Psychologists for Sadness and distress in Agioi Anargiri

Η Βακονδίου Μαρία είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στους Αγίους Αναργύρους. Είναι απόφοιτη του τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών και έχει ολοκληρώσει τετραετή κλινική εκπαίδευση στη Συστημική Συμβουλευτική και Ψυχοθεραπεία στο Ινστιτούτο Εκπαίδευσης και Έρευνας “Λόγω Ψυχής”. Στο ίδιο κέντρο ολοκλήρωσε, επίσης, κύκλο ειδίκευσης στη θεραπεία ζεύγους. Από το 2011 και μετά έχει εργαστεί τόσο σε εθελοντικό, όσο και σε πρακτικό και κλινικό πλαίσιο σε φορείς, όπως είναι το Παιδοψυχιατρικό Τμήμα του Γενικού Νοσοκομείου Παίδων “Π. & Α. Κυριακού”, στην Παιδοψυχιατρική Κλινική του Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών στο Γενικό Νοσοκομείο Παίδων “Αγία Σοφία”, στο Ιατροπαιδαγωγικό Κέντρο Αθηνών, στον Συμβουλευτικό σταθμό του Δήμου Πετρούπολης, καθώς και στο Σύλλογο “Ανοιχτή Αγκαλιά” με παιδιά που βρίσκονται στο φάσμα του αυτισμού. Παράλληλα με τις σπουδές και την εξειδίκευσή της, έχει πάρει μέρος σε συνέδρια και σεμινάρια Ψυχολογίας, Συμβουλευτικής και Ψυχοθεραπείας, φροντίζοντας για συνεχή εκπαίδευση, προσωπική ανάπτυξη και ενημέρωσή της για τις σύγχρονες εξελίξεις. Τα πιο συνήθη αιτήματα που αντιμετωπίζονται στον προσωπικό της χώρο είναι τα εξής : άγχος, κρίσεις πανικού, δυσκολίες στις διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις, ψυχοσωματικά συμπτώματα, αρνητικά συναισθήματα (θλίψη, θυμός, απογοήτευση), διαχείριση εργασιακού άγχους, υπερβολική ντροπή, συναίσθημα ενοχής, δυσκολία στη διεκδικητικότητα, πένθος και απώλεια αγαπημένων προσώπων. Από το 2015 διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στην Αθήνα, στην περιοχή των Αγίων Αναργύρων. Εργάζεται συμβουλευτικά και ψυχοθεραπευτικά με άτομα, ζευγάρια και οικογένειες. Στόχος της αποτελεί η δημιουργία μιας ασφαλούς βάσης, προκειμένου το άτομο να μπορέσει να αναγνωρίσει και να διευρύνει όλες τις πλευρές του εαυτού του, με στόχο μία καλύτερη ποιότητα ζωής. Στο γραφείο, και σε συνεργασία με συναδέλφους, αλλά και κατά μόνας, πολύ συχνά πραγματοποιεί βιωματικά σεμινάρια σχετικά με διάφορα θέματα ψυχολογίας και

ψυχοθεραπείας.

Despoina Zagka is a Psychologist with a private practice in Agioi Anargyroi. She has experience in private practice as well as in public and private institutions, where she has worked with adults, adolescents, and the elderly through psychotherapy and counseling sessions. She has also coordinated and facilitated experiential group sessions, both psychoeducational and therapeutic in nature, emphasizing the power of the group and interaction. She is completing the Master's Degree Program at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, titled "Psychotherapy: Theoretical Frameworks, Clinical Applications, and Comparative Approaches," and has specialized in MI Therapy (Music Therapy Technique). Additionally, she has completed the postgraduate seminar at the University of West Attica titled "Mental Health and Wellbeing of Children and Adolescents," as well as an online course from Yale University titled "The Science Of Well-Being." Her therapeutic approach is based on elements of integrative and person-centered approaches, emphasizing the relationship, authenticity, and individualization: each person is unique, and her goal is to create a safe space where they can express themselves, better understand themselves, and find new ways to cope with their difficulties.

Stefanos Gkogkornas is a Psychologist and Psychotherapist. He studied Psychology in the Psychology Program at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) through the four-year postgraduate program of the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies. Additionally, he received training in Clinical Psychopathology through the two-year programs of the First University Psychiatric Clinic of NKUA and the Research University Institute of Mental Health. Finally, he has been trained in the fundamental principles of mindfulness and self-awareness at the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies.

He has worked as a Psychologist on the telephone support line for "Together for Children," in the kindergartens of the Municipality of Dafni-Ymittos, at the Family Counseling Center of the Municipality of Kallithea, with the NGO Freedom Gate, and in the Adult Therapy Department of the Institute for Research and Therapy of Behavior. He currently practices privately as a Psychotherapist, with clinical experience that includes individual and group psychotherapy and counseling sessions with people of all ages, dealing with problems related to family, work, or social relationships, and presenting a variety of psychopathologies such as depression, anxiety disorders, panic attacks, personality disorders, among others.

Papadopoulou Anna is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist, Cognitive – Behavioral Psychotherapist and Clinical Hypnotherapist. She has completed basic training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapies at the Center for Cognitive Psychotherapy and Schema Therapy and holds a postgraduate professional specialization diploma in Clinical Hypnosis from the Center for Psychotherapy and Modern Applied Psychology. Simultaneously, she has attended a series of seminars and trainings in various therapeutic approaches, such as the Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Postgraduate Program on the subject "The Difficult Patient," with a duration of 96 training hours (EPIPSY), which included (i) Theoretical lessons & bibliographic presentations, (ii) Clinical lessons & group case supervision, and the program "The Right Way of Life," by the International Women’s Support organization, WIN HELLAS. This is a 20-week counseling program concerning women who have suffered psychological (and other types of) abuse. Training in this program allows for a more specialized and effective approach to addressing abuse issues. Her professional office is based in Ano Patisia, and for several years she has been conducting online sessions for individuals residing outside Athens or abroad. She has worked as a Psychologist at the Psychosocial Support Center of the Municipality of Marousi from 2001 - 2012, at EKKA on the telephone helpline 1107 and in a shelter for abused women (2014-2015), and at the Counseling Center of the University of Piraeus (2000 - 2001). She holds a Psychology degree with a clinical orientation from the University of Padua (Italy) and a professional practicing license.

Ο Χατζηανδρέου Ευάγγελος, είναι Ψυχολόγος με άδεια ασκήσεως επαγγέλματος, κάτοχος πτυχίου BSc (Hons) στην Ψυχολογία από το University of East London, με μεταπτυχιακές σπουδές MSc (with Distinction) στην Κλινική και Κοινοτική Ψυχολογία από το ίδιο πανεπιστήμιο. Παράλληλα, είναι εκπαιδευόμενος Ψυχοθεραπευτής στη Συστημική Προσέγγιση, στο πλαίσιο του Διεθνούς Τετραετούς Μετεκπαιδευτικού Προγράμματος στη Συμβουλευτική και Ψυχοθεραπεία του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών.

Η θεραπευτική του προσέγγιση βασίζεται στις αρχές της συστημικής θεωρίας, με επιρροές από τη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφοριστική Θεραπεία (CBT) και τη Λακανική ψυχανάλυση. Η θεραπευτική του στάση προσβλέπει τη θεραπεία, ως μια διαλογική και αλληλεπιδραστική διαδικασία, κατά την οποία το νόημα και η αλλαγή προκύπτουν μέσα από τη θεραπευτική σχέση και τη συν-κατανόηση. Κεντρικές αξίες που διέπουν την προσέγγιση του, είναι η αυθεντικότητα, ο αναστοχασμός, η συμμετοχικότητα στη θεραπευτική σχέση και η διάθεση επανεξέτασης των αφηγήσεων που οργανώνουν την εμπειρία και τη ζωή του/της θεραπευόμενου/ης.

Έχει αποκτήσει κλινική εμπειρία μέσω πρακτικής άσκησης σε δομές όπως ο Οίκος Ευγηρίας “Λεώνια”, καθώς και μέσω εθελοντισμού στην ΑμΚΕ “Καρκινάκι”. Επιπλέον, έχει προσφέρει υπηρεσίες σε γραμμή ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης, παρέχοντας άμεση ψυχολογική ανακούφιση και στήριξη σε άτομα που βρίσκονται σε κατάσταση κρίσης ή έντονης συναισθηματικής δυσκολίας.

Δεσμεύεται στη διαρκή επιμόρφωση και εποπτεία, με στόχο την υπεύθυνη, επιστημονικά τεκμηριωμένη και με σεβασμό παρουσία στη θεραπευτική διαδικασία.

Έχει συμμετάσχει σε πλήθος σεμιναρίων και εκπαιδευτικών δράσεων, όπως:

    •    Σεμινάριο Ψυχοεκπαίδευσης, Metropolitan College

    •    Σεμινάριο Κλινικής Ψυχανάλυσης (Ψ.Ν.Α. – Α.Κ.Σ.Π.Α.)

    •    Σεμινάριο «The Clinic of the Gaze in Adolescents», Γ.Ν.Α. “Γ. Γεννηματάς”

    •    Κλινική Νευροψυχολογική Εκτίμηση και Αποκατάσταση, Metropolitan College

    •    Πιστοποιημένο πρόγραμμα «Διαχείριση Προβλημάτων Οικογενειακού Βίου», Ίδρυμα Ποιμαντικής Επιμόρφωσης

    •    Online course “Moralities of Everyday Life”, Yale University

Παράλληλα, συμμετέχει σε εκπαιδευτικές δραστηριότητες ως εισηγητής σε σεμινάρια ψυχολογίας και επόπτης πτυχιακών εργασιών σε φοιτητές/τριες Ψυχολογίας. Έχει επίσης συμμετάσχει ως ομιλητής (individual speaker) σε διεθνές επιστημονικό συνέδριο, παρουσιάζοντας ερευνητική εργασία.

Στο θεραπευτικό πλαίσιο υποστηρίζει άτομα που αντιμετωπίζουν άγχος, συναισθηματικές δυσκολίες, εσωτερικές συγκρούσεις, δυσκολίες στις διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις, απώλεια και ζητήματα αυτοεκτίμησης.

Σήμερα εργάζεται ιδιωτικά, προσφέροντας ατομικές συνεδρίες δια ζώσης και διαδικτυακά. Στο πλαίσιο της θεραπευτικής του πρακτικής, η διαδικασία προσεγγίζεται ως ένας χώρος διαλόγου και συνεργασίας, όπου οι εμπειρίες, οι σκέψεις και τα συναισθήματα μπορούν να εκφραστούν και να διερευνηθούν με ασφάλεια. Μέσα από αυτή τη διερεύνηση, οι προσωπικές αφηγήσεις μπορούν να επανεξεταστούν και να αποκτήσουν νέα νοήματα, ανοίγοντας τη δυνατότητα για διαφορετικούς τρόπους κατανόησης του εαυτού και των σχέσεων.

Potsis Georgios is a Psychotherapist (trainee) - Mental Health Counselor and maintains a private practice in Galatsi. He has completed the Professional Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling from ICPS College (Pearson Edexcel). Subsequently, he specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at the European Institute of Counselling and Psychotherapy (EICP) and is continuing with a comprehensive 4-year training program at the Institute of Synthetic - Systemic Therapy of Thessaloniki, where he specializes in Synthetic - Systemic Psychotherapy. He has also completed a one-year study program in School Psychology. He actively participates in seminars and workshops focused on mental health. He has worked in private counseling and specialized therapy centers, as well as volunteering at NGOs that provide psychosocial support to adolescents and adults. Currently, he offers individual sessions online, providing flexibility and convenience, thereby facilitating access for individuals from all over Greece and abroad.

Mauropoulou Eleni - Niki is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Galatsi, where clients' pets are also welcomed. Additionally, therapy sessions may occasionally include the presence of a therapy dog to assist the client during the therapeutic process. Ms. Mauropoulou holds a Psychology degree and a postgraduate qualification in Adult Counseling from the University of East London. Upon completing her studies and internship at AKMI Metropolitan College and the Aktios Art Palace Elderly Care Unit, she specialized in couples therapy at the Institute for Education and Research in Systemic Therapy "Logos Psychis." Furthermore, she has attended numerous continuing education seminars. Lastly, she has worked as a Psychologist with parents and children at the "Bridge of Life" Multipurpose Center for the Creation & Expression of Children & Youth with Disabilities and has notable volunteer experience with various organizations.

Elisavet Karavokyri is a Clinical Psychologist-Psychotherapist, graduate of the University Paris 8-Lumières. She has completed postgraduate studies in Clinical Psychology-Psychotherapies (Master 2) at the same University and holds a specialization in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) from the Society of Cognitive-Behavioral Studies, recognized by the European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT), as well as in Special Education and Speech Therapy. Her experience in psychiatric institutions and psychotherapeutic centers in Greece and France has enabled her to gain an in-depth understanding and to support individuals experiencing various forms of psychological distress, whether related to deeper personal difficulties or developmental and emotional challenges, using a holistic approach. She has attended seminars and conferences on mental health and continues to enrich her knowledge of contemporary developments in the field of psychotherapy. Concurrently, she provides therapeutic support to children and adolescents, focusing on issues such as anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, and interpersonal relationships.

Elisavet Karavokyri follows a person-centered approach, demonstrating understanding and respect for the individual's psychological pace and unique needs. Her goal is to contribute meaningfully to empowering the individual and developing more effective adaptive mechanisms and emotional regulation, thereby enhancing their quality of life.

Danai Volitaki is a Social Anthropologist - Systemic Family Psychotherapist providing sessions to adults and couples. She completed her undergraduate studies in Social Anthropology and History at the University of the Aegean, followed by a one-year postgraduate training program in Applied Counseling. She specialized in the Systemic and Family Psychotherapy program at the Laboratory for the Investigation of Human Relations, certified by international and European psychotherapy bodies (ELESYTH, EFTA, EAP, EEPS), gaining valuable clinical experience alongside esteemed trainers and supervisor psychotherapists. Subsequently, she completed the annual seminar on Therapeutic Treatment of Addictions at the public Detoxification Center 18 ANO. During her specialization in systemic family therapy, she participated in a clinical psychotherapy team at the Laboratory for the Investigation of Human Relations and began working privately as a psychotherapist. She has extensive experience in the field of Non-Governmental Organizations, having worked with vulnerable groups, providing counseling services to ex-prisoners, unemployed individuals, and people facing substance, alcohol, and gambling addiction issues, which enables her to offer a holistic therapeutic approach. Additionally, she has worked with infants, adolescents, and adults with disabilities (ASD and intellectual disabilities). She has volunteered at the Detoxification Unit 18 ANO, participating in individual and family sessions with addicted individuals and their families. Since 2018, she has worked privately as a Systemic Family Psychotherapist and concurrently as a Therapist for addicted individuals in the organization Group for UNESCO of Piraeus and Islands.

Maria Vogiatzi is a Psychologist & Systemic Family Psychotherapist licensed to practice, specializing in systemic-family therapy, and maintains a private practice in Acharnes. She is registered in the list of expert witnesses at the Single-Member Court of First Instance of Athens and appointed to conduct expert assessments. She studied psychology at Panteion University. Subsequently, she received further training from the British university Edexcel in the program "Specific Learning Difficulties-Dyslexia: Concept-Etiology-Diagnosis/Assessment" and was trained in Systemic and Family Psychotherapy at the Laboratory for the Investigation of Human Relationships.

She then specialized in Cognitive Psychotherapy at the Research University Institute of Mental Health of Aeginiteio Hospital. Afterwards, she obtained a master's degree in "School Counseling and Guidance" from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She is also certified in administering and evaluating the WISC-V intelligence test as well as in administering and interpreting projective tests (TAT, CAT, children's drawing). Additionally, she has attended numerous seminars and participated in research and conferences.

She has worked in a psychopedagogical center and in public primary and secondary education, providing school psychologist services. She has coordinated counseling groups for parents and adolescents. She has also worked as an adult educator in counseling programs. In her office, she offers counseling services and individual, couples, and family psychotherapy.

Kemali Afroditi is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist conducting both online and in-person sessions. She holds a degree in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with training in Body Psychotherapy at the Wilhelm Reich Center. In recent years, she has worked as a Psychologist in an unaccompanied minors facility, providing psychological support to vulnerable groups. Currently, she coordinates a prevention group for new mothers. She has also volunteered for several years as a Psychologist at KETHEA. Additionally, she has attended various postgraduate seminars in Clinical Psychopathology at Aeginiteio Hospital and Anxiety Disorders in children and adolescents at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

Tarsani Triantafyllio is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist licensed to practice and maintains a private practice in Metamorfosi. She conducts sessions both in-person and online. She works psychotherapeutically with adults, children, adolescents, and parents. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete and holds a postgraduate degree (M.Sc.) in "Mental Health and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry" from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has specialized in "Adult Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy (CBT)" as well as in "Parent Counseling" at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling (K.E.PSY.SY), and has also received basic training in "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)" at the Society of Cognitive and Behavioral Studies. Additionally, she has been trained in Special Education and in supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, as well as in "adolescent group coordination" at the Panhellenic Association of Parent Schools. Since 2021, she has been working as a private psychologist, providing psychological support to adults, children, and adolescents, while collaborating with specialized therapy centers. Concurrently, she has worked as a psychologist in primary education schools in Attica, in camp programs for individuals with disabilities, in Vocational Training Centers, and as a parallel support companion. Moreover, she is actively involved in volunteer work at facilities for people with disabilities and contributes articles to the website psychologynow.gr. She is a member of the British Psychological Society and supports lifelong learning by participating in conferences, educational programs, and seminars in the fields of psychology and psychotherapy.

Maria Mpoutsali is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist, licensed to practice and maintains a private practice in Metamorfosi. She conducts both in-person and online sessions. She provides psychotherapeutic services to adults, children, adolescents, and parents. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete and a postgraduate degree in "Clinical Interventions in Addictions" from the same university. Additionally, she has specialized in "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Adults" at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling (K.E.PSY.SY.), while also receiving further training in "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)" at the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies, as well as in coordinating Parent School Groups and Adolescent Groups, at the Panhellenic Association of Parent Schools. She completed her postgraduate internship at the OKANA Adolescent Unit - "Atrapos," and has volunteered her services at the Association of Parents, Guardians, and Friends of Individuals with Autism in Rethymno. Throughout her professional career, she has worked as a Psychotherapist in the Social Service of the Municipality of Ilion and as an escort at the Camp Program of the Panhellenic Federation of Associations of Parents and Guardians of Persons with Disabilities (P.O.S.G.K.A.meA.). To this day, she collaborates with Centers for Special Therapies in Attica, where she conducts individual psychotherapy sessions for children and adolescents, as well as parent counseling sessions. Within the framework of her ongoing education and training, she has participated in scientific conferences and specialized seminars focusing on psychological research and innovative therapeutic approaches.

Aggelopoulou Dimitra is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Ilion. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has been trained in Systemic and Family Psychotherapy under the auspices of the European Family Therapy Association (EFTA), at SKEPSYS (Systemic Center for Training and Psychological Support). Ms. Aggelopoulou has worked providing counseling support at the Municipality of Petroupoli, at the Skaramagas Refugee Reception Center offering psychological support, as well as at the non-governmental organization "NEFES." She is a founding member of the Social Solidarity and Psychological Support Network "Coexistence," and to date offers psychological support to individuals with disabilities and their families at the Day Center "All of Us." Finally, she is a member of the Association of Greek Psychologists and believes that "Psychotherapy is a journey toward self-awareness, a gift we can give ourselves."

Nikolakopoulos Giorgos MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Ano Patissia. He holds a degree in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and a postgraduate degree in Psychology and Neuroscience from King's College London. Additionally, he has completed a postgraduate seminar in Clinical Psychopathology at the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has undergone clinical psychoanalytic training at the Psychoanalytic Research Center of Athens, at the Institute of the Freudian Field. The Psychologist has worked with the Independent Humanitarian Organization PRAKSIS, the International Organization for Migration, and Medecins du Monde. Concurrently, he completed his internship at the University General Hospital "Attikon" and has worked at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust in England. In his private practice, he offers a wide range of services, respecting the individual needs of each patient.