Health professionals for Τόνωση αυτοεκτίμησης in Macedonia

Thomas Palikrousis is a Psychologist (UEL), certified Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapist (EEGSPS), Dietitian-Nutritionist (ATEITH), and Food Technologist (ATEITH), twice awarded scholarships by the State Scholarship Foundation (IKY). He holds four postgraduate degrees (MSc) in Aging and Chronic Disease Management (HOU), Quality Management and Food Industry Production Organization (ATEITH), Quality Assurance (HOU), and Food Chemistry (AUTH). He is a doctoral candidate at the Department of Food Science and Technology (DIPE), a student in the Department of Agriculture at the University of Western Macedonia, and a postgraduate student in Applied Developmental Psychology (HOU).

His professional work focuses on bridging theory and practice through an interdisciplinary approach. Specifically, he practices privately as a Psychologist, having provided mental health services at the Student Counseling and Support Center (KSSF) of the University of Macedonia (PAMAK). As a Dietitian-Nutritionist, alongside operating a private practice, he has collaborated with professional and amateur sports clubs. As a Food Technologist, he has worked with numerous food industries, contributing to the design of products that have received significant awards at the International Taste Awards and Healthy Diet Awards. Additionally, he is a researcher at the International Hellenic University (DIPE) and has served as a faculty member at a private university college in collaboration with the state University of Essex (United Kingdom), independently teaching courses in the BSc (Hons) Dietetics (Applied) program. Finally, he is a member of the Sports Nutrition Working Group and the Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Committee of the Pan-Hellenic Association of Dietitians-Nutritionists, as well as the association's representative for the Florina Prefecture.

Mpoutouridou Georgia is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Katerini. Concurrently, she works as a psychologist in a facility for individuals with disabilities. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology and specializes in Systemic Psychotherapy, training at the Center for Systemic Therapy and Study of Thessaloniki (KE.S.ME.TH). Additionally, she has completed a one-year specialization in Sensory & Messy Play through the mental health multipurpose center "Psycho-lo-Yia," where she worked as a Psychologist at the central Toumpa branch. She is distinguished by her love of learning and dedication to the science of Psychology, actively participating in numerous educational seminars and maintaining ongoing interest in the psychosocial development of children, adolescents, and adults. She has provided voluntary psychological services to Non-Governmental Organizations for people with disabilities as well as to a support center for abused women, and has completed internships both in a private psychology practice and at university counseling centers. She is fluent in Greek, English, and Romanian, combining theoretical training with genuine empathy and professional ethics. Finally, the specialist maintains a private practice and her own mental health and therapy multipurpose center "Psycho-lo-Yia Katerinis," offering services to children, adolescents, and adults.

Kavadatos Aleksios, BSc, MSc, is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist with a private practice in Kozani. He graduated from the Department of Psychology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and holds a Master's Degree (MSc) in Clinical Psychology from the same institution. He has been trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Group Analysis, and possesses over 20 years of experience in the field of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Adult Psychotherapy. He has served as the Scientific Supervisor in psychosocial rehabilitation facilities in Thessaloniki and Kozani, as well as a Supervisor of the psychological support program of the 3rd Health Region “No One Alone During the Pandemic”. Additionally, he was a member of the Scientific Committee for the psychological support telephone line 10306. From 2009 to 2023, he maintained a private practice in Thessaloniki and currently practices professionally in Kozani. Since 2023, he has been the President of the NPO IONOS, an organization active in mental health and social rehabilitation. He has attended numerous seminars and conferences aimed at continuous professional development and has many publications and presentations in the mental health field. He has organized and coordinated counseling groups for parents, caregivers of persons with disabilities, educators, and healthcare professionals, as well as psychoeducational groups for managing anxiety and professional burnout.

Ms. Fregkou Nikolina is a Psychologist graduated from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, holding a professional license with a specialization in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Hellenic Society for Behavioral Research - EEEΣ). She conducts adult sessions in person in the center of Athens as well as remotely (online). Simultaneously, she works at the Polydynamic Clinics of the Municipality of Athens, providing counseling services through individual sessions.

She has worked as a psychotherapeutic psychologist in various settings with 15 years of experience. Throughout her professional career, she continuously evolves by participating in trainings, seminars, conferences, and workshops.

As a professional and companion on the journey of therapy, she operates with empathy and authenticity, providing the appropriate tools to address the issues that concern her clients.

Ο Κοτρώτσιος Δημήτρης είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπευτής CBT με άδεια ασκήσεως επαγγέλματος και αφοσιώνεται στη βοήθεια και τη στήριξη εφήβων και ενηλίκων στην ανάπτυξη της ψυχικής τους ευεξίας. Έχοντας αποφοιτήσει από το τμήμα Ψυχολογίας του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης, στηριζόμενος σε αυτό, προχώρησε τις σπουδές του για να αποκτήσει μεταπτυχιακό τίτλο σπουδών στην Κλινική Ψυχική Υγεία του τμήματος Ιατρικής από το ίδιο πανεπιστήμιο, εμβαθύνοντας στην πολυπλοκότητα της ψυχικής υγείας και των θεραπευτικών προσεγγίσεων. Παράλληλα, εξειδικεύεται στη Γνωστική Συμπεριφορική Ψυχοθεραπεία (CBT) στην Ελληνική Εταιρεία Έρευνας Συμπεριφοράς, σύμφωνα με τα κριτήρια της European Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT), αποκτώντας πολύτιμες δεξιότητες για να ασχολείται με ένα ευρύ φάσμα ψυχολογικών προβλημάτων. Κατά την μέχρι τώρα ενασχόλησή του με τον τομέα της ψυχικής υγείας, έχει δραστηριοποιηθεί στην εργασία με ευάλωτες πληθυσμιακές ομάδες ανηλίκων και ενηλίκων, όπου παρείχε ψυχοεκπαιδευτικές παρεμβάσεις, συμβουλευτική και ατομικές συνεδρίες ψυχοθεραπείας για την αντιμετώπιση μιας σειράς αναπτυξιακών και συναισθηματικών δυσκολιών. Επιπλέον, στο πλαίσιο της δια βίου επιμόρφωσης στον επιστημονικό κλάδο, έχει παρακολουθήσει και ολοκληρώσει διάφορα δια βίου εκπαιδευτικά προγράμματα. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, έχει εξειδικευτεί στην "Ψυχική Υγεία: Τραυματικά Γεγονότα και Διαχείριση Απώλειας/Πένθους", επιτρέποντάς του να χειρίζεται επιδέξια θέματα που σχετίζονται με το τραύμα, την απώλεια και το μετατραυματικό στρες, και στην "Ψυχοεκπαίδευση και Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία Οικογένειας/ CBT Οικογενειακή Θεραπεία" εμβαθύνοντας στην αξία της ψυχοεκπαίδευσης ως ψυχοθεραπευτική διαδικασία με εύρος εφαρμογών τόσο σε σοβαρές σωματικές νόσους όσο και σε μείζονες ψυχικές διαταραχές που απευθύνονται στο άτομο και στην οικογένεια. Στο πλαίσιο της πρακτικής του άσκησης, συνεργάστηκε και με διάφορες μη κυβερνητικές οργανώσεις, όπου συνέχισε την εθελοντική του δραστηριότητα παρέχοντας συμβουλευτική γονέων, συμμετέχοντας σε αθλητικές δράσεις, ψυχοκινητικές δραστηριότητες και ομάδες συζήτησης με τα παιδιά που προωθούν την καλή ψυχική υγεία και την κοινωνική τους ενσωμάτωση. Ακόμα, έχει συμμετάσχει σε διάφορα project στο πλαίσιο ευρωπαϊκών προγραμμάτων (Όσλο, Βαλένθια, Μαρακές) με θεματικές που αφορούν την προώθηση της ψυχικής υγείας και την πρόληψη φαινομένων, όπως οι διακρίσεις, η βία, η περιθωριοποίηση και ο στιγματισμός. Τα τελευταία δυο χρόνια επεκτείνει τις υπηρεσίες του ως ιδιώτης, προσφέροντας διαδικτυακές συνεδρίες στα ελληνικά σε εφήβους και ενήλικες. Παράλληλα, το τελευταίο διάστημα εργάζεται και στον Ε.Ο.Π.Α.Ε. (Ειδικός Οργανισμός Πρόληψης και Αντιμετώπισης Εξαρτήσεων), συμμετέχοντας στην υποστήριξη ατόμων με εξαρτήσεις (αλκοόλ, ουσίες, τζόγος,διαδίκτυο) μέσω ψυχοθεραπευτικής παρέμβασης, ψυχοεκπαίδευσης και διεπιστημονικής συνεργασίας με άλλους επαγγελματίες ψυχικής υγείας, στοχεύοντας στην ενίσχυση της ανθεκτικότητας και της κοινωνικής επανένταξης των ωφελούμενων.

Gerou Maira is a licensed psychologist with extensive academic and professional experience. She holds a bachelor's degree with distinction in Psychology from the University of East London, as well as a master's degree in Neuropsychology & Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of Essex. Additionally, she has studied Linguistics at Lancaster University and Strategic Human Resource Management at ALBA Graduate Business School, while also completing postgraduate studies in Language Education for refugees and immigrants at the Hellenic Open University, enhancing her understanding of approaches to diverse population groups.

Furthermore, she specializes in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), has been trained in Art Therapy as well as Career Counseling, and also holds training in Messy & Sensory Play—a method that supports multisensory development and emotional regulation in children and other age groups. Additionally, she is undergoing training in Parent Counseling.

In her clinical practice, she provides individualized sessions for adults and children, assisting in the management of anxiety, depression, panic attacks, ADHD, and autism. Moreover, her extensive experience in human resources and organizational psychology allows her to offer counseling on issues related to professional burnout, workplace stress management, and self-improvement. Through her scientific expertise and practical experience, she creates a safe and supportive environment, either through in-person sessions or via video calls, tailored to the needs of each client.

Goudi Eufrosyni is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Serres. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete, specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She has completed numerous postgraduate seminars related to loss and mourning, parent counseling, and sexual education. Currently, she is pursuing postgraduate studies (MSc) in Counseling Psychology and Counseling in Special Education, Education, and Health at the University of Volos. Additionally, she has worked as a Psychologist in various organizations, gaining valuable experience.

Pinelopi Kitsou is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains her private practice in Thessaloniki. She holds a degree in Psychology from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She has specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy and has completed the Postgraduate Program in Adolescent Medicine and Adolescent Health Care at the School of Medicine of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. In her private practice, she handles a wide range of cases, always focusing on providing the best possible service tailored to the individualized needs of each person she undertakes.

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.

Dimitris Koukleris is a Psychotherapist specializing in an Integrative approach (K.D.V.M. Athens Synthesis Centre) - Mental Health Counselor and maintains a private practice in Nea Irakleio. He holds a degree from the School of Educational Sciences at the University of the Aegean, a diploma in Integrative Counseling from COSCA, the European Certificate in Integrative Psychotherapy (E.C.I.P), and the European Certificate of Psychotherapy (E.C.P.). He has volunteered in the Social Service of the Municipality of Lykovrysi - Pefki and in the Psychological Support structure "Synypaxy." Furthermore, he is a regular member of the Hellenic Counseling Association, the European Association of Counselling, and the Hellenic Society of Integrative Counseling and Psychotherapy. He is also a certified Integrative Psychotherapist of the European Association for Integrative Psychotherapy, a certified Psychotherapist of the National Psychotherapy Society of Greece (E.E.P.S.), as well as of the European Association for Psychotherapy.

Giannopoulou Maria is a Psychologist practicing privately in Katerini. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She has also volunteered at the Katerini Mental Health Center for 3 years.

Roxani - Maria Vakalou is a Psychologist, graduate of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, specializing in Clinical Psychology. She is a certified Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist and is training in Bioenergetic Clinical Hypnosis.

Her choice of specializations is based on the integration of two critical pillars: focusing on the "here and now," addressing dysfunctional patterns of thinking and behavior, and processing emotional traumas formed during early developmental stages before the development of logical thinking.

Her career in the Mental Health field includes voluntary service at S.O.F.PSY. Serres, coordinating therapeutic groups and cognitive-behavioral interventions; collaboration with the Hellenic Alzheimer’s Disease Association; specialization in "Dance Theatre"; and mental health counseling in a multinational environment through conducting psychoeducational groups and individual sessions (since 2024).

She firmly believes that Psychotherapy is the most valuable investment in oneself and the cornerstone of self-awareness and mental well-being. Her goal is, within an environment of trust, understanding, and acceptance, to help individuals genuinely "embrace" themselves.

Maggana Panagiota is a Psychologist - Specialist Psychotherapist working privately, offering online sessions in Greek and English. She provides services to individuals living in Greece and abroad. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology (BSc) at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). She holds a master's degree (MSc) in Social Psychology from Tilburg University in the Netherlands. Additionally, she specializes through a four-year training program in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) provided by the Hellenic Society of Cognitive and Behavioral Psychotherapy (GACBP).

The therapeutic approach of Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy aims to illuminate the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. From early years and throughout a person's life, certain thought patterns as well as cognitive and behavioral "habits" are formed that are not always functional and often lead to dysphoric feelings or complicate our relationship with ourselves or others.

In therapy, the goal is to establish a therapeutic alliance and collaboration to identify these patterns. By setting realistic goals and considering objective environmental challenges, the individual begins to gain self-awareness, practice self-acceptance and self-compassion, and through a range of tools, develops new mechanisms for managing the self, relationships, and everyday situations.

Petrou Vilma MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and conducts online sessions. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Athens with honors. She has held a professional practice license since 2021 and has specialized in stress management and anxiety disorders through the postgraduate program "Science of Stress and Health Promotion" at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Her psychotherapeutic approach is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), in which she was trained through the four-year training program of the Institute for Research and Behavioral Therapy (IEΘS). Simultaneously, through her participation in a holistic stress management and lifestyle change program for heroin-dependent users at the OKANA Unit of Sismanogleio Hospital, she gained valuable experience in the management of addictions, providing both individual and group sessions. In recent years, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, offering psychotherapy and counseling on issues such as anxiety disorders, depression, emotional difficulties, and interpersonal relationship challenges. Her experience includes individual adult sessions (both in-person and online), as well as sessions with children and adolescents through her collaboration with Special Therapy Centers. Her goal is to tailor the techniques she applies to the individualized needs of each client, aiming to improve their mental health and quality of life.

Mpourtzos Markos is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist, licensed to practice, and maintains a private practice in Kozani. He holds a degree in Psychology from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a Master's Degree (MSc) in Applications of Psychology in Health from the Medical Department of A.U.Th. Additionally, he trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy through a three-year training program accredited by the Hellenic Society of Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy. As a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, he can assist you in overcoming issues such as anxiety, panic attacks, depression, various phobias, eating disorders, among others. A fundamental principle of cognitive therapy is that our emotions and behavior are significantly influenced by the way we perceive things and by our broader attitudes and beliefs. Thus, during the course of therapy and within a relatively short period, we learn to think more realistically, free from negative thoughts and distortions.