Health professionals for Sadness and distress

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.

Dr. Maria Livanou, PhD, MSc, Senior Lecturer, is a Psychologist and Psychotherapist specializing in child and adolescent therapy, with a particular emphasis on the psychodynamic approach. She has an academic background in the United States and the United Kingdom and holds an academic post at King’s College London (KCL). Her research focuses on child and adolescent mental health.

Her therapeutic approach is primarily grounded in psychodynamic therapy, aiming to understand deeper emotional processes and relationship patterns. At the same time, it remains individualized and holistic, responding to the unique needs of each child, adolescent, adult, and family.

During sessions, parental counselling and parent therapy are offered—from pregnancy through the early years of the child—along with support for families during early parenthood. Discussions may include topics related to early child development and the parent–infant relationship. She places particular emphasis on addressing communication difficulties, enhancing psychological well-being, building self-confidence, and improving social relationships.

She works with a wide range of issues concerning childhood and adolescence, including:

• Anxiety and anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, panic attacks)
• Phobias, separation anxiety, and attachment issues
• Depressive mood, depression, social withdrawal
• Adjustment difficulties and emotional distress
• Psychosomatic symptom
• Low self-esteem
• Difficulties in communication and social relationships, family conflicts, and adaptation to change (e.g., divorce)
• Grief and loss management
• Eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image concerns
• School-related difficulties, academic stress, and performance anxiety
• Issues of identity, self-image, and adolescent development
• Conduct problems, anger management difficulties, delinquent behavior
• Family counselling and therapy
• Neurodevelopmental difficulties (e.g., autism, ADHD)
• Trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), developmental trauma, and adverse childhood experiences

Megalooikonomou Dimitra Mitsi is a Mental Health Counselor and maintains a private practice in Piraeus. She is a graduate of the Psychology Department of the American College of Greece and is a certified professional in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Timeline Therapy (relief from limiting beliefs, anxiety, stress), and Clinical Hypnotherapy from the Hellenic NLP Academy. She has received specialized training from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Couples and Family Counseling and Therapy, specializing in counseling for parents, adolescents, and couples. Additionally, she has attended numerous educational seminars and conferences related to self-improvement, boundary setting, goal achievement, and effective communication in both professional and personal contexts. Self-observation exercises, journaling, assignments, and specialized techniques serve as tools for enhancing self-awareness, personal development, and interpersonal relationships.

Η Βέρρου Μαρία είναι Ψυχολόγος και διατηρεί το ιδιωτικό της γραφείο στους Αμπελόκηπους. Είναι πτυχιούχος του Κρατικού Πανεπιστημίου του Στρασβούργου, στις Ανθρωπιστικές και Κοινωνικές Επιστήμες με κατεύθυνση την Ψυχολογία, έχοντας παράλληλα συμβάλει στην Ακαδημαϊκή Έρευνα με δημοσίευσή της στο επιστημονικό περιοδικό Applied Psychology Research, της ποσοτικής ερευνητική της μελέτης με θέμα τη "Η Σχέση του Βirdnesting με την Ψυχική Ανθεκτικότητα των Γονέων" που αφορούσε χωρισμένους γονείς που εφαρμόζουν αυτή την μορφή συμβίωσης και ανατροφής των παιδιών τους, βάζοντας το πρώτο σχετικό ερευνητικό λιθαράκι στην Ελλάδα. Επιπλέον, έχει εκπαιδευτεί στη Σχολική Ψυχολογία και την Ειδική Αγωγή και Εκπαίδευση στο Πανεπιστήμιο Πατρών και έχει ολοκληρώσει τριετές πρόγραμμα Συμβουλευτικής στο Κέντρο Θεραπευτικής Συμβουλευτικής παιδιών και ενηλίκων. Επιπλέον, η κλινική της κατάρτιση βρίσκεται σε εξέλιξη μέσω Μεταπτυχιακών Σπουδών στην Κλινική Ψυχολογία - με ειδίκευση στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία (CBT) στο Επιστημονικό Κολλέγιο Ελλάδος. Έχει πιστοποιηθεί ως Εκπαιδεύτρια Ενηλίκων από το Πανεπιστήμιο Πατρών καθώς και ως Χορηγήτρια Ψυχομετρικών Εργαλείων για την αξιολόγηση παιδιών και εφήβων όπως: WISC-V, ΕΔΑΛΦΑ και ΛΟΓΟΜΕΤΡΟ. Έχει πληθώρα εμπειρίας σε παιδιά και εφήβους, σε άτομα με αναπηρία, οικογένειες και πολυπολιτισμικά περιβάλλοντα καθώς έχει εργαστεί στην εκπαίδευση σε Ιταλία και Γαλλία αλλά και στην Ελλάδα στον τομέα του Μεταναστευτικού και στην Παραγωγή Εκπαιδευτικού Λογισμικού (Intelearn). Ενημερώνεται διαρκώς σχετικά με τις εξελίξεις στον κλάδο της και τους τομείς που την ενδιαφέρουν συμμετέχοντας σε ημερίδες και επιστημονικές δράσεις, όπως (ενδεικτικά): το "1ο Πανελλήνιο Συνέδριο για την Ψυχική Υγεία της Γυναίκας" και "Η Ψυχική Υγεία του Παιδιού και του Εφήβου Σήμερα και Αύριο". Απολαμβάνει τη συνεργασία μέσα σε διεπιστημονικές ομάδες, την αναστοχαστική πρακτική και την ανάπτυξη καινοτόμων ψυχοεκπαιδευτικών προσεγγίσεων.

Στο ιδιωτικό της γραφείο προσφέρει Υπηρεσίες Ψυχικής Υγείας σε συνεργασία με τον Νίκο Τσιλιβαράκο, Κλινικό Κοινωνικό Λειτουργό, Ειδ. Ψυχοθεραπευτή- Δραματοθεραπευτή καθώς επίσης και με την Ζήνα Μπερίκου, Σύμβουλο Εκπαίδευσης και Σχολικού Προσανατολισμού σε ο,τι αφορά στον Επαγγελματικό Προσανατολισμό των μαθητών.

Eirini Karypidou is a Mental Health Counselor working with adults experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, depressive mood, low self-esteem, or emotional exhaustion. The therapeutic process provides a space of acceptance and freedom, where the individual can express themselves without fear of judgment and process their difficulties at their own pace. Her approach is based on respecting the uniqueness of each person and establishing a relationship of trust. Her goal is to consistently and empathetically support each individual in the deeper understanding of themselves and their emotions.

If you are experiencing anxiety, emotional stress, or relationship difficulties and feel the need for a safe space for expression, mental health counseling can serve as a meaningful support.

Available for online sessions.

Karampasiadou Zoi is a licensed Psychologist and graduate of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, with a specialization in Clinical Psychology as well as School and Developmental Psychology. She holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management from the Hellenic Management Association (EEDE).Her passion for Psychology led her to pursue further training in Psychotherapy through IAOTH, while her interest in the corporate sector motivated her to undertake additional studies in business administration, communication, and economics (EEDE).

She is a licensed Psychologist and is currently further training at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Stress Management and Health Promotion.She completed her internship at the Junior High School and High School for the Deaf of Thessaloniki, providing individual and group psychological support to children, adolescents, and their families. She has also offered psychological support services to vulnerable social groups within European Union programs for the long-term unemployed and has managed awareness and prevention programs for children, adolescents, and adults at both national and European levels.Over the past four years, she has been training executives and individuals in psychology-related topics focusing on motivation in physical activity, aiming at a holistic approach to well-being and quality of life. She actively participates in conferences and workshops on stress management, bullying prevention and intervention, and the prevention and management of burnout.She collaborates scientifically as a Psychologist with the Panhellenic Association for the Support of Individuals with Obesity “Imeroeessa” and the Scientific Group “Opsometha eis Philippous.”For the past fifteen years, she has also been active in communication and Human Resource Management roles within multinational companies, managing projects both in Greece and abroad.In parallel, she provides private psychological services through individual and group sessions, addressing a wide range of needs.As a Business Consultant, she specializes in recruitment and assessment, the implementation of assessment and development centers, and career transition support (outplacement).As a Psychologist, she provides support in confidence building and personal development, stress and anxiety management, individual and group interventions, couples therapy, smoking cessation support, as well as CV writing and job interview preparation.Her practice is located in the center of Thessaloniki, and all services are also available online through modern digital platforms.

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.

Elena Soltaridou MSc, PhDc is a Psychologist and a doctoral candidate at the University of Thessaly. She is the scientific director of the Center for Psychotherapy of Children, Adolescents, and Adults located in Kalamaria, Thessaloniki. She conducts sessions at her office in Thessaloniki as well as online. She graduated with honors from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University and has successfully completed the Master's program at the University of Piraeus in the field of Health Administration. She is specialized in Cognitive and Behavioral Psychotherapy. She has published a children's story addressing anger management titled "Snowy and Gray learn about Anger" (2019) and a self-improvement and new behavior development guide titled "Changing Me" (2020). The book "Snowy and Gray learn about Anger" was a nominee for both the Public Audience Awards and the State Children's Book Awards, organized by the Ministry of Culture. Her book "Changing Me" was also nominated for the Public Audience Awards. In 2022, her next self-development book was published by Kaktos Editions, titled "100 Self-Development Tips 100 Lessons of Self-Knowledge," which was likewise nominated for the Public Audience Awards.

Pantelopoulou Xristina is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Galatsi. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences. She has completed training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and specializes in grief and loss counseling. Additionally, she has attended the postgraduate seminar in Clinical Psychopathology "Panagiotis Oulis" at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, as well as numerous educational programs and seminars in the field of mental health and addictions. She has worked in public and private mental health organizations, such as the Organization Against Drugs (OKANA), municipal kindergartens, and community centers. Finally, the specialist provides psychotherapeutic support to adults and adolescents in her private practice.

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.

Maria Lekka holds a BSc and MSc in Psychology/Child Psychology-Psychotherapy and maintains a private practice in Galatsi. She graduated with honors from the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Her postgraduate studies focused on Mental Health and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She possesses four years of specialization in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for adults (CBT) from the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies. As part of her training, she attended a one-year program at G.N.S. Aeginiteio in collaboration with the Mental Health Research Institute (E.P.I.P.S.Y.) on "Awareness in Cognitive Psychotherapy" and also received training in "Adult Clinical Psychopathology." She has worked extensively with adults providing individual psychotherapy sessions, as well as with pediatric populations in nursery schools. During her professional career, she has been involved at the Mental Health Center (K.P.S.Y.) of Chalandri, G.N.S. Gennimatas, providing adult psychotherapy interventions, and completed her practical training at the Child Psychiatry Clinic of G.N.S. Sismanogleio and the Autism Unit of the General Pediatric Hospital Agia Sofia. Currently, alongside her private practice, she has been collaborating for the past three years with the "Beautiful World" Therapy Center, offering individual and group psychotherapy sessions for adults, children, and adolescents, as well as parent counseling. Finally, she is a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society (ELPSE).

Η Ζαχάρη Σοφία - Μαρία είναι Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια, Σύμβουλος Ψυχικής Υγείας με ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Γαλάτσι. Είναι μέλος της Συμβουλευτικής Ελληνικής Εταιρείας και της Ελληνικής Εταιρείας Ομαδικής Ανάλυσης & Ψυχοθεραπείας και Ελληνική Ομαδική Αναλυτική “ΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΑ” . Μετά το πέρας των σπουδών της στην Φιλολογία στο Εθνικό Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών ακολούθησε τριετείς μεταπτυχιακές εξειδικεύσεις στην Ψυχαναλυτική και Ομαδική θεραπεία, στην Ψυχοδυναμική Γιουγκιανή Προσέγγιση μέσω των Τεχνών, στη Δραματοθεράπεια και το Ψυχόδραμα. Έχει αποκτήσει πολύτιμη πείρα ως Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια σε ομαδικές συνεδρίες και ατομικές από το 2019 έως και σήμερα στην Θεραπευτική Κοινότητα ΚΥΨΕΛΗ αλλά και στο ιδιωτικό της γραφείο. “Βλέπω μέσα από τα μάτια σου και βλέπεις μέσα από τα μάτια μου” Jakob Moreno . Η φράση του J. Moreno (ιδρυτή του ψυχοδράματος) αποκρυσταλλώνει πλήρως τη θεραπευτική σχέση που αναπτύσσεται μεταξύ θεραπευτή και θεραπευόμενου. Η ατομική ψυχοθεραπεία αλλά και η ομαδική είναι από τις πιο σημαντικές και ουσιαστικές συναντήσεις για τη ζωή ενός ατόμου, καθώς περιβάλλεται από ασφάλεια, αποδοχή, έμπνευση, εκτίμηση και ελευθερία. Ο κάθε θεραπευόμενος ανακαλύπτει ένα χώρο αποδοχής, ενσυναίσθησης, αυθορμητισμού, αυτοανάπτυξης και κρατάει τις ώρες δράσης με τον θεραπευτή του για ένα μεγάλο μέρος της ζωής του,ίσως και για πάντα, σαν σημείο αναφοράς για τις αλλαγές που κατέκτησε μέσω αυτής της διαδικασίας. Με την μέθοδο του Ψυχοδράματος οι συμμετέχοντες συχνά καλούνται να φέρουν πραγματικές εμπειρίες της ζωής στην ψυχοδραματοθεραπευτική σκηνή ανάγοντας αυτές σε «μια μορφή θεάτρου», έτσι αναβιώνοντας ελεγχόμενα αυτά που έχουν συμβεί ή συμβαίνουν στην ζωή τους, επεξεργάζονται τα βαθύτερα τραύματα και τις αγωνίες με την μορφή της διορθωτικής εμπειρίας στο εδώ και στο τώρα. Κατέχει πιστοποιήσεις και μετεκπαιδεύεις στη Ψυχοθεραπεία Μέσω Τεχνών με την Γιουγκιανή προσέγγιση και στην Γιουγκιανή Δραματοθεράπεια από το Ελληνικό Κέντρο Επιμόρφωσης Μέσω Τεχνών. Εκπαιδεύεται στο Ψυχόδραμα (πενταετής εκπαίδευση) μέσω του Federation of European Psychodrama Training Organizations FEPTO στην Ελληνική Εταιρεία Ομαδικής Ανάλυσης και Ψυχοθεραπείας . Κατέχει Certificate of attending "Psychodance" από την Hellinic Association of Group Analysis & Phychoterapy and Hellinic Group-Analytic "Koinonia" . Certificate of attending "Psychogenealogy and Transgenerational Psychodrama" από την Hellenic Association of Group Analysis & Psychotherapy and Hellenic Group - Analytic 'Koinonia' Certificate of attending "The Transformative Wisdom of Dreams"Hellenic Association of Group Analysis & Psychotherapy and Hellenic Group - Analytic 'Koinonia'

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.

Ranoutsou Georgia is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Heraklion, Crete. She holds a degree in Sociology from the School of Social Sciences at the University of Crete and a degree in Psychology from the School of Social Sciences at MBS College. She has worked as a Psychologist in the private practice of Ioanna Niakaki, in the breast cancer organization, in the Psychiatric Clinic of Venizeleio - Pananio Hospital, and in the Oncology Clinic of the Regional University General Hospital of Heraklion. Additionally, she has worked as a Psychologist in the Pathology Clinic at the "ALLILEGGYIS" Alzheimer's Center and as a Psychologist - Sociologist at the Mental Health Center of Rethymno. In her practice, she addresses cases across the entire spectrum of psychology and mental health, with a specialization in couples therapy, depression, and anxiety and mood disorders.

Dimou Eleni-Maria is a Psychologist - Systemic Psychotherapist with a private practice located in the center of Corinth. She studied Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, from which she graduated with distinction. Subsequently, she completed a four-year clinical specialization in Systemic Psychotherapy at the Institute of Education and Research in Systemic Psychotherapy "Logo Psychis". She has also completed her postgraduate studies with distinction in the scientific field of Applied Developmental Psychology at the Hellenic Open University. As part of her ongoing professional development, she has attended annual training programs and clinical trainings in areas such as trauma management, mental health of children and adolescents, among others, as well as numerous seminars in her field of expertise. She continues to pursue further education and training to this day. She has worked as a psychologist and psychotherapist in various settings. Specifically, she has served as a psychologist in secondary education schools, as a psychologist and child protection officer in a sports summer camp, as a psychologist and psychotherapist in specialized treatment centers, as well as a psychologist and scientific staff member at a prevention center for addiction and promotion of psychosocial health. In recent years, she has maintained a private practice, offering counseling and psychotherapy services to adults, children, adolescents, parents, couples, and families.

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.