Health professionals for Trauma

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.

Giorgos Orfanos is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains two private practices, in Peristeri and Athens (Ilisia - Hilton). He holds a distinction-awarded master's degree in Applied Clinical Psychology (MSc in Applied Clinical Psychology with Distinction) from the University of Central Lancashire, as well as a first-class honours degree in Psychology (BSc Hons Psychology Science – First Class Honours) from the University of Essex. Additionally, he has completed studies in Economics at Kingston University in London. He specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which he completed at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling, with experience in individual sessions and group interventions within mental health organizations such as the NGOs Agkalia and Symvallein. His therapeutic approaches incorporate elements from the "third wave" of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), including Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Furthermore, his extensive background in the business sector has motivated him to continuously develop his knowledge of critical psychological concepts such as anxiety, stress, and generally high psycho-emotional pressure and performance conditions (performance psychology). He believes in a collaborative relationship, considering the therapeutic alliance and unconditional acceptance as the cornerstone for the success of therapy, the enhancement of self-awareness, psychological resilience, and personal development.

Therapy Peristeri is a modern Center for Therapeutic Interventions in Peristeri that provides psychotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy services both on an individual and group basis.

Therapy Peristeri - Xarisis Euthymios Kai Synergates is the founder and scientific director of the Special Therapies Center Therapy Peristeri and is an occupational therapist who offers great passion in his work.

At Therapy Peristeri, therapy begins with the human relationship. The center's team consists of experienced and dedicated therapists who love what they do and truly care for each individual. Through collaboration, respect, and a personalized approach, they create an environment of safety and trust where everyone can progress at their own pace. The team consists of Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech Therapists.

Specialized therapeutic services are provided for children, adolescents, and adults, aiming to develop skills and improve quality of life. The primary goal of the center’s team is to deliver high-quality care tailored to the unique needs of each individual.

The team approaches each client with absolute responsibility, complete understanding, and always personalized care.

Pasxalidis Theodoros is a Clinical Psychologist specializing in anxiety, panic attacks, and overthinking, as well as learning and school-related difficulties. He assists individuals experiencing continuous stress, pressure, or difficulty calming their minds to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and acquire practical tools for daily life. Additionally, he supports cases involving low self-esteem, interpersonal relationship challenges, professional stress, and school-related issues, approaching each person with respect and aiming for meaningful change. Acknowledging that one is not invincible or omnipotent and taking the step to speak with a psychologist is not a sign of weakness but an act of strength and honesty towards oneself.

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.

Ntikouli Aleksandra was born and raised in Larissa and has lived in Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Kos, and Kozani. Additionally, during her postgraduate studies, she lived for two years in the city of Malmö, Sweden. After completing her studies, she gained clinical experience in various settings, working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. She studied Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and then completed her postgraduate degree in Criminology at Malmö University. Currently, she is training in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy (CBT) at the Hellenic Society for Behavioral Research. She completed her internship at the Counseling Center of KETHEA ITHAKI in Thessaloniki, where she provided counseling to families of adolescent and adult substance users, participated in group meetings of the center’s members, and engaged in report writing and file organization for the members. During her professional experience as a School Psychologist in Public Education, she collaborated with professionals such as Social Workers, Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Special Educators, organized and conducted prevention and crisis intervention programs related to the school environment, provided parental counseling, as well as individual sessions to children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD, Autism, and other Developmental Disorders. Additionally, she administered various standardized cognitive assessment tools for children, such as the Raven Standard Progressive Matrices Test, sets A, B, C, D, and E, and the Greek version of the Weschsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-III). She also provided training in social skills using cognitive-behavioral techniques and various psychoeducational tools. Currently, she works privately as a Psychologist, offering online sessions to diverse populations.

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.

Valla Faii is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Thessaloniki at 10 Tsimiski Street. She has completed undergraduate studies in Psychology and postgraduate studies in Neuroscience, focusing on the integration of basic research with clinical application at the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Her thesis concerns the functional connectivity of the brain in patients with Schizophrenia. Among other qualifications, she has attended the introductory lecture series in Psychoanalysis by the Hellenic Psychoanalytic Society and has participated in activities of the Northern Greece Psychoanalytic Society. She has gained valuable experience through her collaboration with an institution for individuals with intellectual disabilities, as well as through her work in a mental health facility serving patients with psychiatric disorders. Throughout her career, she has engaged with the pediatric population, collaborating with specialized therapy centers for children and adolescents and providing parental counseling sessions. Additionally, she worked as an evaluating psychologist in the "Personal Assistant" program for people with disabilities, offering supportive services. Concurrently, she is a trainee member at the European Institute of Counseling and Psychotherapy of Chania, specializing in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. She receives continuous supervision and personal analysis.

Ο Νίκος Τσιούμας είναι Ψυχολόγος - Γνωσιακός Συμπεριφορικός Ψυχοθεραπευτή, και συνιδιοκτήτης του Κέντρου Ψυχοθεραπείας και Συμβουλευτικής Ενηλίκων «Δια Ψυχής». Ολοκλήρωσε τις σπουδές του στην επιστήμη της Ψυχολογίας το 2014, ενώ τo 2016 αποφοίτησε με τιμητική διάκριση από το Μεταπτυχιακό του Cardiff Metropolitan University στην Ψυχολογία της Υγείας. Το 2017 ολοκλήρωσε με επιτυχία το Ετήσιο Πρόγραμμα Κατάρτισης στην Γνωσιακή – Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία του Πανεπιστημίου Αιγαίου, προσέγγιση στην οποία και αποφάσισε να εκπαιδευτεί περεταίρω στην μετέπειτα πορεία του.

Έχει εργαστεί ως καθηγητής σε προπτυχιακά και μεταπτυχιακά προγράμματα από το 2018, όταν και επέστρεψε από σπουδές στην Αγγλία, μέχρι και το 2025, όπου επέλεξε να αφοσιωθεί εξ ολοκλήρου στην Ψυχοθεραπεία. Έχει διδάξει σε τμήματα Εργοθεραπείας, Λογοθεραπείας, Παιδαγωγικών, Διαιτολογίας και Ψυχολογίας, ενώ έχει διετελέσει μέλος της διοικητικής ομάδας του τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Aegean College. Από το 2022 εκπαιδεύεται στην Γνωσιακή – Συμπεριφορική Ψυχοθεραπεία στο Κέντρο Εφαρμοσμένης Ψυχοθεραπείας & Συμβουλευτικής [ΚΕ.ΨΥ.ΣΥ] καθώς και έχει εργαστεί ψυχοθεραπευτικά, τόσο ιδιωτικά όσο και ως θεραπευτής στο Κέντρο Λογοθεραπείας – Εργοθεραπείας «Το Ρόδι».

Κατέχει άδεια ασκήσεως επαγγέλματος Ψυχολόγου στην Ελλάδα, έχει πραγματοποιήσει πρακτική στο Γενικό Νοσοκομείο Νίκαιας Πειραιά «Άγιος Παντελεήμων» και στο Κέντρο Ημέρας Alzheimer στο Μαρούσι, ενώ έχει παρουσιάσει ερευνητικές εργασίες σε πανευρωπαϊκά και διεθνή συνέδρια. Εξειδικεύεται στην θεραπεία ενηλίκων και εργάζεται με ευρύ φάσμα συμπτωματολογίας, συμπεριλαμβανομένων αγχωδών διαταραχών, συναισθηματικών διαταραχών, φοβιών και διαταραχών προσωπικότητας. Ως ψυχοθεραπευτής, στόχος του είναι η δημιουργία ενός ασφαλούς περιβάλλοντος με έμφαση στην κατανόηση και την αποδοχή. Για τον ίδιο, η επίτευξη απτών αποτελεσμάτων και εμφανούς αλλαγής αποτελούν χαρακτηριστικά υψίστης σημασίας στην πορεία προς την αυτογνωσία και το ευρύτερο θεραπευτικό ταξίδι.

Η Χαλιώτη Ελπίδα είναι Ψυχολόγος και παρέχει συνεδρίες μέσω Βιντεοκλήσης. Είναι απόφοιτη του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Παντείου Πανεπιστημίου Κοινωνικών και Πολιτικών Επιστημών, και πραγματοποιεί μεταπτυχιακές σπουδές στη Γνωσιακή-Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία (CBT). Στην ψυχοθεραπευτική της προσέγγιση δίνει έμφαση στη δημιουργία μιας σχέσης ασφάλειας, αποδοχής και εμπιστοσύνης, μέσα στην οποία κάθε άνθρωπος μπορεί να εξερευνήσει τις σκέψεις, τα συναισθήματα και τις δυσκολίες που αντιμετωπίζει χωρίς φόβο κριτικής. Μέσα από τη Γνωσιακή-Συμπεριφορική προσέγγιση, στόχος της είναι να κατανοηθούν τα μοτίβα σκέψης και συμπεριφοράς που μπορεί να συντηρούν τη δυσκολία και, σταδιακά, να αναπτυχθούν πιο λειτουργικοί τρόποι διαχείρισης και αντιμετώπισής της. Παρέχονται υπηρεσίες για την αντιμετώπιση ζητημάτων όπως το άγχος, οι κρίσεις πανικού, η χαμηλή αυτοεκτίμηση, οι δυσκολίες στις σχέσεις, η διαχείριση συναισθημάτων, οι αλλαγές και οι απαιτητικές περίοδοι ζωής. Πιστεύει ότι η ψυχοθεραπεία δεν είναι μια διαδικασία κατά την οποία ο θεραπευτής δίνει έτοιμες απαντήσεις, αλλά ένας χώρος συνεργασίας, όπου ο θεραπευόμενος μπορεί να κατανοήσει καλύτερα τον εαυτό του, να αναγνωρίσει τις ανάγκες του και να αποκτήσει σταδιακά περισσότερη αυτονομία και εμπιστοσύνη στις δικές του δυνατότητες. Κάθε θεραπευτική διαδικασία είναι διαφορετική και προσαρμόζεται στις ανάγκες, τον ρυθμό και τους στόχους του κάθε ανθρώπου.

Η Αναστασία Βαρβάρα είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια με εξειδίκευση στις αγχώδεις διαταραχές σε ενήλικες, εφήβους και παιδιά. Διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στη Θεσσαλονίκη παρέχοντας υπηρεσίες ψυχοθεραπείας και συμβουλευτικής δια-ζώσης και διαδικτυακά. Είναι απόφοιτος Ψυχολογίας του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης και κάτοχος μεταπτυχιακού τίτλου στην Ψυχολογία Παιδιού και Εφήβου από το Πανεπιστήμιο Greenwich του Λονδίνου. Ειδικεύεται στη Γνωστική- Συμπεριφορική Ψυχοθεραπεία (CBT), μια επιστημονικά τεκμηριωμένη προσέγγιση με υψηλή αποτελεσματικότητα στην αντιμετώπιση αγχωδών διαταραχών, όπως κρίσεις πανικού, γενικευμένο άγχος, φοβίες, ψυχαναγκαστική-καταναγκαστική διαταραχή και κοινωνικό άγχος. Παράλληλα, υποστηρίζει θεραπευόμενους σε ένα ευρύ φάσμα δυσκολιών, όπως διαταραχές διάθεσης, διατροφικές δυσκολίες, νευροαναπτυξιακές διαταραχές (όπως ΔΕΠΥ και αυτισμός) και δυσκολίες στις διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις. Βρίσκεται σε συνεχιζόμενη εκπαίδευση στο τετραετές πρόγραμμα της Ελληνικής Εταιρείας Γνωστικής Συμπεριφορικής Ψυχοθεραπείας, πιστοποιημένο από την Ευρωπαϊκή Εταιρεία Συμπεριφορικών και Γνωστικών Θεραπειών (EABCT). Έχει σημαντική επαγγελματική εμπειρία στο Λονδίνο, όπου εργάστηκε σε μη κυβερνητικές οργανώσεις και στο Εθνικό Σύστημα Υγείας της Αγγλίας (NHS), παρέχοντας ατομική και ομαδική ψυχοθεραπεία, καθώς και συμβουλευτική υποστήριξη σε ενήλικες και παιδιά, με βάση τα πλέον σύγχρονα θεραπευτικά μοντέλα της CBT(Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy). Στο πλαίσιο αυτό, έχει εξειδικευτεί στην αξιολόγηση και διαχείριση συναισθηματικών κρίσεων, διαπροσωπικών δυσκολιών και περιστατικών βίας σε παιδιατρικό και εφηβικό πληθυσμό, λαμβάνοντας εντατική κλινική εποπτεία. Κατά τη διάρκεια της επαγγελματικής της πορείας, έχει συνεργαστεί με Κέντρα Ειδικών Θεραπειών στη Θεσσαλονίκη, υποστηρίζοντας παιδιά με νευρο-αναπτυξιακές διαταραχές όπως ΔΕΠΥ και φάσμα του αυτισμού και τις οικογένειες τους. Δίνει ιδιαίτερη έμφαση στη δημιουργία ενός ασφαλούς, εμπιστευτικού και υποστηρικτικού θεραπευτικού πλαισίου, ενώ παράλληλα διασφαλίζει την ποιότητα των υπηρεσιών της μέσω συνεχούς επιμόρφωσης, συμμετέχοντας σε διεθνή επιστημονικά συνέδρια του Ευρωπαϊκού φορέα Γνωστικών-Συμπεριφορικών θεραπειών.

Gesthimani Pantelidou is a Mental Health Counselor - Psychotherapist and has been running the Mental Health Center - "aniGma" in Nea Smyrni for the past 7 years. She deals with issues related to personal anxieties, difficulties and dilemmas, family matters, issues and challenges concerning adolescents and the elderly, as well as emotional, psychosomatic, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress, and the management of loss and grief. Additionally, as a personal coach with extensive experience in the business sector, she supports the encouragement of change, motivation, utilization of personal potential, enhancement of self-confidence and self-esteem, management of indecisiveness, as well as goal setting and achievement. Based on the Synthetic Approach, she combines techniques from Person-Centered, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Psychodynamic therapies, as well as personal coaching techniques, to flexibly adapt to the needs and personality of each client. In today’s era of general disorientation and loneliness, the human individual strives to cope with pain, fear, and anxiety arising from the ambiguity of their constantly changing life. Psychological support and counseling sessions aim to reveal the distinctly personal functional adaptation method of the individual to the present and future of their life, discovering the unused potentials of their soul in conjunction with the ongoing cultivation of their communication skills with their environment.

“...I am not entirely guilty for the life I lead, since I did not choose it, nor am I entirely innocent from the moment I continue it...”

Panagiota Sampalou is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with extensive experience in individual psychotherapy for adults and young adults, maintaining a private practice in Cholargos. She has been active in the field since 2014, concurrently engaging in academic teaching and participating in Psychoanalytic and Psychotherapeutic programs. She holds a degree in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She possesses a professional psychologist license valid throughout the country issued by the General Directorate of Public Health and Social Welfare. She teaches "Psychodynamic Models" and "Psychodynamic Developmental Theories" at the Greek Center for Training – Psychotherapy through Arts. She specializes in Relational Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy as well as classical Psychoanalytic thought and practice. She has participated as a speaker at conferences and workshops.

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.

Η Παυλίδου Χριστίνα είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και πραγματοποιεί διαδικτυακές συνεδρίες. Είναι απόφοιτη Ψυχολογίας (BSc) και κάτοχος μεταπτυχιακού τίτλου στην Κλινική και Κοινοτική Ψυχολογία (MSc) από το University of East London, ενώ έχει ολοκληρώσει την εκπαίδευσή της στη Συστημική Ψυχοθεραπεία στο Ινστιτούτο Εκπαίδευσης και Έρευνας «Λόγω Ψυχής». Διαθέτει επαγγελματική εμπειρία σε κλινικά και θεραπευτικά πλαίσια, έχοντας εργαστεί ως ψυχολόγος στο Τμήμα Υποβοηθούμενης Αναπαραγωγής και στη Μονάδα Εξωσωματικής Γονιμοποίησης (IVF) του ΙΑΣΩ, σε κέντρο ειδικών θεραπειών και ως εξωτερική συνεργάτιδα σε ιδιωτικό ιατρείο παιδοψυχιάτρου. Παράλληλα, παρέχει ψυχοθεραπευτικές συνεδρίες διαδικτυακά. Το επιστημονικό της ενδιαφέρον περιλαμβάνει τη μελέτη του ψυχικού τραύματος και των αντιδράσεων του νευρικού συστήματος, με σχετική παρουσίαση δύο μελετών περίπτωσης στο 19ο Πανελλήνιο Συνέδριο Ψυχολογικής Έρευνας.

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.

Dr. Angelos Panagiotopoulos is a Clinical Psychologist - Psychotherapist, a graduate of the University of Geneva, PhD and researcher at the Department of Psychology of the University of Athens, supervisor of theses at the Society for Cognitive Behavioral Studies and a certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist.

He studied Psychology at the University of Plymouth, England, where he received a commendation for academic excellence. He specialized in Clinical Psychology at the University of Geneva, Switzerland as a University Scholar, doing his clinical training at the Psychiatric Department of the University Hospital of Geneva. Upon his return to Greece, he served for one year at the General Staff of the Army as a psychologist at the Soldiers' Support Line.

He followed a 4-year specialization in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at the Society for Cognitive Behavioral Studies and worked as a psychotherapist for children, adolescents and adults at the Institute for Behavioral Research and Treatment and the Center for Child Neurodevelopmental Education. Along with his clinical training, he completed his PhD thesis at the Department of Psychology, University of Athens as a fellow of the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation.

He is currently a thesis supervisor at the Society for Cognitive Behavioral Studies, works as a researcher at the Department of Psychology of the University of Athens in a funded research project and maintains his private office in the area of Ampelokipoi-Platia Mavilis.

Karamitros Xristos BSc, MBA is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Neo Irakleio. He holds a degree in Psychology from Cardiff Metropolitan University and has completed postgraduate studies in Clinical Cognitive Neuropsychology at the University of Strasbourg. Concurrently, he continues training in Systemic Psychotherapy at the Institute of Education and Research in Systemic Psychotherapy "Logos Psychis". He has completed practical volunteer work at the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association. In his private practice, he offers a wide range of services, respecting the unique needs of each patient.