Health professionals for Sadness and distress in the Western suburbs of Athens

Pasxalidis Theodoros is a Clinical Psychologist specializing in anxiety, panic attacks, and overthinking, as well as learning and school-related difficulties. He assists individuals experiencing continuous stress, pressure, or difficulty calming their minds to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and acquire practical tools for daily life. Additionally, he supports cases involving low self-esteem, interpersonal relationship challenges, professional stress, and school-related issues, approaching each person with respect and aiming for meaningful change. Acknowledging that one is not invincible or omnipotent and taking the step to speak with a psychologist is not a sign of weakness but an act of strength and honesty towards oneself.

I am a Greek Clinical Psychologist (MSc) - Psychotherapist that has lived in Greece, Italy and Netherlands. During the last years, I have gained a diverse range of clinical experiences working with individuals and families with a variety of mental health and developmental conditions. I completed my BSc in Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, followed by an MSc degree in Clinical Psychology at Utrecht University. To further my professional development, I am getting trained to become a Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapist from the Greek Association for Cognitive and Behavioral Psychotherapies, which is accredited by the European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT). During my Bachelor's Internship at Papanikolaou Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki, I participated in group therapy sessions, consisted of individuals diagnosed with Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder and other psychotic disorders. I also gained experience in family and couple therapy, utilizing the systemic approach. During my Master's Internship at the Psychiatric Facilities of the General Hospital of Corfu, I provided psychoeducational interventions to individuals diagnosed with Schizophrenia and to their families, as well as one-on-one psychotherapy sessions to individuals struggling with emotional issues. At the same time, I participated in group sessions with individuals hospitalized at the Detox Unit of the clinic, who were struggling with addiction issues. During my working experience at a Dyslexia Center, I provided counseling to parents, as well as I conducted individual sessions with children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD, Autism, and other developmental disabilities. In addition, I promoted social skills learning through the use of board games, CBT techniques, role-playing, and various psychoeducational materials. My decision to pursue a career as a psychotherapist stems from a profound love for understanding the intricacies of the human soul. This profession brings me immense fulfillment as it allows me to help individuals feel heard, gain deep self-awareness, and piece together the complex puzzles of their lives. Through this process, I assist them in finding meaning and moving closer to a sense of wholeness.

Η Σκλαβούνου Παρασκευή MSc είναι Υπαρξιακή Συστημική Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και Κοινωνική Λειτουργός με πάνω από 17 χρόνια εμπειρίας στον χώρο της κοινωνικής φροντίδας, της ψυχικής υγείας και της ψυχοθεραπείας. Από το 2025, είναι Υπεύθυνη του Κέντρου Ψυχοθεραπείας “συνΔεσμοί Ζωής” στην Πετρούπολη, έναν νέο χώρο που δημιουργήθηκε με στόχο να προσφέρει ουσιαστική ψυχοθεραπευτική στήριξη, ασφάλεια και σύνδεση σε κάθε άνθρωπο που αναζητά προσωπική ανάπτυξη και εσωτερική ισορροπία. Η Παρασκευή Σκλαβούνου έχει διαμορφώσει μια πολύπλευρη ακαδημαϊκή και θεραπευτική εκπαίδευση, που συνδυάζει τη θεωρητική γνώση με τη βιωματική εμπειρία. Είναι κάτοχος διπλώματος στην Υπαρξιακή Συστημική Ψυχοθεραπεία – Θεραπευτικό και Εκπαιδευτικό Ινστιτούτο “Αντίστιξη” (2024), Μεταπτυχιακού διπλώματος ειδίκευσης στη Δημόσια Διοίκηση – Πανεπιστήμιο Νεάπολις Πάφου, Κύπρος (2017) και Πτυχίου Κοινωνικής Εργασίας (Τ.Ε.) – Τεχνολογικό Εκπαιδευτικό Ίδρυμα Κρήτης (2007). Επίσης, η ειδικός έχει ολοκληρώσει 45+ σεμινάρια και επιμορφώσεις στους τομείς της ψυχοθεραπείας, της ψυχικής υγείας, της παιδικής προστασίας και του τραύματος, ενώ παρακολουθεί διαρκώς συνέδρια, ομάδες εποπτείας και αυτογνωσίας για τη συνεχή επαγγελματική της εξέλιξη. Είναι μέλος της Ελληνικής Εταιρείας Συστημικής Θεραπείας (ΕΛ.Ε.ΣΥ.Θ.) και του Συνδέσμου Κοινωνικών Λειτουργών Ελλάδος (ΣΚΛΕ).

Από το 2008 έως σήμερα, η Παρασκευή Σκλαβούνου έχει αναπτύξει πολυεπίπεδη εμπειρία στον χώρο της ψυχικής υγείας, συνδυάζοντας τη θεραπευτική πρακτική με τη δημόσια κοινωνική δράση. Από το 2025, είναι Υπεύθυνη του Κέντρου Ψυχοθεραπείας “συνΔεσμοί Ζωής” (25ης Μαρτίου 111, Πετρούπολη). Από το 2021, συνεργάζεται ως Υπαρξιακή Συστημική Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια στο Κέντρο Ψυχοθεραπείας “ΟρίΖΩντας” στο Γαλάτσι. Από το 2017, εργάζεται στη Κοινωνική Υπηρεσία του Δήμου Γαλατσίου, παρέχοντας συμβουλευτική σε ενήλικες, εφήβους και οικογένειες, ενώ συντονίζει δράσεις πρόληψης, ευαισθητοποίησης και δικτύωσης τοπικών φορέων. Έχει επίσης εργαστεί σε προγράμματα του Υπουργείου Υγείας, καθώς και σε Μη Κυβερνητικές Οργανώσεις που δραστηριοποιούνται στην υποστήριξη ψυχικά ασθενών, παιδιών και μεταναστών. Η Παρασκευή Σκλαβούνου εργάζεται με βάση την Υπαρξιακή Συστημική Προσέγγιση, που δίνει έμφαση στη σχέση, στο βίωμα του ανθρώπου και στην αναζήτηση νοήματος μέσα στις δυσκολίες της ζωής. Πιστεύει ότι η αλλαγή προκύπτει όταν ο άνθρωπος συναντήσει αυθεντικά τον εαυτό του και τους άλλους, μέσα σε ένα πλαίσιο αποδοχής και ασφάλειας.

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.

Paparrizou Ioanna is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist, maintaining a private practice in Agioi Anargyroi, Attica. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Marseille (Aix Marseille 1) in France and is licensed to practice as a psychologist. She also holds a master's degree in Clinical Applied Psychology (MSc in Clinical Applied Psychology) from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in London. She has received training in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (both theoretical and practical training) as well as training in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. She has gained clinical experience through collaboration with various mental health service providers. Her clinical practice includes a range of individual psychotherapy for individuals with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, social and interpersonal difficulties, etc. Her scientific activity includes collaboration in research projects and, through continuous participation in postgraduate seminars, conferences, and workshops, she remains up-to-date on counseling and clinical psychology topics. At the practice, in addition to adult psychotherapy services, services are also provided by a collaborating child psychologist. The goal is to support children and adolescents in matters of emotional development, behavior, and family difficulties.

Despoina Zagka is a Psychologist with a private practice in Agioi Anargyroi. She has experience in private practice as well as in public and private institutions, where she has worked with adults, adolescents, and the elderly through psychotherapy and counseling sessions. She has also coordinated and facilitated experiential group sessions, both psychoeducational and therapeutic in nature, emphasizing the power of the group and interaction. She is completing the Master's Degree Program at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, titled "Psychotherapy: Theoretical Frameworks, Clinical Applications, and Comparative Approaches," and has specialized in MI Therapy (Music Therapy Technique). Additionally, she has completed the postgraduate seminar at the University of West Attica titled "Mental Health and Wellbeing of Children and Adolescents," as well as an online course from Yale University titled "The Science Of Well-Being." Her therapeutic approach is based on elements of integrative and person-centered approaches, emphasizing the relationship, authenticity, and individualization: each person is unique, and her goal is to create a safe space where they can express themselves, better understand themselves, and find new ways to cope with their difficulties.

Kandia Viky is a Psychologist MSc and a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Psychotherapist. She holds a degree in Psychology from Metropolitan College. After completing her undergraduate studies, she pursued postgraduate studies in Clinical and Community Psychology at Metropolitan College, with official recognition of her degree by DOATAP. She has participated in numerous seminars and workshops related to mental health, clinical psychopathology, delinquency, and interpersonal relationships. She has worked in both public and private institutions, gaining experience in issues concerning adult and adolescent psychology. Her goal is to create a safe and supportive space where individuals can freely express themselves, gain a deeper understanding of themselves, and develop new ways to cope with everyday challenges.

Zarogkika Lina is a Psychologist specializing in Counseling Psychology and Psychotherapy. She holds a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from London Metropolitan University and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of East London. Her studies, combined with her clinical experience, have equipped her with a deep understanding of human emotions and behaviors. Her therapeutic approach is based on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), while also employing an integrative model utilizing tools from systemic, psychodynamic, gestalt, mindfulness, and other modalities. She has been trained and specializes in couples therapy, eating disorder treatment, clinical psychology, sexual education, anxiety, as well as other areas and approaches within the field. With experience in mental health settings and participation in scientific research projects, her aim is to provide practical and meaningful solutions. She focuses on the uniqueness of each individual and creates a safe and supportive environment to help clients address their challenges. Through empathy and contemporary therapeutic methods, she assists in redefining issues for a more functional and balanced daily life. A crucial component of all the above is the establishment of a therapeutic alliance with trust as its fundamental element.

Elisavet Karavokyri is a Clinical Psychologist-Psychotherapist, graduate of the University Paris 8-Lumières. She has completed postgraduate studies in Clinical Psychology-Psychotherapies (Master 2) at the same University and holds a specialization in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) from the Society of Cognitive-Behavioral Studies, recognized by the European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT), as well as in Special Education and Speech Therapy. Her experience in psychiatric institutions and psychotherapeutic centers in Greece and France has enabled her to gain an in-depth understanding and to support individuals experiencing various forms of psychological distress, whether related to deeper personal difficulties or developmental and emotional challenges, using a holistic approach. She has attended seminars and conferences on mental health and continues to enrich her knowledge of contemporary developments in the field of psychotherapy. Concurrently, she provides therapeutic support to children and adolescents, focusing on issues such as anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, and interpersonal relationships.

Elisavet Karavokyri follows a person-centered approach, demonstrating understanding and respect for the individual's psychological pace and unique needs. Her goal is to contribute meaningfully to empowering the individual and developing more effective adaptive mechanisms and emotional regulation, thereby enhancing their quality of life.

Tzeremes Andreas is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and conducts online and face-to-face sessions in Haidari, Attica. He holds a BSc in Psychology with Counselling from the University of Bradford and a master's degree, MSc in Clinical Skills based on Integrative Psychotherapy, from Manchester Metropolitan University. Concurrently, he continues his training at the Institute of Relational and Group Psychotherapy (ISOPS) in the Clinical Skills program based on Relational Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (PgDip). Professionally, he is active in individual and online sessions, collaborates with the Center for Counselling and Psychotherapy "Psychoplefsi" and the Model Center for Integrative Therapy "The Tree of Therapy", and has participated in numerous scientific conferences and seminars both in Greece and abroad. His interest focuses on the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship, the importance of reciprocity, and the reflective exploration of the self within the therapeutic framework.

Giorgos Orfanos is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains two private practices, in Peristeri and Athens (Ilisia - Hilton). He holds a distinction-awarded master's degree in Applied Clinical Psychology (MSc in Applied Clinical Psychology with Distinction) from the University of Central Lancashire, as well as a first-class honours degree in Psychology (BSc Hons Psychology Science – First Class Honours) from the University of Essex. Additionally, he has completed studies in Economics at Kingston University in London. He specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which he completed at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling, with experience in individual sessions and group interventions within mental health organizations such as the NGOs Agkalia and Symvallein. His therapeutic approaches incorporate elements from the "third wave" of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), including Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Furthermore, his extensive background in the business sector has motivated him to continuously develop his knowledge of critical psychological concepts such as anxiety, stress, and generally high psycho-emotional pressure and performance conditions (performance psychology). He believes in a collaborative relationship, considering the therapeutic alliance and unconditional acceptance as the cornerstone for the success of therapy, the enhancement of self-awareness, psychological resilience, and personal development.

Kollia Mairi is a psychologist. She holds a professional practice license with protocol number 4346/07-11-2019. She graduated with honors from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Athens. She specialized at the postgraduate level in Clinical Psychology (MSc in Clinical Psychology) at Leiden University in the Netherlands, where she graduated with distinction cum laude. She has completed a four-year study program in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Society of Cognitive and Behavioral Studies (ΕΓΣΣ). Additionally, she has been trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), also provided by the Society of Cognitive and Behavioral Studies (ΕΓΣΣ). Furthermore, she has specialized in trauma therapy using the EMDR method at the Institute of Trauma Therapy. She has also received training in "Counseling and Mental Health in Infertility, the Perinatal and Reproductive Period" at the University of West Attica, focusing on psychological support regarding infertility, pregnancy, and transition to parenthood (postpartum depression, perinatal anxiety, tokophobia, birth trauma, etc.). Currently, she works privately, conducting individual therapy sessions with adults, both in-person and online. She also collaborates with a clinic based abroad, providing psychotherapy online to clients worldwide. In parallel, she maintains a collaboration with an assisted reproduction (IVF) clinic and is a member of an interdisciplinary team at a gynecological clinic in central Athens. Sessions are conducted in Greek and English.

Maria Vogiatzi is a Psychologist & Systemic Family Psychotherapist licensed to practice, specializing in systemic-family therapy, and maintains a private practice in Acharnes. She is registered in the list of expert witnesses at the Single-Member Court of First Instance of Athens and appointed to conduct expert assessments. She studied psychology at Panteion University. Subsequently, she received further training from the British university Edexcel in the program "Specific Learning Difficulties-Dyslexia: Concept-Etiology-Diagnosis/Assessment" and was trained in Systemic and Family Psychotherapy at the Laboratory for the Investigation of Human Relationships.

She then specialized in Cognitive Psychotherapy at the Research University Institute of Mental Health of Aeginiteio Hospital. Afterwards, she obtained a master's degree in "School Counseling and Guidance" from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She is also certified in administering and evaluating the WISC-V intelligence test as well as in administering and interpreting projective tests (TAT, CAT, children's drawing). Additionally, she has attended numerous seminars and participated in research and conferences.

She has worked in a psychopedagogical center and in public primary and secondary education, providing school psychologist services. She has coordinated counseling groups for parents and adolescents. She has also worked as an adult educator in counseling programs. In her office, she offers counseling services and individual, couples, and family psychotherapy.

Anastasiou Veneti Faidra is a Psychologist - certified Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Nikaia. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Panteion University, with postgraduate studies in Clinical Interventions in Addictions from the University of Crete and in Gender Studies: Methodologies, Theories, Policies from the Hellenic Open University. She is continuing her training in Drama Therapy. She has participated in numerous seminars and specialized programs focusing on child and adolescent mental health, addictions, and contemporary psychotherapeutic approaches. She has worked as a psychologist in public and private mental health institutions, such as Special Therapy Centers, the National Organization for the Prevention and Treatment of Addictions (EOPAE), and the Self-Help Promotion Program. Additionally, she has experience in psychological support for children and adolescents, psychoeducation, as well as research on mental health and artistic expression. In her practice, she combines theoretical training with a human-centered approach, creatively utilizing tools such as art and play. She has participated in research projects and scientific publications, while maintaining an active interest in issues of social gender, rights, and the empowerment of vulnerable populations.

Spanos Antonis is a Psychologist with a private practice in Elefsina. Additionally, he serves as the Head of the Psychosocial Sector at Aktio and Coordinator of the Elderly Care Units "Aktio and Aktio Alzheimer Unit." He studied Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and subsequently specialized in Transactional Analysis-Psychotherapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy, Crisis Management, Grief Management, and Neuropsychological Assessment by attending training programs at the Hellenic Society for Behavioral Research and the Athens Synthesis Centre. Concurrently, he participated in numerous seminars and conferences related to adult psychopathology. In recent years, he has worked as a Supervisor, Coordinator, Psychologist, and Scientific Director in mental health units, support centers, and helplines focused on mental health issues within the framework of psychiatric reform and the Psychargos programs. He has also served as an External Associate of hellaseap, the Center for Synthetic Therapy of the Soul.