Health professionals for Women empowerment in the Southern suburbs of Athens

Matina Stathaki is a Psychologist - Child Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Nea Smyrni. She holds a degree in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with postgraduate specialization in School Psychology from the same university. Since 2007, she has been active in the assessment of learning and emotional difficulties, as well as in counseling and psychological support for children and families. She possesses extensive experience in supporting children, adolescents, parents, and adults. Since 2016, she has operated her own office in Nea Smyrni, where individual and group sessions are offered. She is training in Systemic/Family Psychotherapy and has received additional education in Clinical Psychopathology of adults, children, and adolescents, Eating Disorders, Play Therapy, and Developmental Difficulties. She has collaborated with private centers, kindergartens, and educational institutions, coordinating groups for children and adults as well as parent empowerment programs. Additionally, she has conducted numerous seminars and experiential workshops focusing on therapeutic writing and the use of storytelling as a means of expression. Her therapeutic approach is based on respect, acceptance, and individualized care for each person. She addresses children, adolescents, parents, and adults seeking to manage emotional and learning difficulties, anxiety, or self-esteem issues. Her goal is to create conditions where every individual feels heard, accepted, and able to develop safely. She believes that therapy is not only about managing difficulties but also about discovering the individual's inner strengths.

Megalooikonomou Dimitra Mitsi is a Mental Health Counselor and maintains a private practice in Piraeus. She is a graduate of the Psychology Department of the American College of Greece and is a certified professional in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Timeline Therapy (relief from limiting beliefs, anxiety, stress), and Clinical Hypnotherapy from the Hellenic NLP Academy. She has received specialized training from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Couples and Family Counseling and Therapy, specializing in counseling for parents, adolescents, and couples. Additionally, she has attended numerous educational seminars and conferences related to self-improvement, boundary setting, goal achievement, and effective communication in both professional and personal contexts. Self-observation exercises, journaling, assignments, and specialized techniques serve as tools for enhancing self-awareness, personal development, and interpersonal relationships.

Aggeletaki Arxontoula is a Psychologist with a private practice in Piraeus. She graduated from the Department of Philosophy, Pedagogy and Psychology (majoring in Psychology) at the University of Ioannina and studied Psychology at Coventry University. She has experience and works with issues such as anxiety and mood disorders, personal development and relationship problems, grief, self-esteem and self-image improvement, phobias, and more.

Η Σκόνδρα Παναγιούλα είναι πιστοποιημένη Κλινική Κοινωνική Λειτουργός - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια, κάτοχος άδειας ασκήσεως επαγγέλματος. Είναι αριστούχος απόφοιτη του Πανεπιστημίου Πατρών. Εξειδικεύτηκε και ολοκλήρωσε την 4ετή εκπαίδευση της στη Συστημική - Οικογενειακή Ψυχοθεραπεία στην Εταιρεία Συστημικής Θεραπείας και Παρέμβασης σε Άτομα,Οικογένειες και Ευρύτερα Συστήματα (ΕΣΥΘΕΠΑΣ),αποκτώντας πολύτιμη κλινική εμπειρία δίπλα σε καταξιωμένους εκπαιδευτές και επόπτες ψυχοθεραπευτές. Μεγαλώνοντας είχε πάντα την ανάγκη να καταλάβει και να εξερευνήσει πως οι άνθρωποι έρχονται σε επαφή με τα συναισθήματά τους,τι είναι αυτό που τα ορίζει καθώς και πως θα συμπεριφερθούν και αντιδράσουν. Στη συνέχεια ανακάλυψε ότι σε όλα αυτά τα ερωτήματα μπορεί να δώσει απαντήσεις η διαδικασία της Ψυχοθεραπείας. Κατέχει Μεταπτυχιακό Τίτλο Σπουδών (MSc) στην “Αναπτυξιακή Ψυχοπαθολογία” και μέσα από την εμπειρία της της δόθηκε η δυνατότητα να διαχειρίζεται και να αντιμετωπίζει προβλήματα ψυχικής υγείας. Επίσης, διαθέτει δίπλωμα Συντονιστή - Εκπαιδευτή Σχολών Γονέων από τον Πανελλήνιο Σύνδεσμο Σχολών Γονέων και εργάζεται σε συνεργασία με δημοτικά σχολεία, νηπιαγωγεία και ιδιωτικούς παιδικούς σταθμούς με γονείς, παρέχοντας συμβουλευτική είτε ατομικά, είτε ομαδικά. Μετά από είκοσι σχεδόν συνεχόμενα χρόνια εμπειρίας στο χώρο της Κοινωνικής Εργασίας και της Ψυχοθεραπείας έχει εργαστεί τόσο με εφήβους και οικογένειες, όσο και με ενήλικες που βίωναν άγχος, κατάθλιψη, κρίσεις πανικού, διαταραχές σίτισης, μειωμένη αυτοεκτίμηση, καθώς και δυσκολίες στις σχέσεις. Έχει παρακολουθήσει πλήθος σεμιναρίων εστιασμένα στην ψυχοπαθολογία, στη συμβουλευτική, την ψυχοθεραπεία και στην ψυχική υγεία ευρύτερα. Στο ιδιωτικό της γραφείο που διατηρεί στον Πειραιά (Δραγάτση 2-4 πλησίον σταθμού Μετρό), εργάζεται με ενήλικες, ζευγάρια, εφήβους και οικογένειες. Παράλληλα εργάζεται ως Κοινωνική Λειτουργός στο Κέντρο Κοινότητας του Δήμου Κερατσινίου - Δραπετσώνας, στο οποίο παρέχει ψυχοκοινωνική στήριξη σε ευάλωτες ομάδες, καθώς και ενασχόληση με προνοιακά επιδόματα (αναπηρικά, επίδομα στέγασης, Κοινωνικό Εισόδημα Αλληλεγγύης). Τέλος,είναι εγγεγραμμένο μέλος στον Σύνδεσμο Κοινωνικών Λειτουργών Ελλάδος και μέλος της EFTA. Ο φόβος είναι ένα εύλογο συναίσθημα στην αρχή της θεραπείας, αλλά με τον κατάλληλο θεραπευτή, μέσα σε ένα ασφαλές πλαίσιο, μπορούν να φωτιστούν όλα τα σκοτεινά σημεία, να κατανοηθούν άγνωστες πλευρές του εαυτού μας και να δοκιμαστούν νέοι τρόποι σκέψης και συμπεριφοράς.

Skoupra Maria Foteini is a Psychologist - Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapist with a professional license and maintains a private practice in Glyfada. She studied Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling. Subsequently, she specialized in the Third Wave of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which includes a variety of approaches such as Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Compassion-Focused Therapy, representing an evolution of traditional CBT. In addition to her private practice in Ilioupoli, she also works as a Psychologist on the online platforms Therapy Space and Melapus. Finally, she has attended and continues to attend numerous educational and scientific seminars and conferences, aiming for continuous education, while she herself is under supervision and personal therapy.

Papaxristopoulou Eugenia is a Psychologist - Clinical Neuropsychologist and maintains a private practice in Piraeus. She studied Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a postgraduate degree in Clinical Neuropsychology from the Medical School of Athens. She is also specialized in Integrative Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents. She possesses significant experience, having served at the Special Care Center for Children of the Hellenic Navy, conducting numerous neuropsychological assessments of children and adolescents as well as therapeutic sessions. Additionally, she participated in cognitive empowerment groups at the Cognitive Strengthening Center of the Neurological Clinic of the Naval Hospital. Furthermore, she collaborates with psychological support centers. She is also a lecturer in psychology and neuropsychology courses at Metropolitan College, teaching the Greek editions of the WISC V and WAIS IV psychometric tools. She provides practical training for university students. Finally, she participates in numerous conferences of neurological or child psychological interest and concurrently delivers educational seminars in various certified private centers.

Marina Papadogianni is a Psychologist-Psychotherapist, holder of a valid professional license in Greece, and maintains a private practice in Glyfada. She graduated in Psychology from the University of East London, UK, with postgraduate studies in Human Resource Management from Canterbury Christ Church University, UK, and in Clinical and Cognitive Neuropsychology from the public University of Strasbourg, France. She has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, holding a diploma from the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling (KE.PSY.SY), and is trained in Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) from the Hellenic Center for Compassion-Focused Therapy. She has worked as a Psychologist in drug rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities in Athens, and day centers supporting individuals with dementia as a Neuropsychologist. Currently, she collaborates with neurological-psychiatric clinics of General Hospitals and mental health centers. She also conducts Psychotherapeutic and Counseling sessions for adults and adolescents, Neuropsychological assessments, and Neuropsychological rehabilitation sessions for individuals with neurological conditions. She has participated as a speaker in awareness seminars related to the brain and attends conferences, workshops, and training sessions aimed at professional development and knowledge enhancement. She is a member of the Hellenic Neuropsychological Society (ENPS).

Ariadni Karatzeni is a graduate of the School of Social Work. She studied at the University of West Attica, specializing in Counseling Psychotherapy and Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. As an active member of the Hellenic Association of Social Workers, she is committed to promoting social change, resolving interpersonal issues, and empowering individuals to enhance their well-being. Guided by the principles of social work, she applies theories of human behavior and social systems to intervene at points where individuals interact with their environment. The principles of human rights and social justice, along with respect for these rights, are fundamental. Her primary objective is to facilitate the social integration of marginalized, excluded, and vulnerable social groups experiencing high-risk situations. Intervention using specific scientific approaches in dysfunctional social situations and crises empowers individuals, groups, and communities to resolve biopsychosocial problems and promote their social adaptation and well-being.

At the mental health center of Ms. Karypidi in Ilioupoli, directed by Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist Dimitra Karypidi Kai Synergates, Psychologist Pinelopi Lalioti, MSc, collaborates by providing psychotherapy sessions within the interdisciplinary team of the clinic.

She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has completed the Master's Program in "Early Intervention in Psychosis" at the Medical School of Athens. Simultaneously, she is training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy through a four-year study program at the Hellenic Society of Cognitive Psychotherapies.

She works at the Non-Profit Organization "Xenios Zeus," at the Residential Facility of the Southern Sector of Athens in Moschato, where she provides psychological support to adults with severe psychiatric disorders and psychosocial difficulties, contributing to their empowerment and reintegration into the community.

As part of her professional and voluntary activities, she has collaborated with the A’ Residential Facility of Attica of the Social Psychiatry Society "P. Sakellaropoulos," the Community Mental Health Center of Vyronas of the A’ Psychiatric Clinic, as well as the Day Center of the Alzheimer's Disease Society of Athens. Additionally, she participates in scientific conferences and continuing education programs, continuously enriching her scientific expertise.

Her office is housed in the modern medical facilities of the SYNAPSI company in Ilioupoli, and for optimal appointment scheduling, it is recommended to initiate contact by phone with the secretariat.

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.

Chrysa Xatzixaralampou BSc, MSc is a psychologist who conducts sessions with adolescents and adults both online and in person. She holds a master's degree in Integrative Counseling and Psychotherapy, having completed the three-year program at the University of Derby, and is also a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Additionally, she is training in Systemic Psychotherapy and Counseling at Ce.S.Me.Th (Center for Systemic Study and Therapy). As part of her continuous education, she has attended numerous conferences and seminars focusing on special education, school and developmental psychology, and psychotherapy. During her undergraduate studies, she completed her internship in the Acute Cases Department at the Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki. Subsequently, she undertook a postgraduate internship at a private office of a systemic psychotherapist, conducting individual sessions with adults. Concurrently, she has been active in the field of therapy with children and adolescents, addressing neurodevelopmental, emotional, and behavioral issues. She has also worked with adults, providing individual counseling and psychotherapy sessions as well as psychoeducational groups. Furthermore, she has been employed in vocational counseling, working with individuals facing severe psychosocial difficulties, focusing on psychoses, while coordinating support groups for people with psychosis and other psychosocial challenges aimed at enhancing their social skills. Moreover, she is a member of the Hellenic Association of Supported Employment (EL.ET.YP.E.) and the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy). Currently, the psychologist collaborates with a psychotherapy center, offering individual psychotherapy sessions for children and adolescents, support groups for children and adolescents, and parental counseling.

Evgenia Grypari is a Psychologist with extensive experience in the field of mental health, currently collaborating with the center “Charin Noiseos” in Moschato. She graduated from the Department of Psychology of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Philosophy, while simultaneously attending the Hellenic Military Academy of Corps Officers (2009–2013). She later completed her Master’s Degree in “Mental Health and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry” at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (2020–2022).

Since 2013, she has been serving as a psychologist in the Hellenic Navy, having worked in several mental health units such as the Psychiatric Clinic of the Naval Hospital of Athens, the Joint Center for Mental Health of the Armed Forces (414 SNEN), and the Naval Hospital of Salamina. She has also staffed the 24-hour National Helpline for Psychological Support and Crisis Intervention, and has served aboard a warship as a military psychologist, gaining valuable insight into the psychological challenges faced by personnel in operational environments. Additionally, she has held administrative and coordinating positions related to health and personnel management within the Armed Forces.

Evgenia Grypari participates annually in the selection and evaluation processes for candidates of the military academies and Armed Forces personnel. She has also completed internships at the Self-Help Promotion Program of Thessaloniki (supporting individuals in substance recovery) and at the Psychiatric Department of the “Agia Sofia” Children’s Hospital.

Her clinical experience covers a wide range of cases, including:

• Depression and anxiety disorders
• Personality disorders and psychoses
• Relationship and marital difficulties
• Parental counseling and divorce management
• Perinatal and postpartum depression
• Eating disorders
• Adolescent issues and identity development
• Sexual disorders and sexual identity concerns

She has further training and specialization in:

• Child psychology
• Relationship and divorce management
• Art Therapy (Vera Vasarhelyi method) for children and adolescents (6–18 years)
• Children’s drawing interpretation
• Music therapy
• Eating disorders
• High-functioning autism

Her therapeutic approach is person-centered and integrative, aiming to provide a safe and supportive environment that fosters self-awareness, emotional resilience, and personal growth.