Health professionals for Psychosomatic symptoms in Athens

Ioanna Marmarou BSc, MSc, PhD is a Clinical - Counseling Psychologist who maintains a private practice in the center of Athens, in Exarchia. She holds a PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of East London, a master's degree in Clinical & Community Psychology, and a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the same university. The therapist is a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society with professional license number 309612. The therapeutic process follows the Integrative Approach, which successfully incorporates Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, and Gestalt therapy. She holds certifications in School Psychology, Sexual Education for Children and Adolescents, and Drama Therapy. At Ioanna Marmarou's private practice, the counseling and psychotherapeutic process focuses on the uniqueness of each individual, allowing them to express every right - wrong, good - bad, normal - abnormal, realistic - imaginary, light - dark aspect of themselves and their broader life. The purpose of this therapeutic process is to serve as a journey for the client to explore their own self and their relationship with themselves, as well as the relationships and boundaries they have established within their social environment. A core principle of the therapist is the empowerment of the individual, aiming to build healthy relationships, achieve inner fulfillment, and maintain functionality in daily life.

Myrto Maniati is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Syntagma. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, with a professional practice license (39100-1449). Additionally, she has completed postgraduate training in Clinical Psychopathology at Aeginiteio Hospital, as well as Clinical Training in Group Dynamics in Psychiatric Settings (in collaboration with the Hellenic Society of Psychoanalytic-Oriented Psychotherapy (ΕΕΨΨΟ)). Her scientific specialization concerns psychoanalytic and psychodynamic psychotherapy for adults, children, and adolescents from the Center DI.KE.PSY. (Interdisciplinary & Research Psychosocial Support for Children and Adults). Her professional career began in France, where she worked in mental health facilities, providing psychological support and counseling to adults and socially vulnerable groups, as well as to children and adolescents. From 2018 to 2022, she worked with humanitarian organizations, offering psychological support to vulnerable refugee populations. She collaborated with the Heraklion Mental Health Center, providing psychotherapy services to adults. Finally, she currently maintains a private practice where she offers personalized psychotherapy and counseling services.

Semeli Balta-Messari is a Psychologist and Dance Therapist who maintains a private practice in Neos Kosmos. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete (2018). She holds a specialization in Jungian – Psychodynamic Counseling through Dance Therapy under the supervision of the Hellenic Center for Training – Psychotherapy through the Arts (Hellenic-British College of Athens), which she successfully completed in 2022. She has been trained in the Laban Movement Analysis (LMA) system and the Authentic Movement technique. The therapeutic model she follows combines Counseling Psychology techniques with the analysis of symbols and dreams, the approach to archetypes through creative methods, the Authentic Movement technique, and the Active Imagination technique. She has worked as a psychologist and dance therapist in both private and public institutions, providing psychological and counseling support to children, adolescents, and families, as well as populations with increased social and psycho-emotional needs. Currently, she is coordinating auxiliary work, as a specialist scientist, for the “Women InterACT” group at Restart Theater Athens, within the framework of a European program addressing the dual exclusion of women.

Gkotsi Xristina is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in the central area of Athens, on Akadimias Street. She holds a degree in Psychology (University of East London) and a degree in Sociology (Panteion University). She pursued and completed her postgraduate studies in Psychology at the University of East London, deepening her scientific understanding of human behavior and mental health. She follows the approach of Systemic Psychotherapy, focusing on the dynamics of relationships and the broader contexts within which individual difficulties develop. Additionally, she holds a Master's Degree in Criminal Law and Addictions from the Law Department of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, specializing in the legal and therapeutic management of addictions. Simultaneously, she has participated in numerous scientific seminars, continually investing in her professional development. Her interdisciplinary training allows her to approach mental health and addiction issues holistically, combining legal, social, and therapeutic perspectives. Her passion and genuine interest in the field of addictions have led her to ongoing education, research activities, and publications in scientific journals. She has worked and volunteered in organizations supporting vulnerable social groups and in addiction rehabilitation centers, gaining valuable clinical experience. In recent years, she has worked in the academic environment of a private higher education college as the Head of Psychology Studies, teaching Clinical and Social Psychology courses, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical experience, and imparting to her students a passion for the science of Psychology.

Anastopoulou Filippa is a Psychologist (MSc) offering online sessions. She holds a degree from the Department of Applied Psychology at the University of Derby and a postgraduate qualification in Clinical Psychology and Counseling. She continually enhances her knowledge through specialized seminars on mental health and psychotherapy topics, while also undergoing training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She is a member of the Cyprus Association of Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapists (S.G.S.P.K.) and the EABCT. She possesses significant clinical experience, having worked in mental health facilities, including a Psychiatry department, providing support to individuals with various psychological difficulties. Her work focuses on the management of anxiety, somatoform and depressive disorders, grief, addictions, and other mental health issues. With scientific training and a person-centered approach, she delivers high-quality psychological support and therapy services.

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 Ράπτη Έλενα είναι Κλινικός Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στα Ιλίσια (περιοχή Χίλτον). Στο ιδιωτικό της γραφείο παρέχει ατομική ψυχοθεραπεία σε εφήβους και ενήλικες, συνεδρίες με ζεύγη και γονείς. Η ψυχοθεραπεία, η ψυχολογική στήριξη και η συμβουλευτική αφορά ένα ευρύ φάσμα δυσκολιών ή/και παθολογικών καταστάσεων. Ειδικότερα παρέχονται υπηρεσίες στις συναισθηματικές διαταραχές (κατάθλιψη, έλλειψη νοήματος), στις αγχώδεις διαταραχές (κρίσεις πανικού, άγχος, φοβίες, ιδεοληψίες). Επίσης αντιμετωπίζονται ψυχοθεραπευτικά δυσκολίες στις διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις, στην απώλεια, στο πένθος, στο τραύμα. Στην κλινική της πρακτική, κι εφόσον κριθεί απαραίτητο, συνεργάζεται με άλλους ειδικούς ψυχικής υγείας (ψυχιάτρους, ειδικούς θεραπευτές). Διαθέτει μεταπτυχιακό Κλινικής Ψυχολογίας (Master of Arts & Sciences in Clinical Psychology) και πτυχίο Ψυχολογίας (Bachelor of Arts & Sciences in Psychology) από το University of Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Είναι μέλος του Αμερικανικού Ψυχολογικού Συλλόγου (American Psychological Association, APA). Είναι εξειδικευμένη ψυχοθεραπεύτρια στην Ψυχοδυναμική Ψυχοθεραπεία και Παρέμβαση, στην Υπαρξιακή Ανάλυση καθώς και στην Short-Term Anxiety Provoking Psychotherapy (STAPP). Στο πλαίσιο της συνεχιζόμενης κατάρτισης παρακολουθεί σεμινάρια, εκπαίδευση και κλινική εποπτεία στην Ελληνική Εταιρεία Ψυχανάλυσης και Ψυχαναλυτικής Ψυχοθεραπείας (Ε.Ε.Ψ.Ψ). Στα 30 χρόνια κλινικής εμπειρίας έχει παρακολουθήσει και συμμετάσχει σε σημαντικό αριθμό συνεδρίων και σεμιναρίων (διεθνών και ευρωπαϊκών) ψυχιατρικής, ψυχοθεραπείας και ψυχολογίας. Παράλληλα με το ιδιωτικό της γραφείο, εργάζεται από το 2003 ως Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια στη Μονάδα Απεξάρτησης του Ψυχιατρικού Νοσοκομείου Αττικής (ΨΝΑ) όπου παρέχει ατομική και ομαδική ψυχοθεραπεία σε ενήλικες ουσιοεξαρτώμενους. Επίσης, αναλαμβάνει ομάδες εποπτείας επαγγελματιών ψυχικής υγείας σε κέντρα αποκατάστασης και ψυχολογικής παρέμβασης. Από το 1998 έως 2020 έχει συνεργαστεί με κέντρα ειδικής θεραπείας /ψυχικής υγείας καθώς και με ένα σημαντικό αριθμό βρεφονηπιακών σταθμών, παρέχοντας αξιολόγηση και παρέμβαση σε παιδιά κι εφήβους, ψυχοθεραπεία εφήβων, συμβουλευτική οικογένειας, ομάδες ψυχοεκπαίδευσης γονέων και παιδαγωγών. Σε περιπτώσεις που οι αποστάσεις ή οι συνθήκες το υπαγορεύουν, οι συνεδρίες μπορούν να πραγματοποιηθούν μέσω Teams ή βιντεοκλήσης, τόσο στα ελληνικά όσο και στα αγγλικά.

Dimitra Sigala is a Psychologist, a graduate of the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete, a final-year student of the postgraduate program “Forensic Psychiatry” at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and holds a professional license to practice psychology.

She has completed the annual postgraduate seminars in Clinical Psychopathology and Clinical Skills in Psychopathology "Panagiotis Oulis," as well as training in the administration of the Structured Clinical Interview SCID I, organized by the First Psychiatric Clinic of the University of Athens.

In parallel with her studies, she has attended part of the training program in Cognitive Psychotherapies offered by the Hellenic Society of Cognitive Psychotherapies, and she is a trainee Systemic Psychotherapist. Additionally, she has been trained in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy through the Eagala (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) model in Staffordshire, England.

Her professional experience has enabled her to work in a clinical setting managing suicidal thoughts and self-destructive behaviors, as well as providing psychotherapy and counseling to adults.

She has gained clinical experience working as a volunteer psychologist in social therapeutic programs within psychiatric facilities, such as the Day Hospital Center of the Research University Mental Health Institute (E.P.I.PSY.), Rethymno Hospital, among others.

Maria Vlachaki, MSc, is a Psychologist, Cyberpsychologist, and Psychotherapist, currently operating a private practice in Alimos, Athens.She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and a Master's degree in Cyberpsychology from the same institution.She has specialized in Systemic and Family Therapy through studies at the Laboratory for the Investigation of Human Relations (Charis Katakis, 2022–2023) and the University Mental Health Research Institute (UMHRI). She is also attending the annual program “Therapeutic Approaches to Addictions” at the 18 ANO Addiction Rehabilitation Center.Her professional experience includes providing individual psychotherapy sessions since September 2023, as well as collaborations with the Psychiatric Clinic of Attikon University General Hospital (volunteer work), the Evaluation Committee for the Ministry of Health’s “Personal Assistant for People with Disabilities” program (June–July 2023), and the “ARGO” Association for Children with Special Needs. Since 2024, she has been working with the Municipal Health Clinics of Nea Smyrni and the P. Sakellaropoulos Association for Social Psychiatry.She is trained in the administration of psychometric tools such as the MMPI-1, Raven's Progressive Matrices, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), MoCA, and the Geriatric Depression Scale.Maria actively participates in numerous scientific conferences, symposia, and workshops related to psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, mental health, and technology. Notably, she has attended the Psychotherapy Conferences of the Hellenic Psychiatric Association, the Panhellenic Conference on Counseling Psychology, events at Attikon Hospital, and seminars by the Hellenic Psychological Society, as well as initiatives promoting community mental health awareness.As a speaker, she presented her research titled “Netflix and binge watching: A qualitative exploration of the subjective viewing experience” at Panteion University (April 9, 2024). She has also participated in a women’s empowerment and breast cancer awareness event at the Kallithea Municipal Library (October 2024), and in a public seminar on cyberbullying organized by the Municipality of Rentis/Moschato (November 2024).

Giannakopoulou Maria is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist providing individual sessions both in-person and online. She has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She offers psychotherapeutic support to adults, adolescents, and children, focusing on understanding and modifying dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors related to anxiety, mood, and interpersonal difficulties.

She studied Psychology at the University of Derby and completed her training in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling. Additionally, she holds a Master's degree (MSc) in Counseling and Guidance from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

She has worked in private and public mental health institutions, supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, depressive symptoms, relationship difficulties, and self-esteem issues.

Within the therapeutic setting, she emphasizes a collaborative relationship with the client and the clear formulation of goals. Through understanding cognitive and emotional patterns, the aim is to develop more functional ways of thinking and behaving, as well as to enhance psychological resilience. The therapeutic process is individually tailored, taking into account each person's needs, pace, and objectives.

Simultaneously, she regularly participates in supervision and professional development programs, aiming for continuous professional and personal growth.

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.

Sarrimaurogeni Stamatia is a Psychologist specializing in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and conducts online psychotherapy sessions. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete and is continuing her training in psychodynamic psychotherapy through HOPEinGA. She completed her practical internship at the Chania Mental Health Center and subsequently participated in the Erasmus+ program at the AMEOS St. Josef psychiatric clinic in Oberhausen. She has attended numerous seminars accredited by certified organizations and has participated in educational workshops and conferences.

Danai Volitaki is a Social Anthropologist - Systemic Family Psychotherapist providing sessions to adults and couples. She completed her undergraduate studies in Social Anthropology and History at the University of the Aegean, followed by a one-year postgraduate training program in Applied Counseling. She specialized in the Systemic and Family Psychotherapy program at the Laboratory for the Investigation of Human Relations, certified by international and European psychotherapy bodies (ELESYTH, EFTA, EAP, EEPS), gaining valuable clinical experience alongside esteemed trainers and supervisor psychotherapists. Subsequently, she completed the annual seminar on Therapeutic Treatment of Addictions at the public Detoxification Center 18 ANO. During her specialization in systemic family therapy, she participated in a clinical psychotherapy team at the Laboratory for the Investigation of Human Relations and began working privately as a psychotherapist. She has extensive experience in the field of Non-Governmental Organizations, having worked with vulnerable groups, providing counseling services to ex-prisoners, unemployed individuals, and people facing substance, alcohol, and gambling addiction issues, which enables her to offer a holistic therapeutic approach. Additionally, she has worked with infants, adolescents, and adults with disabilities (ASD and intellectual disabilities). She has volunteered at the Detoxification Unit 18 ANO, participating in individual and family sessions with addicted individuals and their families. Since 2018, she has worked privately as a Systemic Family Psychotherapist and concurrently as a Therapist for addicted individuals in the organization Group for UNESCO of Piraeus and Islands.

Karydas Xristos, MSc is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in the Megaro Mousikis area. He graduated from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and holds a Master's Degree in "Promotion of Mental Health – Prevention of Psychiatric Disorders" from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). Simultaneously, he is completing his clinical specialization in Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy. He works as a psychologist at the Reception and Solidarity Center of the Municipality of Athens and at the Therapy Express Mental Health Day Center in Neo Psychiko. Previously, he has worked in Primary Education, as well as in speech therapy and special treatment centers, and was a general partner of the company Psychintherapy. His professional experience includes collaborations with mental health organizations such as the Psychogeriatric Society "Nestor," the Penteli Psychosocial Rehabilitation Hostel, the Agia Paraskevi Day Center of E.P.A.PSY., the Attikon University General Hospital, the Municipality of Ilioupoli, and the Aeginiteio Hospital (Athena Program).

Tragara Elena is a Psychologist and a certified Gestalt Psychotherapist, maintaining a private practice in Ano Patisia. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Panteion University and has been trained in the Gestalt therapeutic approach at the Psychotherapy and Training Center "Gestalt Foundation." As part of her studies, she completed her internship at the 251st General Air Force Hospital, as well as at the Clinical and Research Department of the Institut Curie in Paris, France. Additionally, she has received training in Clinical Psychopathology at Aeginiteio Hospital through the "Panagiotis Oulis" program. Throughout her professional career, she has worked as a Psychologist at the Rehabilitation and Recovery Center "Blocks Rehab Philoktitis," where she collaborated with individuals suffering from chronic conditions, as well as patients requiring psychological support during their rehabilitation and recovery following sudden health issues. Her objective is to create a safe space for individuals seeking to deeply understand themselves and evolve the way they relate to others. Within her practice, Ground Psychotherapy, a multipurpose psychotherapy space operates, founded on the principles of human care and empathy towards people's needs. It is a supportive environment that simultaneously provides the appropriate ground for the emergence of sensations, thoughts, emotions, and needs. Mental health services offered include individual and group psychotherapy, couples therapy, and counseling.