Health professionals for Phobias in the Northern suburbs of Athens

Η Σγουράκη Δήμητρα BSc είναι Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και Σύμβουλος Ψυχικής Υγείας με εξειδίκευση στην Ψυχοτραυματολογία και την Ψυχοδυναμική Ψυχοθεραπεία, συνδυάζοντας με εξαιρετική αποτελεσματικότητα τις δύο προσεγγίσεις για την ολιστική κατανόηση και θεραπεία των ψυχικών τραυμάτων. Η προσέγγισή της επικεντρώνεται στην επεξεργασία τραυματικών εμπειριών και στη βαθύτερη κατανόηση των ασυνείδητων διεργασιών του ατόμου, επιδιώκοντας να ενισχύσει τη σύνδεση των βιωμάτων με τις ψυχικές διαδικασίες. Εστιάζει στη δυναμική αλληλεπίδραση μεταξύ του παρελθόντος και του παρόντος, βοηθώντας τους θεραπευόμενους να αναγνωρίσουν τις βαθύτερες αιτίες των δυσκολιών τους και να αναπτύξουν πιο λειτουργικές στρατηγικές διαχείρισης. Έχει εμπειρία στη συμβουλευτική ενηλίκων, παρέχει θεραπεία σε ασφαλές θεραπευτικό πλαίσιο βασισμένο στην εμπιστοσύνη, την ενσυναίσθηση και τη σταθερότητα σε άτομα που αντιμετωπίζουν ζητήματα άγχους, κατάθλιψης, φοβιών, συναισθηματικών διαταραχών, διατροφικών θεμάτων καθώς και δυσκολιών στις διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις. Με δέσμευση στη διαρκή επιμόρφωση και επαγγελματική ανάπτυξη, παρακολουθεί τακτικά εξειδικευμένα σεμινάρια και εργαστήρια, παραμένοντας ενημερωμένη για τις τελευταίες επιστημονικές εξελίξεις στον τομέα της ψυχολογίας και της ψυχοθεραπείας. Στόχος της είναι να προσφέρει ένα ασφαλές, υποστηρικτικό και θεραπευτικό περιβάλλον, όπου οι θεραπευόμενοι μπορούν να επεξεργαστούν τις εμπειρίες τους, να κατανοήσουν βαθύτερα τις ψυχικές τους ανάγκες και να χτίσουν μια πιο ισχυρή, ισορροπημένη και αυθεντική ζωή.

Mparlou Klea BSc, MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Cholargos and serves as a Supervisor of Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Westminster and a master's degree in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy from Goldsmiths College - University of London. Additionally, she has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for patients with Eating Disorders and in Dialectical Behavior Therapy for patients with Borderline Personality Disorder at the 1st University Psychiatric Clinic of Aiginiteio Hospital. Furthermore, she received training in Behavioral Interventions for the management of somatic symptoms from the Hellenic Society for Behavioral Research. She has worked as a Scientific Collaborator at the RECBT - Hellenic Institute of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy and as a Psychologist at the Athens Alzheimer Association. Finally, she has served as a Teaching Psychologist in the Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy program at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy & Counseling (KEPSYSY). In her private practice, she offers a wide range of services, respecting the unique needs of each individual patient.

Platyrraxou Marianna is a Psychologist-Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. She has specialized in Systemic - Family Psychotherapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for individuals and couples. She is a regular member of the Hellenic and European Counseling Associations as well as the International and Hellenic Network for Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT-ICEEFT). She works with individuals, couples, families, parents, and groups on issues related to interpersonal relationships, anxiety disorders, panic attacks, other emotional disorders and mood disorders, gender identity issues, Asperger's syndrome, among others. Within a framework of safety and acceptance, she aims to provide psychological support to adolescents and adults and to highlight their skills and mental resources, with the goal of empowering them and achieving a balanced life. She has 25 years of experience in the field of community services, communication, and corporate social responsibility. She has collaborated with an extensive network of people and groups with very diverse backgrounds, experiences, needs, behaviors, and life attitudes. She has a deep understanding of human behavior, interpersonal relationships, and the challenges each individual faces throughout life in an ever-changing world.

Metta Kalliopi, MSc, is a Psychotherapist offering online sessions in both Greek and English, based between Athens and Amsterdam. She holds two Master’s degrees — in Clinical Psychology (Leiden University, the Netherlands) and Neuroscience (Carleton University, Canada). Kalliopi works exclusively online, providing psychotherapeutic support to adults in Greece and abroad. She works with individuals experiencing anxiety disorders, panic attacks, work-related stress, depression, ADHD, emotional regulation difficulties, interpersonal issues, psychosomatic symptoms, self-esteem challenges, addictions, as well as existential concerns related to meaning and identity. In her therapeutic practice, she integrates techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamic Therapy, aiming to help clients understand and change limiting patterns of thought and behavior. She supports individuals in managing anxiety, improving relationships, and enhancing self-esteem. Kalliopi also places particular emphasis on empowering and supporting members of the LGBTQIA+ community, approaching every individual with acceptance, respect, and authenticity. She has completed over 300 hours of personal psychotherapy, deepening her understanding of the therapeutic process and human experience.

Empeoglou Varvara holds a Professional Practice License, a degree in Psychology from the University of Essex, and a postgraduate degree in Applied Clinical Psychology from the University of Central Lancashire. She has certified training in Group Analytical Psychotherapy, Couples and Family Counseling, as well as the international four-year postgraduate program at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Systemic, Dialogical, and Narrative Approaches, focusing her therapeutic practice on postmodern forms of psychotherapy. Additionally, she possesses certifications in brief therapeutic interventions such as Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Narrative Therapy. These approaches, with their practical and immediately applicable nature, complement long-term therapy by facilitating small, actionable steps of change that empower the therapeutic process. Her clinical experience includes internship at Sismanoglio Hospital, in the Adult Psychiatric Clinic and the Eating Disorders Unit, as well as collaborations with clinics, care and rehabilitation units, specialized therapy centers, and mental health centers. Currently, she works as a Clinical Psychologist in a group of elder care units and maintains a private practice in Nea Erythraia, providing psychotherapeutic support to adults, adolescents, couples, families, as well as parent counseling. Concurrently, she actively participates in scientific conferences, seminars, and workshops, enhancing her therapeutic practice with insights from the continuous advancement of science.

Clinical Psychologist Vazouras Mixalis graduated from the Psychology Department of the American College of Greece (DEREE). He then completed his postgraduate studies in the Clinical Psychology program at Utrecht University. He has been trained in cognitive behavioral therapy during his postgraduate studies and has attended seminars on grief management, trauma, and the provision of psychological first aid. He has volunteered at the Sismanoglio Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinic and the NGO M.A.N.A. Finally, in recent years, he has worked as a psychologist in private centers and as a clinical psychologist in a rehabilitation center. Currently, he manages his private practice.

Galani Xristina is a Psychologist with a private practice in Neo Iraklio. She studied Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and completed postgraduate studies in Work Psychology at the University of Nottingham. She is certified in Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) by the Hellenic Institute of Emotion-Focused Therapy and specializes in Systemic Psychotherapy at the Institute of Education and Research in Systemic Psychotherapy "Logos Psyche." Additionally, she is certified as a Parenting Trainer by Gordon International and as a Coach by the ICF (Solution Focused Coaching, Solution Surfers). She also collaborates as a consulting psychologist with private educational institutions and has significant experience as a psychotherapist.

Sklaveniti Xristina is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist with many years of experience in Greece and abroad, accompanying individuals through both small and significant life stories. She emphasizes the unique characteristics and needs of each person, offering personalized care with respect for human rights, regardless of gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, or gender expression. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Crete and a master's degree in Gender Studies from the Hellenic Open University, awarded with an academic excellence scholarship. Her research work focused on the phenomenon of obstetric violence as experienced and narrated by those who have undergone it, through a feminist research perspective with an emphasis on the voices of the subjects. She is specialized in Narrative Psychotherapy and Systemic Psychodrama, as well as in approaches that incorporate feminist, intersectional, and inclusive perspectives. She provides individual therapy, couples therapy, support for children and adolescents, parental counseling, therapy for LGBTQ+ individuals, and experiential empowerment groups. Her focus is on the therapeutic relationship, empathy, and the creation of a safe environment where one can rewrite their story with meaning and purpose.

Petrou Vilma MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and conducts online sessions. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Athens with honors. She has held a professional practice license since 2021 and has specialized in stress management and anxiety disorders through the postgraduate program "Science of Stress and Health Promotion" at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Her psychotherapeutic approach is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), in which she was trained through the four-year training program of the Institute for Research and Behavioral Therapy (IEΘS). Simultaneously, through her participation in a holistic stress management and lifestyle change program for heroin-dependent users at the OKANA Unit of Sismanogleio Hospital, she gained valuable experience in the management of addictions, providing both individual and group sessions. In recent years, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, offering psychotherapy and counseling on issues such as anxiety disorders, depression, emotional difficulties, and interpersonal relationship challenges. Her experience includes individual adult sessions (both in-person and online), as well as sessions with children and adolescents through her collaboration with Special Therapy Centers. Her goal is to tailor the techniques she applies to the individualized needs of each client, aiming to improve their mental health and quality of life.

Η Τζίτζιφα Χριστίνα - Ψυχική Ευεξία είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια. Η προσέγγιση της στηρίζεται στην Ψυχοδυναμική - Ψυχαναλυτική Ψυχοθεραπεία, στην Συστημική Οικογενειακή Ψυχοθεραπεία και στη Γνωσιακή Ψυχοθεραπεία που έχει καταρτιστεί. Διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στη Νέα Ιωνία. Διαθέτει πτυχίο ψυχολογίας από τη Σχολή Κοινωνικών Επιστημών του Πανεπιστημίου Κρήτης και είναι μέλος του Συλλόγου Ελλήνων Ψυχολόγων. Έχει ολοκληρώσει τετραετή εκπαίδευσή στη Ψυχοδυναμική / Ψυχαναλυτική Ψυχοθεραπεία για ενήλικες και παιδιά από το ΔΙ.ΚΕ.Ψ.Υ. που είναι πιστοποιημένη από την Βρετανική Ένωση Συμβουλευτικής και Ψυχοθεραπείας BACP. Έχει μετεκπαιδευτεί στο Συστημικό Μοντέλο Οικογενειακής Θεραπείας στη Moνάδα Οικογενειακής Θεραπείας από το Ψυχιατρικό Νοσοκομείο Αττικής. Συνάμα έχει εκπαιδευτεί στη Γνωσιακή Προσέγγιση από το Ερευνητικό Πανεπιστημιακό Ινστιτούτο Ψυχικής Υγείας και στην «Συγκινησιακά Εστιασμένη Θεραπεία Ζεύγους» από το ICEEFT. Έχει μετεκπαιδευτεί στη "Διαχείριση Χωρισμού και Διαζυγίου" και στις "Εφαρμογές της Συμβουλευτικής Ψυχολογίας στην Εκπαίδευση στα Παιδιά και στους Εφήβους" από το Εθνικό και Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών. Παράλληλα, έχει παρακολουθήσει μετεκπαιδευτικά προγράμματα στην "Παιδοψυχολογία" και στον "Ενδοσχολικό Εκφοβισμό" από το Πανεπιστήμιο Αιγαίου και έχει μετεκπαιδευτεί στην «Αγωγή και Προαγωγή Σεξουαλικης Υγείας στο Σχολικό Περιβάλλον» και στην «Ειδική Αγωγή και Προαγωγή Ψυχικης Υγειας στο Σχολικό Περιβάλλον» από το Κέντρο Επιμόρφωσης και Δια βίου Μάθησης (Κ.Ε.ΔΙ.ΒΙ.Μ.) του Πανεπιστημίου Δυτικής Αττικής. Είναι πιστοποιημένη στη χορήγηση Προβολικών τεστ για ενήλικες (Τ.Α.Τ & Τεστ Κηλίδων Μελάνης Rorschach) και για παιδιά (C.A.T. & WISC-III). Έχει εργαστεί ως ψυχολόγος στην Πρωτοβάθμια και Δευτεροβάθμια Εκπαίδευση Αττικής,ενώ επίσης έχει εργαστεί ως ψυχολόγος στις Κοινωνικές Υπηρεσίες των Δήμων Αχαρνών & Κηφισιάς παρέχοντας ψυχολογική και συμβουλευτική υποστήριξη. Έχει εργαστεί εθελοντικά ως ψυχολόγος στην Κοινωνική Υπηρεσία του Δήμου Μεταμόρφωσης και στο Ιατροπαιδαγωγικό Κέντρο του Δήμου Ηρακλείου. Συνάμα υπήρξε εισηγήτρια σε Δημοτικά Σχολεία και είναι ομιλήτρια στα Φροντιστήρια "Πουκαμισάς" σχετικά με Συμβουλευτική Γονέων και Παιδιών - Εφήβων για θέματα που άπτονται της ψυχικής ευημερίας των παιδιών - εφήβων. Τέλος, έχει παρακολουθήσει πληθώρα σεμιναρίων για τη συνεχή κατάρτισή της.

Zamanidis Giorgos is a Psychologist - Existential Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Lykovrysi. He completed his studies at the Department of Psychology of Panteion University and has trained in Existential Psychotherapy through his four-year attendance at the Hellenic Society of Existential Psychology, "gígnesthai". He holds a diploma in Family and Couple Therapy within the Systemic Psychotherapeutic Approach, in which he was trained in 2022. He also holds a diploma in training in Neuro-Linguistic Programming techniques (NLP Greece). He has conducted and continues his extensive clinical practice at the Society for Regional Development and Mental Health (E.P.A.PSY.) in Marousi as a Clinical Psychologist and Existential Psychotherapist. In the past, as part of his practical training, he has participated in Pan-European Research on substance abuse among minor populations (ESPAD), as well as related initiatives in collaboration with the Substance Abuse Prevention Center (PRONOIA) in Kifissia. He completed his military service as a Psychologist in Cyprus, where he collaborated with psychologists and medical staff in the care of hundreds of soldiers. A significant part of his training is influenced by the Psychoanalytic Psychotherapeutic Approach, which he acquired under supervision over recent years. Currently, he serves as a Trainee Trainer at the Hellenic Society of Existential Psychology, "gígnesthai".

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

Papadopoulou Georgia (Tzia) is a Psychologist - Integrative Psychotherapist, graduate of the Department of Psychology at the University of East London and holder of a master's degree in Counseling & Psychotherapy. She applies the integrative psychotherapy model, tailoring the approach to the unique needs of each individual client. She combines techniques from cognitive, psychodynamic, and person-centered approaches with the aim of improving emotional well-being, personal development, and self-understanding. She provides individual sessions for adults and young people over 18 years old who wish to address issues such as anxiety, stress, emotional difficulties, low self-esteem, relationship challenges, losses, or identity crises.

She does not undertake a diagnostic role but focuses on psychological support and counseling, offering a safe, confidential, and warm environment for the client. She deeply believes in the power of acceptance, authenticity, and internal change. Her goal is to provide high-quality and scientifically supported psychological care, with humanity, empathy, and respect for each person's needs.

“I am not here to tell the client what to do. I am here to explore together what is happening within and around them, and to find, step by step, the path that fits their unique personality.”

Emirza Savvina MSc is a Psychologist - Family Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Metamorfosi. She holds a degree from the Psychology Program of the Faculty of Philosophy at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and graduated with honors from the postgraduate program "Health Promotion and Education" at the Medical School of the same University. She has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Drama (CBD) as well as in Systemic - Family Psychotherapy at the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department of the General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas." Additionally, she completed further training in the annual program "Child Psychiatry - Child Psychology" at the University of the Aegean and received training in the Rorschach projective personality test and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-III). She completed her practical training at the Special Education Workshop "MARGARITA" and at the Substance Abuse Prevention Center of the Municipality of Kifisia OKANA, "PRONOI." Since 2013, she has gained significant professional experience offering her services as a Psychologist in Psychoeducational Centers. She provides support to infertile couples and individuals undergoing in vitro fertilization. Her personal therapy and temperament support the belief that "strength comes through sharing." Finally, Ms. Emirza has attended and continues to attend numerous conferences and seminars aimed at ongoing professional development in her field of expertise and has presented numerous papers.

Dimitris Xatzigiannakos is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Kifisia. He graduated in Psychology from the Scientific College of Greece (SCG), where he completed his undergraduate studies. He then continued his specialization by obtaining a Master's Degree in Clinical Skills based on Relational Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy at the Institute of Relational and Group Psychotherapy, where he also completed his internship. Additionally, the specialist works as an external collaborator with the organization Psychoplefsi. Through his education and professional career, he focuses on developing therapeutic relationships based on understanding, authentic contact, and the relational approach of psychotherapy.