Health professionals for Sadness and distress near Exarcheia

Marina Cresta is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist, holding a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology & Psychotherapy. She completed her clinical training at Evangelismos General Hospital of Athens, Attikon University General Hospital, and the 6th Municipal Medical Center of Athens, gaining experience in supporting individuals facing mental health challenges and chronic health conditions.

She has been trained in group therapy by the Hellenic Society for Existential Psychology and actively participates in seminars and conferences across various therapeutic approaches. Her work integrates psychodynamic thinking with an existential and person-centered stance, always tailoring the therapeutic process to each individual's unique needs.

In her sessions, she emphasizes building a relationship based on trust and authentic connection, providing a safe space where individuals feel heard, understood, and accepted.

Simosis Rafail is a Psychologist-Psychotherapist who maintains private practices in Panormou and Kolonaki, where he provides individual psychotherapy sessions to adolescents, adults, and offers parental counseling. He studied Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, graduating with honors. Additionally, he completed his postgraduate studies in Forensic Psychiatry-Medical Examinations at the Faculty of Medicine of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He has been trained in Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy - CBT (EABCT) for adults at the Institute for Research and Therapy of Behavior (IETHS), specializing in anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders. Throughout his professional career, he has worked as a Psychologist in private offices focused on adolescent and adult therapy. Furthermore, he has attended numerous seminars and conferences aimed at continuous education and advancement in the field of Psychology.

Niki Sofoulaki is a Social Worker and Systemic Psychotherapist, maintaining a private office in Ilisia. She trained in Systemic Psychotherapy at the Εργαστήριο Διερεύνησης Ανθρώπινων Σχέσεων and has been working since 2018 supporting individuals and families. She deeply believes that every person has within them the capacity for growth. As a systemic therapist, she approaches each session through the lens of relationships, how we were raised, which beliefs we inherited, and how we learn to belong.

Throughout her professional journey, she has worked therapeutically with individuals who have experienced deep traumatic experiences, anxiety, depression, issues related to self-awareness, and more. Her work is based on connection, trust, and acceptance, through an open dialogue with the individual(s), providing the necessary space and time they need. The systemic approach is applied in individual sessions, couples therapy, family therapy, and groups, depending on the needs and goals of the individual(s), with respect for each person’s pace and the uniqueness of every relationship.

Since 2018, she has been actively involved in the field of mental health, while her private practice began in 2021, where she provides psychotherapy sessions and counseling to individuals and families. Having had the opportunity to meet and support people at very different stages of their lives, her professional journey began in NGOs, where she worked with vulnerable social groups. She provided counseling support aimed at social reintegration, helping people gradually regain a sense of safety and connection with their support systems. She has also worked clinically in a Day Center for individuals with psychosis and related disorders. There, she coordinated therapeutic rehabilitation groups, in which the group functioned as a field of relationship, interaction, and meaning-making of experience, supporting functionality, daily life, and the reconnection of individuals with their social role, while at the same time providing individual psychotherapeutic support to people facing mental health difficulties. This experience taught her in depth how important it is to see the person beyond the diagnosis, within the system of relationships, experiences, and meanings that surround them.

In addition, alongside her private office, she also works in an adolescent and family unit. There, she supports young people experiencing intense emotional difficulties, while also providing family psychotherapy sessions, aiming to empower the entire system and restore bonds within the family framework.

Melpomeni Perdikari is a Clinical Psychologist MSc - CBT Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in the center of Athens, in Omonia. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of East London, UK, and a Master of Science (MSc) in Clinical Psychology from the same university. Additionally, she is a trained Cognitive Behavioral Therapist from the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling - Lifelong Learning Center. Beyond her private practice, the specialist works as a Clinical Psychologist - Scientific Supervisor at a residential facility for individuals with autism. Finally, Ms. Perdikari is a member of the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Η Σταυρουλάκη Γεωργία - Μαρία είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια με ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Κολωνάκι. Είναι κάτοχος διδακτορικού τίτλου (PsychD) στη Συμβουλευτική Ψυχολογία από το University of Roehampton στο Λονδίνο, αναγνωρισμένο από τη British Psychological Society. Η διδακτορική της διατριβή επικεντρώθηκε στον ρόλο του ναρκισσισμού στον τρόπο με τον οποίο οι συμβουλευτικοί ψυχολόγοι διαχειρίζονται τον εαυτό τους στη θεραπευτική σχέση, ακολουθώντας μια συνθετική προσέγγιση που ενσωματώνει στοιχεία γνωσιακής - συμπεριφορικής και ψυχοδυναμικής θεωρίας. Έχει επίσης αποκτήσει Professional Certificate στις δεξιότητες Συμβουλευτικής από το The Hellenic Association of Continuing Education (THACE)), ενώ είναι απόφοιτος του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Παντείου Πανεπιστημίου Κοινωνικών και Πολιτικών Επιστημών.

Από το 2016 έως σήμερα εργάζεται ως Ψυχολόγος στο Υπουργείο Παιδείας, παρέχοντας κλινική αξιολόγηση και ψυχο-συναισθηματική υποστήριξη σε μαθητές ηλικίας 4 έως 21 ετών, καθώς και ψυχοπαιδαγωγικές παρεμβάσεις στο σχολικό πλαίσιο. Παράλληλα, υποστηρίζει εκπαιδευτικούς, υλοποιεί σεμινάρια ευαισθητοποίησης και πρόληψης σε θέματα ψυχικής υγείας και διαφορετικότητας, συμβουλεύει γονείς και συνεργάζεται με φορείς όπως νοσοκομεία και κέντρα ψυχικής υγείας. Έχει εργαστεί ως ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και εισηγήτρια ψυχοεκπαιδευτικών σεμιναρίων στο ΠΑΙ.ΚΕ.ΨΥ, παρέχοντας αξιολόγηση και θεραπευτική παρέμβαση σε παιδιά με μαθησιακές και συμπεριφορικές δυσκολίες, καθώς και υποστήριξη σε γονείς. Στο Συμβουλευτικό Κέντρο του Πανεπιστημίου Κρήτης προσέφερε ατομικές συνεδρίες συμβουλευτικής σε φοιτητές, αντιμετωπίζοντας ζητήματα όπως άγχος, διαπροσωπικές δυσκολίες και μαθησιακές προκλήσεις.

Η επαγγελματική της εμπειρία στο Ηνωμένο Βασίλειο περιλαμβάνει τη συνεργασία με το Macmillan Bereavement Service στο Ealing Hospital, όπου παρείχε υποστήριξη πένθους σε ενήλικες, εφήβους και παιδιά, καθώς και με το Wandsworth Association of Psychotherapists και το Kid’s Company, προσφέροντας συμβουλευτική σε άτομα με άγχος, κατάθλιψη, διατροφικές διαταραχές και προβλήματα συμπεριφοράς. Επιπλέον, πραγματοποίησε την πρακτική της άσκηση στον ΟΚΑΝΑ Πειραιά, στο πρόγραμμα υποκατάστασης μεθαδόνης.

Στον ακαδημαϊκό τομέα, διδάσκει ως Καθηγήτρια Ψυχολογίας στο Aegean College από το 2022 έως σήμερα, σε προπτυχιακά και μεταπτυχιακά προγράμματα, ενώ στο παρελθόν διετέλεσε καθηγήτρια και υπεύθυνη προγράμματος Ψυχολογίας στο MBS Κολλέγιο Κρήτης, όπου δίδαξε πλήθος μαθημάτων και είχε ενεργό ρόλο στον συντονισμό και την ανάπτυξη του προγράμματος σπουδών.

Έχει συμμετάσχει ενεργά σε επιστημονικά συνέδρια και εκπαιδευτικά σεμινάρια, με εισηγήσεις σε θέματα όπως η ενίσχυση κινήτρων μάθησης, η διαφορετικότητα, ο σχολικός εκφοβισμός και οι ψυχοδυναμικές προσεγγίσεις στην αντιμετώπιση ψυχολογικών επιπτώσεων της πανδημίας COVID-19 σε παιδιά και εφήβους. Τέλος, έχει παρακολουθήσει πληθώρα εκπαιδευτικών προγραμμάτων και σεμιναρίων σε τομείς όπως η ψύχωση, η δραματοθεραπεία, η υποστήριξη ευάλωτων ομάδων και ο αυτισμός.

Panou Mairi is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in the center of Athens. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, where she graduated with distinction. She continued her studies with a Master's degree in "Applied Cognitive and Developmental Psychology" (MSc in Applied Cognitive and Developmental Psychology) at the same university. During her undergraduate studies, she completed an internship at the Psychiatric Clinic of the General Thoracic Diseases Hospital "Sotiria", while during her postgraduate studies, she trained in psychosocial support structures of Municipalities and at the Athens University of Economics and Business. Subsequently, she specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies, where she also worked in the Adult Therapy Department of the Institute of Research and Behavior Therapy. Her considerable experience with adult, adolescent, child, and parent populations stems from her career, as she has worked in adult and adolescent psychotherapy centers, in primary and secondary education schools, in specialized therapy centers, as well as voluntarily on the psychosocial support hotline of the Ministry of Health 10306 and in the "Community Intervention" program of the NGO "IASIS". She currently maintains collaborations with Adult Psychotherapy Institutes, where she participates in peer supervisions and interdisciplinary teams including psychiatrists, social workers, and others.

Mpousmpoureli Stefania is a Psychologist - Systemic Psychotherapist, with postgraduate studies in Neuroscience from the University of Sydney. She completed her undergraduate studies in Psychology at the University of Surrey and continues to train in Systemic Psychotherapy at the Multidisciplinary Psychotherapeutic Center "Synghiseis." She has worked as a Research Assistant at the University of Surrey and as a Corporate Wellness Consultant at Travelgems. To date, she volunteers as a Psychologist at milamou.gr and serves as a Psychologist - Retreat Coordinator at the international organization "Enrich Global." In private practice, she provides psychotherapeutic support to adults, adolescents, and couples, focusing on relationships, anxiety, self-awareness, and communication improvement. Her goal is to understand personal and family dynamics within a safe and supportive framework.

Androvitsanea Anthi Psyxologos Msc - Psyxotherapeutria Gsth is a Psychologist - Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a Master's Degree in "Health Promotion and Education" from the Medical School of NKUA. She is a certified Psychotherapist in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Additionally, she has been trained in Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). She has worked in various mental health settings, both public and private, providing psychotherapeutic and counseling support to adults and young people facing diverse psychosocial difficulties, as well as manifestations of psychopathology such as anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, psychosomatic symptoms, or other emotional difficulties that affect functionality and quality of life. The focus of her professional career is the support of vulnerable populations, such as women who have experienced gender-based and/or domestic violence, and patients with chronic illnesses.

Dimitris Aggelopoulos is a psychotherapist and educator specializing in Group Analysis. In his private practice, located in the center of Athens, he provides individual and group psychotherapy to individuals facing challenges in their personal lives, relationships, or mental health. His goal is not only the relief of symptoms, but also the emergence of each unique individual and the discovery of new ways of behavior and perception, focusing on healthy relationships and a sense of fulfillment.

He firmly believes that psychological difficulties are not solely individual problems, but mirrors of society, the relationships, and the groups within which we live and interact. Through Group Analysis, he utilizes the function of the group to facilitate the revealing of hidden aspects of the self, offering honest feedback and creating a space where individuals can express themselves freely, without fear of judgment. The group operates as a microcosm of relationships – a dynamic reality in which changes do not remain theoretical, but significantly impact the members’ broader lives.

Dimitris Aggelopoulos fosters an environment of safety and trust, where each person has the opportunity to face their challenges and cultivate the distinctive characteristics of their personality. Psychotherapy is not a luxury, but a vital investment in the relationship with ourselves and others.

Tsakiris Panagiotis holds a BSc in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and an M.A. in Integrative Counseling and Psychotherapy from the University of East London. He is currently training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at the Institute of Psychotherapy for Professional & Personal Development (IPSEPA). He has completed the postgraduate seminar in Cognitive Counseling at the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies, as well as the postgraduate seminar in Cognitive Counseling for children and adolescents at the same institution. Additionally, he has attended numerous seminars, including Introduction to Clinical Psychopathology from the Open University and the University of Michigan course "Understanding Psychosis." He has been practicing privately as a Psychologist since 2024, with experience in managing anxiety, self-confidence and self-esteem issues, as well as interpersonal relationship matters. Previously, he has collaborated with the Carpe Diem Psychotherapy Center and, within the scope of his internship, with the Roots Wellness Center Psychotherapy Center and the Community Service of the Municipality of Agios Dimitrios.

Ο Χώρος Ψυχικής Υγείας MindΒloom γεννήθηκε από το όραμα της κλινικής ψυχολόγου και ψυχοθεραπεύτριας Φωτεινής Καναλουπίτη για την δημιουργία ενός ασφαλούς χώρου, ο οποίος να διακρίνεται από τις αξίες της συμπεριληπτικότητας, της συνεργατικότητας, της απο-παθολογικοποίησης, της άνευ όρων αποδοχής, της ειλικρινούς ενσυναίσθησης και του σεβασμού στη διαφορετικότητα. Σήμερα η ομάδα του χώρου MindBloom απαρτίζεται από τέσσερις επαγγελματίες ψυχικής υγείας, τη Φωτεινή Καναλουπίτη, τη Δανάη Γιαννακοπούλου, τη Δήμητρα Ζαφειροπούλου και τη Μαρίνα Μιχαλάτου, που τις ενώνει η κοινή αξία για την παροχή εξειδικευμένων επιστημονικών υπηρεσιών χωρίς διακρίσεις, σε ένα πλαίσιο που η θεραπεία και η κοινωνική δικαιοσύνη είναι αλληλένδετες. Τα μέλη της ομάδας του Mindbloom είναι ξεχωριστά διαπιστευμένες σε τέσσερις διαφορετικές ψυχοθεραπευτικές προσεγγίσεις: Θεραπεία Σχημάτων, Προσωποκεντρική προσέγγιση, Γνωσιακή-Συμπεριφοριστική Θεραπεία και Αφηγηματική Θεραπεία. Αυτό, σε συνδυασμό με την ποικιλία στην εκπαιδευτική εξειδίκευση και την εργασιακή εμπειρία του κάθε μέλους της ομάδας, επιτρέπει την κάλυψη εύρους θεραπευτικών αιτημάτων (δυσκολίες στις διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις, διαχείριση ψυχιατρικών διαγνώσεων και συμπτωμάτων, παροχή υποστήριξης στην εξάρτηση και διασύνδεση με σχετικούς φορείς, υποστήριξη στην εξερεύνηση της ταυτότητας φύλου και της σεξουαλικότητας, υποστήριξη γονεϊκού ρόλου, κ.α.). Η διαδικασία για την έναρξη συνεδριών στον χώρο MindBloom βασίζεται στην λήψη βασικών πληροφοριών για το ενδιαφερόμενο άτομο και το θεραπευτικό του αίτημα ώστε να του προταθεί η επαγγελματίας που κρίνεται πιο κατάλληλη και έμπειρη για την υποστήριξή του με βάση τις εξατομικευμένες ανάγκες του.

Λίγα λόγια για τη συντονίστρια της ομάδας του MindBloom:

Η Φωτεινή Καναλουπίτη είναι Kλινική Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια MSC. Σπούδασε και εργάστηκε στην Ολλανδία (BA,University of Groningen- MSC Clinical Psychology, University of Leiden) ενώ εκπαιδεύτηκε στην Θεραπεία Σχημάτων (Λονδίνο, British Psychological Society,Part 1) και στις Διατροφικές Διαταραχές (Αθήνα, Κέντρο Εκπαίδευσης Διατροφικών Διαταραχών και British Psychological Society). Η πρώτη της εμπειρία σαν θεραπεύτρια έλαβε χώρα στην εταιρία Antiloneliness (Χάγη και Λάιντεν, 2018) όπου εργάστηκε υποστηρίζοντας άτομα από όλο τον κόσμο τα οποία αντιμετώπιζαν δυσκολίες προσαρμογής, σχέσεων, ψυχιατρικές διαταραχές κ.α. ενώ παράλληλα έλαβε και την πρώτη της εκπαίδευση ως Ψυχοθεραπέυτρια. Η κλινική της εκπαίδευση συνεχίστηκε στον φορέα ΚΛΙΜΑΚΑ (Αθήνα, 2020), όπου εργάστηκε για περίπου δύο χρόνια αποκτώντας εμπειρία στην ψυχοπαθολογία και κυρίως στον αυτοκτονικό ιδεασμό, στηρίζοντας άτομα με ψυχιατρικές διαταραχές και τελώντας εικοσιτετράωρες εφημερίες στην Εθνική Γραμμή για την Πρόληψη της Αυτοκτονίας (1018). Οι σπουδές της αλλά και η εμπειρία της με ανθρώπους από όλο τον κόσμο, της έδωσαν την ευκαιρία να χρησιμοποιεί ένα ολιστικό μοντέλο θεραπείας τόσο διαφορετικό και δυναμικό, όσο και η ανθρώπινη φύση. Στο μοντέλο αυτό υπάρχουν στοιχεία από την Θεωρία Σχημάτων, η οποία έχει αποτελέσει την βασική της ψυχοθεραπευτική προσέγγιση, την Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφοριστική Θεραπεία, την Gestalt, και πολλά άλλα. Στόχος της, είναι η συνεχής ενημέρωση και γνώση νέων εργαλείων προσανατολισμένων στην ανακούφιση και υποστήριξη. Ο άνθρωπος είναι κατεξοχήν δυναμικό όν, αλλάζει, προσαρμόζεται και εξελίσσεται. Έτσι ακριβώς αντιλαμβάνεται το θεραπευτικό ταξίδι και αποτελεί έναν από τους σημαντικότερους λόγους που την γοήτευσε και συνεχίζει να την γοητεύει.

Papafilippou Xristoforos MSc is a Psychotherapist - Mental Health Counselor maintaining a private practice in Pangrati. He has completed his postgraduate studies in Person-Centered Counseling and Psychotherapy at the University of Strathclyde and also holds a Diploma in Person-Centered Counseling from the same university. In the past, he volunteered with the Social Solidarity Network "Syn-Existence," offering his knowledge and assistance in various cases.

He conducts individual sessions aimed at adolescents as well as adults who seek a space of safety and acceptance, where they can explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences at their own pace.

His work is based on the Person-Centered approach, where the therapeutic relationship is the core element of the process, standing alongside the client as a companion on their journey of self-exploration. His role is not to direct or provide ready-made solutions but to create a space where the individual can hear themselves more clearly.

For him, the foundation of therapy is the relationship: to listen to the client, to see them for who they are, and to stand with acceptance towards all parts of them, including those they may struggle to embrace.

Gkotsi Xristina is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in the central area of Athens, on Akadimias Street. She holds a degree in Psychology (University of East London) and a degree in Sociology (Panteion University). She pursued and completed her postgraduate studies in Psychology at the University of East London, deepening her scientific understanding of human behavior and mental health. She follows the approach of Systemic Psychotherapy, focusing on the dynamics of relationships and the broader contexts within which individual difficulties develop. Additionally, she holds a Master's Degree in Criminal Law and Addictions from the Law Department of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, specializing in the legal and therapeutic management of addictions. Simultaneously, she has participated in numerous scientific seminars, continually investing in her professional development. Her interdisciplinary training allows her to approach mental health and addiction issues holistically, combining legal, social, and therapeutic perspectives. Her passion and genuine interest in the field of addictions have led her to ongoing education, research activities, and publications in scientific journals. She has worked and volunteered in organizations supporting vulnerable social groups and in addiction rehabilitation centers, gaining valuable clinical experience. In recent years, she has worked in the academic environment of a private higher education college as the Head of Psychology Studies, teaching Clinical and Social Psychology courses, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical experience, and imparting to her students a passion for the science of Psychology.