Health professionals for Αdolescent counseling

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.

Katerina Papanikolaou is a psychotherapist for adolescents and adults specializing in person-centered counseling and psychotherapy. She has completed her four-year specialization in person-centered counseling and psychotherapy at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, holding the ECP (European Certificate of Psychotherapy). Additionally, she holds postgraduate studies in Developmental Child Psychology from UCLan in England (MSc Psychology of Child Development, University of Central Lancashire). Since 2016, she has worked with NGOs such as The Smile of the Child, ARSIS, and Together for Children, providing therapeutic support to children with delinquent behavior, abuse, and trauma management. She has conducted educational seminars for parents and adolescents aimed at emotional support, management, and coping with learning difficulties. In 2019, she began working in the refugee sector, focusing on unaccompanied minors. She has provided therapeutic work with children and adolescents addressing trauma, grief, and loss. She has participated in training programs aimed at the smooth integration of children, combating racism, and preventing deviant violence. Throughout her career as a psychotherapist, she works individually with adults and children and in group therapeutic settings. She has acquired clinical experience with various mental health issues concerning adults such as depression, panic attacks, anxiety disorders, psychosomatic symptoms, grief and trauma management, and personality disorders. She also has clinical experience in issues related to children such as anxiety, low self-esteem, phobias, temper outbursts, learning difficulties, grief, trauma, and others.

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.

Angeliki Xatzimanoli, MSc is a Psychologist, certified Psychotherapist, and maintains a private practice in Ilisia. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at the University of Central Lancashire and graduated from the Department of Social Policy at Panteion University. Additionally, she has a master's degree in "Addiction Treatment - Addictology" from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, in collaboration with the Medical School of Athens. Currently, she is training in "Systemic Psychotherapy and Counseling" at the Center for Systemic Study and Therapy of Athens (Ke.S.Me.Th.). Throughout her career, she has volunteered with the Non-Governmental Organizations "ActionAid Hellas" and the International Cybersecurity Institute (CSI). She served as a Psychologist for the NGO "The Home Project" and collaborates as an external associate with the Center for Special Therapies "Oikogeneia." She also writes voluntarily for the website ''efiveia.gr,'' focusing on family and its connection and collaboration with the online therapy platform Terappin. She has been trained in the application of the Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy protocol (TF-CBT). She provides psychological support to children, adolescents, and adults. It is noteworthy that she participated in authoring the European program "TRACeD," within the framework of actions for the awareness and prevention of online gender-based violence. In her private practice, she undertakes the assessment, monitoring, and psychotherapeutic treatment of various psychological difficulties, such as anxiety disorders, depressive episodes, adjustment disorders, personality disorders, as well as issues related to interpersonal relationships and self-esteem.

Apostolopoulou Pinelopi is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains her private practice in Gkyzi. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Derby in England and an MSc (Hons) in Child Psychology from the University of Central Lancaster. She trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Children, Adolescents, and Adults at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling, and has attended numerous continuing education seminars related to her scientific field. She works in Speech Therapy centers, provides parallel support, and in her private practice, she manages a wide range of cases covering the entire spectrum of her specialty, always focusing on the optimal service of the individualized needs of each person she undertakes.

Papalitsas Athanasios MSc is a Psychologist and Child Psychotherapist based in Nea Erithraia. He specializes in child and adolescent psychotherapy, parent counseling, and group psychoeducation programs. His office is a modern and welcoming space for psychological support, designed to provide every individual with the opportunity to freely express their thoughts, emotions, and difficulties.

Karatza Eugenia is a Psychologist and Existential – Systemic Psychotherapist with experience in the treatment of adolescents, adults, and couples, as well as in parent counseling. She maintains a private practice in Pefki. She studied Psychology at the University of Crete and subsequently completed a six-year training in Existential – Systemic Psychotherapy at the ANTISTIXI Psychotherapeutic Institute, under the supervision of Psychiatrists/Child Psychiatrists/Psychotherapists Mr. Dimitris Karagiannis and Ms. Eleni Karagianni. Concurrently, she has specialized in learning disabilities, providing assessment and intervention with scientifically validated tools such as WISC-V, DTLA-3/4, L-a-T-O, and the Mathematical Proficiency Test for children aged 4–16 years. She regularly attends conferences and training seminars related to psychotherapy, relationship dynamics, and contemporary psychological approaches. As a psychotherapist, she holds a profound interest in how each individual relates to themselves and to others, and how through this relationship new paths of development and meaning can be discovered. Her approach is based on the principles of Existential and Systemic Psychotherapy, viewing the individual as a unity extending across the three temporal dimensions of past, present, and future. She believes that through connection, the possibility for deeper understanding, internal coherence, and the creation of new meaning in life emerges. She works with adults, adolescents, couples, and families seeking understanding, balance, and authenticity in their relationships and way of living.

Manolopoulou Thomi is a Clinical Psychologist - Psychoanalyst and maintains a private practice in Ampelokipoi. She studied Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and subsequently pursued postgraduate studies in Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology as well as in "Psychoanalysis and Social Field" at the University of Paris. Additionally, she has trained in Psychoanalysis at the Psychoanalysis School of the Lacanian Field Forums in Paris and is a member of the clinical training committee of the Athens Forum (Psychoanalysis School of the Lacanian Field Forums), serving as a lecturer and seminar facilitator. She has extensive clinical experience, having worked both in Greece and abroad in hospitals, NGOs, and other institutions, such as the Psychiatric Hospital of Prémontré in France (where she holds a position as Clinical Psychologist and seminar facilitator), the Intensive Psychiatric Care Unit of Château-Thierry Prisons, and the Reception Center for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Thessaloniki. Simultaneously, she provides supervision to trainee Psychoanalysts, Clinical Psychologists, Psychiatrists, and Educators.

Toli - Manetou Christina is a Psychologist with a private practice in Alimos. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Additionally, she holds a postgraduate degree in school psychology - child psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and a postgraduate specialization diploma in Systemic Family Psychotherapy (Family Therapist) from the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of Aeginiteion Hospital. Finally, her practice manages cases encompassing the full spectrum of psychology, with a noteworthy specialization in anxiety disorders, child psychology, and individual psychotherapy.

Syranidi Athina MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Nea Ionia. She studied Psychology at the Open University - Milton Keynes, UK, and completed postgraduate studies in Counseling Psychology at Guglielmo Marconi University in Italy. She has been trained in the methodology and research of human behavior, psychotherapeutic interventions, and the application of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Psychoanalysis, participating in psychological experiments on cognitive functions at the University of Brighton and in psychotherapeutic sessions with individuals exhibiting dysfunctional behavior. Additionally, she has specialized in developmental disorders of children and adolescents at the Neuropsychology Department of the University of Thessaly, with clinical education and training at the Hatzikyriakio Foundation. Moreover, she has been trained in Learning Difficulties by attending a corresponding educational program at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a Master Practitioner certification in Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Finally, she has attended numerous seminars related to human behavior and psychotherapeutic approaches.

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

Panagiotis Varkopoulos Msc - Kentro Psyxotherapeias Synyparxo is a Psychologist MSc and founder of the Kentro Psyxotherapeias Synyparxo in Thisio. He holds a degree in Psychology from the Faculty of Philosophy at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and has completed a training program on awareness related to addiction issues at the Therapy Center for Dependent Individuals (K.E.TH.E.A.). He also holds a Master's degree in "Liaison Psychiatry" from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Additionally, he has undertaken training and practical internship in Systemic Theory and Family Therapy and attended a specialization seminar titled "Contemporary Issues in Special Education: Learning Difficulties - Dyslexia" at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Currently, at Kentro Psyxotherapeias Synyparxo, he offers a wide range of services including individual sessions, couples therapy, family therapy, therapy for children and adolescents, and sessions via Skype. Finally, he believes that the desire of the client becomes an opportunity to expand their world, harness their potential, and become the creator of themselves.

I am a Greek Clinical Psychologist (MSc) - Psychotherapist that has lived in Greece, Italy and Netherlands. During the last years, I have gained a diverse range of clinical experiences working with individuals and families with a variety of mental health and developmental conditions. I completed my BSc in Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, followed by an MSc degree in Clinical Psychology at Utrecht University. To further my professional development, I am getting trained to become a Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapist from the Greek Association for Cognitive and Behavioral Psychotherapies, which is accredited by the European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT). During my Bachelor's Internship at Papanikolaou Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki, I participated in group therapy sessions, consisted of individuals diagnosed with Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder and other psychotic disorders. I also gained experience in family and couple therapy, utilizing the systemic approach. During my Master's Internship at the Psychiatric Facilities of the General Hospital of Corfu, I provided psychoeducational interventions to individuals diagnosed with Schizophrenia and to their families, as well as one-on-one psychotherapy sessions to individuals struggling with emotional issues. At the same time, I participated in group sessions with individuals hospitalized at the Detox Unit of the clinic, who were struggling with addiction issues. During my working experience at a Dyslexia Center, I provided counseling to parents, as well as I conducted individual sessions with children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD, Autism, and other developmental disabilities. In addition, I promoted social skills learning through the use of board games, CBT techniques, role-playing, and various psychoeducational materials. My decision to pursue a career as a psychotherapist stems from a profound love for understanding the intricacies of the human soul. This profession brings me immense fulfillment as it allows me to help individuals feel heard, gain deep self-awareness, and piece together the complex puzzles of their lives. Through this process, I assist them in finding meaning and moving closer to a sense of wholeness.

Savvidaki Dimitra is a Psychologist - Play Therapist and maintains a private practice in Ampelokipoi. She studied at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in the Department of Psychology and continued her studies in Psychoanalysis at the Academy of Clinical Studies of Athens. She provided individual and group therapies at the Psychiatric Hospital of Attica as an External Collaborator. She has participated in various educational seminars, including school psychology, facilitation groups, theatrical play, and several clinical research projects concerning mental illnesses. Since 2012, she has been working in public primary schools and special primary schools as a Mental Health Consultant. Simultaneously, she worked in special therapy centers as a Psychologist - Psychotherapist, offering individual therapies to children and adults. Following extensive training in Play Therapy at PlaytherapyGr, her passion for therapeutic play and Person-Centered Therapy emerged. She is also a certified play therapist by the World Play Therapy Organization and the Health Services Control Organization PSA, and the Founder of Paixnidoxoros. Paixnidoxoros is a space for exploration and discussion through shared play. In this space, through creative expression and play, each individual can care for themselves and evolve. The therapy of adults, children, and adolescents with the assistance of Play Therapy is a core element of Paixnidoxoros' philosophy. Paixnidoxoros embraces all ages, professional backgrounds, and social strata. Its philosophy is the empowerment of relationships for a happy and creative quality of life. It offers play therapy sessions to children and adolescents, as well as individual therapies to adults.

Η Χατζηαναστασίου Κωνσταντίνα είναι Ψυχολόγος και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στη Νέα Μάκρη.

Σπούδασε Ψυχολογία, συγκεκριμένα το πρόγραμμα Bsc Psycology Science του Canterbury Christ Church University. Έπειτα, ολοκλήρωσε τον 1ο και τον 2ο κύκλο “Εισαγωγικών διαλέξεων στην Ψυχανάλυση” της Ελληνικής Ψυχαναλυτικής Εταιρείας και το “Ετήσιο σεμινάριο στην Ψυχαναλυτική σκέψη και Πρακτική” της Διεπιστημονικής και Ερευνητικής Ψυχοκοινωνικής Υποστήριξης Παιδιών και Ενηλίκων (ΔΙ.ΚΕ.Ψ.Υ.).

Οι κατευθύνσεις στην ψυχοθεραπευτική προσέγγιση είναι της ψυχαναλυτικής ψυχοθεραπείας (Μετεκπαίδευση στην Ψυχαναλυτική/Ψυχοδυναμική Ψυχοθεραπεία Παιδιών, Εφήβων και Ενηλίκων του κέντρου ΔΙ.ΚΕ.Ψ.Υ.) και της σωματικά επικεντρωμένης ψυχοθεραπείας Gestalt (Ολοκληρωμένη Επαγγελματική Κατάρτιση στις τεχνικές της μεθόδου της Σωματικά Επικεντρωμένης Θεραπείας Gestalt” στο Unity Energetics Institute). 

Ακόμη, έχει παρακολουθήσει διάφορα εκπαιδευτικά προγράμματα με θέμα την παιγνιοθεραπεία, την οικογενειακή θεραπεία, την συναισθηματική νοημοσύνη, την διαχείριση συναισθημάτων κ.α.

Πιστεύει στην συνεχή εκπαίδευση ως ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και ως άτομο καθώς είναι σημαντικό να εμπεριέχεται παλαιότερη και σύγχρονη γνώση καθώς και μία συνθετική οπτική της ψυχοθεραπείας που να βοηθάει τον θεραπεύομενο με διάφορες τεχνικές και μέσα για την επίτευξη της θεραπείας. Η κατεύθυνση της στις ψυχοθεραπευτικές προσεγγίσεις της ψυχαναλυτικής θεραπείας και της σωματικά επικεντρωμένης ψυχοθεραπείας Gestalt αντικατοπτρίζουν την δική της προσέγγιση για το ψυχικό τραύμα και το σύμπτωμα. Το σύμπτωμα συνοδεύει μια μακρά ιστορία που ο θεραπευόμενος μαζί με τον θεραπευτή αναζητεί, αναγνωρίζει και επεξεργάζεται με σκοπό την ψυχική ίαση. Τα ψυχικά τραύματα εδράζουν, κατά το μεγαλύτερο ποσοστό τους, σε ένα ασυνείδητο κομμάτι που δεν έχουμε πρόσβαση και καθορίζουν τον τρόπο που αντιλαμβανόμαστε τον εαυτό μας, τους ανθρώπους και την ζωή. Είναι σε συνεχή ατομική ψυχοθεραπεία και εποπτεία των ψυχοθεραπειών που αναλαμβάνει. Τέλος, είναι σε συνεχή ατομική ψυχοθεραπεία και εποπτεία των ψυχοθεραπειών που αναλαμβάνει.

Poupalou Vasileia is a licensed Psychologist who maintains her private practice in Ilion. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Wales and a master's degree (MSc) in Clinical Psychology from Derby University. Additionally, she has been trained in the fields of "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)" and "Management of Emotional & Psychological Trauma" at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and specialized in Special Education at the Lifelong Learning Center - G. Vanidis. She has also received training in the "Drama Therapy Model," "Parenting in School Age," and "Family Therapy in Grief." Her primary therapeutic approach is Cognitive & Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Positive Psychology, with a specialization in anxiety disorders. Given the fact that each individual is unique, with different life circumstances both past and present, different experiences, and varying cognitive schemas, she employs different coping methods. Through individualized intervention, the goal is to achieve long-term changes collaboratively, both by reducing or eliminating symptoms and negative thoughts that hinder daily life, and by fostering a different perspective on past, present, and future events.