Health professionals for Psycotherapy LGBTQ in Athens

Patera Aliki is a psychologist and psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Ilisia. She has extensive experience in psychological support and psychotherapy for adults, children, and adolescents, as well as in parental counseling. Since 2013, she has been working at the Child and Adolescent Service of the Community Mental Health Center of Vyronas – Kaisariani (1st Psychiatric Clinic, Aeginiteio Hospital), where she is a member of the interdisciplinary team involved in clinical, diagnostic, and research activities. She also participates in community prevention and awareness initiatives and educational programs.

She graduated from the Department of Psychology (Faculty of Philosophy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens) and holds a postgraduate degree in "Mental Health Promotion and Prevention of Psychiatric Disorders" (Medical School, NKUA). She has received further training in Clinical Psychopathology (annual seminar "Panagiotis Oulis," 1st Psychiatric Clinic NKUA) and has attended a series of specialized seminars and conferences at recognized institutions. Indicatively, she has deepened her expertise in topics such as parenting and mental health, psychiatry and gender identity in adolescence, adolescent romantic relationships, as well as anxiety symptoms and impulsive behaviors.

Previously, she worked (2010–2012) in the Adult Short-Term Hospitalization Unit of Aeginiteio Hospital, where she provided psychotherapeutic support to hospitalized patients.

She is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Hospital Psychologists and the Hellenic Society of the New Lacanian School, while also participating in the educational program of the Academy of Clinical Studies of Athens (ACSA). Additionally, she teaches and supervises undergraduate and postgraduate psychology students.

In her private practice, she provides psycho-emotional assessment and psychotherapy, either short-term or long-term, tailored to the uniqueness and specific needs of each client.

Η Χαρά Ντούλια είναι πιστοποιημένη Σύμβουλος Ψυχικής Υγείας, σύμφωνα με τις προδιαγραφές της Ελληνική Εταιρεία Συμβουλευτικής. Είναι κάτοχος του Diploma in Integrative Counselling από την COSCA και τακτικό μέλος της Ελληνικής Εταιρείας Συμβουλευτικής.Είναι απόφοιτος Φαρμακευτικής Σχολής και εργάστηκε ως φαρμακοποιός για αρκετά χρόνια, πριν στραφεί στον χώρο της Ψυχολογίας. Σήμερα συνεχίζει τις σπουδές της στο Marconi University, όπου είναι τελειόφοιτη στο Τμήμα Ψυχολογίας. Στο πλαίσιο της συνεχούς επαγγελματικής και προσωπικής της εξέλιξης, παρακολουθεί εκπαιδευτικά σεμινάρια και επιμορφωτικά προγράμματα, ενώ παράλληλα συνεχίζει την προσωπική της θεραπευτική διεργασία και την επαγγελματική εποπτεία.Διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στην Αθήνα, όπου πραγματοποιεί ατομικές συνεδρίες συμβουλευτικής και συνεδρίες ζεύγους. Παρέχει συμβουλευτική υποστήριξη και σε LGBTQI+ άτομα, με στόχο να προσεγγίσουν τον εαυτό τους με ελευθερία, αποδοχή και ασφάλεια. Παράλληλα, αποτελεί μέρος ενός δικτύου συνεργασίας ψυχιάτρων και άλλων επαγγελματιών ψυχικής υγείας, με σκοπό τη συνολική υποστήριξη της πορείας κάθε ανθρώπου, όταν αυτό κρίνεται απαραίτητο. Οι συνεδρίες πραγματοποιούνται τόσο δια ζώσης όσο και διαδικτυακά, ανάλογα με τις ανάγκες και τη διαθεσιμότητα του κάθε ατόμου.Το ενδιαφέρον της για την ψυχική υγεία, σε συνδυασμό με την προσωπική της εμπειρία, την οδήγησαν να αφοσιωθεί στην Ψυχολογία, αρχικά μέσα από τη δική της πορεία αυτογνωσίας και στη συνέχεια ως επαγγελματίας. Πιστεύει βαθιά ότι κάθε άνθρωπος έχει τη δυνατότητα να κατανοήσει τον εαυτό του και να εξελιχθεί, όταν βρεθεί σε ένα περιβάλλον ασφάλειας και αποδοχής.Ως σύμβουλος ψυχικής υγείας, ακολουθεί τη συνθετική προσέγγιση, ενσωματώνοντας στοιχεία από διαφορετικά θεραπευτικά μοντέλα, όπως η προσωποκεντρική, η γνωσιακή-συμπεριφορική, η ψυχοδυναμική και η Gestalt. Η προσέγγιση αυτή επιτρέπει η θεραπευτική διαδικασία να παραμένει ευέλικτη και προσαρμοσμένη στις ανάγκες του κάθε ανθρώπου, αναγνωρίζοντας τη μοναδικότητά του πέρα από τους περιορισμούς ενός μόνο θεωρητικού πλαισίου.Βασική της πεποίθηση είναι ότι όλοι οι άνθρωποι είναι εκ φύσεως άξιοι εμπιστοσύνης και διαθέτουν τη δυνατότητα αλλαγής, εξέλιξης και αυτοκατανόησης. Πιστεύει στην έμφυτη ικανότητα της αυτοθεραπείας και θεωρεί πως ο ρόλος της είναι να συνοδεύει το άτομο στην αναζήτηση της προσωπικής του σοφίας, με σεβασμό στον δικό του χρόνο και τρόπο.Για την ίδια, κάθε συνεδρία αποτελεί μια μοναδική συνάντηση δύο ανθρώπων που συνειδητά επιλέγουν να συνεργαστούν. Μέσα σε ένα ασφαλές και υποστηρικτικό πλαίσιο, δημιουργεί τον χώρο ώστε το άτομο να μπορέσει να δει και να ακούσει τον εαυτό του όπως ακριβώς είναι, με πλήρη αποδοχή για όλα τα συναισθήματα, τις σκέψεις και τη σιωπή. Στόχος της είναι η οικοδόμηση μιας θεραπευτικής σχέσης που βασίζεται στην ειλικρίνεια, τον σεβασμό, την εμπιστοσύνη και την κατανόηση, καθώς πιστεύει ότι η ίδια η σχέση αποτελεί τον σημαντικότερο παράγοντα ανάπτυξης και αλλαγής.Δεσμεύεται να λειτουργεί ως συνοδοιπόρος και υποστηρικτική παρουσία στο ταξίδι της αυτογνωσίας, της συνειδητότητας, της ελευθερίας και της βαθύτερης σύνδεσης με την ανθρώπινη ύπαρξη.

Mamo Xrysovalanto - Eirini is a Psychologist specializing in Clinical Psychology and Counseling, holding a Master of Science (MSc) degree from the University of Derby, as well as a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Applied Psychology. Her experience includes professional and voluntary work across a wide range of psychological needs and interventions. She has collaborated with organizations such as the Hellenic Network of European Women, IASIS, and Ithaca Laundry, providing counseling sessions and contributing to programs that promote social inclusion and psychological well-being. Additionally, she actively participates in continuous education, currently undergoing a four-year training program in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). In the past, she has completed specialized training programs in Psychodynamic Therapy, Systemic Counseling, and Counseling Psychotherapy. She has an extensive research portfolio, with publications exploring topics such as "emotional nourishment," attachment, mental disorders, and innovative psychological interventions.

Georgia Dermani is a Psychologist with a private practice located in Ampelokipoi, where she conducts individual sessions. She completed her studies at the University of East London and continued her training at Aeginiteio Hospital in Athens. She is undergoing training in somatic psychotherapy at the Wilhelm Reich Psychotherapy and Counseling Center - Hellenic Institute of Neurovegetative Therapy and Character Analysis (E.I.N.A.). After completing her studies, she voluntarily provided psychotherapy services for four consecutive years within a social solidarity network in Athens. Her therapeutic approach is a personal synthesis developed through years of experience, intensive study, personal therapy, and supervision. The primary foundation of her approach is Psychodynamic, rooted in Psychoanalytic theory and clinical practice.

Dr. Katsamas Dionysis is a Psychologist with a private practice located in the Ampelokipoi area. He graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Psychology and holds a postgraduate MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of East London. Concurrently, he practiced professionally at the Petroupoli Counseling Center and with Médecins Sans Frontières. He has been actively working in the field for the past 10 years, with a particular focus on the challenging period of lockdown through online and home-based sessions. Additionally, he is an active volunteer in the Municipality of Athens. His further training in an integrative theoretical model—covering 1) person-centered, 2) cognitive-behavioral, and 3) psychodynamic therapy—and his professional development since 2013 through workshops and clinical sessions have enabled him to adapt to the individual needs of each client, establishing a therapeutic environment of trust and intimacy. He is also continuing his postgraduate studies, further expanding his expertise into new areas. The office is conveniently located within a short distance from the Panormou Metro station, where in this welcoming space, you will have the opportunity to receive his services characterized by unconditional acceptance, hope, empathy, the establishment of dialogue, and scientific rigor.

Xemery Aleksandros is a second-generation Clinical Psychologist – Psychotherapist, born in Stockholm, Sweden in 1977. He is a member of the British Psychological Society, licensed to practice psychology within the Greek territory, holding a bachelor's degree in psychology and a postgraduate degree in Clinical and Community Psychology. He is a trainee member in the four-year postgraduate training program in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for children and adults at DI.KE.PSY and maintains a private practice in central Athens. Concurrently, he collaborates with the specialized intervention unit for young individuals with delinquent behavior "OSELOTOS" and with the NGO PRAKSIS within the framework of supporting unaccompanied minors aged 16 and above. He offers individual psychotherapy services in person or remotely via video call in Greek, English, or Swedish.

Katerina Fragkou is a psychologist with a private practice in Ampelokipoi. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University, with a Master's in Clinical Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neurosciences from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. As part of her clinical training, she has gained experience in various hospital and research settings. She has worked at the 414 Military Hospital and in the Neurology and Psychiatry Clinics of Aiginiteio Hospital, where she specialized in the diagnosis and support of individuals with neurological and psychiatric disorders. Additionally, she has collaborated with ELEPAP, acquiring valuable experience in the rehabilitation of individuals with neurodevelopmental difficulties. Concurrently, she has completed one year of training in Forensic Psychology and Psychiatric Forensics at the "Peri Psychis" Institute, as well as in counseling LGBTQIA2+ individuals. She has also received training in mood disorder management through the Bipolar Lab program, focusing on support for individuals with depression and bipolar disorder. She continuously enriches her knowledge and clinical practice, pursuing further specialization in Psychopathology at the Research University Mental Health Institute (E.P.I.PSY.) and has completed an advanced seminar at Panteion University on the prevention of gender-based violence and the enhancement of women's mental health. She is currently in the final year of training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling. In parallel, she is training in EMDR Therapy through the certified TACT Hellas program, as well as in the diagnosis and treatment of psychosexual disorders at E.P.I.PSY. Through her multifaceted training, she applies scientifically validated psychotherapeutic methods, tailoring her approach to the unique needs of each individual.

Η Μυλωνά Ζωή είναι Ψυχολόγος-Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στα Ιλίσια. Είναι πτυχιούχος του τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου  Αθηνών και συνέχισε τις μεταπτυχιακές της σπουδές στο Πρόγραμμα Μεταπτυχιακών Σπουδών "Έγκαιρη Παρέμβαση στην Ψύχωση" της Ιατρικής Σχολής του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών . Παράλληλα, έχει εκπαιδευτεί στο Τετραετές Πρόγραμμα «Συστημική Ψυχοθεραπεία και Συμβουλευτική», το οποίο αποτελεί και τον βασικό θεραπευτικό της προσανατολισμό και είναι μέλος της ΣΕΒΕ (Συστημική Εταιρεία Βορείου Ελλάδος). Επιπλέον, έχει παρακολουθήσει πλήθος σεμιναρίων, μεταξύ των οποίων περιλαμβάνονται τα "Παιδοψυχολογία - Ολιστική Προσέγγιση" Μονοετές Σεμινάριο στο Πάντειο Πανεπιστήμιο, Δικαστική Ψυχολογία (ΔΔΕΕΨΥ), Βιωματική Εκπαίδευση μέσω Ύπνωσης, Διαχείρηση πένθους απώλειας,    Διαχείριση κρίσεων και αυτοκτονικού ιδεασμού, καθώς και σεμινάρια σχετικά με τη Διαχείριση Συναισθημάτων και την Επικοινωνία της οικογένειας, τα οποία περιλάμβαναν θεματικές για το άγχος, τις κρίσεις πανικού και τη θεραπευτική προσέγγιση του εσωτερικού παιδιού (Κέντρο ΝΟΗΣΙΣ ΚΕ.ΘΕ.ΣΥ). Στο πλαίσιο της επαγγελματικής της εξέλιξης, επενδύει σταθερά στη διεύρυνση των γνώσεών της και την εμβάθυνση της θεραπευτικής της πρακτικής. Παρακολουθεί εκπαιδευτικά σεμινάρια, συμμετέχει σε συνεχή κλινική εποπτεία και ακολουθεί προσωπικό κύκλο ατομικής ψυχοθεραπείας. Έχει ως αρχή της ότι οι άνθρωποι δεν λανθάνουν από τη φύση τους, αλλά πως τα προβλήματα οφείλονται σε μη λειτουργικές δυναμικές των συστημάτων στα οποία βρίσκονται. Η θεραπεία είναι μία διαδικασία συνεργασίας ανάμεσα στον θεραπευτή και τον θεραπευόμενο. Επίσης για εκείνη πυξίδα είναι η καλλιέργεια θεραπευτικής σχέσης που βασίζεται στην ενσυναίσθηση και την άνευ όρων αποδοχή. Στην πρακτική της άσκηση εργάστηκε σε δομή ψυχικής υγείας και κοινωνικής αποκατάστασης. Έκτοτε έχει εργαστεί στον ιδιωτικό τομέα με παιδιά, εφήβους, ενήλικες και οικογένειες. Στο παρόν εργάζεται ως ψυχολόγος στο Ελληνικό κέντρο για την ψυχική υγεία και θεραπεία του παιδιού και της οικογένειας «Το Περιβολακι». Τέλος εργάζεται ιδιωτικά παρέχοντας ατομικές συνεδρίες ψυχοθεραπείας σε ενήλικες, εφήβους, ζευγάρια αλλά και συμβουλευτική γονέων.

Pliakou Maria BSc, MSc is a Clinical Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Kaisariani (near Karavel - Evangelismos metro station). She studied Psychology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, completing her fourth year of studies at Universität Konstanz in Germany, following a scholarship she received. During her studies, she completed clinical training at the Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki (P.H.Th.) and at the Day Care Center for Individuals with Memory Disorders. After completing her undergraduate studies, she gained significant experience in the assessment and support of patients with severe mental disorders, within the framework of clinical training in mental health at the Psychiatric Clinic of Papageorgiou General Hospital of Thessaloniki. She specialized in Clinical Psychology through postgraduate studies at Leiden University in the Netherlands, completing clinical training at the Leiden University Treatment and Expertise Centre, providing psychological support to university students. She followed a four-year specialization in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies (SCBS), and received theoretical training in therapy for children and adolescents. She worked for several years as a psychotherapist in the Adult Therapy Department of the Institute for Research and Behavior Therapy (IRBT), and has worked in numerous therapy centers, providing individual psychotherapy to adults, children, adolescents, as well as counseling for parents.

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.

Vasiliki Xristidi is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Ampelokipoi, where she conducts both in-person and online sessions, addressing a variety of cases. She is a graduate of Panteion University, with postgraduate studies in Business Psychology from the University of East London. In the course of her professional career, she has collaborated with mental health professionals to provide comprehensive care to her clients. During her internship at the Attica Psychiatric Hospital Dromokaiteio, she gained valuable experience with a wide range of psychiatric cases, deepening her expertise in diagnosis and psychological support. She holds certifications in the psychometric instruments MMPI-2 and WAIS-IV, as well as training in Mindfulness, applied in anxiety management and enhancing psychological resilience. In her practice, she provides psychological support to adults experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, panic attacks, and workplace difficulties. Additionally, she offers specialized support to individuals from the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring a safe and accepting therapeutic environment. She also works with children, adolescents, and parents, focusing on emotional development, behavior management, and improving communication within the family. She continuously pursues professional development by attending seminars and trainings to deliver modern and effective interventions.

Mariolis Athanasios is a Mental Health Counselor - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Ampelokipoi. He trained in Integrative Counseling at the Athens Synthesis Center, certified by the University of Glasgow, COSCA. He also holds a degree in Counseling Skills from the same institution. He has completed training at the Lifelong Learning Center of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Grief and Emotional Trauma Management, Gender Roles and Stereotypes, as well as Self-Improvement and Assertive Behavior. Additionally, he has attended a training program in LGBTQ+ Counseling. He is continuing his education in Psychotherapy at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, in a 4-year international specialization program in Counseling and Psychotherapy, where he has completed study cycles in Systemic and Narrative Approaches. Finally, he collaborates with the Mental Health Structure "Synypaxis," where he offers his services voluntarily to economically vulnerable adults.

His passion for the cognitive field of Psychology motivated him to shift from his initial studies in Economics to the field of Mental Health. He believes in the profound reciprocal value of working on oneself and operates within a framework of acceptance, respect, trust, and empathy, serving as a companion on each client’s unique journey toward personal development and well-being.

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.