεις και διαταραχή πανικού, αγοραφοβία, κοινωνικό άγχος, κατάθλιψη, διπολική διαταραχή, καθώς και ιδεοψυχαναγκαστικές και συνδεόμενες συμπεριφορές και διαταραχές προσωπικότητας. Ως ψυχοθεραπεύτρια, επιδιώκει να προχωρήσει μαζί με το θεραπευόμενο πέρα από τα συμπτώματα, φτάνοντας στη ρίζα των πεποιθήσεων που τα πυροδοτούν. Αξιοποιεί τεχνικές της Community Therapy και της Ριζοσπαστικής Ψυχοθεραπείας, δίνοντας έμφαση στην αποδοχή, την αλληλεγγύη και τη φιλοσοφική θεμελίωση των Ορθολογικών Πεποιθήσεων. Παράλληλα, εργάζεται σε ζητήματα συναισθηματικής ρύθμισης, αυτοπεποίθησης, διεκδικητικότητας και προσωπικής ανάπτυξης.

Για την ίδια η ψυχοθεραπεία είναι κάτι περισσότερο από μια διαδικασία παρέμβασης: είναι μια βαθιά κοινωνική συνάντηση και αλληλεπίδραση. Στο πλαίσιο των συνεδριών , επιδιώκει να δημιουργεί έναν ασφαλή χώρο όπου η ψυχοθεραπεία αναδεικνύεται ως κοινή πορεία – μια σχέση αλληλοκατανόησης και ουσιαστικής επικοινωνίας. Καθώς αλληλεπιδρούμε, εξερευνούμε όχι μόνο τις προκλήσεις, αλλά και τα εσωτερικά αποθέματα δύναμης που μπορούν να φέρουν πραγματική και διαρκή αλλαγή.Επιπλέον, βρίσκεται υπό την εποπτεία αναγνωρισμένων ψυχοθεραπευτών, εξασφαλίζοντας έτσι την υψηλή ποιότητα των θεραπευτικών υπηρεσιών που προσφέρει. Με αυτό το τρόπο επενδύει στη συνεχή βελτίωση της θεραπευτικής εμπειρίας, ώστε να υποστηρίζει κάθε θεραπευόμενο να ξεπεράσει τους περιορισμούς του και να χτίσει μια ζωή με νόημα, αυθεντικότητα και ψυχική ανθεκτικότητα.

Τέλος, στην επαγγελματική της πορεία η εκπαίδευση και οι γνώσεις της επεκτείνονται στη δουλειά με παιδιά και εφήβους, βοηθώντας τους να αναπτύξουν μια στέρεη βάση αυτοπεποίθησης και ψυχικής ισορροπίας από νωρίς, ώστε να διαμορφώσουν λειτουργικες σχέσεις και ορθολογικές αντιλήψεις. Έχει προσφέρει υπηρεσίες ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης σε παιδιά με αναπηρίες ενισχύοντας την ψυχική και συναισθηματική τους ανάπτυξη καθώς και σε άτομα με σοβαρές ψυχικές προκλήσεις, γνωρίζοντας πώς να προσεγγίζει τις ευαισθησίες και τα ιδιαίτερα χαρακτηριστικά της κάθε ηλικίας. Επίσης, έχει εργαστεί στο Πρότυπο Ειδικό Σχολείο «Ρόζα Ιμβριώτη»  στην Καισαριανή, παρέχοντας στήριξη σε παιδιά με ιδιαιτερότητες, καθώς και ως Υπεύθυνη Προστασίας Ανηλίκων στο ΚΔΑΠ ΜΕΑ ΠΡΌΣΒΑΣΗ, στη Μεταμόρφωση, τη Λυκόβρυση και την Πεύκη. Παρακολουθεί τακτικά εκπαιδευτικά προγράμματα, σεμινάρια και συνέδρια, σχετικά με το Bullying, το σπάσιμο του στίγματος σε άτομα με Ψυχοπαθολογία, τις Διαπροσωπικές Σχέσεις, το Rational Living, την Κοινοτική Ψυχοθεραπεία, την Εγκληματολογία κ.α. Τα τελευταία χρόνια εργάζεται ως ελεύθερη επαγγελματίας Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια, προσφέροντας online ψυχοθεραπεία, εξυπηρετώντας ανθρώπους από όλο τον κόσμο. 

Petrou Vaia is a Psychiatrist and psychotherapist, maintaining a private practice in Kalamaria and providing both in-person and online appointments. She completed her medical studies at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and is a member of the Hellenic Psychiatric Association. She completed her residency at the Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki and works as a private Psychiatrist. Since 2024, she has been employed as a psychiatrist at the Synthesi company, at the Estia Day Center. During her studies, she gained clinical experience in various medical fields at university clinics in Warsaw, Malta, Kaunas, and Budapest. She has attended Clinical Seminars on psychological trauma at the Institute of Psychology and Health, an introductory seminar on Group Dynamics and Group Psychotherapy, as well as numerous other seminars. She has received training in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy at Aeginiteio Hospital, in Cinematotherapy, Family and Couple Therapy, as well as in Forensic Psychiatry from NKUA. Additionally, she has participated in seminars in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy offered by the Hellenic Society of Psychoanalysis and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, as well as by the Psychiatric Clinic of Ioannina in collaboration with the Hellenic Psychoanalytic Society. As part of her specialty training, she has been educated in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy, Supportive Psychotherapy, Brief Intensive Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (BIDP), and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy.

Dionysiadou Antigoni Maria is a Psychologist and Group Psychotherapist, maintaining private offices in the Gkazi area and in Ilisia. She offers sessions in both Greek and English. She holds a degree in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and is a candidate group psychotherapist at the S.H. Foulkes Institute of Group Analysis. In her private practice, she provides psychotherapy services for adults with a psychoanalytic approach, addressing issues of identity and self-esteem, personal and professional deadlocks, managing difficult emotions (e.g., anger, grief, addiction), trauma therapy, anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety, panic attacks), and personality and mood disorders (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder). She works with adolescents presenting psychiatric symptoms at the "Telemachos" adolescent hostel of the Regional Development and Mental Health Company as a group psychotherapist. She has volunteered at the Franco Basaglia Day Center of the Regional Development and Mental Health Company, providing counseling and psychotherapy services to adults with a wide diagnostic spectrum, as well as at the General Hospital Elena Venizelou, where she served as a counseling psychologist for women with high-risk pregnancies. She has been an instructor in psychopathology at the Vocational Training Institute of Elliniko-Argyroupoli. Lastly, as part of her ongoing professional development, she has attended numerous educational programs, workshops, and seminars organized by the Hellenic Psychoanalytic Society and the Hellenic Society of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy.

Pliakou Maria BSc, MSc is a Clinical Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Kaisariani (near Karavel - Evangelismos metro station). She studied Psychology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, completing her fourth year of studies at Universität Konstanz in Germany, following a scholarship she received. During her studies, she completed clinical training at the Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki (P.H.Th.) and at the Day Care Center for Individuals with Memory Disorders. After completing her undergraduate studies, she gained significant experience in the assessment and support of patients with severe mental disorders, within the framework of clinical training in mental health at the Psychiatric Clinic of Papageorgiou General Hospital of Thessaloniki. She specialized in Clinical Psychology through postgraduate studies at Leiden University in the Netherlands, completing clinical training at the Leiden University Treatment and Expertise Centre, providing psychological support to university students. She followed a four-year specialization in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies (SCBS), and received theoretical training in therapy for children and adolescents. She worked for several years as a psychotherapist in the Adult Therapy Department of the Institute for Research and Behavior Therapy (IRBT), and has worked in numerous therapy centers, providing individual psychotherapy to adults, children, adolescents, as well as counseling for parents.

Peristera Kalamara MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Kozani. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and has completed a postgraduate program in Adolescent Medicine and Adolescent Health Care from the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Additionally, she is a graduate of a Special Education training program from the Department of Education at the University of the Aegean and a certified CBT Psychotherapist by the Hellenic Society of Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy. The psychologist has gained significant professional experience, having worked in mental health institutions and organizations such as the Mobile Mental Health Unit of Kozani - Grevena, the counseling & psychotherapy program "No One Alone" of the Mental Health & Social Reintegration Society, and at The Smile of the Child in Thessaloniki. Furthermore, she completed her internship at the Psychiatric Clinic of the General Hospital of Kozani and continues to work at IONOS - Company for Psychosocial Development and Cooperation.

She organizes and coordinates parent groups regarding the challenges of their new roles and provides counseling on adolescent-related issues.

She is also an instructor at Volteros IEK in the Occupational Therapy and Infant Care Departments, teaching Psychopathology courses on disorders and the professional roles in relation to mental health of the individuals they care for.

Finally, she has participated in numerous conferences related to her specialty.