Health professionals for Psychosomatic symptoms

Drakakidou Xara is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Kalamaria. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and has completed her postgraduate studies at the University of Thessaly, specializing in "Counseling Psychology and Counseling in Special Education, Education, and Health." She has been trained in "Child Psychology and Child Psychiatry" at the University of the Aegean. As part of her postgraduate studies, she completed her internship at the Child Psychiatry Department of the General Hospital of Thessaloniki "Hippocratio," where she gained significant experience in the assessment and psychosocial support of children and adolescents, as well as their families, in a clinical setting. During her professional career, she worked as a trainer at a Higher Vocational Training School (S.A.E.K.), imparting her specialized knowledge to future professionals. Since 2018 until today, she has served as a Psychologist in Primary and Secondary Education, supporting parents, students, and educators in managing emotional and learning challenges. Her therapeutic approach is systemic, emphasizing relationships, communication, and the interaction of the individual with the systems to which they belong, such as family, school, and work. Her goal is to enhance self-awareness, improve functionality, and provide meaningful support to the individual for the effective management of their difficulties.

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.

Skylitsi Ioanna Mag.Phil., MEd is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience supporting adults and couples, maintaining a private practice in Marousi. In her work, she creates a safe and meaningful space aimed at an in-depth understanding of the challenges affecting daily life, relationships, and internal balance. She has worked in Greece and Austria, both privately and within organized institutions, and for over ten years provided psychological support to women survivors of gender-based and domestic violence. She practices based on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and the Systemic approach for couples. She offers in-person and online sessions in Greek and German.

Η Μαρία Σαββίδου είναι Ψυχολόγος, Κλινικής - Κοινωνικής κατεύθυνσης και κάτοχος Άδειας Ασκήσεως Επαγγέλματος Ψυχολόγου. Αποφοίτησε από το Αριστοτέλειο Πανεπιστήμιο Θεσσαλονίκης (2009), ενώ έλαβε υποτροφία από το University of Groningen της Ολλανδίας. Από το 2016, διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο κέντρο της Θεσσαλονίκης, όπου παρέχει υπηρεσίες ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης σε ενήλικες, εφήβους και παιδιά.

Εξειδικεύτηκε στην Μουσικοθεραπεία (ΜΑ) στο τμήμα Μουσικής και Κοινωνίας του Πανεπιστημίου Μακεδονίας και η θεραπευτική της προσέγγιση βασίζεται στο ανθρωπιστικό μοντέλο, με κεντρικούς άξονες την αποδοχή, την ενσυναίσθηση και την αυθεντική θεραπευτική σχέση. Παράλληλα, αξιοποιεί και στοιχεία από διαφορετικές θεωρητικές προσεγγίσεις, όπως είναι η Ψυχανάλυση, η Γνωστική - συμπεριφορική θεραπεία (CBT) και η Νευροψυχολογία, ανάλογα με το εξατομικευμένο πλάνο και το θεραπευτικό αίτημα. Ακόμη, μέσα από την κλινική της εμπειρία, εξειδικεύτηκε στις μαθησιακές δυσκολίες, την κατάθλιψη και τις διαταραχές άγχους.

Σημαντικό σταθμό στην πορεία της αποτελεί η κλινική της άσκηση στην Παιδοψυχιατρική Κλινική του Νοσοκομείου Παπανικολάου Θεσσαλονίκης, όπου εργάστηκε ως Μουσικοθεραπεύτρια και συνέβαλε στη διαμόρφωση και εφαρμογή καινοτόμων θεραπευτικών παρεμβάσεων σε πανελλήνιο επίπεδο.

Επέλεξε επίσης να εξειδικευτεί και στη Συμβουλευτική Σταδιοδρομίας, καθώς πιστεύει ότι η επαγγελματική ζωή είναι πολύ σημαντική και δύναται να επηρεάσει την ψυχικής μας υγεία. Η δυνατότητα να υποστηρίζει εφήβους και ενήλικες σε κρίσιμες αποφάσεις ζωής και να τους βοηθάει να ενισχύσουν την αυτογνωσία τους, αλλά και να ευθυγραμμίσουν τις επιλογές με τις αξίες τους και τις δυνατότητές τους, αποτέλεσε για εκείνη μια προέκταση του θεραπευτικού της έργου.

Επιπλέον, έχει εργαστεί στο Συμβουλευτικό Σταθμό Νέων Ν. Κοζάνης, στο Πρόγραμμα Προαγωγής Αυτοβοήθειας (ΑΠΘ), στο Κέντρο Πρόληψης και Συμβουλευτικής Θεσσαλονίκης και σε άλλες εθελοντικές, δημόσιες και ιδιωτικές δομές.

Η επιλογή της επιστήμης της Ψυχολογίας ήταν μια συνειδητή απόφαση από νεαρή ηλικία, καθώς είχε έντονο ενδιαφέρον για την ανθρώπινη επικοινωνία, τη συναισθηματική κατανόηση και τις διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις. Μέχρι και σήμερα, συνεχίζει να επιμορφώνεται και να είναι ενεργή στο ερευνητικό πεδίο, με σκοπό να κατανοεί σε μεγαλύτερο βάθος τον άνθρωπο - τις σκέψεις, τα συναισθήματα και τις σχέσεις του, αλλά και το πως αυτά επηρεάζονται από το εκάστοτε κοινωνικό και πολιτισμικό πλαίσιο.

Για εκείνη, η ψυχολογία δεν είναι απλά μια επαγγελματική επιλογή, αλλά μια διαρκής πορεία γνώσης και ουσιαστικής ανθρώπινης σύνδεσης. Αντιλαμβάνεται τη θεραπευτική διαδικασία ως ένα ζωντανό χώρο συνάντησης, όπου η δυσκολία μπορεί να ειπωθεί με ασφάλεια και ο άνθρωπος να ξαναβρεί τη σχέση με τον εαυτό του σε ένα πλαίσιο αποδοχής, σεβασμού και ουσιαστικής παρουσίας.

Η Σακαρέλλου Σταυρούλα,MSc είναι Ψυχολόγος με άδεια ασκήσεως επαγγέλματος και εκπαιδευόμενη στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία (ΓΣΘ) στο Αιγινήτειο Νοσοκομείο καθώς και στη Συστιμική Ψυχοθεραπεία στο ΑΚΜΑ. 

Είναι απόφοιτη του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας με κατεύθυνση Κλινική Ψυχολογία του University of Kent (BSc) και κατέχει Μεταπτυχιακό Τίτλο Σπουδών (MSc) στη Γνωστική Νευροεπιστήμη και Νευροψυχολογία από το ίδιο πανεπιστήμιο.

Έχει ολοκληρώσει επιπλέον εκπαιδεύσεις στη στη Σχολική Ψυχολογία και στη θεραπευτική αντιμετώπιση Διατροφικών Διαταραχών και Παχυσαρκίας, ενώ βρίσκεται σε συνεχή κλινική εκπαίδευση και εποπτεία.

Έχει αποκτήσει κλινική εμπειρία σε δημόσιες και ιδιωτικές δομές ψυχικής υγείας. Συγκεκριμένα, έχει εργαστεί στο Πανεπιστημιακό Γενικό Νοσοκομείο ΑΤΤΙΚΟΝ, συμμετέχοντας στην ψυχολογική αξιολόγηση και υποστήριξη ασθενών, καθώς και στη διεπιστημονική συνεργασία στο πλαίσιο νοσοκομειακής φροντίδας. Επιπλέον, έχει συνεργαστεί με ιδιωτικές δομές, όπως το Thalpos, παρέχοντας ψυχολογική υποστήριξη σε ενήλικες.

Παράλληλα, εργάζεται ως online ψυχολόγος στην πλατφόρμα HIWELL, προσφέροντας συνεδρίες εξ αποστάσεως. Έχει επίσης εμπειρία στη χορήγηση και ανάλυση ψυχομετρικών εργαλείων (MMPI-II) μέσω της συνεργασίας της με το MED24.

Έχει παρακολουθήσει πληθώρα σεμιναρίων στον τομέα της ψυχικής υγείας και της κλινικής ψυχολογίας. Στο θεραπευτικό της έργο εφαρμόζει επιστημονικά τεκμηριωμένες παρεμβάσεις, προσαρμοσμένες στις ανάγκες του κάθε θεραπευόμενου.

Πιστεύει ότι η θεραπεία είναι μια διαδικασία αυτογνωσίας και ενδυνάμωσης, η οποία, παρότι συχνά συνοδεύεται από αβεβαιότητα ή φόβο στην αρχή, μπορεί να αποτελέσει ένα ουσιαστικό βήμα προς την κατανόηση του εαυτού και την αλλαγή. Μέσα σε ένα ασφαλές και υποστηρικτικό πλαίσιο, στόχος είναι να αναγνωριστούν μοτίβα σκέψης και συμπεριφοράς, να καλλιεργηθεί η ψυχική ανθεκτικότητα και να δοκιμαστούν νέοι, πιο λειτουργικοί τρόποι αντιμετώπισης της καθημερινότητας.

Karagianni Aggeliki is a Psychologist – Integrative Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Nikaia. She holds a postgraduate degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy (MA Counselling and Psychotherapy) and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Metropolitan College. The specialist provides individual counselling and psychotherapy for adults, both in-person and online, within a safe, confidential, and supportive environment. Her goal is to offer a space where each individual can work through difficulties, anxiety, relationship issues, and self-esteem, with the therapeutic process tailored to their unique needs, in accordance with the principles of the integrative approach.

Pavlos Karathanos is a licensed Psychologist (License No. 281828/5193) who offers online therapy sessions based in Athens, Greece. He completed his undergraduate studies in Psychology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and pursued further training in Theoretical Approaches at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, specializing in Music Therapy (therapy through the arts).

In 2011, he provided his services as a Psychologist at the Psychological Support and Telecounseling Helpline of KETHEA, and later worked at the American School of The Hague in the Netherlands, offering one-to-one coaching

He has specialized in issues related to anxiety disorders, emotional regulation difficulties, panic attacks, psychosomatic symptoms, performance anxiety, school-related stress (including university entrance exam anxiety), tics, and the empowerment of LGBTQI+ individuals.

He is in ongoing personal therapy and clinical supervision.

Androvitsanea Anthi Psyxologos Msc - Psyxotherapeutria Gsth is a Psychologist - Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a Master's Degree in "Health Promotion and Education" from the Medical School of NKUA. She is a certified Psychotherapist in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Additionally, she has been trained in Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). She has worked in various mental health settings, both public and private, providing psychotherapeutic and counseling support to adults and young people facing diverse psychosocial difficulties, as well as manifestations of psychopathology such as anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, psychosomatic symptoms, or other emotional difficulties that affect functionality and quality of life. The focus of her professional career is the support of vulnerable populations, such as women who have experienced gender-based and/or domestic violence, and patients with chronic illnesses.

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.

Nikoleta Ortoulidou is a psychodynamic and IFS-informed psychotherapist.

She completed her studies in Counseling Psychology and immediately afterwards trained in addiction counseling with a CBT approach. She gained significant experience through therapeutic work both individually and in groups, having volunteered her services in addiction treatment centers in Thessaloniki and Athens, working with individuals facing addictive behaviors and psychosocial difficulties. Additionally, she has provided her services as a volunteer psychotherapist at the Child Protection Unit "Eliza" at Attikon University Hospital, supporting children, adolescents, and their families.

In recent years, she has been working privately with adults, focusing on trauma. Simultaneously, she continues her training in the Depth Analytical Psychology of Carl Jung at KPS, and consistently receives individual supervision, integrating contemporary approaches such as Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Compassionate Inquiry (Gabor Maté). IFS offers a different perspective on how to approach people and trauma. She is a psychology student and has been trained in IFS while also participating in group supervision in this approach.

The trainings she has completed enable her to use the approach that best suits each individual.

Her therapeutic stance is characterized by empathy, respect, and authentic presence. The goal is to create a safe therapeutic environment where the individual can gain deeper self-understanding, connect with their emotions, and process experiences that continue to affect them in the present.

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.

Lydia Papaioannou is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist licensed to practice and maintains a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. She studied Psychology at Panteion University of Athens and subsequently completed a five-year postgraduate training in the psychotherapeutic approach of Psychodrama at PSY.K.A.P. Simultaneously, she has attended various training programs, including the Clinical Psychopathology program at the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the seminar "Facilitation of Adolescent and Youth Groups" (SEOEN) at the Athens Center for Human Studies (AKMA). She has been working as a Psychologist since 2019, offering sessions in both individual and group settings to adults, children, and adolescents.

Η Σπαβέρα Καλλιόπη είναι Ψυχολόγος με εξειδίκευση στην Κλινική Ψυχολογία και παράλληλα εκπαιδεύεται στη Λακανικη Ψυχανάλυση. Διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στη Γλυφάδα, όπου προσφέρει υπηρεσίες ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης. Είναι κάτοχος Πτυχίου Ψυχολογίας και Μεταπτυχιακού στην Κλινική Ψυχολογία από το University of Essex, ενώ παράλληλα εκπαιδεύεται στην Ψυχανάλυση στο Φόρουμ της Αθήνας του Διεθνούς Φόρουμ Ψυχανάλυσης. Η επαγγελματική της πορεία περιλαμβάνει κλινική άσκηση σε ψυχιατρικές δομές, όπως το Ψυχιατρικό Νοσοκομείο Αττικής «Δρομοκαΐτειο» και η Ψυχιατρική Κλινική «Γαλήνη», καθώς και εθελοντική προσφορά στο Κέντρο Ψυχικής Υγείας του Δήμου Παλλήνης. Έχει επίσης εμπειρία στην παροχή συμβουλευτικής και ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης σε ενήλικες και άτομα τρίτης ηλικίας. Παρακολουθεί συστηματικά συνέδρια, σεμινάρια και εξειδικευμένα εκπαιδευτικά προγράμματα, με στόχο τη συνεχή επιστημονική και επαγγελματική της εξέλιξη.

Panagiotou Maria - Anna is a Psychologist (BSc) and Psychotherapist specializing in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy. She graduated from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a professional practice license valid nationwide (License No: 1401991). She has worked as a Psychologist at the Elderly Care Unit "Rodi" in Filothei, as well as an external collaborator in a Medical Clinic and an English tutoring center to support employees and students. Additionally, she has volunteered in various settings, including public elderly care units and telephone support platforms. She has been trained in the Behavioral-Cognitive approach (higher education) at KEPSYSY in areas such as anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, psychosomatic disorders, depression, traumatic experiences, relationship issues, and has specialized in the non-pharmacological management of geriatric issues and caregivers, including dementia, grief, and anxiety at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She works with both adults and adolescents on family matters, crisis management, school performance, and violence-related issues. Her approach is based, among others, on the Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy model by Ellis, Beck's Cognitive Therapy model, as well as Meichenbaum's Cognitive-Behavioral Modification. Finally, the specialist is a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society (SEPS). Guided by empathy, authenticity, and scientific practices, individuals will progressively be able to manage life situations effectively. For optimal service provision, she is supervised and participates in personal psychotherapy.

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.

Lyrarakis Konstantinos has a private practice in Pallini, Attica. He holds a diploma as a Mental Health Counselor from the Athens Synthesis Centre, recognized by the internationally renowned Counselling and Psychotherapy Organization COSCA (Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland). He has been awarded the "COSCA Counselling Skills Certificate," recognized by Napier University of Edinburgh. He has completed a one-year training program focused on Parent-Adolescent relationships. He has extensive experience working with couple relationships aimed at finding solutions. He has contributed articles to an online health newspaper, offering opinions and solutions on contemporary issues. He has authored and published a book related to relationships. He collaborates with companies to address issues concerning employee relationships and communication. He organizes and delivers seminars for company executives with the goal of improving workplace communication. He applies an approach tailored to the needs of executives. Focused on improving relationships, he develops communication methods at the workplace, family, and individual levels. He implements an integrative therapeutic model, identifying the needs of each individual. With acceptance, non-judgment, and empathy, he accompanies the client on their journey of personal development. Targeting the strengthening of mental and overall physical health, he supports clients in managing their fears and concerns. His areas of practice include anxiety management, separation, low self-esteem, depression, panic attacks, employee relations, support and empowerment for business executives, family businesses, succession management, and more. He offers individual and couples therapy daily at his private office. Online sessions are also available.