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

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.

Η Πετρίνα Ρούσσου είναι Κλινική & Κοινοτική Ψυχολόγος (UEL) και Ειδ. Ψυχοδυναμική - Ψυχαναλυτική Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια (ΔΙ.ΚΕ.Ψ.Υ.), Προσωπική Ακαδημαϊκή Σύμβουλος, Διδάσκουσα και Επόπτρια στο τμήμα Ψυχολογίας του Μητροπολιτικού Κολλεγίου (Oxford Brookes University). Διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στον Πειραιά, παρέχοντας ατομικές συνεδρίες ψυχοθεραπείας Δια ζώσης και Διαδικτυακά. Είναι μέλος του British Psychological Society (GMBPsS), διεθνές μέλος της American Psychological Association (APA) και δόκιμο μέλος της European Association for Psychotherapy (EAP) και της Εθνικής Εταιρείας Ψυχοθεραπείας Ελλάδος (ΕΕΨΕ), διατηρώντας ενεργή παρουσία στην επιστημονική και θεραπευτική κοινότητα.

Η επαγγελματική της εμπειρία περιλαμβάνει κλινική εργασία σε νοσοκομειακό πλαίσιο, στο Ναυτικό Νοσοκομείο Πειραιά, με συμμετοχή σε προγράμματα νοητικής ενδυνάμωσης και ψυχοκοινωνικής υποστήριξης του εξωτερικού νευρολογικού ιατρείου. Έπειτα, συνέχισε ερευνητικά και θεραπευτικά στο ΚΕΘΕΑ Εν Δράσει, σε ένα πρόγραμμα που εστιάζει στη συμβουλευτική, τη θεραπεία και την κοινωνική επανένταξη ατόμων με δυσκολίες εξάρτησης και εμπλοκής με το ποινικό σύστημα, ενισχύοντας τη σύνδεση της ψυχοκοινωνικής έρευνας με την κλινική πρακτική και την κοινοτική παρέμβαση. Παράλληλα, έχει αναπτύξει θεραπευτική εμπειρία με παιδιά, εφήβους, γονείς και ενήλικες σε κέντρα ειδικών θεραπειών στον Πειραιά και στη Σύρο, διαμορφώνοντας μια σφαιρική και πολυεπίπεδη κατανόηση της θεραπευτικής διαδικασίας. Στο θεραπευτικό της έργο, βασισμένη στην ψυχαναλυτική & ψυχοδυναμική της εκπαίδευση, προσεγγίζει την ψυχική ανάπτυξη και τις σχέσεις ως μια δυναμική διαδικασία που εξελίσσεται σε όλο το φάσμα της ζωής. Στο ιδιωτικό της γραφείο εργάζεται με ζευγάρια, γονείς, παιδιά, εφήβους και ενήλικες, δουλεύοντας με τις ασυνείδητες διεργασίες, τους δεσμούς και τα σχεσιακά μοτίβα που διαμορφώνουν την εμπειρία του εαυτού και του άλλου. Η κλινική της πρακτική εστιάζει στη δημιουργία ενός σταθερού και ασφαλούς πλαισίου, όπου κάθε ηλικιακή και οικογενειακή ομάδα μπορεί να επεξεργαστεί το προσωπικό της νόημα, ενισχύοντας τη συναισθηματική κατανόηση, τη συμβολοποίηση και την ψυχική ωρίμανση.

Η ενασχόλησή της με διαφορετικές ηλικιακές ομάδες και ποικίλα θεραπευτικά αιτήματα ενίσχυσε μια βαθιά κατανόηση της δυναμικής της θεραπευτικής σχέσης και της αλληλεπίδρασης ανάμεσα στο βίωμα, την ιστορία και τον εσωτερικό κόσμο κάθε ανθρώπου. Μέσα από την ψυχαναλυτική οπτική, η θεραπεία δεν αποτελεί απλώς μια διαδικασία διαχείρισης δυσκολιών, αλλά ένα χώρο όπου το ασυνείδητο μπορεί να αποκτήσει φωνή και νόημα. Όπως συμβαίνει συχνά στη ζωή, επαναλαμβανόμενα μοτίβα, ανεξήγητα συναισθήματα ή σχέσεις που μας δυσκολεύουν κρύβουν βαθύτερες ρίζες. Η ψυχαναλυτική διαδικασία προσφέρει έναν ασφαλή τόπο εξερεύνησης, όπου τα κομμάτια της εμπειρίας μπορούν να συνδεθούν, τα κρυμμένα νοήματα να αναδυθούν και να δημιουργηθεί χώρος για ουσιαστική αλλαγή. Εκεί όπου η κατανόηση του ασυνείδητου συναντά την ανθρώπινη σχέση, ανοίγεται η δυνατότητα για μια πιο αυθεντική, ζωντανή και συνειδητή εμπειρία ζωής.

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.

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.

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.

Anna Xanioti is a Mental Health Counselor and Psychotherapist specializing in the Person-Centered Approach. She trained in the 4-year experiential program "Person-Centered Roots" at the College of Humanistic Studies ICPS in Athens. She is a certified Psychotherapist accredited by the European Association of Psychotherapy (EAP) and holds the European Certificate of Psychotherapy (ECP). She ensures her professional development through continuous supervision, therapy, and participation in seminars and conferences. Her areas of interest include the integration of contemporary neuroscience with psychotherapy, developmental trauma and its impact on personal relationships, psychoemotional care of women during menopause, and encounter and personal development groups.

Georgiadi Aikaterini is a psychologist with a private practice in Agia Varvara. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She is trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She has attended numerous trainings and seminars on mental health issues with children, adolescents, and adults. Her internship took place at the Korydallos Health Center, and since then, she has worked in Mental Health Centers focusing primarily on providing psychoeducational support. At her private practice, she offers cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy sessions for children, adolescents, and adults.

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.

Xristou Xaris is a Counseling Psychologist with a private practice in Thessaloniki. He studied Psychology (BSc) at the University of Sheffield. He continued his studies at the University of York, where he completed a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology (Master of Arts). He has worked at the Hellenic Myasthenia Gravis Association, providing psychological support to patients with Myasthenia Gravis. His experience includes internships at the Child and Adolescent Center and the General Hospital of Thessaloniki "G. Papanikolaou", in the Child and Adolescent Department, as well as volunteer work at the KETHEA ITHAKI Counseling Center and ARSIS (Social Organization for Youth Support), offering counseling support. Additionally, he has taught Psychology courses at a Private Vocational Training Institute in Thessaloniki. He continues his professional development through ongoing supervision and personal therapy, which helps him maintain a high level of knowledge and skills. Finally, he provides individual psychotherapy sessions for Adults and Adolescents, addressing a wide range of issues such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, anger management, eating disorders, interpersonal relationship management, and others.

Η κα Φωτεινή Καλαβριζιώτη είναι Ψυχολόγος - Εκπ. Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Περιστέρι. Είναι απόφοιτος του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών (ΕΚΠΑ) και έχει ολοκληρώσει τετραετή εκπαίδευση στη Διαγνωστική Ψυχολογία στο Ινστιτούτο Διαγνωστικής Ψυχολογίας του Ανοιχτού Ψυχοθεραπευτικού Κέντρου. Παράλληλα, ολοκληρώνει την τετραετή εκπαίδευσή της ως Ομαδική Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια/ Ψυχοδραματίστρια στο Ινστιτούτο Ψυχοδράματος – Κοινωνικοθεραπείας (Τακτικό Μέλος F.E.P.T.O.).

Η θεραπευτική προσέγγιση που ακολουθεί βασίζεται στη δυναμική της ομάδας και το Ψυχόδραμα. Στόχο έχει τη διερεύνηση των διαπροσωπικών σχέσεων, την ενίσχυση της προσωπικής εξέλιξης και κατανόησης του εαυτού μέσα από τη σχέση με τους άλλους, όπως και την ανάπτυξη ενός πιο αυθόρμητου σχετίζεσθαι. Οι θεραπευτικές αρχές του Ομαδικοαναλατικού Ψυχοδράματος αξιοποιούνται τόσο στις ομαδικές όσο και τις ατομικές συνεδρίες, δίνοντας ιδιαίτερη έμφαση στην εγκαθίδρυση μιας ασφαλούς θεραπευτικής συμμαχίας. 

Από το 2022 έως σήμερα εργάζεται ως Ψυχολόγος σε Κέντρα Ειδικών Θεραπειών και Ψυχοθεραπείας, όπου πραγματοποιεί ψυχολογικές αξιολογήσεις, ατομικές και ομαδικές συνεδρίες με παιδιά και εφήβους, καθώς και συμβουλευτικές συναντήσεις με γονείς.

Στο ιδιωτικό της γραφείο, εργάζεται με ενήλικες τόσο σε ατομικό όσο και σε ομαδικό πλαίσιο, εστιάζοντας σε ζητήματα άγχους και διάθεσης, κρίσεις πανικού, ιδεοψυχαναγκαστική συμπτωματολογία, δυσκολίες στις διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις και θέματα περιόδου ζωής. Παράλληλα, πραγματοποιούνται Ψυχολογικές Αξιολογήσεις ενηλίκων στο πλαίσιο της θεραπευτικής διαδικασίας. 

Pakou Fani BSc, MBA is a Mental Health Consultant - Psychotherapist and provides individual online sessions for adults. She has conducted experiential workshops and seminars on self-awareness and psycho-emotional development, as well as corporate collaborations focused on mental resilience, anxiety management, and burnout. At the core of her professional approach lies the authentic human relationship. She creates a safe and supportive space where individuals can come into deeper contact with themselves, recognize their emotions and experiences, and develop new, more functional ways of connecting with themselves and others. She believes in personal growth through understanding, acceptance, and conscious change, step by step, respecting the pace and uniqueness of each person. Her professional activity is supported by regular supervision and many years of personal psychotherapy, both individual and group, within psychodynamic and psychoanalytic approaches. She strongly believes that personal therapeutic experience is a foundation for every mental health professional, as it enhances genuine understanding and therapeutic depth in the relationship with the individual.

Spanos Antonis is a Psychologist with a private practice in Elefsina. Additionally, he serves as the Head of the Psychosocial Sector at Aktio and Coordinator of the Elderly Care Units "Aktio and Aktio Alzheimer Unit." He studied Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and subsequently specialized in Transactional Analysis-Psychotherapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy, Crisis Management, Grief Management, and Neuropsychological Assessment by attending training programs at the Hellenic Society for Behavioral Research and the Athens Synthesis Centre. Concurrently, he participated in numerous seminars and conferences related to adult psychopathology. In recent years, he has worked as a Supervisor, Coordinator, Psychologist, and Scientific Director in mental health units, support centers, and helplines focused on mental health issues within the framework of psychiatric reform and the Psychargos programs. He has also served as an External Associate of hellaseap, the Center for Synthetic Therapy of the Soul.

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."

Anastasiou Katerina is a Psychotherapist - Social Worker maintaining a private practice in Korydallos. She graduated from the Department of Social Work at the University of West Attica and has been trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling. She has worked in support structures for vulnerable groups, such as shelters for unaccompanied minors, homeless shelters, as well as housing programs for refugees and beneficiaries of international protection, providing psychosocial support, counseling, and empowerment. She has experience in managing anxiety and panic attacks, depression, low self-esteem, as well as difficulties in interpersonal relationships and recurring behavioral patterns that complicate everyday life. She has been a contributor to the psychoedu.gr platform, writing articles related to mental health, self-regulation, and emotional awareness. Currently, she maintains a private practice in Korydallos, offering counseling and psychotherapy for adults, both in-person and online, by appointment, within a safe and supportive therapeutic framework based on respect, genuine connection, and collaboration.

Komninou Eui is a Psychologist, graduate of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with a professional license to practice. She conducts online counseling and psychotherapy sessions with children, adolescents, and adults. She maintains a strong commitment to continuous education and professional development, having attended numerous seminars and specialized training programs. Since 2023, she has gained valuable experience by completing her internship at the Mental Health Center of the Armed Forces. She has engaged in both psychological assessment using psychometric tools and individual and group sessions with children, adolescents, adults, and families, addressing issues such as addiction management, bridging family relationships, couples therapy, parental counseling, self-image improvement, and enhancing self-awareness. Her goal is to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment where authentic connection and meaningful psychological support are cultivated with respect for the uniqueness of each individual, through an approach grounded in empathy and acceptance. She invests in creating a trusting space where the individual can freely express themselves without fear of judgment. In this context, particular emphasis is placed on psychological safety, confidentiality, and a consistent therapeutic relationship, taking into account the needs, experiences, and uniqueness of each person.