Health professionals for Phobias in Macedonia

Dr Dimitrios Chionis is a Military Psychologist of the Hellenic Air Force, with a PhD in Psychology, Human Factors and Strategic Communication.

If you are looking for a psychologist online, this is not a generic counselling profile. You will meet a professional whose work has been shaped in high responsibility environments, where stress, pressure, decision making, communication and human performance are part of everyday reality.

In our sessions, we focus on what is difficult for you right now. This may be anxiety, stress, burnout, panic attacks, anger, sadness, fear, work pressure, relationship difficulties, problematic internet use, low self awareness, or the need for clearer personal direction. We do not begin with a label. We begin with you, your request, and the way your daily functioning is affected.

The work is practical, structured and human. The aim is to help you understand more clearly what is happening, how you react under pressure, and what small but meaningful steps you can take next. You are supported to regain clarity, emotional control, personal responsibility and a stronger sense of direction.

The special focus on Human Factors makes this work different. It looks at the connection between the person, the environment, pressure, decision making and behaviour. This is useful when you feel that the problem is not only inside you, but also in the system around you. Your work, your relationships, your responsibilities and your daily demands all matter.

The background in Strategic Communication is also important. It can help when your difficulty involves hard conversations, boundaries, conflict, professional relationships, leadership, personal image, or the need to express yourself clearly without losing your position.

The sessions may support you with anxiety management, stress regulation, burnout, communication skills, anger management, panic symptoms, self awareness, professional decision making, personal development and peak performance. The approach is direct, respectful and grounded in psychological science, without vague promises or ready made solutions.

This is not presented as a specific psychotherapy model that claims to fit everyone. The service focuses on psychological support, counselling, mentoring, coaching and the improvement of everyday functioning. The work is based on professional experience, scientific knowledge and respect for your personal request.

Confidentiality, clarity and responsibility are central to the process. Where more specialised care is needed, such as psychotherapy, psychiatric support, medical assessment, or multidisciplinary intervention, an appropriate referral or collaboration with another health professional may be recommended.

The goal is not to tell you to simply think positively. The goal is to help you see what is really going on, organise yourself more effectively and take the next steps with more awareness, stability and personal strength.

Tourtouridou Maria MSc is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Kozani. She completed her studies in Psychology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and subsequently obtained a master's degree (MSc) from the same University in Clinical Mental Health. She has completed a Psychoanalytic Training program at the Psychoanalytic Research Center of Athens as well as at the Lifelong Learning and Training Center of A.U.Th, a training program in critical approaches in the field of addictions. She has worked as a Psychologist on the psychosocial support helpline of the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (Psychological Support Helpline 10306) and in a Mental Health and Social Rehabilitation Company for Patients. Additionally, she has worked as a Psychologist in a Psychological and Counseling Support Structure and in the Student Support Unit for Vulnerable Groups at the University of Western Macedonia. Finally, she has participated in numerous sessions aimed at continuous professional development and knowledge enhancement in her field.

Ο Κοτρώτσιος Δημήτρης είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπευτής CBT με άδεια ασκήσεως επαγγέλματος και αφοσιώνεται στη βοήθεια και τη στήριξη εφήβων και ενηλίκων στην ανάπτυξη της ψυχικής τους ευεξίας. Έχοντας αποφοιτήσει από το τμήμα Ψυχολογίας του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης, στηριζόμενος σε αυτό, προχώρησε τις σπουδές του για να αποκτήσει μεταπτυχιακό τίτλο σπουδών στην Κλινική Ψυχική Υγεία του τμήματος Ιατρικής από το ίδιο πανεπιστήμιο, εμβαθύνοντας στην πολυπλοκότητα της ψυχικής υγείας και των θεραπευτικών προσεγγίσεων. Παράλληλα, εξειδικεύεται στη Γνωστική Συμπεριφορική Ψυχοθεραπεία (CBT) στην Ελληνική Εταιρεία Έρευνας Συμπεριφοράς, σύμφωνα με τα κριτήρια της European Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT), αποκτώντας πολύτιμες δεξιότητες για να ασχολείται με ένα ευρύ φάσμα ψυχολογικών προβλημάτων. Κατά την μέχρι τώρα ενασχόλησή του με τον τομέα της ψυχικής υγείας, έχει δραστηριοποιηθεί στην εργασία με ευάλωτες πληθυσμιακές ομάδες ανηλίκων και ενηλίκων, όπου παρείχε ψυχοεκπαιδευτικές παρεμβάσεις, συμβουλευτική και ατομικές συνεδρίες ψυχοθεραπείας για την αντιμετώπιση μιας σειράς αναπτυξιακών και συναισθηματικών δυσκολιών. Επιπλέον, στο πλαίσιο της δια βίου επιμόρφωσης στον επιστημονικό κλάδο, έχει παρακολουθήσει και ολοκληρώσει διάφορα δια βίου εκπαιδευτικά προγράμματα. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, έχει εξειδικευτεί στην "Ψυχική Υγεία: Τραυματικά Γεγονότα και Διαχείριση Απώλειας/Πένθους", επιτρέποντάς του να χειρίζεται επιδέξια θέματα που σχετίζονται με το τραύμα, την απώλεια και το μετατραυματικό στρες, και στην "Ψυχοεκπαίδευση και Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία Οικογένειας/ CBT Οικογενειακή Θεραπεία" εμβαθύνοντας στην αξία της ψυχοεκπαίδευσης ως ψυχοθεραπευτική διαδικασία με εύρος εφαρμογών τόσο σε σοβαρές σωματικές νόσους όσο και σε μείζονες ψυχικές διαταραχές που απευθύνονται στο άτομο και στην οικογένεια. Στο πλαίσιο της πρακτικής του άσκησης, συνεργάστηκε και με διάφορες μη κυβερνητικές οργανώσεις, όπου συνέχισε την εθελοντική του δραστηριότητα παρέχοντας συμβουλευτική γονέων, συμμετέχοντας σε αθλητικές δράσεις, ψυχοκινητικές δραστηριότητες και ομάδες συζήτησης με τα παιδιά που προωθούν την καλή ψυχική υγεία και την κοινωνική τους ενσωμάτωση. Ακόμα, έχει συμμετάσχει σε διάφορα project στο πλαίσιο ευρωπαϊκών προγραμμάτων (Όσλο, Βαλένθια, Μαρακές) με θεματικές που αφορούν την προώθηση της ψυχικής υγείας και την πρόληψη φαινομένων, όπως οι διακρίσεις, η βία, η περιθωριοποίηση και ο στιγματισμός. Τα τελευταία δυο χρόνια επεκτείνει τις υπηρεσίες του ως ιδιώτης, προσφέροντας διαδικτυακές συνεδρίες στα ελληνικά σε εφήβους και ενήλικες. Παράλληλα, το τελευταίο διάστημα εργάζεται και στον Ε.Ο.Π.Α.Ε. (Ειδικός Οργανισμός Πρόληψης και Αντιμετώπισης Εξαρτήσεων), συμμετέχοντας στην υποστήριξη ατόμων με εξαρτήσεις (αλκοόλ, ουσίες, τζόγος,διαδίκτυο) μέσω ψυχοθεραπευτικής παρέμβασης, ψυχοεκπαίδευσης και διεπιστημονικής συνεργασίας με άλλους επαγγελματίες ψυχικής υγείας, στοχεύοντας στην ενίσχυση της ανθεκτικότητας και της κοινωνικής επανένταξης των ωφελούμενων.

Dimitra Karakasi is a Psychologist-Psychotherapist, graduate of the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She has completed postgraduate studies and specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She has worked in mental health facilities and school units, gaining experience in providing psychological support to adults, adolescents, and children. She deals with issues related to anxiety, depression, difficulties in interpersonal relationships, and enhancing self-esteem. Her clinical practice is based on scientifically validated methods, aiming to promote mental health and personal development.

Xatzopoulos Dimitrios is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Kavala, a space where personal contact and trust create the ideal environment to begin the journey of self-awareness and well-being. As a psychologist with a degree in Psychology from the University of East London (UEL), he creates a safe and confidential environment for his clients, offering psychological support and counseling to individuals facing various issues and difficulties. Every person is unique, as are the challenges they encounter. He provides a safe space for individuals to explore their emotions, understand their behaviors, and develop new coping strategies. Through the application of theories and techniques learned during his studies, personal study, and professional experience, he offers specialized support for issues such as mental disorders (e.g., depression, ADHD, etc.), psychological problems (e.g., caregiver anxiety, anger, and hostility, etc.), as well as medical issues with psychological factors (e.g., insomnia, migraine, etc.). His approach is based on professional ethics and his commitment to providing quality care to his clients. Through his skills and enthusiasm for psychology, he offers a valuable source of support.

Roxani - Maria Vakalou is a Psychologist, graduate of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, specializing in Clinical Psychology. She is a certified Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist and is training in Bioenergetic Clinical Hypnosis.

Her choice of specializations is based on the integration of two critical pillars: focusing on the "here and now," addressing dysfunctional patterns of thinking and behavior, and processing emotional traumas formed during early developmental stages before the development of logical thinking.

Her career in the Mental Health field includes voluntary service at S.O.F.PSY. Serres, coordinating therapeutic groups and cognitive-behavioral interventions; collaboration with the Hellenic Alzheimer’s Disease Association; specialization in "Dance Theatre"; and mental health counseling in a multinational environment through conducting psychoeducational groups and individual sessions (since 2024).

She firmly believes that Psychotherapy is the most valuable investment in oneself and the cornerstone of self-awareness and mental well-being. Her goal is, within an environment of trust, understanding, and acceptance, to help individuals genuinely "embrace" themselves.

Η Αθηνά Μάρκου είναι Ψυχολόγος με εξειδίκευση στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT), με επιστημονική κατάρτιση και πολυδιάστατο ακαδημαϊκό υπόβαθρο στον χώρο της ψυχολογίας και της ψυχικής υγείας. Είναι απόφοιτη Ψυχολογίας (BSc) του University of East London, κάτοχος MBA στη Διοίκηση Ανθρώπινου Δυναμικού από το University of Winchester και MSc στη Διοίκηση Φιλοξενίας και Τουρισμού από το American College of Thessaloniki. Παράλληλα, συνεχίζει την ακαδημαϊκή της εξέλιξη με μεταπτυχιακές σπουδές στην Κλινική Ψυχολογία στο University of Essex και στο πρόγραμμα Learning, Digitalization & Sustainability του Jönköping University. Από το 2025 διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο ως ελεύθερη επαγγελματίας Ψυχολόγος, παρέχοντας υπηρεσίες ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης και ψυχοθεραπείας σε ενήλικες. Παράλληλα, διδάσκει Ψυχολογία στο Τμήμα Δόκιμων Αστυφυλάκων Κομοτηνής και στον Εκπαιδευτικό Όμιλο Ευδόκιμος, συνδυάζοντας την κλινική πράξη με την ακαδημαϊκή διδασκαλία. Η θεραπευτική της προσέγγιση βασίζεται στις αρχές της Γνωσιακής Συμπεριφορικής Θεραπείας (CBT), μιας επιστημονικά τεκμηριωμένης μορφής ψυχοθεραπείας που στοχεύει στην αναγνώριση και τροποποίηση δυσλειτουργικών μοτίβων σκέψης και συμπεριφοράς, συμβάλλοντας στην αποτελεσματική διαχείριση δυσκολιών όπως το άγχος, οι κρίσεις πανικού, η κατάθλιψη, οι φοβίες, η χαμηλή αυτοεκτίμηση, οι δυσκολίες στις διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις και το καθημερινό στρες. Βασική της προτεραιότητα είναι η δημιουργία ενός ασφαλούς, υποστηρικτικού και εμπιστευτικού θεραπευτικού πλαισίου, όπου κάθε άνθρωπος μπορεί να εκφραστεί ελεύθερα, να κατανοήσει βαθύτερα τον εαυτό του και να αναπτύξει τις δεξιότητες που θα τον οδηγήσουν σε ουσιαστική προσωπική ανάπτυξη και ψυχική ευεξία. Είναι μέλος της American Psychological Association (APA) και ενημερώνεται διαρκώς για τις σύγχρονες επιστημονικές εξελίξεις στον χώρο της ψυχολογίας και της ψυχοθεραπείας.

Kotidou Nefeli is a Clinical Psychologist – Specialist Cognitive Analytic Psychotherapist, licensed to practice by the Region of Central Macedonia. She graduated from the University of East London, where she completed her Master's degree in Clinical and Community Psychology, and subsequently furthered her training at the University of Cambridge, focusing on Cognitive Psychology and Neuropsychology. She is an active member of the British Psychological Society (BPS).

She possesses extensive experience in providing psychological support to adults, adolescents, and couples, with specialization in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), while concurrently training in Cognitive Analytic Psychotherapy (CAT).

She specializes in managing anxiety, panic attacks, depression, low self-esteem, and in enhancing interpersonal relationships.

She has collaborated with Centers for Special Therapies, Kindergartens, and Personal Development Centers, and has actively contributed to the work of the Hellenic Alzheimer’s Disease Society, as well as to mental health services and volunteer organizations, providing support to individuals of all ages.

She offers in-person and online sessions to adults from Greece and abroad (Greek expatriates), within a safe, confidential, and supportive framework, aiming at managing difficulties, personal development, and empowering the client.

Dimitris Koukleris is a Psychotherapist specializing in an Integrative approach (K.D.V.M. Athens Synthesis Centre) - Mental Health Counselor and maintains a private practice in Nea Irakleio. He holds a degree from the School of Educational Sciences at the University of the Aegean, a diploma in Integrative Counseling from COSCA, the European Certificate in Integrative Psychotherapy (E.C.I.P), and the European Certificate of Psychotherapy (E.C.P.). He has volunteered in the Social Service of the Municipality of Lykovrysi - Pefki and in the Psychological Support structure "Synypaxy." Furthermore, he is a regular member of the Hellenic Counseling Association, the European Association of Counselling, and the Hellenic Society of Integrative Counseling and Psychotherapy. He is also a certified Integrative Psychotherapist of the European Association for Integrative Psychotherapy, a certified Psychotherapist of the National Psychotherapy Society of Greece (E.E.P.S.), as well as of the European Association for Psychotherapy.

Thomas Palikrousis is a Psychologist (UEL), certified Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapist (EEGSPS), Dietitian-Nutritionist (ATEITH), and Food Technologist (ATEITH), twice awarded scholarships by the State Scholarship Foundation (IKY). He holds four postgraduate degrees (MSc) in Aging and Chronic Disease Management (HOU), Quality Management and Food Industry Production Organization (ATEITH), Quality Assurance (HOU), and Food Chemistry (AUTH). He is a doctoral candidate at the Department of Food Science and Technology (DIPE), a student in the Department of Agriculture at the University of Western Macedonia, and a postgraduate student in Applied Developmental Psychology (HOU).

His professional work focuses on bridging theory and practice through an interdisciplinary approach. Specifically, he practices privately as a Psychologist, having provided mental health services at the Student Counseling and Support Center (KSSF) of the University of Macedonia (PAMAK). As a Dietitian-Nutritionist, alongside operating a private practice, he has collaborated with professional and amateur sports clubs. As a Food Technologist, he has worked with numerous food industries, contributing to the design of products that have received significant awards at the International Taste Awards and Healthy Diet Awards. Additionally, he is a researcher at the International Hellenic University (DIPE) and has served as a faculty member at a private university college in collaboration with the state University of Essex (United Kingdom), independently teaching courses in the BSc (Hons) Dietetics (Applied) program. Finally, he is a member of the Sports Nutrition Working Group and the Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Committee of the Pan-Hellenic Association of Dietitians-Nutritionists, as well as the association's representative for the Florina Prefecture.

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.

Kavadatos Aleksios, BSc, MSc, is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist with a private practice in Kozani. He graduated from the Department of Psychology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and holds a Master's Degree (MSc) in Clinical Psychology from the same institution. He has been trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Group Analysis, and possesses over 20 years of experience in the field of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Adult Psychotherapy. He has served as the Scientific Supervisor in psychosocial rehabilitation facilities in Thessaloniki and Kozani, as well as a Supervisor of the psychological support program of the 3rd Health Region “No One Alone During the Pandemic”. Additionally, he was a member of the Scientific Committee for the psychological support telephone line 10306. From 2009 to 2023, he maintained a private practice in Thessaloniki and currently practices professionally in Kozani. Since 2023, he has been the President of the NPO IONOS, an organization active in mental health and social rehabilitation. He has attended numerous seminars and conferences aimed at continuous professional development and has many publications and presentations in the mental health field. He has organized and coordinated counseling groups for parents, caregivers of persons with disabilities, educators, and healthcare professionals, as well as psychoeducational groups for managing anxiety and professional burnout.

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.

Pinelopi Kitsou is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains her private practice in Thessaloniki. She holds a degree in Psychology from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She has specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy and has completed the Postgraduate Program in Adolescent Medicine and Adolescent Health Care at the School of Medicine of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. In her private practice, she handles a wide range of cases, always focusing on providing the best possible service tailored to the individualized needs of each person she undertakes.

Kastorini Vasiliki is a Psychologist who conducts online sessions. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University. She has received further training in the Gestalt Psychotherapy Program at the Gestalt Foundation, in Psychodiagnostics: Techniques and Tools for Personality Assessment in Psychological Diagnosis, and in the "Training Department in Forensic Psychology, Forensic Psychopathology, and Psychodiagnostics. Theory and Expert Evaluation Techniques & Counseling in Civil and Criminal Sectors, Adults and Minors" in Italy. The psychologist has significant professional experience in psychotherapy and counseling and has volunteered in the psychological support department of the General Children’s Hospital of Penteli, at "Together for the Child," at the Penteli Children’s Convalescent Home, at the Municipal Clinics of the Heraklion Municipality in Attica, and in other facilities. She also participates in numerous conferences, specialized seminars, workshops, and symposiums in Greece, aiming for continuous education and professional development.

Georgina Argyriou is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist who offers online sessions. She holds a degree in Psychology with specialization in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and is licensed to practice. At the same time, she is completing her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Hellenic American University. She has also received specialized training in the treatment of Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from the University Mental Health Research Institute (EPIPSI). She has completed her clinical internship at the Athens Mental Health Center – Behavioral Therapy Unit (EKEPSYE).