Health professionals for Phobias near Exarcheia

Dr. Angelos Panagiotopoulos is a Clinical Psychologist - Psychotherapist, a graduate of the University of Geneva, PhD and researcher at the Department of Psychology of the University of Athens, supervisor of theses at the Society for Cognitive Behavioral Studies and a certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist.

He studied Psychology at the University of Plymouth, England, where he received a commendation for academic excellence. He specialized in Clinical Psychology at the University of Geneva, Switzerland as a University Scholar, doing his clinical training at the Psychiatric Department of the University Hospital of Geneva. Upon his return to Greece, he served for one year at the General Staff of the Army as a psychologist at the Soldiers' Support Line.

He followed a 4-year specialization in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at the Society for Cognitive Behavioral Studies and worked as a psychotherapist for children, adolescents and adults at the Institute for Behavioral Research and Treatment and the Center for Child Neurodevelopmental Education. Along with his clinical training, he completed his PhD thesis at the Department of Psychology, University of Athens as a fellow of the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation.

He is currently a thesis supervisor at the Society for Cognitive Behavioral Studies, works as a researcher at the Department of Psychology of the University of Athens in a funded research project and maintains his private office in the area of Ampelokipoi-Platia Mavilis.

Mr. Komninos Vasilis is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains his private practice in Ilisia. He holds a BSc(Hons) in Psychology from the Open University of the United Kingdom and a Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling from the University of Brighton. He has been trained in Group Systemic Psychotherapy at the Family Therapy Center and completed his specialization in group therapy at the Relational Group Psychotherapy Institute, under the direction and supervision of Mr. Stavros Charalambidis. He has served as a Psychologist - mental health counselor at The Rock Clinic in Brighton, a Group Therapist at the Family Therapy Center, as well as at ISOΨ. In his private practice, he manages a wide range of cases, always focusing on the best possible service tailored to the individualized needs of each person. Mr. Komninos, within the framework of his lifelong learning, regularly participates in seminars and international conferences and has presented clinical cases at scientific panels related to group and individual psychotherapy. Notable examples include the 1st Symposium on Relational Psychoanalysis and Group Psychotherapy in Athens, Oct/21, the online IARPP Symposium, Jan/22, the 18th Annual IARPP Conference, Los Angeles, USA, Jun/22, and the 21st international IAGP conference, Pescara, Italy, Jul/22. He is a member of the International Association for Relational Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy (IARPP) and a member of the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA).

Savvidaki Dimitra is a Psychologist - Play Therapist and maintains a private practice in Ampelokipoi. She studied at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in the Department of Psychology and continued her studies in Psychoanalysis at the Academy of Clinical Studies of Athens. She provided individual and group therapies at the Psychiatric Hospital of Attica as an External Collaborator. She has participated in various educational seminars, including school psychology, facilitation groups, theatrical play, and several clinical research projects concerning mental illnesses. Since 2012, she has been working in public primary schools and special primary schools as a Mental Health Consultant. Simultaneously, she worked in special therapy centers as a Psychologist - Psychotherapist, offering individual therapies to children and adults. Following extensive training in Play Therapy at PlaytherapyGr, her passion for therapeutic play and Person-Centered Therapy emerged. She is also a certified play therapist by the World Play Therapy Organization and the Health Services Control Organization PSA, and the Founder of Paixnidoxoros. Paixnidoxoros is a space for exploration and discussion through shared play. In this space, through creative expression and play, each individual can care for themselves and evolve. The therapy of adults, children, and adolescents with the assistance of Play Therapy is a core element of Paixnidoxoros' philosophy. Paixnidoxoros embraces all ages, professional backgrounds, and social strata. Its philosophy is the empowerment of relationships for a happy and creative quality of life. It offers play therapy sessions to children and adolescents, as well as individual therapies to adults.

Mixou Efraimia is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Panormou. Additionally, some sessions are conducted in the rented spaces of Therapy Nest. She holds a degree in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has been trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. In her office, she handles a wide range of cases, with particular expertise in Depression, as well as Anxiety and Stress.

Sotiropoulou Ifigeneia is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Kolonaki. She holds a degree in Psychology from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a master's diploma in Counseling Psychology from the University of Athens. She specialized in systemic psychotherapy through the clinical program at the "Logou Psychis" Institute of Education and Research.

She has experience in Parent Counseling as a group coordinator, as well as counseling children and adolescents. She provides individual and group therapy for adults and couples. Additionally, as an adult educator and seminar presenter, she conducts seminars and lectures aimed at raising public awareness on a variety of topics.

Papanikolaou Natalia is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Ilisia. She holds a professional license with protocol number 1771 / 20-02-2019. She is a graduate of the Psychology Department of Panteion University and an honors graduate of a postgraduate diploma from the Medical Department of Athens, as well as a second postgraduate diploma from the Pedagogical Department of Athens, where she was admitted with a full scholarship. She has completed a four-year specialization program in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Society of Cognitive and Behavioral Studies (EISS), certified by the EABCT. Additionally, she has been trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and has completed a training program in Clinical Psychopathology within the framework of the program at the First Psychiatric Clinic of the University of Athens. Furthermore, she has received certification for the Ariston Test – a career orientation tool. Her special interests include anxiety and depressive disorders, relationship counseling, self-image, and personality disorders. Currently, she works as a school psychologist as well as privately, conducting sessions with adults, children, and adolescents, including online sessions. Sessions are conducted in Greek and English.

Varna Eleni is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Zografou. She studied Psychology at the University of Surrey and holds a master’s degree in Health Psychology from University College London. Subsequently, she specialized in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at Aeginiteio Hospital, at the Research University Institute of Mental Health, thereby shaping her psychotherapeutic approach and acquiring theoretical training and clinical experience. She gained further experience by completing her internship at the Hellenic Bipolar Organization. Concurrently, she has volunteered in psychological support and social assistance services via telephone. Subsequently, she collaborated with mental health facilities, acquiring experience with adults on the autism spectrum. In private practice, she focuses on counseling and psychotherapy for adults. Finally, she specializes in anxiety and mood disorders as well as psychosomatic symptoms.

Η Τσούση Νίκη είναι Ψυχολόγος – Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια με μεταπτυχιακή εξειδίκευση στην Ψυχολογία της Υγείας από τo Τμήμα Ιατρικής και Επιστημών Υγείας του Πανεπιστημίου του Surrey της Μ. Βρετανίας.

Στο ιδιωτικό της γραφείο, επί της οδού Ριζάρη 32 στο Παγκράτι, πλησίον μετρό «Ευαγγελισμός», παρέχει ψυχοθεραπευτική υποστήριξη σε ενήλικες και εφήβους άνω των 16 ετών αλλά και συμβουλευτική γονέων. Αντιμετωπίζονται αιτήματα που σχετίζονται με αγχώδεις διαταραχές - κρίσεις πανικού, ιδεοψυχαναγκαστική διαταραχή, φοβίες, αγοραφοβία, άγχος υγείας -, καταθλιπτικό συναίσθημα, τραυματικές εμπειρίες και απώλειες, διατροφικές διαταραχές, καθώς και επαναλαμβανόμενα συναισθηματικά ή διαπροσωπικά μοτίβα που επηρεάζουν τη σχέση με τον εαυτό και τους άλλους. Παράλληλα, υποστηρίζονται ψυχοθεραπευτικά άτομα που ζουν με χρόνιες νόσους ή/και οι φροντιστές τους , άτομα που δυσκολεύονται με την οριοθέτηση, την αυτοεκτίμηση, τη διαχείριση του θυμού , την αναβλητικότητα αλλά και τον αναμηρυκασμό της σκέψης. Το θεραπευτικό της πεδίο απευθύνεται με ασφάλεια και σεβασμό στη ΛΟΑΤΚΙ+ κοινότητα, προσφέροντας ένα επιβεβαιωτικό πλαίσιο .

Στο πλαίσιο της συνεχιζόμενης επιμόρφωσης της, έχει εξειδικευτεί στην εξατομίκευση της θεραπείας ανάλογα με τις ανάγκες του κάθε θεραπευόμενου, ενσωματώνοντας εργαλεία όπως:

·      Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία με Εξειδίκευση στην Ψυχολογία της Υγείας

·      Εστιασμένη στο Σχήμα Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία (Schema-Focused CBT)

·      Θεραπεία Εστιασμένη στη Συμπόνια (Compassion Focused Therapy – CFT)

·      Πρακτική της Ενσυνειδητότητας (Μindfulness)

·      Female-Specific Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία, η οποία εστιάζει στις ιδιαιτερότητες της ψυχικής υγείας των γυναικών, (π.χ. περιγεννητική ψυχική υγεία, απώλεια κύησης, εμμηνόπαυση, caregiving – που αφορά κυρίως αλλά όχι αποκλειστικά γυναίκες – και εμπειρίες σεξουαλικής παραβίασης που εμφανίζονται συχνότερα σε γυναικείους πληθυσμούς).

Έχει ολοκληρώσει εκπαίδευση στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία για την Ψυχολογία της Υγείας (CBT for Health Psychology), στο πλαίσιο προγράμματος συνεργασίας του Βρετανικού Εθνικού Συστήματος Υγείας (NHS) με το Πανεπιστήμιο του Surrey. Η συγκεκριμένη κατεύθυνση δίνει χώρο στις σύνθετες εμπειρίες των ανθρώπων που ζουν με χρόνιες ασθένειες, καθώς και των φροντιστών τους, ενδυναμώνοντάς τους μέσα από την εκπαίδευση σε δεξιότητες επικοινωνίας συγκεκριμένων μοντέλων όπως το Doctor–Patient Communication Model, την εκπαίδευση/υιοθέτηση του Μοντέλου Ενεργού Ασθενούς (Active Patient Model), καθώς και μέσα από άλλα εξατομικευμένα πρωτόκολλα διαχείρισης, προσαρμοσμένα στις ιδιαίτερες ανάγκες του καθενός.

Έπίσης, η ίδια , έχει παρακολουθήσει εξειδικευμένη επιμόρφωση στην «Ψυχοεκπαίδευση και Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία Οικογένειας», από την Α’ Κλινική του Αιγινήτειου Νοσοκομείου, Ιατρικής Σχολής ΕΚΠΑ, καθώς και παρακολούθηση σειράς βιωματικών εργαστηρίων στο Βερολίνο, τόσο με την C. Padesky, με έμφαση στην ανάπτυξη της ψυχικής ανθεκτικότητας σε περιόδους αντιξοότητας (How to Build Resilience in Times of Adversity), όσο και με την J. Beck, εστιάζοντας στη θεραπευτική σχέση και την ενδυνάμωση του θεραπευτή στο εδώ-και-τώρα της συνάντησης.

Εργασιακά , από το 2013 έως σήμερα, έχει ακολουθήσει μια πορεία στον χώρο της ψυχικής υγείας με έμφαση στην υποστήριξη ευάλωτων πληθυσμών σε ποικίλα θεσμικά και πολιτισμικά περιβάλλοντα, στην Ελλάδα και το εξωτερικό.

Στο Ηνωμένο Βασίλειο εργάστηκε ως Assistant Psychologist στη Μονάδα Φοιτητικής Μέριμνας του Πανεπιστημίου Portsmouth Student Health and Wellbeing Service, καθώς και ως Research Assistant στο Τμήμα Αναπτυξιακής Ψυχολογίας της Σχολής Κοινωνικών Επιστημών, υπό την επίβλεψη της καθηγήτριας V. Devonshire.

Στον Διεθνή Οργανισμό Μετανάστευσης του ΟΗΕ (IOM), εργάστηκε ως Ψυχολόγος Πεδίου στο πλαίσιο Ψυχοκοινωνικής Υποστήριξης (Μental Health and PsychoSocial Support -MHPSS), παρέχοντας κλινική υποστήριξη σε πληθυσμούς που έχουν υποστεί σοβαρές μορφές τραύματος, όπως επιζώντες πολέμου, επιζώντες Έμφυλης και Σεξουαλικής Βίας (Victims of Violence) (Victims of Sexual Viοlence) , Εμπορίας Ανθρώπων (Victims of Trafficking) και Βασανιστηρίων (Victims of Torture). Το έργο της αναπτύχθηκε σε πολυπολιτισμικό πλαίσιο και απαιτούσε ευαισθησία, σταθερότητα και υψηλή επαγγελματική συγκρότηση.

Στο πλαίσιο της συνεργασίας της με δομές παιδικής προστασίας όπως η ΑΜΚΕ Συνύπαρξις της Ιεράς Συνόδου ,είχε αναλάβει τον ρόλο εξουσιοδοτημένου προσώπου αναφοράς ανηλίκων κατόπιν σχετικής εισαγγελικής εξουσιοδότησης. Εξειδικεύτηκε στη διενέργεια εκτιμήσεων του Βέλτιστου Συμφέροντος του Παιδιού (Best Interest Assessments), με γνώμονα τη Σύμβαση της Γενεύης και τις προβλέψεις του Κανονισμού του Δουβλίνου για την οικογενειακή επανένωση ασυνόδευτων ανηλίκων, εντός του ευρωπαϊκού πλαισίου προστασίας. Οι παρεμβάσεις της εστίαζαν στην ψυχοσυναισθηματική αποκατάσταση παιδιών και εφήβων που είχαν βιώσει πολλαπλές μορφές απώλειας, αστάθειας ή μετακίνησης λόγω πολέμου.

Επιπροσθέτως, έχει εργαστεί στον Διεθνή Οργανισμό Caritas Internationalis της Καθολικής Εκκλησίας , στη ΜΚΟ Ευρωπαϊκή Έκφραση (Δομή Παιδικής Προστασίας) και σε Κέντρο Κοινότητας δήμου, στο πλαίσιο προγραμμάτων κοινωνικής προστασίας του Υπουργείου Εργασίας και Κοινωνικής Αλληλεγγύης.

Σήμερα, παράλληλα με την ιδιωτική της πρακτική, είναι επιστημονική συνεργάτιδα του Τμήματος Θεραπείας Ενηλίκων του Ινστιτούτου Έρευνας και Θεραπείας της Συμπεριφοράς (ΙΕΘΣ), όπου συνεχίζει να ασκεί το κλινικό της έργο με έμφαση στις Γνωσιακές Συμπεριφορικές Θεραπείες.

Mageira Eirini is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Kolonaki. She completed her studies in Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and continued her four-year training in Psychoanalytic - Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for Children and Adults at DI.K.E.PSY. (Interdisciplinary and Research Psychosocial Support for Children and Adults). Over the years, she has volunteered in organizations and facilities working with the adult population. Since 2023, she has maintained a private practice in Kolonaki, providing psychotherapeutic sessions with a Psychodynamic Approach to adolescents and adults. Her work is based on the individualized service of each patient’s needs.

Xristidi Katerina MSc, BTEC is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Pangrati. She holds a degree in psychology from Panteion University and completed a postgraduate specialization program in Child, Adolescent, and Family Psychotherapy at London Metropolitan University, London. Additionally, she completed her specialization in Integrative Counseling/Psychotherapy (BTEC Advanced Professional Diploma in Integrative Counseling) from the UK institution Pearson, recognized by the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy. A key advantage of the Integrative Approach is that it combines techniques from various modalities, allowing flexible adaptation to the needs and personality of each patient. She has worked at the Psychiatric Clinic of the General Children's Hospital “Agia Sofia,” at the therapy center “En logo kai ergo,” and at the Hellenic Society for the Protection & Rehabilitation of Disabled Children, in the neuropsychological rehabilitation center for individuals with brain injuries and in the infant department. Finally, she regularly attends numerous conferences and seminars as part of her ongoing professional development.

Gerasimidou Aggeliki is an honors graduate Psychologist from the Department of Psychology at the University of Essex, BSc (Hons), and holds a professional practice license. She provides psychological services in her private practice named "Soul Embrace" in the center of Athens, as well as online. Currently, she specializes in the Systemic Psychotherapeutic Approach through the corresponding postgraduate program at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling (Κ.Ε.ΨΥ.ΣΥ). She has completed the certified professional specialization program in Relationship and Couples Counseling based on psychodynamic and systemic approaches from the European International University (Paris). She also holds a certificate of specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Theory and Clinical Practice from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She completed her practical training at the Institute of Relational & Group Psychotherapy (ΙΣΟΨ) and at the Educational Institute of Synthetic Approach (ΕΚ.Ι.ΣΥ.Π). Currently, she conducts sessions with adolescents and adults addressing issues such as low self-esteem, self-improvement, occupational burnout, anxiety and emotional disorders, psychosomatic symptoms, trauma, grief, anger management, as well as difficulties related to dysfunctional relationships, phobias, depression, and panic attacks. She is engaged in ongoing individual and group supervision for her therapeutic work, as well as personal therapy, to ensure the quality and ethics of the services she provides. Simultaneously, she participates systematically in educational programs related to her clinical and therapeutic interests, aiming for continuous scientific and professional development.

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.

Artemis Stasinou is a psychologist and psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Cholargos. She holds a psychology degree, which is her second degree, from the University of East London (UK) and a master's degree in "Health Promotion and Education" from the Medical School of Athens (NKUA). Furthermore, she has received further training in the Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapeutic approach at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling (K.E.PSY.SY.). She has specialized in Traumatic Events & Bereavement Management and in Health Psychology & Disease Management from NKUA, and has also participated in numerous conferences. In addition to her private practice, she collaborates with the NGO Agkalia, where she provides individual psychotherapy sessions within the framework of psychosocial rehabilitation. Previously, she worked as a psychologist in a General Surgery clinic, where she was a member of the interdisciplinary team, participated in designing and implementing comprehensive therapeutic plans, and provided intervention sessions to patients and/or their relatives. Additionally, as part of her internship, she worked as a psychologist at the Evangelismos General Hospital of Athens, both in the psychiatric clinic and in the outpatient psychiatric clinics.

Pilavios Mixalis (MA) is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains private practices in Kolonaki and Marousi, working with both adolescents and adults. Simultaneously, he works as a Psychologist at the Mind Balance Psychotherapy Center. He earned his master's degree in Process Oriented Psychology from the Process Work Institute in Portland, Oregon (USA). He also holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Newcastle, United Kingdom. He completed his clinical training through River's Way Clinic in Portland (USA) and is a member of the International Association of Process Oriented Psychology (IAPOP) and Process Work Greece. His primary areas of focus include anxiety and stress (particularly school-related), low self-esteem, difficulties in friendships and peer relationships, family tensions, romantic relationships, management of emotions such as anger and sadness, identity and self-determination issues, as well as balancing school, friends, and family.