Health professionals for Αυτογνωσία in Attica

Papanikolaou Natalia is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Ilisia. She holds a professional license with protocol number 1771 / 20-02-2019. She is a graduate of the Psychology Department of Panteion University and an honors graduate of a postgraduate diploma from the Medical Department of Athens, as well as a second postgraduate diploma from the Pedagogical Department of Athens, where she was admitted with a full scholarship. She has completed a four-year specialization program in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Society of Cognitive and Behavioral Studies (EISS), certified by the EABCT. Additionally, she has been trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and has completed a training program in Clinical Psychopathology within the framework of the program at the First Psychiatric Clinic of the University of Athens. Furthermore, she has received certification for the Ariston Test – a career orientation tool. Her special interests include anxiety and depressive disorders, relationship counseling, self-image, and personality disorders. Currently, she works as a school psychologist as well as privately, conducting sessions with adults, children, and adolescents, including online sessions. Sessions are conducted in Greek and English.

Zafeiri Antonia is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Pangrati. She holds a degree from Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and has been trained in Cognitive Analytic Psychotherapy, Applied Behavior Analysis, and the administration of diagnostic tests. She has worked in private psychotherapeutic centers and public institutions as part of her internship (Family Therapy Unit of the Attica Psychiatric Hospital, Aeginiteio Hospital). Additionally, she has attended numerous seminars and participates with publications in psychology conferences. In her private practice, she provides specialized services tailored to the unique needs of clients concerning issues related to anxiety (panic attacks, generalized anxiety), depression, bipolar disorder, interpersonal relationship difficulties (partner, family), critical life events (grief, divorce, illness), psychosomatic problems, addictions, parental counseling, parent-child relationship difficulties, challenges in the school environment, and behavioral problems, and administers diagnostic tests.

Diakopoulou Sofia is a Psychologist - Specialist Systemic Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Nea Ionia. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, holding a professional practice license. She holds a Master's degree (MSc) in "Management of Aging and Chronic Diseases" from the Hellenic Open University in collaboration with the University of Thessaly and is currently undergoing specialization in Systemic Psychotherapy at the Laboratory for the Exploration of Human Relationships. The specialist has gained experience in both the public and private sectors, providing psychological support to students, educators, and parents through the Ministry of Education, as well as to vulnerable population groups through her collaboration with NGOs. Since 2023, she has been offering psychotherapeutic services to adults, focusing on issues such as low self-esteem, anxiety, losses, and relationship difficulties, applying the principles of the systemic approach. Additionally, she is distinguished by her empathy, active listening, and respect for the uniqueness of each individual. Through a safe and collaborative therapeutic framework, her goal is to support individuals in empowerment, psychological resilience, and achieving personal balance.

Papanikolaou Violeta is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Argyroupoli. She first obtained a degree in Business Organization and Management from the Athens University of Economics and Business, and subsequently pursued a degree in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She later earned a degree in Psychotherapy through CPS Arts from the British Hellenic College and was further trained in Drama Therapy at the Psychotherapeutic and Educational Center Herma. She completed her internship at the "Avrambou A. - Tsiakos D. I.K.E., O.P.S.Y. - Mental Health Group" center, and to date, in addition to her private practice, she works as a Psychologist at Oneirodromio (by i.c.Can). Finally, the specialist has attended numerous seminars on various topics in Psychiatry, conferences on Psychosomatic Medicine, art therapy seminars, Cognitive and Behavioral Approaches, Psychopathology, and others.

Gesthimani Pantelidou is a Mental Health Counselor - Psychotherapist and has been running the Mental Health Center - "aniGma" in Nea Smyrni for the past 7 years. She deals with issues related to personal anxieties, difficulties and dilemmas, family matters, issues and challenges concerning adolescents and the elderly, as well as emotional, psychosomatic, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress, and the management of loss and grief. Additionally, as a personal coach with extensive experience in the business sector, she supports the encouragement of change, motivation, utilization of personal potential, enhancement of self-confidence and self-esteem, management of indecisiveness, as well as goal setting and achievement. Based on the Synthetic Approach, she combines techniques from Person-Centered, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Psychodynamic therapies, as well as personal coaching techniques, to flexibly adapt to the needs and personality of each client. In today’s era of general disorientation and loneliness, the human individual strives to cope with pain, fear, and anxiety arising from the ambiguity of their constantly changing life. Psychological support and counseling sessions aim to reveal the distinctly personal functional adaptation method of the individual to the present and future of their life, discovering the unused potentials of their soul in conjunction with the ongoing cultivation of their communication skills with their environment.

“...I am not entirely guilty for the life I lead, since I did not choose it, nor am I entirely innocent from the moment I continue it...”

Anna Xanioti is a Mental Health Counselor and Psychotherapist specializing in the Person-Centered Approach. She trained in the 4-year experiential program "Person-Centered Roots" at the College of Humanistic Studies ICPS in Athens. She is a certified Psychotherapist accredited by the European Association of Psychotherapy (EAP) and holds the European Certificate of Psychotherapy (ECP). She ensures her professional development through continuous supervision, therapy, and participation in seminars and conferences. Her areas of interest include the integration of contemporary neuroscience with psychotherapy, developmental trauma and its impact on personal relationships, psychoemotional care of women during menopause, and encounter and personal development groups.

Η Ιλίτια Γκίνη είναι Ψυχολόγος, απόφοιτη του University of East London, όπου ολοκλήρωσε τις σπουδές της στο BSc Psychology και το μεταπτυχιακό πρόγραμμα MA Counselling & Psychotherapy, με εξειδίκευση στις διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις και στη διαχείριση άγχους.Πιστεύει πως κάθε άνθρωπος κουβαλά τη δική του μοναδική ιστορία, τις προσωπικές του προκλήσεις αλλά και τις δυνατότητες εξέλιξης και αλλαγής. Βασικός της στόχος είναι η δημιουργία ενός ασφαλούς, υποστηρικτικού και ουσιαστικού θεραπευτικού πλαισίου, μέσα στο οποίο ο θεραπευόμενος μπορεί να εκφραστεί ελεύθερα, να νιώσει αποδοχή και να εργαστεί με σεβασμό προς τον εαυτό του και τις ανάγκες του.Διαθέτει εμπειρία στην υποστήριξη ενηλίκων, στη συμβουλευτική γονέων και ζεύγους, καθώς και στη συμβουλευτική παιδιών και εφήβων. Έχει εργαστεί σε κέντρα συμβουλευτικής και ψυχοθεραπείας, σε κέντρα ειδικών θεραπειών παιδιών και εφήβων, αλλά και σε ιδιωτικό πλαίσιο ατομικών συνεδριών.Η θεραπευτική της προσέγγιση εστιάζει στη διαχείριση άγχους και φόβων, στις διαπροσωπικές δυσκολίες, στις συντροφικές και οικογενειακές σχέσεις, στην ενίσχυση της αυτοεκτίμησης, στη συναισθηματική ενδυνάμωση και στην προσωπική ανάπτυξη.

Για την Ιλίτια Γκίνη, η θεραπευτική διαδικασία δεν αφορά μόνο την αντιμετώπιση μιας δυσκολίας, αλλά και τη βαθύτερη γνωριμία με τον εαυτό, την καλλιέργεια εσωτερικής ισορροπίας και την ανάπτυξη πιο λειτουργικών τρόπων σκέψης, επικοινωνίας και διαχείρισης της καθημερινότητας.

Παραμένει διαρκώς ενημερωμένη μέσω της συμμετοχής της σε επιστημονικά συνέδρια, σεμινάρια και εκπαιδευτικά εργαστήρια, με στόχο τη συνεχή εξέλιξη της επιστημονικής και επαγγελματικής της κατάρτισης, παρέχοντας σύγχρονη, εξατομικευμένη και ουσιαστική ψυχολογική υποστήριξη.

Ms. Katsouli Anastasia is a psychologist and psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. She obtained her initial psychology degrees from Deree College and the Open University with a scholarship and first-class honors (BA Hons in Psychology). She continued her postgraduate studies in counseling and psychotherapy with a scholarship from Deree College, where she graduated with distinction (MSc in Counseling Psychology and Psychotherapy). She completed her internship at the 1st Municipal Medical Center of the Municipality of Athens and at the counseling center of the American College of Greece. She is a member of the American Psychological Association as well as the Hellenic Psychological Society. She has published research at international, pan-European, and national psychology conferences and has delivered lectures and seminars to international organizations and groups. She continues her long-standing professional development by attending specialized training seminars in psychology to keep updated with innovative psychotherapeutic practices. Additionally, she volunteers on support and psychological assistance helplines. She specializes in adults, and her extensive education, continuous professional development, and psychotherapeutic approach enable her to address a wide range of diagnoses and psychological issues. At the core of her psychotherapeutic practice are always empathy, understanding, respect, acceptance, and genuine concern.

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.

Farantakis Giannis is a Mental Health Consultant - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Ano Patisia. He is a graduate of the four-year Psychology program at Athens Metropolitan College and holds a postgraduate degree in Reichian Body Psychotherapy "Body Posture and Character" from the Hellenic Institute of Neurophytotherapy & Character Analysis "Wilhelm Reich". Concurrently, he has specialized as a Psychotherapist in body psychotherapy at the "Wilhelm Reich" Center. He has gained significant work experience, having served as a workgroup coordinator for the improvement and development of interpersonal and client relations at the company Web-Net Digital Agency, as well as working as a Psychotherapist at the mental health service provider company Man Of Style. He also provided psychological support on the counseling helpline "Together for the Child 11525". In his private practice, he offers a wide range of services, respecting the unique needs of each client.

Gerontidi Eleanni BSc, MSc is a Psychologist - Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapist for Children & Adults with a professional license. Her undergraduate and postgraduate studies were conducted and completed through the University of Central Lancashire in England, with full recognition by the corresponding Greek authorities. Subsequently, she trained in Cognitive and Behavioral techniques related to procrastination, assertiveness, mental imagery, among others, through seminars conducted by distinguished PhD holders. Additionally, through the Hellenic Society of Cognitive & Behavioral Studies, she has been trained in the approach of Cognitive & Behavioral Therapy for children and adolescents. Her personal and professional principles focus on mutual respect, unconditional acceptance of people, empathy, and collaboration as essential components for building a strong therapeutic relationship. A good therapeutic relationship - collaboration is defined in the literature as one of the most important factors for the positive outcome of therapy - counseling (Flückiger, Del Re, Wampold, & Horvath, 2018). Professionally, she has worked in Human Resources Management aiming to improve working conditions by conducting relevant research. However, she has placed greater emphasis on psychotherapy, aiming to support individuals in finding and obtaining what they need to live a full and healthy life. In her clinical experience, she has focused, among others, on trauma, ADHD, self and body image, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, emotion regulation, assertiveness, and more. Finally, in addition to individual therapy for adults and adolescents, she provides counseling for parents, couples, and career (e.g., interview preparation) in both Greek and English.

Venizelea Amalia is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist maintaining a private practice in Ilisia. She is a graduate of Psychology from Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and holds a postgraduate degree in Clinical Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She also specialized in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy for Adults, Children, and Adolescents at the Institute of Research and Behavioral Therapy. She has clinical experience having worked as a Psychologist at Aeginiteio Hospital as well as at the Day Center of the Regional Development and Mental Health Company. Additionally, she worked as a Psychologist - Psychotherapist at the Vyronas - Kaisariani Community Mental Health Center, specifically in the Adult Department, in the Children and Adolescents Unit of the Peristeri Mental Health Center, and in the Adult Therapy Department of the Institute of Research and Behavioral Therapy. Finally, since 2021, she has been working as a Psychologist-Psychotherapist in the Endocrinology Unit of the University of Athens. In her office, she manages cases across the full spectrum of psychology and specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focusing on interpersonal relationships and anxiety and mood disorders.

Ellina Anna Maria is a Mental Health Counselor and conducts online sessions. The specialist is a trained professional in Psychological Support, holding a Higher Professional Diploma in Psychology and Counseling from Mediterranean Professional Studies. In her private practice, she offers online sessions for individuals who wish to develop a better understanding of themselves, manage emotional difficulties, and improve their interpersonal relationships, with respect, empathy, and authenticity. The online sessions are aimed at individuals who want to better understand themselves, manage challenging thoughts and emotions, and enhance their relationship with themselves and others. Often, the work focuses on issues such as anxiety, difficulties in interpersonal relationships, panic attacks, low self-esteem, and the need for personal development. Each individual is approached with respect, authenticity, and empathy, aiming to create a safe and supportive space where they can express themselves freely and without fear of judgment.

Katerina Toulgaridou is a Psychologist - Systemic Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Gyzi. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and completed her internship at the “Thetis” Shelter of EPAPSY. Immediately after her degree, she began a four-year training in Systemic Psychotherapy at the Laboratory for the Investigation of Human Relations. In recent years, she has been working by providing individual psychotherapy and counseling sessions to adults. Her aim is to create a profound therapeutic relationship within a safe, warm, and supportive environment, enabling the patient to explore their emotions, thoughts, and various aspects of the self.

Ana de la Guía is a qualified Clinical Psychologist and Psychotherapist and professional license holder. After completing her five-year studies in Psychology at the University of Jaén, Spain, she continued her studies at the University of Málaga in a pre-doctoral master's degree in Social Research and Intervention. After that, she specialized in a four-year certified program by the European Association for Psychotherapy in Person-centered Psychotherapy at the College of Humanities ICPS in collaboration with the University of Strathclyde (Scotland). Later, she completed a two-year master's degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Elche, Spain. Ana has also specialized in cognitive behavioral therapy as a Bachelor's and Master's approach and she has completed the first level of EMDR in trauma. In this moment, she has just completed her specialization in sexual therapy from the University of Valencia. As a personal interest, she studies existential psychology, as well as philosophy and anthropology. She is currently taking a training program in Couples Counseling Therapy at KETHESY. During her professional career she has worked in the public and private sectors in Spain and in Greece providing psychotherapy services in different contexts as well as psychosocial intervention in international organizations such as the UN High Commissioner, International Organization for Migration or the Greek Forum of Refugees. In recent years until today, she has been working privately providing individual and group sessions for adults and teenagers, educational programs and workshops as well as personal development retreats.