Health professionals for Sadness and distress in the Northern suburbs of Athens

Polymeropoulou Lamprini MSc is a Psychologist, graduated from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, specialized in Systemic Psychotherapy, and maintains a private practice in Psychiko. She has experience providing psychological support to adolescents and adults in both individual and group settings, and she also works with members of the LGBTQ+ community and individuals facing neurological disorders. In her private practice, she offers counseling and psychotherapeutic support to individuals dealing with issues such as anxiety, panic attacks, difficulties in interpersonal relationships, psychosomatic symptoms, intense negative emotions (sadness, anger, disappointment), work-related stress, excessive shyness, and challenges in assertiveness. She possesses clinical experience in mental health assessment and developmental needs, as well as in the design and implementation of personalized therapeutic interventions. She works at the Adolescent Health Unit at the General Children's Hospital of Athens "P. & A. Kyriakou," providing parental counseling and participating in interdisciplinary teams. She has also worked at Rehabilitation Centers and Special Therapy Clinics, offering psychoeducational support to children and adolescents. She is characterized by empathy, active listening, and systemic thinking, with a core objective of creating a safe and inclusive therapeutic environment to promote psychosocial well-being and quality of life.

Η Ψιμοπούλου Σταυρίνα είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Μαρούσι από το 2018. Αποφοίτησε αρχικά από την Ανωτέρα Σχολή Δραματικής Τέχνης Εθνικού Θεάτρου και μετέπειτα από το Τμήμα Ψυχολογίας του Παντείου Πανεπιστημίου Κοινωνικών και Πολιτικών Επιστημών. Ως ηθοποιός εργάστηκε στο θέατρο, στον κινηματογράφο και στην τηλεόραση ενώ παράλληλα εργαζόταν ως Ψυχολόγος και εμψυχώτρια θεατρικού παιχνιδιού από το 2009 - 23 στο σχολείο (παιδικό σταθμό - νηπιαγωγείο) που διατηρούσε στα βόρεια προάστια, την Παραμυθούπολη. Κάθε καλοκαίρι είχε την επιμέλεια των σχολικών παραστάσεων, γράφοντας παραμύθια και εμψυχώνοντας γονείς και παιδιά για την πραγμάτωση τους. Το 2020 πέρασε στα χέρια της και η διοίκηση του σχολείου, την οποία και αποχαιρέτησε τον Ιούλιο του 2024, ολοκληρώνοντας έτσι ένα μεγάλο κύκλο. Παράλληλα εργάστηκε ως Ψυχολόγος στο δημοτικό, γυμνάσιο και λύκειο των "Εκπαιδευτηρίων Καντά". Είναι πιστοποιημένη συνεργάτης της Gordon Hellas από το 2015, καθώς και πιστοποιημένη εκπαιδεύτρια γονέων και δασκάλων στα πρόγραμματα: Parent effectiveness training/Teacher effectiveness training / Υπέροχα Νήπια /Πειθαρχία χωρίς τιμωρία του Thomas Gordon (Προσωποκεντρική προσέγγιση). Εμψύχωσε ομάδες γονέων και δασκάλων από το το 2015 έως και το 2022. Στη διαδρομή της ακολούθως έρχεται η Συγκινησιακά Εστιασμένη θεραπεία (Emotional Focused Therapy/Sue Johnson), στην οποία εκπαιδεύτηκε για δύο χρόνια, υπό την υποστήριξη και καθοδήγηση της Κα Κυριακής Πολυχρόνη και του ΑΚΜΑ (Αθηναϊκό Κέντρο Μελέτης του Ανθρώπου). Πρόκειται για μοντέλο θεραπείας ζεύγους, το οποίο εφαρμόζεται και στην ατομική θεραπεία. Από το 2020 έως και σήμερα έχει εκπαιδευτεί στη Συστημική προσέγγιση στη ψυχοθεραπεία, καθώς ολοκλήρωσε το διετές πρόγραμμα "Συστημικό Σκέπτεσθαι" και το μονοετές πρόγραμμα ΔΙΣΕΦΕ (Διαλεκτική Συστημική Εφαρμοζόμενη Επιστημολογία/Συμβουλευτική Επαγγελματικού Ρόλου) στο ΑΚΜΑ. Συνεχίζει την μελέτη της προσέγγισης αυτής και τα προσεχή χρόνια. Έχει εκπαιδευτεί σε ποικίλα ψυχομετρικά εργαλεία (WISC TEST,A TEST, Προβολικά test TAT/CAT, παιδικό ιχνογράφημα στο κέντρο Πρόληψης και Συμβουλευτικής), καθώς επίσης και στο Ψυχόδραμα και Δραματοθεραπεία στο Ψυχόδραμα Αθήνα ΨΥΚΑΠ (Ψυχοδραματικό Κέντρο Ανάπτυξης της Προσωπικότητας). Τέλος, από το 2018 είναι μέλος του Συλλόγου Ελλήνων Ψυχολόγων.

Alexandros Ananiadis Bassias is a licensed Psychologist (License No. 9225/14) since 2015, specializing in online therapy in Greek and English.

He has worked in both public and private mental health settings, including the Psychiatric Hospital of Attica, the Mental Health Center of Rethymno, and the Hellenic Red Cross Hospital. He has also contributed to research projects at the London Business School and Queen Mary University of London.

Besides his clinical and research experience, he has been actively involved with entrepreneurship, negotiations and conflict resolutions.

Alex holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Crete, a Master’s in Decision-Making Psychology from University College London (UCL), and is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (IBRT). He is also a trained negotiator from the Athens University of Economics and Business.

His approach to therapy focuses on collaboration, transparency, and clear, practical goals. He aims not only to help people manage challenges like anxiety and depression but also to boost positive relations, resilience, self-confidence, and overall well-being.

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

Paraskeuopoulou Stratigoula is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Kifisia. She completed her studies in Psychology at the University of Derby, holding a professional license with protocol number 459215. Subsequently, she expanded her training in the field of psychotherapy by studying at the Hellenic Organization of Psychotherapy and Education, specializing in Group Analysis, which is recognized by the European Group Analytic Training Institution Network (EGATIN).

Her training includes both individual and group psychotherapy for adults, through a personal therapeutic process and supervision in group analytic orientation. Additionally, she completed her practical training at the Department of Public and Community Health, in the Hygiene and Epidemiology Laboratory of the School of Public Health at the University of West Attica.

Ms. Paraskeuopoulou has also collaborated with the Hellenic Society for the Rheumatic Diseases (EL.E.A.N.A.), where she was responsible for coordinating adult groups and implementing experiential programs within these groups, demonstrating her commitment to improving the quality of life of the participants.

Skylitsi Ioanna Mag.Phil., MEd is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience supporting adults and couples, maintaining a private practice in Marousi. In her work, she creates a safe and meaningful space aimed at an in-depth understanding of the challenges affecting daily life, relationships, and internal balance. She has worked in Greece and Austria, both privately and within organized institutions, and for over ten years provided psychological support to women survivors of gender-based and domestic violence. She practices based on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and the Systemic approach for couples. She offers in-person and online sessions in Greek and German.

Diakopoulou Sofia is a Psychologist - Specialist Systemic Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Nea Ionia. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, holding a professional practice license. She holds a Master's degree (MSc) in "Management of Aging and Chronic Diseases" from the Hellenic Open University in collaboration with the University of Thessaly and is currently undergoing specialization in Systemic Psychotherapy at the Laboratory for the Exploration of Human Relationships. The specialist has gained experience in both the public and private sectors, providing psychological support to students, educators, and parents through the Ministry of Education, as well as to vulnerable population groups through her collaboration with NGOs. Since 2023, she has been offering psychotherapeutic services to adults, focusing on issues such as low self-esteem, anxiety, losses, and relationship difficulties, applying the principles of the systemic approach. Additionally, she is distinguished by her empathy, active listening, and respect for the uniqueness of each individual. Through a safe and collaborative therapeutic framework, her goal is to support individuals in empowerment, psychological resilience, and achieving personal balance.

Mamo Xrysovalanto - Eirini is a Psychologist specializing in Clinical Psychology and Counseling, holding a Master of Science (MSc) degree from the University of Derby, as well as a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Applied Psychology. Her experience includes professional and voluntary work across a wide range of psychological needs and interventions. She has collaborated with organizations such as the Hellenic Network of European Women, IASIS, and Ithaca Laundry, providing counseling sessions and contributing to programs that promote social inclusion and psychological well-being. Additionally, she actively participates in continuous education, currently undergoing a four-year training program in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). In the past, she has completed specialized training programs in Psychodynamic Therapy, Systemic Counseling, and Counseling Psychotherapy. She has an extensive research portfolio, with publications exploring topics such as "emotional nourishment," attachment, mental disorders, and innovative psychological interventions.

Nikoleta Ilda Vlassi is a Mental Health Counselor, Psychotherapist with a Integrative Approach,and Energy Healing Practitioner with over ten years of experience in personal development and psychosomatic balance. Her therapeutic journey began in adolescence, when in 1993 she was first introduced to the Silva Mind Control method, marking the start of a deep inner path of self-discovery that continues to this day. Since 2007, she has been an active member of a meditation group in Spain, where she deepens her practice in meditation and intuitive work, studying the unified science of the endouniverse developed by Jean-Paul Appel-Guerry. Her approach is holistic and integrative, combining elements of psychotherapy with energy techniques, guided meditation, psychospiritual shamanism, and experiential ritual practices. She draws inspiration from the work of Alejandro Jodorowsky and his psychospiritual shamanism, as well as from approaches such as systemic constellations and drama therapy, while also integrating the power of art, expression, and the body as tools for inner processing and healing.Born in Greece to a father from Corfu and a mother from Ecuador, she developed early on a multicultural and expansive perspective on human and spiritual development. She has lived and traveled in multiple countries, and for a period ran a meditation center in Ecuador, coordinating both in-person and online groups with participants from Latin American countries including Mexico, Peru, and Argentina. She has also been active in the arts through music, singing, theater, and performance, integrating creative expression into her therapeutic work. Today, she offers individual psychotherapy and energy sessions, guided meditations, and experiential self-awareness practices, both online and in-person, supporting individuals from diverse cultural and personal backgrounds on their journey toward mental balance and personal growth.

Stauroula Ntymenou is a Psychologist maintaining a private practice in Cholargos. She graduated from the University of East London and completed her postgraduate studies at the same university with a Master of Science in Clinical and Community Psychology. She specializes in Systemic - Family Psychotherapy at the "Logo Psychis" Training and Research Institute, which offers an enriched form of systemic therapy based on the SANE model (System Attachment Narrative Encephalon - System, Attachment, Narrative, Brain). Additionally, she specializes in the Diagnosis and Psychotherapy of Children and Adolescents through a Systemic approach. Concurrently, she collaborates with the E.P.A.P.S.Y. (Company for Regional Development and Mental Health) structure, where she is a member of the center's interdisciplinary team and provides psychotherapy services to the adult population. She has also worked with the Social Protection & Solidarity Organization of Vrilissia, offering counseling to parents and adolescents. Furthermore, she has served as a lecturer at the Metropolitan College teaching Applications of Psychology. Finally, to stay abreast of all scientific developments related to the science of psychology and the practice of psychotherapy, she continuously attends seminars and conferences and keeps herself updated.

Dallas Athanasios is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist licensed to practice since 2016. He holds a master's degree in Person-Centered Psychotherapy (Keele University) and is currently undergoing further training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for children and adolescents. At the core of his therapeutic approach lies the human relationship characterized by non-judgment, empathy, acceptance, and honesty. Every individual possesses the capacity for change and often simply needs a safe space of understanding and meaningful communication to activate it. Mr. Dallas offers online sessions for adults, adolescents, and children, as well as counseling support for parents and couples. His approach focuses on addressing anxiety, emotional difficulties, relationship problems, and self-esteem, aiming to empower and promote personal growth. With experience in schools, mental health centers, and social support structures, he has accompanied individuals from diverse backgrounds and ages on personal journeys of relief, empowerment, and self-awareness. If you are seeking someone who will truly listen without judgment and support you with respect and confidentiality, he is here to help you wherever you are, through the internet.

Valia Xristopoulou - Theranous is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist based at the private TheraNous office in Drosia. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Ioannina and is a postgraduate student at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in the "Early Intervention in Psychosis" program. She specializes in stress management, with a particular focus on early intervention in forms of psychopathology, mental, and emotional disorders. She has completed the Clinical Psychopathology Postgraduate Seminar "Panagiotis Oulis" of the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of NKUA and the Interdepartmental Training Program of the Hellenic Society of Group Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, focusing on group dynamics. She has worked as a Psychologist at KETHEA Epirus and the Psychiatric Clinic of the General Hospital of Argolida, where she gained valuable experience supporting individuals with addictions as well as managing severe mental disorders in a hospital setting. Simultaneously, she is training in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy through the five-year program of the Hellenic Society of Group Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (HSGPP), strengthening her theoretical knowledge and clinical practice. Her goal is to provide meaningful psychological support, both through individual and group sessions, tailored to the needs of each person seeking help and change in their life.

Lempesis Vaggelis - Saita Kentro Psyxologikis Ypostiriksis is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist located at the "Saita Psychological Support Center" in Nea Erithraia. He is the Scientific Director of the Center and holds a degree in Psychology as well as a postgraduate specialization diploma in Health Psychology from the University of Crete. He has been trained in Cognitive Analytic Therapy and Client-Centered Therapy. He possesses valuable professional experience in mental health centers and hospitals, and today, at the psychological support center he manages, he addresses a wide range of conditions related to individual mental health. He specializes in counseling adults, adolescents, and couples, as well as in drama therapy, group and individual psychotherapy, and experiential expression. He is a mental health specialist with concurrent training and experience in theater, visual arts, and literature. With a core focus on emphasizing the healthy and creative strengths of the individual, "Saita" aims at personal development and the improvement of daily quality of life both through the therapist-patient relationship and through short seminars, workshops, and presentations.

Elena Georgakopoulou is a Counseling Psychologist - Psychotherapist for children, adolescents, and adults. She holds a professional license to practice in England (HCPC Register PYL 15025) since 2006, and a professional license in Greece since 2008. She is also a regular member of the Hellenic Psychological Society and has worked as a Psychologist in the National Health Service of the United Kingdom (NHS), providing therapy to adults and children with severe clinical symptomatology. She has worked with adults and children and utilizes an eclectic and integrative model combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), systemic, and person-centered approaches. Her work often involves collaboration with parents, as well as coordination with other agencies such as educational settings, while in Greece she works remotely. She is interested in and can assist in areas such as autism and autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, anxiety and depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), low self-esteem and self-confidence, loss of meaning and direction in life, relational and attachment difficulties, and parental counseling. Sessions are also provided in English.

Zarogkika Lina is a Psychologist specializing in Counseling Psychology and Psychotherapy. She holds a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from London Metropolitan University and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of East London. Her studies, combined with her clinical experience, have equipped her with a deep understanding of human emotions and behaviors. Her therapeutic approach is based on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), while also employing an integrative model utilizing tools from systemic, psychodynamic, gestalt, mindfulness, and other modalities. She has been trained and specializes in couples therapy, eating disorder treatment, clinical psychology, sexual education, anxiety, as well as other areas and approaches within the field. With experience in mental health settings and participation in scientific research projects, her aim is to provide practical and meaningful solutions. She focuses on the uniqueness of each individual and creates a safe and supportive environment to help clients address their challenges. Through empathy and contemporary therapeutic methods, she assists in redefining issues for a more functional and balanced daily life. A crucial component of all the above is the establishment of a therapeutic alliance with trust as its fundamental element.

Skafidas Spyros BSc, MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Kifisia. He holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at the University of Nicosia and a master's degree in Criminology from the same University. Additionally, he has attended a seminar on "Criminological Research: The Contribution of Psychology" at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and he currently participates in the seminar "Anxiety and Depression: Psychoeducation and Management" at the same institution. He completed his internship at the Counseling Station "Agia Skepi" in Cyprus and was part of the Psychosocial Care Team at the Armored Training Center (KETTH) Avlona. Moreover, he provided psychological counseling support on the Armed Forces SOS 24-hour hotline at the 414 Military Hospital of Special Diseases (SNEN) and has worked as a Psychologist at the KDAP MEA Prosvasis. Currently, he is a Psychologist at the Day Care and Day Care Center for People with Disabilities "Nikodimos Graikos" of the Foundation for the Care of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities or Down Syndrome "Maria Kokkori".

Kourtalidi Stauroula is a Clinical Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Marousi. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete (License Protocol Number: 8133) and holds a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from Erasmus University Rotterdam.

She has completed four years of training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) through the Society for Cognitive Behavioural Studies and is a certified therapist in accordance with the training and supervision standards of the European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT).

She possesses specialization in psychotherapeutic support for adults, children, and adolescents, tailoring the therapeutic approach to the specific needs of each age group.

Afrodopoulou Eleni is a Mental Health Counselor - Psychotherapist. She maintains a practice at the Medihall polyclinic center in Kifisia and is the scientific director of the Ariadne and Odysseus Psychosocial Rehabilitation Hostel. She graduated from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens with postgraduate training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and holds a postgraduate diploma in Life Coaching - AC Accredited. She has experience and provides specialized interventions for anxiety management, improvement of relationships, as well as personal self-esteem, and assistance in every aspect of a person's life who wishes to develop.