Health professionals for Psycotherapy LGBTQ in Marousi

Ioannidou Eri is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Ampelokipoi. She is a graduate of Psychology from the University of Crete, holding a postgraduate degree in Forensic Psychology from Maastricht University in the Netherlands. Additionally, she is a Personal Coach specialized at the Athens Coaching Institute. In her private practice, she deals, among other matters, with cases requiring the involvement of a forensic psychologist and provides individual support as a personal coach. Concurrently, she teaches Forensic Psychology at Hellenic American University and is a Scientific Collaborator at the Crime Study Center (KE.M.E.). In the past, she has worked, among others, at the Cyber Crime Division of the Hellenic Police and at "Epano." Her research has focused on stress and occupational burnout among correctional officers, public attitudes and perceptions regarding corruption issues, knowledge and perceptions of psychology students concerning psychopathy, and she currently conducts research and professional work on mental resilience among frontline professionals. Finally, she has delivered a TEDx talk titled "Psychopath: Myths and Truths" and continues to actively participate in conferences, seminars, and professional associations, while authoring articles related to her field of expertise.

Lamprinopoulou Margarita is a Psychotherapist - Family Counselor and maintains a private practice in Marousi. She holds a degree in Psychology from the Open University of Edinburgh and a Bachelor in Art and Science from Deree College. She is a certified therapist in the "Walking in your shoes" method and has attended educational and experiential training seminars related to mental health at the Laboratory for the Exploration of Human Relations. She has served as a Trainer and Coordinator in numerous seminars and also participates voluntarily in many of them. Additionally, she has taken part in various conferences aimed at expanding her knowledge in her field. Finally, she is a member of the Hellenic Counseling Society and the European Counseling Association and is fluent in English and French.

Sklaveniti Xristina is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist with many years of experience in Greece and abroad, accompanying individuals through both small and significant life stories. She emphasizes the unique characteristics and needs of each person, offering personalized care with respect for human rights, regardless of gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, or gender expression. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Crete and a master's degree in Gender Studies from the Hellenic Open University, awarded with an academic excellence scholarship. Her research work focused on the phenomenon of obstetric violence as experienced and narrated by those who have undergone it, through a feminist research perspective with an emphasis on the voices of the subjects. She is specialized in Narrative Psychotherapy and Systemic Psychodrama, as well as in approaches that incorporate feminist, intersectional, and inclusive perspectives. She provides individual therapy, couples therapy, support for children and adolescents, parental counseling, therapy for LGBTQ+ individuals, and experiential empowerment groups. Her focus is on the therapeutic relationship, empathy, and the creation of a safe environment where one can rewrite their story with meaning and purpose.

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.

Thomaidi Paulina is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist, a regular member of the Hellenic Psychological Society (HPS), and maintains a private practice in Kypseli, Athens. She is a graduate of the Psychology Department of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a postgraduate diploma in Forensic – Criminal Psychology from Coventry University. She trained in Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and has specialized in addressing issues related to anxiety, depression, personality disorders, as well as couples counseling and family therapy. She has consistently invested in her scientific development through numerous seminars and training programs covering topics such as trauma therapy, autoimmune diseases and mental health, domestic violence, and contemporary, revised guidelines for mental health treatment, ensuring that her services are based on the most reliable psychological practices. Academically, she has conducted research on the social stigma of LGBTQ+ community members, as well as on attitudes and behaviors toward sexual violence against women and double standards. She addresses issues of anxiety, depression, psychological trauma, eating disorders, addictions – dependencies, obsessive-compulsive disorders, personality disorders, and provides counseling services. Additionally, she offers couples and family counseling and therapy. Her treatment is LGBTQ+ friendly and tailored to cases of neurodiversity (ADHD, ASD, etc.).

Dimitra Smaragda, MSc., PgD., is a Forensic Psychologist, Systemic (Family) and Person-Centered Psychotherapist, licensed to practice professionally. She obtained her primary degree from the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete and specialized in individual counseling (PgD Person-Centered Counseling, University of Strathclyde). She holds a postgraduate diploma in Systemic - Family Psychotherapy. She has worked as a Psychologist in the Psychiatric Clinic of Metropolitan Hospital, served as a scientific collaborator at the Agios Nikolaos Clinic (substance abuse rehabilitation program), and was a scientific advisor at the Ministry of Citizen Protection. She was a scientific associate at the "Elpida" Association in the field of parental counseling and since 2006 has maintained a private practice as a Psychologist - Family Counselor. She has participated as a speaker at scientific conferences, attended numerous training seminars, and contributed to the writing of the book "Dictionary of Psychology," 2005. She is a Forensic Psychologist, member of the Hellenic Psychiatric Forensic Society, and exclusive collaborator - expert witness at the Rhodes Prosecutor's Office until 2015 and since then continues in the Athens Prosecutor's Office.

Empeoglou Varvara holds a Professional Practice License, a degree in Psychology from the University of Essex, and a postgraduate degree in Applied Clinical Psychology from the University of Central Lancashire. She has certified training in Group Analytical Psychotherapy, Couples and Family Counseling, as well as the international four-year postgraduate program at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Systemic, Dialogical, and Narrative Approaches, focusing her therapeutic practice on postmodern forms of psychotherapy. Additionally, she possesses certifications in brief therapeutic interventions such as Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Narrative Therapy. These approaches, with their practical and immediately applicable nature, complement long-term therapy by facilitating small, actionable steps of change that empower the therapeutic process. Her clinical experience includes internship at Sismanoglio Hospital, in the Adult Psychiatric Clinic and the Eating Disorders Unit, as well as collaborations with clinics, care and rehabilitation units, specialized therapy centers, and mental health centers. Currently, she works as a Clinical Psychologist in a group of elder care units and maintains a private practice in Nea Erythraia, providing psychotherapeutic support to adults, adolescents, couples, families, as well as parent counseling. Concurrently, she actively participates in scientific conferences, seminars, and workshops, enhancing her therapeutic practice with insights from the continuous advancement of science.

Eleni Yoldasi is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Kifisia. With specialization in Person-Centered Psychotherapy, she offers a safe and supportive environment for personal development, self-awareness, and enhancement of mental well-being. Her goal is to help clients discover their potential, focusing on the values and needs that lead to an authentic and fulfilling life.

She completed her studies in Psychology at the **University of Essex** and is currently completing her training in **Person-Centered and Focusing-Oriented Counseling & Psychotherapy** at the **Hellenic Focusing Centre**. In parallel, she holds a diploma in **Health and Wellness Coaching** from the **International Authority for Professional Coaching & Mentoring**, while she continuously expands her knowledge with courses in philosophy, focusing on fundamental questions concerning life and human existence.

**Person-Centered Psychotherapy** is a therapeutic approach developed by **Carl Rogers** in the 20th century. Its core idea is that every individual has the potential to grow and resolve their issues when they feel accepted and understood. The therapist does not guide or judge the client but supports them with empathy and unconditional positive regard. This allows the client to explore their emotions, thoughts, and concerns in a safe space.

The therapy focuses on the person and their needs, rather than on the problem or diagnosis. The essence lies in the development of a genuine and honest relationship between therapist and client, which enables the latter to discover their own solutions and strengthen their self-esteem. Person-Centered Psychotherapy believes that we all possess the capacity for self-actualization and to live a life that truly satisfies us, as long as we have the appropriate environment of support and understanding.

Elisavet Pantazakou is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist, a graduate of the Psychology Department at the University of Hertfordshire.

She holds a master's degree in Work and Organizational Psychology from the University of Hertfordshire.

She has been trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Alexandra Xatzistaurou is a Psychologist working at the Aeromedical Centre of the Air Force General Hospital, while also maintaining her private practice "My Family Nest" in Chalandri, where she provides psychotherapeutic services to children and adults. She holds a professional license to practice Psychology. She has a degree in psychology (B.Sc. in Psychology, University of Central Lancashire, UK) as well as a postgraduate degree in Counseling Psychology (M.Sc. in Person-Centered Counselling, University of Strathclyde, UK). Additionally, she completed her studies in music, obtaining a degree in violin, and is a graduate of the three-year Master’s Educational Program in Music Therapy, conducted in collaboration with the Thessaloniki Music Therapy Centre, the Thessaloniki Music College, and New York University (USA). Furthermore, she is certified in the use and interpretation of the MMPI-2 personality psychometric test (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory®-2). She has teaching experience in undergraduate and postgraduate programs at British universities as well as experience in the design and implementation of corporate staff training. She also has teaching experience in conservatories in Thessaloniki, as well as at the Music Schools of Drama and Karditsa. She has clinical music therapy experience with children with autism, Down syndrome, emotional difficulties, learning disabilities, and behavioral disorders. She provides counseling to parents on issues related to education, emotional empowerment, and the development of social skills in children and adolescents. Additionally, she works with adults individually and in groups on Personal Development, integrating Expressive Arts into the psychotherapeutic process. Finally, she is a collaborator with Attachment Parenting Hellas and a member of the Professional Association of Art Therapists (ESTheT).

Marina Cresta is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist, holding a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology & Psychotherapy. She completed her clinical training at Evangelismos General Hospital of Athens, Attikon University General Hospital, and the 6th Municipal Medical Center of Athens, gaining experience in supporting individuals facing mental health challenges and chronic health conditions.

She has been trained in group therapy by the Hellenic Society for Existential Psychology and actively participates in seminars and conferences across various therapeutic approaches. Her work integrates psychodynamic thinking with an existential and person-centered stance, always tailoring the therapeutic process to each individual's unique needs.

In her sessions, she emphasizes building a relationship based on trust and authentic connection, providing a safe space where individuals feel heard, understood, and accepted.

Emmanouela-Marina Vintiadi was born and resides in Athens. She is a Psychologist-Psychotherapist. She has been trained in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy and continues her education through seminars, clinical groups, study groups, and individual and group supervision. Her postgraduate specialization is in Criminology. She has worked in psychosocial rehabilitation units, municipalities, and psychological support centers with adults, children, and socially vulnerable groups. Additionally, she has participated in research as a scientific collaborator and is a key speaker in webinars and conferences for the training of health professionals as well as for raising public awareness on mental health issues. She collaborates with the Day Center "Galini" of the Non-Profit Organization Prometheus as a psychologist and maintains a private practice in Kifisia, where she conducts in-person and online psychotherapy sessions for adults, adolescents, and couples.

Sessions available in English.

Ο Οικονομίδης Απόστολος είναι Ψυχολόγος – Ψυχοθεραπευτής και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Νέο Ψυχικό. Είναι κάτοχος πτυχίου Ψυχολογίας από το Αμερικανικό Κολλέγιο Ελλάδος και το Open University της Αγγλίας και μετέπειτα έλαβε διετή ειδίκευση στη Θεραπεία Συμπεριφοράς Διαταραχών Άγχους, Ιδεοψυχαναγκαστικής και Μετατραυματικής Διαταραχής στο Ερευνητικό Πανεπιστημιακό Ινστιτούτο Ψυχικής Υγιεινής σε συνεργασία με την Α’ Ψυχιατρική Κλινική του Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών. Επίσης, έχει παρακολουθήσει μονοετή μετεκπαιδευτικά προγράμματα στην Κλινική Ψυχοπαθολογία και τις Κλινικές Δεξιότητες από την Α΄ Ψυχιατρική Κλινική του Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών σε συνεργασία με την Ελληνική Ψυχιατρική Εταιρεία. Στο παρελθόν συνεργάστηκε με το Ιατρείο Θεραπείας Συμπεριφοράς καθώς και με τη Μονάδα Θεραπείας Συμπεριφοράς του Ελληνικού Κέντρου Ψυχικής Υγιεινής και Ερευνών, όπου αντιμετώπισε ψυχοθεραπευτικά ως επί το πλείστον περιστατικά αγχωδών και συναφών διαταραχών (διαταραχή πανικού, αγοραφοβία, γενικευμένο άγχος, ιδεοψυχαναγκαστική διαταραχή, κ.α). Συμμετέχει σταθερά σε ομάδες εποπτείας ψυχολόγων, ενώ έχει εμπειρία στην διοργάνωση ψυχοεκπαιδευτικών ομάδων με έμφαση στις δεξιότητες διαχείρισης ψυχοπιεστικών καταστάσεων.