Health professionals for Couple counseling in Thessaloniki

Mpogdanou Marina is a Psychologist and adult psychotherapist. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Crete and a Master's degree in Cognitive and Behavioral Psychotherapy from the University of Central Lancashire. In addition to her primary studies, she has specialized and obtained certification in Life Coaching as well as in Special Education and Training. In recent years, she has been working privately as an adult psychotherapist, gaining experience in clinical settings such as the Psychiatry Department at AHEPA Hospital and the Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki.

Η Μοναστηρίδου Παναγιώτα – Ειρήνη είναι Ψυχολόγος, Α.Π.Θ. |Ατομικές συνεδρίες ενηλίκων και εφήβων (δια ζώσης και online). Η ανάγκη για ψυχολογική υποστήριξη αποτελεί μια πράξη φροντίδας προς τον εαυτό μας και ένα πρώτο βήμα προς την προσωπική εξέλιξη. Με αυτή τη φιλοσοφία πορεύομαι και εγώ ως επαγγελματίας ψυχικής υγείας. Είναι ψυχολόγος, απόφοιτη του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης (Α.Π.Θ.), και προσφέρει ατομικές συνεδρίες ψυχοθεραπείας και συμβουλευτικής υποστήριξης σε ενήλικες και εφήβους, τόσο δια ζώσης στο γραφείο της επί της οδού Λέοντος Σοφού 10, στο κέντρο της Θεσσαλονίκης, όσο και μέσω διαδικτύου, για όσους προτιμούν ή χρειάζονται μια πιο ευέλικτη μορφή συνεργασίας. Η επαφή της με τον χώρο της ψυχικής υγείας ξεκίνησε ήδη από τα φοιτητικά της χρόνια. Πραγματοποίησε την πρακτική της άσκηση στο Ψυχιατρικό Νοσοκομείο Θεσσαλονίκης (Ψ.Ν.Θ.), όπου ήρθε σε επαφή με ανθρώπους που αντιμετώπιζαν διαφορετικά είδη ψυχικών δυσκολιών. Εκεί απέκτησε πολύτιμη εμπειρία στην υποστήριξη ατόμων με άγχος, καταθλιπτικά συμπτώματα, ψυχωσικές διαταραχές και διαταραχές προσωπικότητας, μαθαίνοντας να προσεγγίζει κάθε άνθρωπο με ενσυναίσθηση, σεβασμό και αποδοχή. Από φέτος συνεργάζεται με τον Παιδικό σταθμό - Νηπιαγωγείο ¨ΠΟΡΤΟΚΑΛΟΚΗΠΟΣ¨, στο Ωραιόκαστρο Θεσσαλονίκης, ως ψυχολόγος. Παράλληλα, έχει συμμετάσχει εθελοντικά σε δομές ψυχικής υγείας, αλλά και στη διαδικτυακή πλατφόρμα ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης «Μίλα μου», όπου πρόσφερε συμβουλευτική και συναισθηματική ενδυνάμωση σε άτομα που αναζητούσαν άμεση βοήθεια και έναν χώρο έκφρασης. Οι εμπειρίες αυτές την βοήθησαν να αναπτύξει μια πιο βαθιά κατανόηση των ανθρώπινων δυσκολιών και να ενισχύσει τη θεραπευτική της στάση. Αυτή την περίοδο βρίσκεται σε διαδικασία εξειδίκευσης στη Συστημική – Συνθετική Ψυχοθεραπεία, ένα πλαίσιο που μου επιτρέπει να βλέπει τον άνθρωπο ολιστικά, λαμβάνοντας υπόψη το ευρύτερο σύστημα στο οποίο ανήκει — τις σχέσεις, την οικογένεια, το περιβάλλον και τις προσωπικές του αξίες. Επίσης εξειδικεύεται στην Παιδική Ψυχολογία και Συμβουλευτική Γονέων Παράλληλα, παρακολουθεί συνεχώς σεμινάρια, επιμορφωτικά προγράμματα και επιστημονικά συνέδρια, προκειμένου να εμπλουτίζει τη γνώση και τα εργαλεία μου, ακολουθώντας τις σύγχρονες εξελίξεις στον χώρο της ψυχολογίας και της ψυχοθεραπείας. Στο πλαίσιο της συνεργασίας, επιδιώκει να δημιουργεί έναν ασφαλή, σταθερό και αποδοτικό χώρο, όπου μπορεί ο θεραπευόμενος να εκφραστεί ελεύθερα, χωρίς κριτική. Μέσα από τη διαδικασία της ψυχοθεραπείας, στόχος είναι να κατανοήσει βαθύτερα τον εαυτό του, να αναγνωρίσει τα μοτίβα που τον δυσκολεύουν και να αναπτύξει νέους, πιο λειτουργικούς τρόπους να σχετίζεται με τον εαυτό του και τους άλλους. Πιστεύει βαθιά ότι η αλλαγή ξεκινά μέσα από τη σύνδεση – τη σύνδεση με τον εαυτό του καθενός, αλλά και με έναν άλλον άνθρωπο που μπορεί να μας δει, να μας ακούσει και να μας στηρίξει με ειλικρίνεια. Η ψυχοθεραπεία δεν είναι απλώς μια διαδικασία αντιμετώπισης δυσκολιών· είναι μια πορεία αυτογνωσίας, ανάπτυξης και ουσιαστικής επανασύνδεσης με τον εαυτό.

Konstantinos Xatzirafailidis is a Psychiatrist and maintains his private practice in Thessaloniki. He manages a wide range of cases, always focusing on providing the best possible care tailored to the individualized needs of each person he treats.

Loizos Nikos is a Clinical Psychologist who maintains a private practice in the center of Thessaloniki. He is a graduate of the Psychology Department of Panteion University. He completed his postgraduate studies in medicine at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki with a specialization in "Clinical Mental Health," through which he has acquired extensive knowledge and understanding of the complexity of the human mind and mental functions. Additionally, he is in the process of completing his training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), aiming to obtain official certification as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. His knowledge of psychopathology and mental disorders qualifies him as a competent therapist capable of providing reliable and valid diagnoses. This is exceptionally important for the implementation of effective treatment. As a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, he possesses all necessary knowledge, research-backed techniques, and management strategies for comprehensive and effective intervention across a wide range of mental disorders. Research has shown that CBT is the most effective therapeutic method compared to other therapeutic approaches. It is a short-term therapy, typically lasting 3 to 4 months on average, depending on the nature of the difficulties and the needs of the client. His goal is to help those who trust him find functional ways to manage their difficulties. A key concern of his is to develop a strong therapeutic relationship with his clients, based on understanding, empathy, and compassion. He strives to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where individuals can openly express their concerns and collaborate towards improving their mental health and overall quality of life.

Antoniadou Katerina is a Clinical Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in the center of Thessaloniki. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and holds a postgraduate diploma in Liaison Psychiatry from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has been trained in a variety of psychotherapeutic approaches by certified institutions [Brief Intensive Dynamic Psychotherapy (iedta), Behavioral - Cognitive, Systemic - Family Therapy (efta)]. Additionally, she has participated in advanced training programs at clinical and university institutions on topics including clinical psychopathology, neuropsychology, clinical psychometrics, and special education. She has extensive experience in a broad spectrum of adult mental disorders.

Dr. Samaras Apostolos is a Mental Health Counselor with a private practice in Thessaloniki. He holds a degree in Clinical Psychology and Pathology from the University of Paris Paris VIII and possesses an advanced diploma (D.E.A.) in education from the same University. The Mental Health Counselor specializes in communication issues, interpersonal relationships, and has particular expertise in family and marital psychotherapy, anxiety disorders, and behavioral problems. He continuously participates in conferences and seminars to stay updated on developments in his field and has a substantial number of publications in the Greek press. Finally, Dr. Samaras Apostolos is a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society, the World Federation for Mental Health, the International Association of Family Therapy, and the International Society of Psychopathology & Clinical Psychology.

Paxou Eleni is a Psychologist and Psychotherapist who provides individual psychotherapy sessions while also conducting empowerment and psychotherapy groups in collaboration with colleagues in the center of Thessaloniki. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and holds a master's degree in "Clinical Interventions in Addictions" from the Department of Psychology and the Medical School of the University of Crete. In the past, she provided individual psychotherapy sessions at the Comprehensive Addiction Treatment Unit of OKANA. Additionally, she continues her training in the empowerment and psychotherapy of individuals and groups using the approach of Non-Directive Intervention (NDI). She has attended numerous training programs and seminars on Clinical Psychology and the Therapeutic Treatment of Addictions. Currently, she is also training in the approach of Narrative Therapy.

Dr. Eleni Vazakidou, PhD, MSc, is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice (center located near the Church of Agios Dimitrios) in Thessaloniki. She holds a degree in Psychology from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a specialization in Systemic Psychotherapy and Counseling from the Center for Systemic Therapy and Counseling (Κε.Σ.Με.Θ). Additionally, she holds a Doctorate (PhD) in Criminology with a full scholarship and a Master's degree in Clinical Criminology from the University of Leicester, as well as a Law degree from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She possesses extensive academic experience, having lectured at the Department of Criminology at the University of Leicester and at the Department of Psychology at the European Campus of York, City College in Thessaloniki. Finally, in her private practice, the specialist provides support to adults, couples, and families through a systemic, comprehensive, and scientifically substantiated therapeutic approach.

Hatzinikoli Margarita is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Thessaloniki. She is a graduate of the Psychology Department of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. During her internship, she collaborated with the Youth Support Center of the non-governmental organization "Arsis." Within the framework of her systemic orientation, as a trainee Systemic – Family therapist at the Institute of Systemic Approach and Family Therapy, she works with families and their members, resonating with them and accompanying each individual separately, as well as all together, on the issues for which they seek her assistance. In recent years, she has participated in the design and coordination of psychosocial programs in collaboration with the "Psychotopos" team, some of which address assertiveness, conflict resolution, anger management, and sexual education. Additionally, together with the above-mentioned team, they coordinate groups focused on either personal development or various themes such as infertility and adoption. As a Professional Focusing Partner, having completed the Focusing training cycle (Level I & II), she employs the Focusing Process, an experiential (internal) method, to address cases of severe anxiety and panic attacks. Furthermore, she has completed the Effective Parenting training cycle by Gordon Hellas. Finally, as part of her ongoing professional development, she attends and participates in seminars and training programs related to domestic violence and the support of socially vulnerable groups (LGBTQ+, persons with disabilities, etc.).

Andromaxi Sdoukou is a Psychologist and Systemic Psychotherapist practicing privately in Thessaloniki. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and has completed her postgraduate degree in Systemic Psychotherapy at the University of Central Lancashire (UClan), in collaboration with the College of Humanities ICPS. She has completed training programs in Postmodern Systemic Approaches to Psychotherapy (Solution-Focused, Narrative, Collaborative Approach) at the Bienestar center, as well as in Systemic and Family Therapy at the Mental Health Center (KPSY) of the Western Sector of Thessaloniki. Additionally, she has completed training in Grief Support and Counseling at Merimna Thessaloniki and in Cinematherapy at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. As part of her training, she has gained clinical experience in public mental health structures and non-governmental organizations in Thessaloniki, specifically in the Alternative Therapy Program for Dependent Individuals "ARGO," at the Mental Health Center of the Western Sector of Thessaloniki, and in the Social Service of ARSIS. From 2020 to 2021, she provided voluntary psychotherapeutic and counseling services in the Short-Term Psychological Support Group in days of Covid-19, a solidarity initiative she co-created with other Solution-Focused psychotherapists. She has volunteered at the Cinematherapy Festival, the world’s first Cinematherapy Festival, and since 2020 she has been writing articles on cinema and psychology. Currently, she provides psychotherapeutic services to adults, families, and couples through face-to-face or online sessions.