Health professionals for Sadness and distress

Xatzopoulos Dimitrios is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Kavala, a space where personal contact and trust create the ideal environment to begin the journey of self-awareness and well-being. As a psychologist with a degree in Psychology from the University of East London (UEL), he creates a safe and confidential environment for his clients, offering psychological support and counseling to individuals facing various issues and difficulties. Every person is unique, as are the challenges they encounter. He provides a safe space for individuals to explore their emotions, understand their behaviors, and develop new coping strategies. Through the application of theories and techniques learned during his studies, personal study, and professional experience, he offers specialized support for issues such as mental disorders (e.g., depression, ADHD, etc.), psychological problems (e.g., caregiver anxiety, anger, and hostility, etc.), as well as medical issues with psychological factors (e.g., insomnia, migraine, etc.). His approach is based on professional ethics and his commitment to providing quality care to his clients. Through his skills and enthusiasm for psychology, he offers a valuable source of support.

Anastasia Olympiou - Hansen is a Psychologist (BSc, MSc), licensed in Greece and registered as a Mental Health Counselor in Norway, with experience in supporting adults.

She has completed postgraduate training in Health Psychology at the University of Derby.

She works with a range of concerns including phobias, panic attacks, stress, burnout, emotional difficulties, relationships difficulties and life transitions (e.g. career changes, migration, relationships). She supports individuals in effectively managing anxiety and panic, strengthening self-confidence and psychological resilience, and improving their overall daily functioning and quality of life.

She has experience in behavioural change interventions and has supported adults in individual settings, aiming at sustainable and meaningful improvements in mental health and well-being.

She is also active in research in the field of Health Psychology, with a recent publication in 2024 in an international peer-reviewed journal (SAGE) on laughter interventions and their impact on psychological well-being and quality of life in cancer patients.

Olympiou, A., & Ahmed, S. (2024). Laughter Interventions to Improve Psychological Well-Being/QoL in Cancer Patients: A Mini Systematic Review. Sage Open, 14(4).

Sessions are available in Greek, English, and Norwegian.

Seminars

1. Building Personal Resilience:Managing Anxiety and Mental Health, HarvardX, March 2026, CME Online Down Syndrome, Harvard University Online, October 2015
2. Assessment and Treatment of Depression in the Primary Care Setting, Harvard University Online, November 2015
3. Assessment and Treatment of Anxiety in the Primary Care Setting, Harvard University Online, November 2015
4. Altzheimer's Disease, Harvard University Online, November 2015
5. Addiction in Your Practice: Information and Resources for Dealing with Addictive Behavior, Harvard University Online, November 2014

Η Πουλίδη Παυλίνα MSc είναι Κλινική Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια ενηλικών, εφήβων, παιδιών και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στην Βούλα. Είναι απόφοιτη του London Metropolitan University και έχει μεταπτυχιακό στην Ψυχολογία Υγείας (MSc in Health Psychology) από το Middlesex University. Είναι κάτοχος πτυχίου Συμβουλευτικής Ψυχολογίας. Κατόπιν ειδικεύτηκε στη Γνωσιακή- Συμπεριφορική ψυχοθεραπεία στην Α’ Ψυχιατρική Κλινική του Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών Ε.Π.Ι.Ψ.Υ. Η πτυχιακή της διατριβή είχε θέμα την αντιμετώπιση της Παχυσαρκίας μέσω της γνωσιακής-συμπεριφορικής ψυχοθεραπείας. Παράλληλα έχει με αριστείο το μετεκπαιδευτικό πρόγραμμα της «Κλινικής Ψυχοπαθολογίας» στην Α’ Ψυχιατρική Κλινική του Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών, Αιγινήτειο Νοσοκομείο. Έχει παρακολουθήσει τη βασική εκπαίδευση στη Θεραπεία Αποδοχής και Δέσμευσης (A.C.T.) στην Εταιρεία Γνωσιακών Συμπεριφοριστικών Σπουδών. Τα τελευταία χρόνια παρακολουθεί το 3ετές πρόγραμμα εξειδίκευσης στη Συστημική Οικογενειακής Ψυχοθεραπείας στο Τμήμα Ψυχιατρικής Εφήβων και Νέων, Γενικό Νοσοκομείο Αθηνών "Γεώργιος Γεννηματάς". Στον παρόντα χρόνο εκπαιδεύεται στις Ψυχοσεξουαλικές Διαταραχές στο Ερευνητικό Πανεπιστημιακό Ινστιτούτο Ψυχικής Υγιεινής.

Έχει προσφέρει πολυετή εθελοντική εργασία στο τμήμα ενηλίκων- παιδιών Κ.Ψ.Υ. Βύρωνα - Καισαριανής το οποίο υπάγεται στην Α’ Ψυχιατρική Κλινική του Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών, Αιγινήτειο Νοσοκομείο. Έχει εργαστεί ως κλινική ψυχολόγος σε τμήμα οξέων περιστατικών στο Ψυχιατρικό Νοσοκομείο Αττικής, Δαφνί για διάστημα 4 ετών. Παράλληλα στα χρόνια τα οποία δραστηριοποιείται στον τομέα της Ψυχικής υγείας βρίσκεται σε εποπτείες για την βέλτιστη εξέλιξη της θεραπευτικής της πορείας των περιστατικών που αναλαμβάνει. Είναι πιστοποιημένη ψυχολόγος και κάτοχος ‘Άδειας Ασκήσεως Επαγγέλματος (Aρ. Πρωτ: 2342) από το Ελληνικό κράτος και μέλος του B.P.S. (British Psychological Society). Είναι πιστοποιημένη ψυχολόγος για την χορήγηση του τεστ προσωπικότητας MMPI-2 και του τεστ νοημοσύνης WAIS-IV. Το ενδιαφέρον της για τα παιδιά και τους εφήβους της οδήγησε να παρακολουθεί τα ετήσια ψυχαναλυτικά σεμινάρια στο Τμήμα Ψυχιατρικής Εφήβων και Νέων Γενικό Νοσοκομείο Αθηνών «Γεώργιος Γεννηματάς. Επίσης έβαλε το 2024 Πιστοποιητικό επιμόρφωσης από το Κέντρο Επιμόρφωσης και Δια Βίου Μάθησης του Πανεπιστημίου Αιγαίου (Κ.Ε.ΔΙ.ΒΙ.Μ.) στη Σχολική Ψυχολογία. Εξειδικεύεται στην αντιμετώπιση του άγχους, της κατάθλιψης, των κρίσεων πανικού, στη διαχείριση πένθους, στη θεραπευτική αντιμετώπιση φοβιών, στην αντιμετώπιση των διατροφικών διαταραχών και της παχυσαρκίας. Η εμπειρία της περιλαμβάνει συνεδρίες στο πλαίσιο της αντιμετώπισης της χαμηλής αυτοεκτίμησης, τις δυσλειτουργικές σχέσεις, την θετική σύνδεση με τον εαυτό καθώς και την ψυχική ενδυνάμωση.

Ο Ανδρέας Ιακώβου, MSc είναι Ψυχολόγος – Ψυχοθεραπευτής κάτοχος άδειας ασκήσεως επαγγέλματος Ψυχολόγου (αρ.248803), με ιδιωτικό γραφείο στη περιοχή των Ιλισίων (πλησίον Μεγάρου Μουσικής). Έχει λάβει εξειδίκευση στη Κλινική Ψυχολογία, στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφορική Ψυχοθεραπεία (CBT) και είναι πιστοποιημένος ψυχοθεραπευτής. Παρέχει ψυχοθεραπευτική υποστήριξη σε ενήλικες και εφήβους που αντιμετωπίζουν συναισθηματικές, αγχώδεις, συμπεριφορικές ή διαπροσωπικές δυσκολίες, καθώς και ένα ευρύ φάσμα κλινικών και υποκλινικών προκλήσεων που επηρεάζουν την καθημερινότητά τους.

Εργάζεται ως Ψυχολόγος – Ψυχοθεραπευτής, στο ιδιωτικό του γραφείο και στο Τμήμα Θεραπειών Ενηλίκων του Ινστιτούτου Έρευνας και Θεραπείας Συμπεριφοράς (Ι.Ε.Θ.Σ). Παράλληλα διατελεί επιστημονικός συνεργάτης του οργανισμού Έρεισμα - Ψυχική Υγεία & Ψυχιατροδικαστική ΑΜΚΕ. Επιπλέον συμμετέχει σε ψυχιατροδικαστικές πραγματογνωμοσύνες, στη συγγραφή επιστημονικών εκθέσεων και στην ερευνητική τεκμηρίωση υποθέσεων. Στο παρελθόν έχει απασχοληθεί ως ψυχολόγος στο 251 Γενικό Νοσοκομείο Αεροπορίας - Κέντρο Αεροπορικής Ιατρικής, στη Μοτίβο Αξιολόγηση στο τομέα των ψυχομετρικών εργαλείων, στις μονάδες φροντίδας ηλικιωμένων ΑΚΤΙΟΣ, καθώς και ως εθελοντής ψυχολόγος στο Χαμόγελο του παιδιού στο Νοσοκομείο Παίδων «Αγία Σοφία».

Είναι πτυχιούχος Ψυχολογίας (BSc in Psychology), κατέχοντας διπλό πτυχίο απο το The Open University, United Kingdom και το Αμερικάνικο Κολλεγίο Ελλάδος (Deree-Τhe American College of Greece). Στη συνέχεια ολοκλήρωσε μεταπτυχιακές σπουδές στη Κλινική Ψυχολογία και Ψυχική Υγεία (MSc) στο πανεπιστήμιο του Swansea, United Kingdom.

Ως ψυχοθεραπευτής έχει λάβει εξειδίκευση στη Γνωσιακή – Συμπεριφοριστική Θεραπεία (CBT), ως απόφοιτος του τετραετούς προγράμματος της Εταιρείας Γνωσιακών Συμπεριφοριστικών Σπουδών (Ε.Γ.Σ.Σ) και του Ινστιτούτου Έρευνας και Θεραπείας της Συμπεριφοράς (Ι.Ε.Θ.Σ), προσέγγιση η οποία αποτελεί το κύριο άξονα θεραπευτικής παρέμβασης. Λαμβάνοντας υπόψιν τις υποκειμενικές και εξατομικευμένες ανάγκες του κάθε θεραπευόμενου, ενσωματώνονται στο εν λόγο μοντέλο εργαλεία και παρεμβάσεις από προσεγγίσεις όπως η Θεραπεία Σχημάτων και η Θεραπεία Αποδοχής και Δέσμευσης (ACT), στις οποίες έχει λάβει σχετικές εκπαιδεύσεις. Ακόμα έχει αποκτήσει πιστοποίηση μετεκπαίδευσης στη «Διαχείριση του Στρες και Υγεία» από το Εθνικό και Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών (ΕΚΠΑ). Τέλος κατέχει πιστοποίηση χορήγησης και ερμηνείας του ψυχομετρικού εργαλείου WAIS-IV GR. Στο παρόν παρακολουθεί το διαδικτυακό πρόγραμμα "Building Personal Resilience: Managing Anxiety and Mental Health", Harvard University.

Είναι μέλος της Ελληνικής Εταιρείας Έρευνας της Συμπεριφοράς (Ε.Ε.Ε.Σ) και της European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT).

Maria Mpogdanou is a counseling psychologist based in Athens, licensed to practice professionally. She offers face-to-face and online sessions at her private office in Kareas.

She graduated with honors from Cardiff Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom. She has three years of clinical experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She has also been trained in the application of counseling techniques through her practice at the Alzheimer Center of Athens.

Additionally, she has completed specialized programs in Counseling and couples and family therapy at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She is also certified in positive psychology counseling.

She regularly participates in continuing education and is under consistent professional supervision. This ensures the continuous updating of her knowledge and the provision of high-quality services. She places particular emphasis on mental health, empathy, and scientific evidence-based practice.

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.

Konstantoulaki Eleni MSc, MA is a licensed Psychologist - Systemic Psychotherapist specialized in the Systemic - Existential approach, with experience in the treatment of adolescents, young adults, adults, couples (EFT | Emotionally Focused Therapy) and families. She provides psychotherapy both individually and in group settings, with sessions available online. Her goal is to create a safe therapeutic environment where each individual or group can feel acceptance and trust, having the space to explore thoughts, feelings, and relationships, progressing with awareness towards a more conscious, meaningful, and authentic life.

Semeli Balta-Messari is a Psychologist and Dance Therapist who maintains a private practice in Neos Kosmos. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete (2018). She holds a specialization in Jungian – Psychodynamic Counseling through Dance Therapy under the supervision of the Hellenic Center for Training – Psychotherapy through the Arts (Hellenic-British College of Athens), which she successfully completed in 2022. She has been trained in the Laban Movement Analysis (LMA) system and the Authentic Movement technique. The therapeutic model she follows combines Counseling Psychology techniques with the analysis of symbols and dreams, the approach to archetypes through creative methods, the Authentic Movement technique, and the Active Imagination technique. She has worked as a psychologist and dance therapist in both private and public institutions, providing psychological and counseling support to children, adolescents, and families, as well as populations with increased social and psycho-emotional needs. Currently, she is coordinating auxiliary work, as a specialist scientist, for the “Women InterACT” group at Restart Theater Athens, within the framework of a European program addressing the dual exclusion of women.

Mpagourdi Maria, BSc, MSc is a Clinical Psychologist who conducts sessions online. She graduated in Psychology from Cardiff Metropolitan University (BSc) and holds a Master's Degree (MSc) in Clinical Counselling Psychology from the University of Derby. She has completed specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Art Therapy, and the management of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CCTP-I & II). Since 2023, she has been training in Art Psychotherapy – Behavior Analysis at the Psychotherapy and Art Center "Synothisi," and from 2025 she will continue her professional development through the Panhellenic Society of Cognitive Analytic Psychotherapy (P.E.G.A.P.), as part of her training in Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT). Her professional experience includes significant work in mental health facilities such as the Piraeus Naval Hospital, Care Units for the Elderly specializing in dementia and Alzheimer's disease, cancer patient counseling programs (e.g., "Stay Strong"), and special education centers. She provides individual and group sessions to children, adolescents, and adults, and has been actively involved in psycho-educational programs and parent counseling. She combines theoretical training with practical experience to support a variety of psychological needs, with particular emphasis on trauma therapy and strengthening emotional resilience. Finally, she is a founding member of the Panhellenic Association of Art Therapists.

Plessa Martha is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist (license number 612900). She holds a BSc (Hons) degree in Psychology from the University of Essex, UK, and a Master's degree (MSc) in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of Derby. Additionally, she has an HND diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy. She maintains a private practice in Pallini, offering counselling and psychotherapy services to adolescents and adults. She is a member of the Hellenic Society of Counselling.

She continues her education and professional development by participating in the annual Psychoanalytic Training Seminars of the Psychoanalytic Research Center of Athens.

She has completed certified training programs such as: "Promotion of Mental Health for Children and Adolescents" from the University of West Attica, "Trainer-Coordinator of Parent Schools" focusing on the "Developmental System" by Maria Chourdaki, "Basic Principles of Psychotherapy - Psychodynamic Psychotherapy" from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Adult Trainer Education" from the University of Patras, "Special Education" from the University of Patras. She is certified as a "Coordinator against Domestic Violence" by ACTA S.A. She has gained extensive experience in mental health settings, including at the residential care facility "IASIS" Psychosocial Rehabilitation Unit as a therapeutic group coordinator, and at the elderly care unit "LOIDA", providing counselling services.

Dimitra Sigala is a Psychologist, a graduate of the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete, a final-year student of the postgraduate program “Forensic Psychiatry” at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and holds a professional license to practice psychology.

She has completed the annual postgraduate seminars in Clinical Psychopathology and Clinical Skills in Psychopathology "Panagiotis Oulis," as well as training in the administration of the Structured Clinical Interview SCID I, organized by the First Psychiatric Clinic of the University of Athens.

In parallel with her studies, she has attended part of the training program in Cognitive Psychotherapies offered by the Hellenic Society of Cognitive Psychotherapies, and she is a trainee Systemic Psychotherapist. Additionally, she has been trained in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy through the Eagala (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) model in Staffordshire, England.

Her professional experience has enabled her to work in a clinical setting managing suicidal thoughts and self-destructive behaviors, as well as providing psychotherapy and counseling to adults.

She has gained clinical experience working as a volunteer psychologist in social therapeutic programs within psychiatric facilities, such as the Day Hospital Center of the Research University Mental Health Institute (E.P.I.PSY.), Rethymno Hospital, among others.

Kandia Viky is a Psychologist MSc and a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Psychotherapist. She holds a degree in Psychology from Metropolitan College. After completing her undergraduate studies, she pursued postgraduate studies in Clinical and Community Psychology at Metropolitan College, with official recognition of her degree by DOATAP. She has participated in numerous seminars and workshops related to mental health, clinical psychopathology, delinquency, and interpersonal relationships. She has worked in both public and private institutions, gaining experience in issues concerning adult and adolescent psychology. Her goal is to create a safe and supportive space where individuals can freely express themselves, gain a deeper understanding of themselves, and develop new ways to cope with everyday challenges.

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.