Health professionals for Phobias in the Southern suburbs of Athens

The INTERNUS counseling and psychotherapy center, led by clinical psychologist Mr. Kargakis Emmanouil - Internus, maintains offices in Heraklion, Rethymno, Chania, and Athens, offering a wide range of services concerning treatment, rehabilitation, prevention, and promotion of mental health, primarily based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Mr. Kargakis, a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki with postgraduate studies in Clinical and Counseling Psychology at La Salle University of Philadelphia, and his experienced associates, supported by a modern and continuous framework of supervision, training, and professional development through attendance at national and international psychology conferences, ensure the provision of the most advanced mental health services. Over the years, our center has developed activities and collaborations with various organizations such as SOS Children's Villages, O.E.V.E.N.H, O.E.V.E.N.X, secondary education tutoring centers, schools of various levels, sports clubs, educational seminars for the general public, appearances on television and radio programs, and contributions to local blogs. Sessions are conducted by appointment either in person or online.

Sara Alijaj is a Licensed Psychologist, holding a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Hellenic American University, a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology, and training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She provides online psychological support sessions in both Greek and English, offering a safe, confidential, and supportive environment where individuals can explore and manage the challenges they face in everyday life.

She has professional experience supporting children, adolescents, and families, as well as providing academic and psychosocial support to students. Her work within an international school setting has equipped her with valuable experience working with individuals from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, while deepening her understanding of the developmental and emotional needs of children, adolescents, and young adults.

Sara has completed specialized training in anxiety management, psychological resilience, complex trauma, adolescent psychology, early recognition of psychotic symptoms, and therapeutic interventions through art and play. She remains committed to continuous professional development in order to provide evidence-based and up-to-date mental health services.

Her therapeutic approach is centered on building a relationship of trust, acceptance, and collaboration. She aims to help clients gain deeper self-understanding, manage anxiety and emotional difficulties more effectively, strengthen self-esteem, and develop practical skills that enhance overall well-being and quality of life.

All sessions are conducted exclusively online, providing flexibility and accessible psychological support regardless of the client's location.

Trousa Foteini MSc is a specialized Clinical Psychologist - Psychotherapist. She holds two pre-doctoral postgraduate diplomas, D.E.A. (University of Montpellier, France), as well as a postgraduate diploma D.E.S.S. in Clinical Psychology (University of Nice, France). She is a graduate in Clinical Psychology and Pathology from the University of Nice and holds a professional practice license. Additionally, she has been trained in Parent Counseling by the Panhellenic Association of Parent Schools, member of the Fédération Internationale pour l’Éducation des Parents, and has also been trained in "Addiction Counseling" by the University of Athens. She has coordinated parent counseling groups and has delivered informative lectures for parents and children at numerous organizations. She has extensive work experience, having been a vocational orientation and parent counseling trainer at the "Institute of Education and Business Studies," as well as a scientific collaborator of the Hellenic Police, Juvenile Protection Subdivision (General Police Directorate of Attica). Furthermore, she worked for six years at an International Humanitarian Organization, a member of the U.N. She has been practicing privately in Ilioupoli since 2011. She provides psychotherapeutic treatment for anxiety, depression, panic attacks, phobias, obsessions, obsessive-compulsive disorders, interpersonal relationship problems, low self-esteem, trauma, grief, psychosomatic symptoms, and offers counseling to parents.

Gesthimani Pantelidou is a Mental Health Counselor - Psychotherapist and has been running the Mental Health Center - "aniGma" in Nea Smyrni for the past 7 years. She deals with issues related to personal anxieties, difficulties and dilemmas, family matters, issues and challenges concerning adolescents and the elderly, as well as emotional, psychosomatic, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress, and the management of loss and grief. Additionally, as a personal coach with extensive experience in the business sector, she supports the encouragement of change, motivation, utilization of personal potential, enhancement of self-confidence and self-esteem, management of indecisiveness, as well as goal setting and achievement. Based on the Synthetic Approach, she combines techniques from Person-Centered, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Psychodynamic therapies, as well as personal coaching techniques, to flexibly adapt to the needs and personality of each client. In today’s era of general disorientation and loneliness, the human individual strives to cope with pain, fear, and anxiety arising from the ambiguity of their constantly changing life. Psychological support and counseling sessions aim to reveal the distinctly personal functional adaptation method of the individual to the present and future of their life, discovering the unused potentials of their soul in conjunction with the ongoing cultivation of their communication skills with their environment.

“...I am not entirely guilty for the life I lead, since I did not choose it, nor am I entirely innocent from the moment I continue it...”

Vasilakis Kostis is a licensed Psychologist who offers psychotherapeutic sessions to adolescents and adults. His goal is to establish a therapeutic relationship characterized by empathy and acceptance, where the individual can explore the self and develop innate abilities within a safe and understanding environment.

He has worked in organizations such as the Ministry of Labor and in private therapeutic settings, providing counseling and psychological support, administering psychometric instruments, and collaborating closely with families.

He studied Psychology at the University of Nicosia and Communication at Panteion University. He has been trained in Systemic Therapy and specializes in Person-Centered and Focusing/Experiential Psychotherapy.

I am a psychologist and psychotherapist specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), working with adults, adolescents, and couples.

I believe in psychotherapy that goes beyond theory. It embraces realism, the uniqueness of each individual, and their need to feel safe, accepted, and not "fixable."

I have personal experience with anxiety, phobias, and panic attacks — which enables me to view the client not as a "case," but as a person fighting, as I have fought myself.

My goal is not merely to listen. I want the person in front of me to leave with something more (an idea, a new way of thinking, a breath of relief), but also with something less: a little less anxiety, a little less burden.

I am direct, open, warm — and steady when needed. I build relationships based on honesty, not utopia. And I believe that every character has something valuable to bring to the therapeutic process.

Eleni Karagianni is a Certified Integrative Psychotherapist with studies in Integrative Counseling in Psychotherapy and Pedagogy, and maintains a private practice in Piraeus. She has specialized in Museum Pedagogy (through the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens) and has attended numerous seminars focused on creativity, the senses, and written expression, enhancing her psychotherapeutic approach with experiential and artistic elements. She has worked for many years in the field of education, gaining deep understanding of the needs of children, adolescents, and parents, and utilizes this experience to provide meaningful psychotherapeutic support to adults and families. She believes that human strength exists within from childhood and is expressed through creativity, imagination, and resilience. Recognizing and cultivating these internal resources form the foundation for change, growth, and empowerment in adults' lives. In her psychotherapeutic practice, she supports individuals in discovering their capabilities, overcoming difficulties, and building healthy relationships with themselves and others. She combines theoretical training with experiential methods, emphasizing the enhancement of mental resilience, self-awareness, and personal balance. She remains committed to ongoing learning and development, continuously enriching her work with new knowledge, approaches, and creative practices to offer comprehensive and compassionate psychotherapeutic support to every person who seeks her help.

She was born in Athens and obtained her degree from the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) (psychologist professional license, No. 1064783). She continued her education by completing a three-year training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling, followed by additional training in Systemic Psychotherapy at the Systemic Counseling and Psychotherapeutic Center. Subsequently, she earned her certification in trauma therapy – EMDR, at the Institute of Trauma Therapy. Additionally, she has attended various seminars and received training in biofeedback (a non-pharmacological therapeutic approach). She works as a Psychologist – Psychotherapist and collaborates with the Stress Management Center SMS (Stress Management Solutions). She specializes in anxiety and stress management, panic attack treatment, depression treatment, and eating disorder issues. She also specializes in the treatment of children and adolescents with anxiety-related issues, such as performance anxiety and the management of various other distressing emotions, as well as in parental counseling. The intervention is personalized and collaborative with the individual, considering various factors that become clear through individual interviews and questionnaires, aiming at the overall enhancement of the individual's quality of life across all domains.

Sorogka Vivi is a Consultant in Psychosomatic and Mental Health and maintains a private practice in Piraeus. She holds a postgraduate specialization in Psychosomatic Health with the application of the Evaluative Model, resulting from a collaboration between IST College and California Metropolitan University. She has also completed a postgraduate program in "Specialized Training in Supervision of Evaluative Counseling" at the Center for Evaluative Study of Psychosomatic Health of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the Hellenic Society for the Promotion of Psychiatry and Related Sciences. She is distinguished for her empathy, professionalism, and commitment to providing quality support to individuals facing psychosomatic and emotional challenges. Through scientifically grounded approaches and ongoing education in positive psychology, self-improvement, and the prevention of psychosocial difficulties, she aims to promote mental resilience and holistic well-being. It is noteworthy that the specialist served as Co-host of the informational program "Appointment with Vai" with the lead presenter Apostolatos Vaitsis, which delved into issues concerning mental well-being. Additionally, as part of her continuous professional development, she has attended numerous seminars and maintains an active presence in social contribution through consistent participation in volunteer activities supporting vulnerable groups. Finally, the specialist offers her services in the office tailored to the needs of each individual client.

Christina Papageorgiou is a Clinical Psychologist and Sociologist, a graduate of Deree-The American College of Greece and Panteion University. She holds a Professional License and is a Psychotherapist, trained in Systemic Psychotherapy at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling KE.PSY.SY. She has finished the master's program in Clinical Psychology at the Erasmus University of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, as she has also attended the master's program in Special Education and Rehabilitation at the University of Macedonia. Finally, she has a diploma in Applied Counseling from KE.PSY.SY. At present, she works, alongside her private office, as a Psychologist in a Center for Special Treatments and continues to attend educational programs and trainings in her field. Provides individual sessions, couples' counselling, parents' counselling, and LGBTQI+ counselling, live and online, as well as in English.

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.

Matina Stathaki is a Psychologist - Child Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Nea Smyrni. She holds a degree in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with postgraduate specialization in School Psychology from the same university. Since 2007, she has been active in the assessment of learning and emotional difficulties, as well as in counseling and psychological support for children and families. She possesses extensive experience in supporting children, adolescents, parents, and adults. Since 2016, she has operated her own office in Nea Smyrni, where individual and group sessions are offered. She is training in Systemic/Family Psychotherapy and has received additional education in Clinical Psychopathology of adults, children, and adolescents, Eating Disorders, Play Therapy, and Developmental Difficulties. She has collaborated with private centers, kindergartens, and educational institutions, coordinating groups for children and adults as well as parent empowerment programs. Additionally, she has conducted numerous seminars and experiential workshops focusing on therapeutic writing and the use of storytelling as a means of expression. Her therapeutic approach is based on respect, acceptance, and individualized care for each person. She addresses children, adolescents, parents, and adults seeking to manage emotional and learning difficulties, anxiety, or self-esteem issues. Her goal is to create conditions where every individual feels heard, accepted, and able to develop safely. She believes that therapy is not only about managing difficulties but also about discovering the individual's inner strengths.

Katsarou Agni Georgia is a Psychologist (MSc) and Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapist. She works privately, providing online sessions to adults and adolescents, while also collaborating with the Child Protection Unit "The Embrace," where she offers psychological support to children and adolescents through individual sessions, as well as parental counseling.

She studied Psychology at the University of Ioannina and holds a Master's Degree from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, in the Interdisciplinary Program "Applications of Psychology in Health" of the School of Medicine. She has completed a three-year training in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy at K.E.PSY.SY., and is currently training in advanced specialized education in Eating Disorders at KEADD.

As part of her professional training, she completed an internship at the Psychiatric Clinic of the General Hospital of Corfu and subsequently volunteered with the Detoxification Unit of the same hospital. She has participated in activities at the multidisciplinary detoxification center KETHEA Corfu, as well as at AMKE IASIS, an organization providing psychosocial support to vulnerable groups in Athens, taking part in group sessions, interventions, and the operation of interpersonal relations groups.

Simultaneously, she regularly attends seminars and conferences aiming at her continuous scientific development and enhancing the effectiveness of her therapeutic work. She writes articles for psychology magazines and maintains an active interest in research and current scientific advancements. She is a member of the Corfu Psychologists Association.

Malamatou Kelly is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Nea Smyrni. Motivated by the need to gain a deeper understanding of herself, life, and human relationships, she was led to study psychology. In 2004, she obtained her degree from the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete, as well as her professional practice license. Subsequently, she embarked on a significant journey to acquire valuable experience through various professional and educational settings. She has completed, among other programs, a clinical training program in adult individual psychodynamic psychotherapy, seminars in systemic psychotherapy, and workshops in art therapy. Professionally, she has supported elderly individuals in the “Help at Home” Program, parents in Parent Schools, trainees in Second Chance Schools, employees at the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, immigrants and refugees, women trainees in vocational counseling contexts, as well as children and parents at two schools and two specialized therapy centers.

Currently, she offers psychological support, counseling, and psychotherapy services for adults in her private practice, utilizing a psychodynamic approach in which she continues to deepen her expertise. Her personal need for understanding and development remains as strong as her desire to meet and assist others. Her primary concern is the creation of a safe and stable therapeutic environment characterized by acceptance, empathy, genuine interest, and adherence to ethical standards, so that individuals who approach her can share their feelings, difficulties, and any concerns they may have.

Papaxristopoulou Eugenia is a Psychologist - Clinical Neuropsychologist and maintains a private practice in Piraeus. She studied Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a postgraduate degree in Clinical Neuropsychology from the Medical School of Athens. She is also specialized in Integrative Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents. She possesses significant experience, having served at the Special Care Center for Children of the Hellenic Navy, conducting numerous neuropsychological assessments of children and adolescents as well as therapeutic sessions. Additionally, she participated in cognitive empowerment groups at the Cognitive Strengthening Center of the Neurological Clinic of the Naval Hospital. Furthermore, she collaborates with psychological support centers. She is also a lecturer in psychology and neuropsychology courses at Metropolitan College, teaching the Greek editions of the WISC V and WAIS IV psychometric tools. She provides practical training for university students. Finally, she participates in numerous conferences of neurological or child psychological interest and concurrently delivers educational seminars in various certified private centers.