Health professionals for Phobias in Athens

Petra Sara is a Mental Health Counselor and Social Worker with experience in supporting individuals facing daily life challenges. She holds a degree from PADΑ (Former Technological Educational Institute of Athens). Since 2021, she has been undergoing further training at the Athens Center for Human Studies (AKMA) as a systemic psychotherapist. She works as a social worker in a mental health unit with individuals suffering from schizophrenia and concurrently manages her own cases through video calls and in person on specific days. Her goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and confidential environment.

Nikolakopoulos Giorgos MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Ano Patissia. He holds a degree in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and a postgraduate degree in Psychology and Neuroscience from King's College London. Additionally, he has completed a postgraduate seminar in Clinical Psychopathology at the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has undergone clinical psychoanalytic training at the Psychoanalytic Research Center of Athens, at the Institute of the Freudian Field. The Psychologist has worked with the Independent Humanitarian Organization PRAKSIS, the International Organization for Migration, and Medecins du Monde. Concurrently, he completed his internship at the University General Hospital "Attikon" and has worked at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust in England. In his private practice, he offers a wide range of services, respecting the individual needs of each patient.

Thodoros Xatzixronoglou is a certified Mental Health Counselor - Psychotherapist specializing in counseling psychotherapy and maintains private practices in Galatsi. He completed his training at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), where he received both theoretical and practical education in contemporary psychological support approaches, with an emphasis on creating a safe therapeutic environment, active listening, and targeted intervention. His professional trajectory is characterized by a strong focus on the stability of the therapeutic framework, placing particular emphasis on building a relationship of trust and respect, individualized approaches to the person, and gradual empowerment and self-awareness. His experience in both organized institutions and private practice in Greece and abroad, as well as managing a variety of requests with consistency and responsibility, has endowed him with therapeutic flexibility and the ability to deeply understand individual experiences, allowing him to focus not only on symptoms but also on the meaning they acquire within each person's personal history. He believes that change does not arise from “ready-made solutions” but from the gradual understanding and deep processing of subjective experience. Concurrently, he is engaged in continuous professional development and supervision, considering that professional responsibility requires ongoing growth and scientific updating. His consistent goal is to create a space where individuals can speak honestly without the anxiety of judgment, gain deeper self-understanding, and develop more functional ways to manage their difficulties.

Ms. Malliou Panou MSc, DHP, MBPsS is a certified Psychologist - Psychotherapist with license number 5854. She studied Psychology in the UK and Australia. She completed postgraduate studies in Health Psychology at City St George's, University of London. She has received further training in Clinical Psychopathology and has specialized in individual, group, and family therapy through a four-year clinical program. Additionally, she has specialized in the treatment of anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder, as well as in the treatment of psychosexual disorders through two-year programs at the Research University Mental Health Institute and the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She is also involved in designing prevention and health promotion programs at both individual and community levels. She collaborates with physicians and health professionals where interdisciplinary cooperation is deemed necessary for effective therapeutic intervention. A wide range of disorders and difficulties are addressed (Depression, mood disorders, borderline personality disorder, anxiety disorders, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias, health-related behavior issues, health anxiety, interpersonal problems, adjustment difficulties, grief). Finally, she is a member of the British Psychological Society, the Hellenic Society of Systemic and Family Therapy, and the European Society for Sexual Medicine.

Tsixlas Fotis is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice located in Gkyzi, on Alexandras Avenue. He holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete and a master's degree in Health Psychology from Aston University in the United Kingdom. He has attended the postgraduate seminar in Clinical Psychopathology "Panagiotis Oulis" at the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of the University of Athens. He is a certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Psychotherapist, having completed his studies at the Institute of Behavioral Research and Therapy (ΙΕΘΣ). He has worked at the Institute of Preventive, Environmental, and Occupational Medicine Prolepsis, conducting research in the field of health promotion. Additionally, he has served at the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs as a Psychologist in Centers for Interdisciplinary Evaluation and Counseling, providing counseling services and assessment of learning difficulties. Concurrently, he collaborates with the Panhellenic Association for the Protection, Information & Assistance of Children with Heart Disease "The Heart of the Child," where he volunteers counseling services to parents of children with congenital heart disease. He specializes in anxiety management, interpersonal relationships, mood, and personality disorders. Furthermore, he focuses on supporting and improving the quality of life for individuals with chronic conditions, as well as promoting health through the adoption of healthier behaviors.

Maria Xalepli is a Psychologist and Psychotherapist with a private practice in Ampelokipoi. She graduated with honors from the Psychology Department of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She holds a four-year specialization in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for adults (CBT) from the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies. Additionally, she has been trained by the same organization in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Children and Adolescents. She has also obtained certification in "School Psychology" from EKKE, University of Patras. She has worked as a psychologist at the Day Center for the Homeless of the Municipality of Athens, providing psychosocial support to vulnerable and at-risk groups. She works in private psychotherapy centers providing psychological support to adults and adolescents. Furthermore, as part of her practicum, she worked as a psychologist at the Counseling Station of the Municipality of Petroupoli, where she addressed therapy requests for both adults and adolescents as well as parental counseling. Finally, in her office, she handles cases involving interpersonal relationships, anxiety disorders, phobias, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder management, and more.

Argyropoulou Xristina is a psychotherapist trained at the 'Laboratory for the Investigation of Human Relations.' She holds two postgraduate degrees: a Master of Science in Psychology and a Master of Education in Autism, specializing in the psychoeducation of children and adolescents with autism. She has worked in specialized therapy centers. In recent years, she has maintained her own practice, focusing on adult psychotherapy as well as parent counseling.

Karlatira Euaggelia is a Psychologist and Psychotherapist with extensive experience in the field of mental health. She provides private psychotherapy sessions, assisting individuals in coping with life challenges, managing feelings of anxiety and sadness, and discovering new ways for personal growth. She has worked at the Hellenic Red Cross (2020-2023), offering support to individuals in vulnerable situations, as well as in Secondary Education in Laconia, where she contributed to the psychological reinforcement of students and educators. Additionally, she has actively volunteered with the organization "The Smile of the Child" (2015-2018), providing valuable assistance to children in need. Her studies include: Harokopio University (2022 - 2025): Postgraduate studies in Education and Culture, specializing in Educational Psychology and Educational Practice. Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling (2019 - 2021): Diploma in Cognitive and Behavioral Psychotherapy (CBT) and Panteion University (2014 - 2019) where she earned her Degree in Psychology. With deep knowledge and experience in the field of psychology, Karlatira Euaggelia offers scientifically grounded psychotherapy approaches, helping people find their balance and well-being.

Η Αγγελική Μπίτσι είναι Ψυχολόγος - Συνθετική Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια - Ειδικός θεραπευτικού παιχνιδιού και προσφέρει ατομικές και ομαδικές συνεδρίες σε παιδιά, εφήβους και ενήλικες στο ιδιωτικό της γραφείο στους Αμπελόκηπους. Πιστεύοντας βαθιά ότι κάθε άνθρωπος είναι μοναδικός, ακολουθεί τη Συνθετική Προσέγγιση, η οποία της επιτρέπει να συνδυάζει διαφορετικά θεραπευτικά εργαλεία και να προσαρμόζει τη διαδικασία στις προσωπικές ανάγκες κάθε θεραπευόμενου.

Διαθέτει πτυχίο Ψυχολογίας (Bachelor) από το Cardiff Metropolitan University και μεταπτυχιακό τίτλο σπουδών (Master) στη Συνθετική Ψυχοθεραπεία, έχοντας ολοκληρώσει τους δύο κύκλους σπουδών με αριστεία. Η πτυχιακή της έρευνα επικεντρώθηκε στις θεωρίες δεσμού προσκόλλησης και αφήγησης, ενώ η μεταπτυχιακή της διατριβή εξειδικεύτηκε στην έκφραση και διαχείριση του θυμού μέσω της Εικαστικής Ψυχοθεραπείας (Art Therapy).

Με γνώμονα την ολοκληρωμένη υποστήριξη παιδιών και εφήβων, έχει αποκτήσει Certificate εξειδίκευσης στην Παιγνιοθεραπεία από το Play Therapy Greece, καθώς και μονοετές δίπλωμα στη Συμβουλευτική Ψυχολογία από την Pearson Education. Η φαρέτρα των θεραπευτικών εργαλείων που χρησιμοποιεί, εμπλουτίζεται συνεχώς μέσα από εξειδικευμένα σεμινάρια πάνω στους μηχανισμούς άμυνας, την ανάλυση παιδικού ιχνογραφήματος και το Messy Play.

Η πολυετής κλινική της εμπειρία σε κέντρο παιδιών και εφήβων, καθώς και η ιδιωτική της πρακτική, της έχουν προσφέρει βαθιά κατανόηση των αναπτυξιακών και συναισθηματικών προκλήσεων. Είναι τακτικό μέλος του Συλλόγου Επαγγελματιών Θεραπευτών μέσω Τέχνης και του Διεθνούς Οργανισμού Παιγνιοθεραπείας (Play Therapy International). Με στόχο τη διασφάλιση της υψηλότερης ποιότητας των υπηρεσιών της και την τήρηση της δεοντολογίας, βρίσκεται υπό σταθερή και συστηματική εποπτεία.

Στόχος της είναι να συνδιαμορφώσει με τον θεραπευόμενο ένα ασφαλές περιβάλλον αποδοχής, όπου θα μπορέσει να εξερευνήσει τον εαυτό του και να εξελιχθεί.

Leivaditi Penny is a Military Psychologist and Systemic Psychotherapist with many years of experience in the field of mental health and maintains a private practice in Panormou. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, while simultaneously attending the Military Academy of Corps Officers (2009-2013).

Since 2013, she has worked in mental health institutions, acquiring extensive clinical experience in psychiatric clinics, mental health centers, and psychosocial support services. Over the years, she has developed a deep understanding of the needs of adults facing emotional, interpersonal, and psychological difficulties. Within the framework of her clinical practice, she has been trained at Aeginiteio Hospital in the administration and evaluation of the DSM-5 Personality Questionnaire (SCID-5), enhancing her capability in psychodiagnostic assessment.

Since 2018, she has been training in Systemic Psychotherapy and Group Therapy at the Athens Center for the Study of Humans (AKMA), one of the most prestigious educational institutions for systemic approaches in Greece.

Additionally, she has completed specialized seminars in Systemic Group Psychotherapy, Parent Counseling, and Couples Counseling.

Her therapeutic work includes support in managing anxiety and panic attacks, depression and emotional difficulties, interpersonal problems and relationships, family issues, parenting roles, and matters of self-esteem and self-awareness.

She offers individual sessions for adults, couples counseling, and family counseling, aiming to understand relationships, improve communication, and overall empower the individual within the context of their relational connections.

Dimitris Aggelopoulos is a psychotherapist and educator specializing in Group Analysis. In his private practice, located in the center of Athens, he provides individual and group psychotherapy to individuals facing challenges in their personal lives, relationships, or mental health. His goal is not only the relief of symptoms, but also the emergence of each unique individual and the discovery of new ways of behavior and perception, focusing on healthy relationships and a sense of fulfillment.

He firmly believes that psychological difficulties are not solely individual problems, but mirrors of society, the relationships, and the groups within which we live and interact. Through Group Analysis, he utilizes the function of the group to facilitate the revealing of hidden aspects of the self, offering honest feedback and creating a space where individuals can express themselves freely, without fear of judgment. The group operates as a microcosm of relationships – a dynamic reality in which changes do not remain theoretical, but significantly impact the members’ broader lives.

Dimitris Aggelopoulos fosters an environment of safety and trust, where each person has the opportunity to face their challenges and cultivate the distinctive characteristics of their personality. Psychotherapy is not a luxury, but a vital investment in the relationship with ourselves and others.

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.

Niki Sofoulaki is a Social Worker and Systemic Psychotherapist, maintaining a private office in Ilisia. She trained in Systemic Psychotherapy at the Εργαστήριο Διερεύνησης Ανθρώπινων Σχέσεων and has been working since 2018 supporting individuals and families. She deeply believes that every person has within them the capacity for growth. As a systemic therapist, she approaches each session through the lens of relationships, how we were raised, which beliefs we inherited, and how we learn to belong.

Throughout her professional journey, she has worked therapeutically with individuals who have experienced deep traumatic experiences, anxiety, depression, issues related to self-awareness, and more. Her work is based on connection, trust, and acceptance, through an open dialogue with the individual(s), providing the necessary space and time they need. The systemic approach is applied in individual sessions, couples therapy, family therapy, and groups, depending on the needs and goals of the individual(s), with respect for each person’s pace and the uniqueness of every relationship.

Since 2018, she has been actively involved in the field of mental health, while her private practice began in 2021, where she provides psychotherapy sessions and counseling to individuals and families. Having had the opportunity to meet and support people at very different stages of their lives, her professional journey began in NGOs, where she worked with vulnerable social groups. She provided counseling support aimed at social reintegration, helping people gradually regain a sense of safety and connection with their support systems. She has also worked clinically in a Day Center for individuals with psychosis and related disorders. There, she coordinated therapeutic rehabilitation groups, in which the group functioned as a field of relationship, interaction, and meaning-making of experience, supporting functionality, daily life, and the reconnection of individuals with their social role, while at the same time providing individual psychotherapeutic support to people facing mental health difficulties. This experience taught her in depth how important it is to see the person beyond the diagnosis, within the system of relationships, experiences, and meanings that surround them.

In addition, alongside her private office, she also works in an adolescent and family unit. There, she supports young people experiencing intense emotional difficulties, while also providing family psychotherapy sessions, aiming to empower the entire system and restore bonds within the family framework.

Spanou Zeta is a Psychologist and Systemic Psychotherapist with a private practice in Ambelokipi. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Crete and license number 905-31/5/2016. After completing her undergraduate studies, she pursued postgraduate studies in the Department of Criminology at the University of Leicester, specializing in Clinical Criminology, with official recognition of the degree by DOATAP. She subsequently completed a five-year training program in Systemic Psychotherapy at S.K.E.PSY.S. (Systemic Center for Education and Psychotherapy), where she was trained in individual psychotherapy, couples therapy, as well as group psychotherapy and counseling.

She has completed a one-year specialization program in trauma treatment and the seminar "Versions: Narrative Tools in Therapeutic Practice" [Self and family descriptions, Fiction Tool, Childhood memories, Life stories (life lines, life story interview, prototypical scene), Drawings as stories (DARP, DBN, HTP)], a 30-hour course at the "Logos Psychis" Institute, and is currently specializing in Couples Therapy at the same institute.

Additionally, she has attended training seminars to enhance her therapeutic skills, the most notable of which are the two-day seminar on skills and techniques in Couples Therapy at Logos Psychis, the two-day workshop on children's drawings by Animus Corpus, and the seminar on systemic reframing at the Center for Personal Development and Psychotherapy of Cyprus.

Moreover, she has volunteered at the Municipality and various NGOs, gaining extensive experience working with vulnerable populations, which has enriched her professional practice and understanding of social issues.

Koanta Stauroula is a Mental Health Counselor and Psychotherapist with a private practice in Athens. She is a member of the Hellenic Counseling Society and specializes in Drama Therapy and art-based psychotherapeutic approaches. She studied Set and Costume Design at the Lycurgus Stavrakos School of Cinema and Television and pursued postgraduate specialization in Cinematherapy at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has received training in Group Analysis, Psychotherapy, and Psychodrama through HAGAP and has completed a study program at the Hellenic Training Center “Psychotherapy through Arts” with a focus on Drama Therapy. She also holds an international certificate in the field of Psychogenealogy and Intergenerational Psychodrama. She works with a psychodynamic – analytical (Jungian) approach, offering individual sessions, therapeutic groups, and alternative forms of expression and processing through painting, music, cinema, storytelling, and other artistic media. She specializes in supporting individuals facing grief, anxiety, psychological trauma, identity crises, or changes in everyday roles, while also accompanying those seeking deeper self-awareness and personal development.

Papaeuaggelou Maria is a Psychologist – Systemic Family Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Omonia. She holds a BSc in Psychology from London Metropolitan University and an MSc in Psychology from the University of Central Lancashire. She has obtained a Professional Diploma in Systemic and Family Therapy from the Laboratory for the Investigation of Human Relations, as well as a Professional Diploma in Mental Health Counseling (Person-Centered Approach) from the College for Humanistic Sciences – ICPS, certified by Pearson UK. Additionally, she has specialized in Emotional Trauma Management and Personality Disorders at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has completed clinical internships at the Outpatient Detoxification Clinic "Athena" of Aiginiteio Hospital and at OKANA (Organization Against Drugs), gaining experience in the assessment and therapeutic support of individuals with addictive behaviors and their families. Her therapeutic approach is based on Systemic and Person-Centered Psychotherapy, emphasizing the creation of a safe framework of trust and acceptance that facilitates personal awareness, empowerment, and meaningful change. Finally, her office provides personalized psychotherapy and counseling services tailored to the needs of each individual, couple, or family, aiming at empowerment, improvement of quality of life, and meaningful personal development.

Matthaiou Dimitrios is a Psychologist and Child Psychologist trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Psychotherapy and Counseling Center and maintains a private practice in the Gyzi area of Attica.