Health professionals for Trauma in Macedonia

Fotis Mponios is a Psychologist and a graduate of the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He provides psychological support through integrative psychotherapy to adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, mood difficulties, relational problems, or intense emotional stress in their daily lives. The goal of the therapeutic process is to understand the personal experience, alleviate symptoms, and achieve meaningful, gradual change. He is trained in Integrative Psychotherapy at the Athens Synthesis Center. He completed his practical training at the Hellenic Center for Mental Health and Research (H.C.M.H.R. – Piraeus Branch) and in recent years has worked in private therapeutic centers, gaining substantial clinical experience with adults and adolescents. His therapeutic work includes issues related to anxiety, psychosomatic symptoms, mood disorders, low self-esteem, and difficulties in interpersonal and couple relationships. He has experience with performance anxiety, internal conflicts, emotional regulation difficulties, as well as cases of eating disorders. Concurrently, he works with adolescents facing anxiety, mood problems, relational difficulties, self-esteem issues, or self-injurious behaviors, emphasizing the creation of a safe and stable therapeutic relationship. His therapeutic approach is integrative and tailored to the needs of each individual. Special attention is given to creating a safe environment where the individual can express themselves without judgment, gain deeper self-understanding, and enhance their functioning and quality of life.

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.

Ms. Fregkou Nikolina is a Psychologist graduated from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, holding a professional license with a specialization in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Hellenic Society for Behavioral Research - EEEΣ). She conducts adult sessions in person in the center of Athens as well as remotely (online). Simultaneously, she works at the Polydynamic Clinics of the Municipality of Athens, providing counseling services through individual sessions.

She has worked as a psychotherapeutic psychologist in various settings with 15 years of experience. Throughout her professional career, she continuously evolves by participating in trainings, seminars, conferences, and workshops.

As a professional and companion on the journey of therapy, she operates with empathy and authenticity, providing the appropriate tools to address the issues that concern her clients.

Roxani - Maria Vakalou is a Psychologist, graduate of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, specializing in Clinical Psychology. She is a certified Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist and is training in Bioenergetic Clinical Hypnosis.

Her choice of specializations is based on the integration of two critical pillars: focusing on the "here and now," addressing dysfunctional patterns of thinking and behavior, and processing emotional traumas formed during early developmental stages before the development of logical thinking.

Her career in the Mental Health field includes voluntary service at S.O.F.PSY. Serres, coordinating therapeutic groups and cognitive-behavioral interventions; collaboration with the Hellenic Alzheimer’s Disease Association; specialization in "Dance Theatre"; and mental health counseling in a multinational environment through conducting psychoeducational groups and individual sessions (since 2024).

She firmly believes that Psychotherapy is the most valuable investment in oneself and the cornerstone of self-awareness and mental well-being. Her goal is, within an environment of trust, understanding, and acceptance, to help individuals genuinely "embrace" themselves.

Ψυχολόγος | Υποψήφια Κλινική Ψυχολόγος

Ψυχαναλυτική – Προσωποκεντρική Προσέγγιση | Ατομική Ψυχοθεραπεία Ενηλίκων

Η Βασιλική-Ελένη Βλάχου είναι αδειούχος Ψυχολόγος, απόφοιτη του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών και μέλος του Βρετανικού Συλλόγου Ψυχολόγων ( The British Psychological Society).Πραγματοποιεί τις μεταπτυχιακές της σπουδές στην Clinical Psychology στο University of Kent (UK) και παράλληλα εκπαιδεύεται στην Ψυχαναλυτική – Ψυχοδυναμική προσέγγιση, με στόχο την εμβάθυνση στην κατανόηση της ανθρώπινης ψυχής και των ασυνείδητων διεργασιών που επηρεάζουν τη ζωή και τη συμπεριφορά του ατόμου.

Προσεγγίζει την ψυχοθεραπεία με σεβασμό, ενσυναίσθηση και αυθεντικότητα, δημιουργώντας έναν ασφαλή θεραπευτικό χώρο στον οποίο ο θεραπευόμενος μπορεί να εκφράσει ελεύθερα σκέψεις, συναισθήματα και εμπειρίες, χωρίς φόβο κριτικής. Εφαρμόζει ατομική θεραπεία ενηλίκων, με κύρια θεωρητική βάση την ψυχαναλυτική και προσωποκεντρική προσέγγιση, εστιάζοντας στην προσωπική ιστορία, τις σχέσεις και τα επαναλαμβανόμενα μοτίβα ζωής.

Έχει ολοκληρώσει την πρακτική της άσκηση στο Διεθνές Ινστιτούτο Κυβερνοασφάλειας Ελλάδος (CSI Institute), όπου παρείχε ψυχολογική υποστήριξη σε άτομα που υπήρξαν θύματα ηλεκτρονικής απάτης, εκβιασμού και διαδικτυακής κακοποίησης. Παράλληλα, ασχολείται ενεργά με την επιστημονική αρθρογραφία, με θεματολογία που αφορά την ψυχική υγεία και τις κοινωνικές της προεκτάσεις.

Η κλινική της εξειδίκευση περιλαμβάνει, κρίσεις πανικού & διαταραχές άγχους, τραυματικά βιώματα & συναισθηματικά τραύματα, διατροφικές διαταραχές (ανορεξία, βουλιμία, υπερφαγία), κρίσεις ταυτότητας και δυσκολίες μετά την εγκυμοσύνη, κατάθλιψη, δυσλειτουργικές σχέσεις & ψυχική εξουθένωση, ενίσχυση ψυχικής ανθεκτικότητας & προσωπικής ανάπτυξης.

Kollia Mairi is a psychologist. She holds a professional practice license with protocol number 4346/07-11-2019. She graduated with honors from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Athens. She specialized at the postgraduate level in Clinical Psychology (MSc in Clinical Psychology) at Leiden University in the Netherlands, where she graduated with distinction cum laude. She has completed a four-year study program in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Society of Cognitive and Behavioral Studies (ΕΓΣΣ). Additionally, she has been trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), also provided by the Society of Cognitive and Behavioral Studies (ΕΓΣΣ). Furthermore, she has specialized in trauma therapy using the EMDR method at the Institute of Trauma Therapy. She has also received training in "Counseling and Mental Health in Infertility, the Perinatal and Reproductive Period" at the University of West Attica, focusing on psychological support regarding infertility, pregnancy, and transition to parenthood (postpartum depression, perinatal anxiety, tokophobia, birth trauma, etc.). Currently, she works privately, conducting individual therapy sessions with adults, both in-person and online. She also collaborates with a clinic based abroad, providing psychotherapy online to clients worldwide. In parallel, she maintains a collaboration with an assisted reproduction (IVF) clinic and is a member of an interdisciplinary team at a gynecological clinic in central Athens. Sessions are conducted in Greek and English.

Papadopoulou Georgia (Tzia) is a Psychologist - Integrative Psychotherapist, graduate of the Department of Psychology at the University of East London and holder of a master's degree in Counseling & Psychotherapy. She applies the integrative psychotherapy model, tailoring the approach to the unique needs of each individual client. She combines techniques from cognitive, psychodynamic, and person-centered approaches with the aim of improving emotional well-being, personal development, and self-understanding. She provides individual sessions for adults and young people over 18 years old who wish to address issues such as anxiety, stress, emotional difficulties, low self-esteem, relationship challenges, losses, or identity crises.

She does not undertake a diagnostic role but focuses on psychological support and counseling, offering a safe, confidential, and warm environment for the client. She deeply believes in the power of acceptance, authenticity, and internal change. Her goal is to provide high-quality and scientifically supported psychological care, with humanity, empathy, and respect for each person's needs.

“I am not here to tell the client what to do. I am here to explore together what is happening within and around them, and to find, step by step, the path that fits their unique personality.”

Aivazidou Kalliopi is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist specializing in Systemic Family Therapy. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of East London and a master's diploma in Clinical and Community Psychology from the same university. Previously, she has also worked as a Kindergarten Teacher, as her first cycle of studies was in the Department of Early Childhood Education at the University of Thessaly. Both of her professional focuses center on children. Having attended relevant postgraduate programs and conferences, as well as having worked with children, she undertakes the conduct of counseling sessions for children and adolescents, as well as parent counseling and Family Psychotherapy.

Elisavet Valkanioti is a Psychologist in Volos providing individual sessions for adults and adolescents (17+ years old), both in-person and online. She creates a safe, supportive, and confidential therapeutic environment tailored to the needs of each client.

She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Canterbury Christ Church University with a grade of Excellent and holds a Master's Degree in Organizational Psychology from University of East London.

She applies Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and has specialized training in Clinical Hypnotherapy (CBH), combining scientifically validated methods with contemporary therapeutic techniques. She offers support in issues such as:

• anxiety and panic attacks
• phobias
• sleep disorders
• smoking cessation
• chronic pain management
• weight control

She holds an advanced diploma in Cognitive-Behavioral Clinical Hypnotherapy (CBH) and has been trained in Regressive Therapy as well as in DSM-V (Understanding DSM-V), with an emphasis on the analysis of the psychiatric classification manual and the understanding of psychological phenomena.

Her therapeutic approach is integrative and individualized, combining the structured methodology of CBT with the dynamic aspects of clinical hypnotherapy, while incorporating experiential and humanistic elements.

She has experience in the field of Occupational Psychology, supporting individuals with work-related stress, professional relationships, and workplace behavior. Additionally, she has been trained in Forensic and Criminal Psychology, with a focus on psychological assessment within legal contexts.

Kexagias S Ioannis is a Psychologist MA and Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Kavala. He holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at the University of Sheffield and has a Master's degree (MA) in Counseling Psychology from the University of Sheffield. He has completed psychotherapeutic training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and conducted his internship as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist at the private psychiatric clinic “Η Γαλήνη” and at the Community Counseling Center in Thessaloniki. He provides individual adult sessions both in person and online. Additionally, he specializes in anxiety and mood disorders, specific phobias, depression, eating disorders, panic attacks, psychosomatic symptoms, difficulties in relationships and communication, and the enhancement of self-image and self-esteem.

As part of his ongoing professional development, he attends numerous seminars and training sessions related to clinical health.

   Ονομάζομαι Γιώργος Βαφειάδης και εργάζομαι ως ψυχαναλυτικός ψυχοθεραπευτής στην Κατερίνη, όπου διατηρώ ιδιωτικό γραφείο από το 2024, ενώ δέχομαι θεραπευόμενους ιδιωτικά από το 2020.

  Είμαι απόφοιτος του Τμήματος Κοινωνικής Διοίκησης του Δημοκρίτειου Πανεπιστημίου Θράκης και εργάστηκα για περίπου τρία χρόνια ως στον Διεθνή Οργανισμό Μετανάστευσης. Εκεί απέκτησα σημαντική κλινική εμπειρία εργαζόμενος με ευάλωτες ομάδες και κυρίως με ψυχιατρικά περιστατικά, σε συνθήκες που μου έδωσαν βαθιά κατανόηση της ανθρώπινης δυσκολίας και ανθεκτικότητας.

  Στη συνέχεια ολοκλήρωσα το μεταπτυχιακό πρόγραμμα στη Συμβουλευτική Ψυχολογία και τη Συνθετική Ψυχοθεραπεία στο University of East London (UEL), όπου εκπαιδεύτηκα σε διαφορετικά ψυχοθεραπευτικά μοντέλα, όπως η γνωστική–συμπεριφορική, η προσωποκεντρική, η ψυχαναλυτική και η συστημική προσέγγιση. Η εκπαίδευση αυτή μου έδωσε τη δυνατότητα να εργάζομαι συνθετικά και να προσαρμόζω τη θεραπεία στις ανάγκες κάθε ανθρώπου. Στο πλαίσιο του μεταπτυχιακού πραγματοποίησα κλινική πρακτική ατομικής ψυχοθεραπείας υπό εποπτεία.

  Η βασική μου εκπαίδευση είναι στην ψυχαναλυτική ψυχοθεραπεία, την οποία ακολούθησα μέσα από την πενταετή εκπαίδευσή μου στην Ελληνική Εταιρεία Αναλυτικής Ομαδικής και Οικογενειακής Ψυχοθεραπείας. Η εκπαίδευση περιλάμβανε θεωρητική κατάρτιση στην ψυχανάλυση και στις αντικειμενότροπες σχέσεις, προσωπική ψυχοθεραπεία, εποπτεία περιστατικών και κλινική εμπειρία σε ψυχιατρικό πλαίσιο.

  Η ψυχαναλυτική προσέγγιση αποτελεί τον βασικό άξονα της δουλειάς μου, καθώς εστιάζει στην κατανόηση των βαθύτερων αιτίων των δυσκολιών και όχι μόνο στην αντιμετώπιση των συμπτωμάτων. Παράλληλα αξιοποιώ στοιχεία και από άλλες προσεγγίσεις, όταν αυτό κρίνεται χρήσιμο για τον θεραπευόμενο.

  Στο γραφείο μου εργάζομαι με ενήλικες, ζευγάρια και οικογένειες, καλύπτοντας ένα ευρύ φάσμα δυσκολιών. Παιδιά κάτω των 13 ετών βλέπω μόνο στο πλαίσιο οικογενειακής θεραπείας, όπου συνδυάζω ψυχαναλυτική και συστημική προσέγγιση.

  Στη θεραπεία δίνω ιδιαίτερη έμφαση στη δημιουργία ενός ασφαλούς χώρου όπου ο άνθρωπος μπορεί να μιλήσει ελεύθερα χωρίς φόβο κριτικής. Μέσα από τη θεραπευτική διαδικασία επιδιώκω ο θεραπευόμενος να κατανοήσει σε βάθος τον εαυτό του και τις σχέσεις του, να αποκτήσει μεγαλύτερη εσωτερική ηρεμία και να μπορέσει να προχωρήσει σε ουσιαστικές αλλαγές στη ζωή του.

  Πιστεύω ότι μέσα από τη βαθύτερη κατανόηση του εαυτού, κάποια από τα προβλήματα που μας απασχολούν υποχωρούν, κάποια άλλα μειώνονται, ενώ ορισμένα χρειάζεται να τα αποδεχτούμε ως κομμάτι του εαυτού μας. Η θεραπεία οδηγεί σταδιακά σε πιο ουσιαστικές σχέσεις, μεγαλύτερη συναισθηματική ισορροπία και πιο ώριμες αποφάσεις.

  Το ενδιαφέρον μου για την κατανόηση του ανθρώπου ξεκίνησε από νωρίς και συνδέεται με μια γενικότερη ανάγκη να εμβαθύνω στη φύση του ανθρώπου και των σχέσεων. Από νεαρή ηλικία με απασχολούσαν ζητήματα ψυχολογίας, φιλοσοφίας και ιστορίας, ενώ η πρώτη μου επαφή με την ψυχαναλυτική σκέψη έγινε ήδη από την εφηβεία. Η αναζήτηση αυτή συνεχίζεται μέχρι σήμερα και αποτελεί βασικό στοιχείο τόσο της προσωπικής όσο και της επαγγελματικής μου πορείας.

  Παράλληλα έχω παρακολουθήσει πλήθος σεμιναρίων σχετικών με την ψυχοπαθολογία, τις ανθρώπινες σχέσεις, τη γονεϊκότητα και τη διαχείριση του άγχους, ενώ συνεχίζω την εκπαίδευσή μου στο αντικείμενο της ψυχολογίας.

Kavadatos Aleksios, BSc, MSc, is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist with a private practice in Kozani. He graduated from the Department of Psychology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and holds a Master's Degree (MSc) in Clinical Psychology from the same institution. He has been trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Group Analysis, and possesses over 20 years of experience in the field of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Adult Psychotherapy. He has served as the Scientific Supervisor in psychosocial rehabilitation facilities in Thessaloniki and Kozani, as well as a Supervisor of the psychological support program of the 3rd Health Region “No One Alone During the Pandemic”. Additionally, he was a member of the Scientific Committee for the psychological support telephone line 10306. From 2009 to 2023, he maintained a private practice in Thessaloniki and currently practices professionally in Kozani. Since 2023, he has been the President of the NPO IONOS, an organization active in mental health and social rehabilitation. He has attended numerous seminars and conferences aimed at continuous professional development and has many publications and presentations in the mental health field. He has organized and coordinated counseling groups for parents, caregivers of persons with disabilities, educators, and healthcare professionals, as well as psychoeducational groups for managing anxiety and professional burnout.

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.

Tavanli Xrysa Maria is a Psychologist - Systemic Family Psychotherapist and conducts online sessions, including individual, couple, and family therapy. She has extensive experience in both the public and private sectors as a certified Psychologist. She has worked in various settings, including Community Centers, Special Education School Units, and KEDASY (Centers for Differential Diagnosis, Diagnosis, and Support), and currently serves as a School Psychologist at the Ministry of Education. She holds a Psychology degree from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and has completed postgraduate studies in Special Education. Additionally, she has completed a 4-year training program in Systemic Family Therapy. Concurrently, she is continuing her education with postgraduate studies in Gender Studies at the Hellenic Open University. She possesses significant experience in intervention within school, social, and therapeutic contexts, with particular sensitivity to diversity and vulnerable social groups. She approaches individuals’ needs with empathy, systemic thinking, and scientific evidence, emphasizing a collaborative relationship and targeted empowerment.

Petrou Vilma MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and conducts online sessions. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Athens with honors. She has held a professional practice license since 2021 and has specialized in stress management and anxiety disorders through the postgraduate program "Science of Stress and Health Promotion" at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Her psychotherapeutic approach is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), in which she was trained through the four-year training program of the Institute for Research and Behavioral Therapy (IEΘS). Simultaneously, through her participation in a holistic stress management and lifestyle change program for heroin-dependent users at the OKANA Unit of Sismanogleio Hospital, she gained valuable experience in the management of addictions, providing both individual and group sessions. In recent years, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, offering psychotherapy and counseling on issues such as anxiety disorders, depression, emotional difficulties, and interpersonal relationship challenges. Her experience includes individual adult sessions (both in-person and online), as well as sessions with children and adolescents through her collaboration with Special Therapy Centers. Her goal is to tailor the techniques she applies to the individualized needs of each client, aiming to improve their mental health and quality of life.

Eirini Karypidou is a Mental Health Counselor working with adults experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, depressive mood, low self-esteem, or emotional exhaustion. The therapeutic process provides a space of acceptance and freedom, where the individual can express themselves without fear of judgment and process their difficulties at their own pace. Her approach is based on respecting the uniqueness of each person and establishing a relationship of trust. Her goal is to consistently and empathetically support each individual in the deeper understanding of themselves and their emotions.

If you are experiencing anxiety, emotional stress, or relationship difficulties and feel the need for a safe space for expression, mental health counseling can serve as a meaningful support.

Available for online sessions.

Dimitra Karakasi is a Psychologist-Psychotherapist, graduate of the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She has completed postgraduate studies and specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She has worked in mental health facilities and school units, gaining experience in providing psychological support to adults, adolescents, and children. She deals with issues related to anxiety, depression, difficulties in interpersonal relationships, and enhancing self-esteem. Her clinical practice is based on scientifically validated methods, aiming to promote mental health and personal development.