Health professionals for Couple counseling in the Northern suburbs of Athens

Sarri Sylva BSc, MA, is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Cholargos. She studied Psychology in England (University of Bedfordshire) and subsequently pursued a postgraduate specialization program in Organizational Psychology in the United States (University of New Haven).

She holds a License to Practice Psychology with official recognition from DOATAP (Hellenic National Academic Recognition and Information Center).

She completed a four-year specialization program in Family Counseling and Psychotherapy at the Laboratory for the Study of Human Relations.

She has been working as a psychologist with adults, couples, families, and groups since 2007. Her professional experience covers anxiety and panic attacks, phobias and depression, low self-esteem and abuse, issues related to gender identity and sexual orientation, parent-child relationships, parental counseling, couples therapy, divorce, and grief.

She has worked with individuals who have experienced road traffic accidents and have undergone post-traumatic stress and grief (Status Merimna). She has worked in a psychiatrist's clinic where she provided care to individuals, couples, and groups. She has collaborated with corporate employees experiencing personal issues outside the workplace. She has volunteered with NGOs assisting refugees and migrants, as well as in a developmental center for children (PRAKSIS, ARSI). Her clinical training took place at Aeginiteio Hospital, focusing on individuals with neurotic disorders. She participated in conducting a seminar related to employee performance (Develop Hellas Human Resources). She has attended seminars on topics including interpersonal relationships, psychosomatic illnesses and anxiety, sexual abuse and children’s drawings, career guidance, and psychology in mass disaster situations.

She is a member of the Hellenic Psychologists Association.

Bpokou Anastasia is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Kifisia. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Subsequently, she completed her postgraduate studies (MSc), earning a master's degree in Liaison Psychiatry from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. As part of her psychotherapeutic training, she participates in the Educational Program in Cognitive Psychotherapies at the Research University Institute of Mental Health (EPIΨY). She has also completed basic training in EMDR Therapy at TACT HELLAS as well as in the administration, interpretation, and scoring of diagnostic tools (WAIS-IV, WISC, SCID II, SCID-5, MMPI II). She has gained experience through her internship in Psychology and Psychotherapy at the Hellenic Institute for Rational Emotive and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and collaborates with the Neurodevelopmental Disorders department of the 1st Psychiatric Clinic at Aeginiteio Hospital. Finally, she specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy and clinical psychology.

Clinical Psychologist Vazouras Mixalis graduated from the Psychology Department of the American College of Greece (DEREE). He then completed his postgraduate studies in the Clinical Psychology program at Utrecht University. He has been trained in cognitive behavioral therapy during his postgraduate studies and has attended seminars on grief management, trauma, and the provision of psychological first aid. He has volunteered at the Sismanoglio Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinic and the NGO M.A.N.A. Finally, in recent years, he has worked as a psychologist in private centers and as a clinical psychologist in a rehabilitation center. Currently, he manages his private practice.

Mpletsa Xristianna MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Nea Ionia. She holds a degree in Psychology from Cardiff Metropolitan University and a postgraduate degree (MSc in Health Psychology) from the same institution. She has specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and has been trained in Trauma Therapy using the EMDR method at the Trauma Therapy Institute. Additionally, she has been trained in play therapy through an educational program at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Concurrently, she has attended numerous training programs for her continuous professional development concerning human behavior, the management and treatment of phobias, psychosomatic symptoms, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and other anxiety and mood disorders, and she holds a professional practice license. Until 2023, she provided psychological services at the Memory Center of the Psychogeriatric Society "Nestor" for adults with anxiety disorders, chronic conditions, and psychiatric illnesses. She collaborates privately with the Special Therapy Center for children "Apo Kardiás" while also maintaining her private practice, where she handles cases involving adults, adolescents, and children.

Varvara Karpouzou is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains her private practice in Kifisia. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of East London and has completed postgraduate studies in Clinical Psychology at the University of East London as well as in Child Psychology at the University of Central Lancashire. She specialized in Systemic-Family Psychotherapy at the Laboratory for the Investigation of Human Relations, which is based on the Synthetic Model of Systemic Therapy, as well as in the Diagnosis and Psychotherapy of Children through the SANE (System attachment Narrative Encephalon) perspective, an enriched model of systemic psychotherapy that integrates elements from attachment theory, the narrative approach, and neuroscience findings into therapeutic practice. She was trained in Sue Johnson's model, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), is a certified couples therapist, and an official member of the EFT Greek Network and the ICEEFT (International Center for Excellence in EFT). Her scientific interest in psychological trauma led her to train in the psychotherapeutic method EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for addressing emotional distress and symptoms arising from adverse life experiences or events. The Psychologist collaborates with EPIPSY, specifically with the Day Hospital. It is worth noting that, perceiving science as a dynamic process in constant evolution and wishing to be part of this process, she participates in numerous seminars and conferences both in Greece and abroad. In her private practice, she addresses a wide range of cases, combining her scientific rigor with the experience gained from over 25 years of professional activity. She is an official member of the British Psychological Society (MBPsS), the EFT Greek Network, and the Hellenic Society of Systemic Therapy (ELESYTH).

Aleksopoulos Dimitris BSc, MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Kifisia. He holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete. He possesses a Master's degree in "Psychology of Physical Education and Sports" from the University of Thessaly, while simultaneously receiving training in Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy (CBT) through the four-year program of the Society of Cognitive-Behavioral Studies (IEΘS). He has pursued further education in the School Psychology Program at the University of the Aegean and has specialized within the framework of Organizational Psychology in the postgraduate program "Human Resources Management and Organizational Analysis" at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He has extensive collaboration with counseling structures and frameworks, where he provides individual psychotherapy and counseling services. Additionally, he cooperates with muscle-strengthening facilities, organizing seminars, events, and conferences focusing on the connection between mental health and sports. Concurrently, he collaborates with schools, delivering lectures addressed to educators, parents, and students on contemporary issues of the school community. In the past, he has worked with a social reintegration structure, providing psychotherapeutic support to formerly incarcerated individuals in their efforts toward social reintegration. His primary concern is empathy towards the client, active listening, understanding their needs, and the gradual establishment of a healthy therapeutic relationship founded on trust. Therefore, through guidance in techniques for managing emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, the aim is to promote the mental health and well-being of the client.

Η Ισαβέλλα Κοντοπούλου είναι Ψυχολόγος – Παιδοψυχολόγος και Συστημική Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια, με περισσότερα από 10 χρόνια επαγγελματικής εμπειρίας στον χώρο της ψυχικής υγείας. Διατηρεί το ιδιωτικό της γραφείο «Εξέλιξη» στον Χολαργό, προσφέροντας ψυχοθεραπευτική υποστήριξη σε ενήλικες, εφήβους και παιδιά.

Είναι κάτοχος πτυχίου Ψυχολογίας, Ψυχοθεραπείας και Συμβουλευτικής (BSc) από το University of Bolton, μεταπτυχιακού τίτλου στην Παιδοψυχολογία (MSc) από το University of Central Lancashire και μεταπτυχιακού τίτλου στη Συμβουλευτική Ψυχολογία (MA) από το University of Sheffield. Έχει εξειδικευτεί στη Συστημική Συμβουλευτική και Ψυχοθεραπεία στο Κέντρο Συστημικής Μελέτης και Θεραπείας, ενώ έχει παρακολουθήσει επιπλέον εκπαιδεύσεις στη Σχολική Ψυχολογία, την Ψυχανάλυση και σε επιμέρους ζητήματα ψυχικής υγείας.

Η επαγγελματική της πορεία περιλαμβάνει εργασία σε νευροψυχιατρικές κλινικές, όπου απέκτησε εμπειρία στη διαχείριση σύνθετων κλινικών περιστατικών, καθώς και συνεργασία με το University of Sheffield στους τομείς της ψυχολογικής συμβουλευτικής και του επαγγελματικού προσανατολισμού. Έχει επίσης συντονίσει ομάδες υποστήριξης και προσωπικής ανάπτυξης, ενώ συνεργάζεται ως εξωτερική συνεργάτιδα με σχολικές μονάδες, πραγματοποιώντας διαλέξεις και ψυχοεκπαιδευτικές παρεμβάσεις σε μαθητές Γυμνασίου και Λυκείου.

Στο θεραπευτικό της έργο εστιάζει στην ατομική ψυχοθεραπεία ενηλίκων, τη διαχείριση του άγχους και των κρίσεων πανικού, τις δυσκολίες στις διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις, την αυτογνωσία και την προσωπική εξέλιξη. Παράλληλα, παρέχει ψυχολογική υποστήριξη σε παιδιά και εφήβους, συμβουλευτική γονέων και θεραπεία ζεύγους και οικογένειας. Μέσα από τη συνεχή επιστημονική της επιμόρφωση, διευρύνει τις γνώσεις της και στον τομέα της διατροφής, με στόχο την πληρέστερη κατανόηση και υποστήριξη ανθρώπων που αντιμετωπίζουν δυσκολίες στη σχέση τους με το φαγητό και την εικόνα του σώματός τους.

Η θεραπευτική της προσέγγιση βασίζεται στη Συστημική Ψυχοθεραπεία, αντιμετωπίζοντας κάθε άνθρωπο ως μια μοναδική προσωπικότητα, της οποίας οι εμπειρίες, οι σχέσεις και το περιβάλλον αποτελούν σημαντικά στοιχεία της προσωπικής της ιστορίας.

Για την ίδια, η ψυχοθεραπεία δεν περιορίζεται στην αντιμετώπιση των δυσκολιών. Αποτελεί μια διαδικασία αυτογνωσίας και προσωπικής εξέλιξης, μέσα από την οποία ο άνθρωπος μπορεί να κατανοήσει βαθύτερα τον εαυτό του, να επαναπροσδιορίσει τις σχέσεις του και να διαμορφώσει μια ζωή που τον εκφράζει και τον ικανοποιεί.

Βασική της επιδίωξη είναι η δημιουργία μιας θεραπευτικής σχέσης που χαρακτηρίζεται από εμπιστοσύνη, αποδοχή και σεβασμό στη μοναδικότητα κάθε ανθρώπου. Ένας ασφαλής χώρος, χωρίς κριτική, όπου ο θεραπευόμενος μπορεί να εκφραστεί ελεύθερα και να προχωρήσει με τον δικό του ρυθμό.

Katsarou Emmanouela is a Psychologist-Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Marousi. Simultaneously, she works as an Associate Mental Health Counselor at the Rodicare Nursing Home, in the Social Service of the Municipal Clinics of the Ilioupoli Municipality, and in the Social Solidarity Department of the Northern Sector Regional Unit of Athens. After completing her studies in the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete, she specialized in Clinical and Community Psychology through her postgraduate studies (Master of Science) at the University of East London. In the past, she has worked as a Psychologist at the Chronic Diseases Hospital of Western Athens – Western Athens Disability Branch of the Attica Social Welfare Center. Additionally, she has volunteered as a Psychologist at the KETHEA DIAVASI Counseling Station and as a Parallel Support Companion for individuals with mental disorders at the Hellenic Center for the Promotion of Social and Mental Health "POREIA AMKE." She completed her internship at the ATHINA Program of Aeginiteio Hospital. Finally, she is specialized in Systemic Family Psychotherapy, Individual Psychotherapy, Panic Attacks, and Phobias.

Dimitra Smaragda, MSc., PgD., is a Forensic Psychologist, Systemic (Family) and Person-Centered Psychotherapist, licensed to practice professionally. She obtained her primary degree from the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete and specialized in individual counseling (PgD Person-Centered Counseling, University of Strathclyde). She holds a postgraduate diploma in Systemic - Family Psychotherapy. She has worked as a Psychologist in the Psychiatric Clinic of Metropolitan Hospital, served as a scientific collaborator at the Agios Nikolaos Clinic (substance abuse rehabilitation program), and was a scientific advisor at the Ministry of Citizen Protection. She was a scientific associate at the "Elpida" Association in the field of parental counseling and since 2006 has maintained a private practice as a Psychologist - Family Counselor. She has participated as a speaker at scientific conferences, attended numerous training seminars, and contributed to the writing of the book "Dictionary of Psychology," 2005. She is a Forensic Psychologist, member of the Hellenic Psychiatric Forensic Society, and exclusive collaborator - expert witness at the Rhodes Prosecutor's Office until 2015 and since then continues in the Athens Prosecutor's Office.

Zagari Elpida is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Magoula, Attica, Municipality of Elefsina, and in Nea Ionia, Attica. She holds a degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Clinical and Community Psychology from the University of East London. Additionally, she has completed a training program in School Psychology at the University of the Aegean. Furthermore, she was trained in Integrative Psychotherapy at the Modern Amfiaraia. She possesses significant experience having worked as a Psychologist in nurseries and also provides voluntary services at the Association for the Protection and Care of Victims of Domestic Violence "STIRIXI". She has participated in numerous postgraduate seminars and scientific conferences. Finally, she believes that every individual has the right to mental health, which was one of the main reasons she pursued this profession.

Panagiota Seferai is a licensed Psychologist - Psychotherapist specializing in Clinical Counseling, with experience in providing psychological support to children, adolescents, and adults, and conducts Online Psychotherapy sessions. She studied Psychology at the University of Derby (United Kingdom), where she completed both her undergraduate studies in Psychology and her postgraduate degree in Applied Clinical Counseling Psychology. She works in psychopedagogical settings, providing sessions for children and adolescents with autism, ADHD, learning difficulties, and other emotional or developmental disorders, as well as offering parent counseling. Concurrently, she works on an adult psychotherapy platform, offering support for anxiety disorders, enhancing self-regulation skills and mental resilience, applying cognitive-behavioral approaches and mindfulness techniques. Additionally, she has substantial experience in social institutions, where she provided psychological support, organized empowerment groups, and promoted social inclusion of vulnerable populations. She has been trained in specialized seminars on psychotherapy for autism, selective mutism, and the Marte Meo approach. The specialist approaches each therapeutic relationship with empathy and professionalism, tailoring interventions to the needs of each individual.

Rizou Katerina is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with 20 years of experience, maintaining a private practice in Cholargos and is a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society. She obtained her degree from the University of Kent at Canterbury in the United Kingdom and trained in Psychodynamic-Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy through continuous seminars, postgraduate training programs, supervision, and years of personal therapy. She continued her postgraduate education at the Athens Center for the Study of the Human (A.K.M.A) and in Systemic – Family Therapy. Subsequently, she earned her master's degree as a Special Educator, with an emphasis on learning disabilities, from the University of Nottingham Trent. Additionally, she has worked in hostels and residential facilities for psychosocial rehabilitation and has served as Program Manager at a Day Center for individuals with mental health disorders. She addresses adolescents with behavioral problems, adults with difficulties such as anxiety, depression, relationship and behavioral issues, as well as broader emotional disorders, and also works with families or couples. Finally, she collaborates on a case-by-case basis with psychiatrists.

Panagiotou Maria - Anna is a Psychologist (BSc) and Psychotherapist specializing in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy. She graduated from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a professional practice license valid nationwide (License No: 1401991). She has worked as a Psychologist at the Elderly Care Unit "Rodi" in Filothei, as well as an external collaborator in a Medical Clinic and an English tutoring center to support employees and students. Additionally, she has volunteered in various settings, including public elderly care units and telephone support platforms. She has been trained in the Behavioral-Cognitive approach (higher education) at KEPSYSY in areas such as anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, psychosomatic disorders, depression, traumatic experiences, relationship issues, and has specialized in the non-pharmacological management of geriatric issues and caregivers, including dementia, grief, and anxiety at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She works with both adults and adolescents on family matters, crisis management, school performance, and violence-related issues. Her approach is based, among others, on the Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy model by Ellis, Beck's Cognitive Therapy model, as well as Meichenbaum's Cognitive-Behavioral Modification. Finally, the specialist is a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society (SEPS). Guided by empathy, authenticity, and scientific practices, individuals will progressively be able to manage life situations effectively. For optimal service provision, she is supervised and participates in personal psychotherapy.

Markou Anni is a Mental Health Counselor - Synthetic Approach Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Marousi. She is specialized in Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral, and Psychodynamic approaches. She holds a master's degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of East London and has specialized in couples therapy. She is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) as well as the Hellenic Society for Counselling & Psychotherapy. With initial studies in Business Administration at the Hellenic Open University, she has accumulated extensive experience working in human resources and organizational management departments, where she quickly recognized the significant role of psychological issues affecting people in their daily lives, as well as the ways they manage their personality traits. With a primary goal of continuous education and professional development, she consistently attends training courses, seminars, conferences, and workshops. Currently, she is continuing her studies in Psychology (BSc Psychology) at the European University Cyprus. Her practice handles cases of generalized anxiety, panic disorder, insomnia, phobias, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, grief, addictions, self-esteem issues, psychosomatic problems, and communication difficulties at personal or professional levels. Lastly, she conducts couples therapy sessions addressing issues concerning the relationship of the couple.

ELENI KRITIKOU PSYCHOTHERAPY CENTER

Kritikou Eleni is a professional Mental Health Counselor and certified Biothymic Psychotherapist with training in Greece and abroad. She has completed postgraduate education in Positive Psychology, holds an MBA in Business Administration from the Hellenic Management Association (EEDE), and has a degree in Statistics from the University of Piraeus. She is a member of the Hellenic Counseling Association (E.E.S), the European Association for Counseling (E.A.C), the Athens Chamber of Commerce, and the Hellenic Community of Geneva. With a holistic approach, she facilitates change, empowerment, and the achievement of individual goals, respecting the uniqueness of each person’s experience. She continuously develops her skills through personal study, supervision, therapy, and training in her responsible role. Additionally, she participates in scientific conferences and lectures on topics related to Mental Health Counseling and Individual and Group Development in contemporary society. She has established a network of collaborators for cases where it is deemed necessary. Her aim is to help individuals live their lives more fully and to move forward, overcoming obstacles as they arise.

Η Ντερμπεντέρη Μαρίνα είναι Ψυχολόγος και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Νέο Ψυχικό. Είναι απόφοιτη του τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του e-Campus Università Novedrate της Ιταλίας και κατέχει Μεταπτυχιακό δίπλωμα στην Κλινική και Δυναμική Ψυχολογία από το ίδιο πανεπιστήμιο. Επίσης διαθέτει πτυχίο στην Κλινική Βιοχημεία από το Humboldt Universität του Βερολίνου, από το οποίο αποκτήθηκε ισχυρό υπόβαθρο στις βιολογικές και νευροβιολογικές διαστάσεις του ανθρώπου. Έχει εργαστεί για αρκετά χρόνια τόσο στον ιδιωτικό όσο και στον δημόσιο χώρο της υγείας, συνεχίζοντας παράλληλα την επαγγελματική της εκπαίδευση μέσα από επιμορφώσεις, προσωπική ψυχοθεραπεία και εποπτεία — μια δέσμευση, που θεωρεί αναπόσπαστο μέρος της επαγγελματικής της ευθύνης, καθώς πιστεύει ότι για να σταθεί κανείς ουσιαστικά απέναντι στον άλλον, χρειάζεται να επεξεργάζεται διαρκώς και τον δικό του εσωτερικό κόσμο. Η θεραπευτική της προσέγγιση είναι κατά βάση Ψυχοδυναμική, με στοιχεία Προσωποκεντρικής προσέγγισης και τεχνικών Gestalt, ανάλογα με τις ανάγκες κάθε ανθρώπου. Στόχος της δεν αποτελεί μόνο το «τι κάνεις», αλλά και το «γιατί» — τι κρύβεται πίσω από ένα σύμπτωμα, μια επαναλαμβανόμενη δυσκολία ή ένα επίμονο συναίσθημα. Στο επίκεντρο της δουλειάς της βρίσκεται η θεραπευτική σχέση: ένας χώρος ασφαλής και εμπιστευτικός, όπου μπορεί κανείς να έρθει όπως πραγματικά είναι. Σε ένα πλαίσιο συνεργασίας μπορούν να διερευνηθούν το άγχος, η θλίψη και η απώλεια, οι δυσκολίες σε συντροφικές και διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις, ο φόβο απόρριψης ή μοναξιάς, η χαμηλή αυτοεκτίμηση, η δυσκολία στη θέσπιση ορίων, ο θυμός, ζητήματα αυτονομίας και προσωπικής ταυτότητας, ή περίοδοι κρίσης και επαναπροσδιορισμού. Η ψυχοθεραπεία είναι μια συνεργατική διαδικασία, όπου ο θεραπευόμενος είναι ο ειδικός της δικής του ζωής. Στόχος δεν είναι να εξαφανιστεί κάθε δυσκολία, αλλά να αποκτηθεί μεγαλύτερη επίγνωση, εσωτερική σταθερότητα και ελευθερία επιλογής.

Η Σηφάκη Μελιτίνη - Μελίνα είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια, απόφοιτη Ψυχολογίας του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών, από όπου αποφοίτησε με άριστα, ενώ παράλληλα εκπαιδεύεται στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφορική Ψυχοθεραπεία (CBT) στο Κέντρο Εφαρμοσμένης Ψυχοθεραπείας και Συμβουλευτικής. Διαθέτει επαγγελματική εμπειρία σε Κέντρα Ψυχοθεραπείας ενηλίκων, όπου σήμερα εστιάζει κυρίως το θεραπευτικό της έργο, παρέχοντας ψυχοθεραπευτική υποστήριξη ενηλίκων, πραγματοποιώντας συνεδρίες ατομικής ψυχοθεραπείας, καθώς και ομαδικές συνεδρίες και θεραπεία ζεύγους. 

Παράλληλα, έχει προηγούμενη εμπειρία σε κλινικά και μη κλινικά πλαίσια ψυχικής υγείας, μέσα από τη συμμετοχή της σε αξιολογητικές και θεραπευτικές παρεμβάσεις.

 Επιπλέον, προσφέρει εθελοντική εργασία στο Υπνωτήριο Αστέγων των Γιατρών του Κόσμου, υποστηρίζοντας ευάλωτες ομάδες του πληθυσμού μέσω ανθρωπιστικού έργου.

Έχει παρακολουθήσει πληθώρα εξειδικευμένων σεμιναρίων και επιστημονικών συνεδρίων, μεταξύ των οποίων:

• Θεραπεία Γνωστικού Ερεθισμού (CST) – Impact Hub Athens (2024)

• 1ο Πανελλήνιο Συνέδριο Έγκαιρης Παρέμβασης στην Ψύχωση (2024)

• 5ο Πανελλήνιο Συνέδριο Γνωσιακών Συμπεριφοριστικών Προσεγγίσεων σε Παιδιά και Εφήβους με θέμα «Σύγχρονες προκλήσεις σε έναν συνεχώς μεταβαλλόμενο κόσμο» – Πάντειο Πανεπιστήμιο (2023)

Σήμερα διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Χαλάνδρι, όπου παρέχει συνεδρίες ψυχοθεραπείας σε ενήλικες, δια ζώσης και διαδικτυακά, κατόπιν ραντεβού. Προσφέρει επίσης συνεδρίες στην αγγλική και γερμανική γλώσσα.