Health professionals with experience in Chronic pain in Athens

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.

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.

Tragara Elena is a Psychologist and a certified Gestalt Psychotherapist, maintaining a private practice in Ano Patisia. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Panteion University and has been trained in the Gestalt therapeutic approach at the Psychotherapy and Training Center "Gestalt Foundation." As part of her studies, she completed her internship at the 251st General Air Force Hospital, as well as at the Clinical and Research Department of the Institut Curie in Paris, France. Additionally, she has received training in Clinical Psychopathology at Aeginiteio Hospital through the "Panagiotis Oulis" program. Throughout her professional career, she has worked as a Psychologist at the Rehabilitation and Recovery Center "Blocks Rehab Philoktitis," where she collaborated with individuals suffering from chronic conditions, as well as patients requiring psychological support during their rehabilitation and recovery following sudden health issues. Her objective is to create a safe space for individuals seeking to deeply understand themselves and evolve the way they relate to others. Within her practice, Ground Psychotherapy, a multipurpose psychotherapy space operates, founded on the principles of human care and empathy towards people's needs. It is a supportive environment that simultaneously provides the appropriate ground for the emergence of sensations, thoughts, emotions, and needs. Mental health services offered include individual and group psychotherapy, couples therapy, and counseling.

Sofikiti Roumpini is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Votanikos (near Kerameikos metro station). She completed her undergraduate studies at the Department of Psychology of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Subsequently, she specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling. Additionally, she completed her postgraduate studies in "Applications of Psychology in Health" at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. As part of her thesis, she studied and deepened her understanding of the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in managing chronic pain. She currently offers individual psychotherapy sessions, both in-person and online. In parallel, for the past two years, she has been collaborating with two private psychotherapy centers. Previously, she volunteered as a psychologist in mental health organizations such as the NGO Iasis and the Society of Social Psychiatry P. Sakellaropoulos. Her practical training was conducted at the Community Center of the Municipality of Agios Dimitrios, Attica. Finally, she has attended numerous individual continuing education seminars in mental health, aiming to further expand her knowledge and professional skills.

Η Αγγέλα Πριμικύρη είναι Σύμβουλος Ψυχικής Υγείας με εκπαίδευση στην Προσωποκεντρική και Focusing – Βιωματική Συμβουλευτική και Ψυχοθεραπεία, καθώς και στη Focusing Τραυματοθεραπεία. Διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Παγκράτι, όπου παρέχει συνεδρίες συμβουλευτικής, ψυχοθεραπείας και τραυματοθεραπείας σε ενήλικες, τόσο δια ζώσης όσο και διαδικτυακά.

Έπειτα από μια δεκαπενταετία εκπαιδευτικής και επαγγελματικής ενασχόλησης με την Αρχιτεκτονική, ολοκλήρωσε την 4ετή βιωματική εκπαίδευση στην Προσωποκεντρική και Focusing – Βιωματική Συμβουλευτική και Ψυχοθεραπεία και, στη συνέχεια, το εκπαιδευτικό πρόγραμμα βασικής εκπαίδευσης και το εκπαιδευτικό πρόγραμμα πιστοποίησης στην Focusing Τραυματοθεραπεία, στο Ελληνικό Κέντρο Focusing (HFC). Έχει επίσης ολοκληρώσει τη βασική εκπαίδευση στη Μη Βίαιη Επικοινωνία (NVC) με τον πιστοποιημένο εκπαιδευτή από το διεθνές Κέντρο Μη Βίαιης Επικοινωνίας (CNVC) Γιώργο Τσιτσιρίγκο, και το ετήσιο σεμινάριο Ψυχοπαθολογίας του Κέντρου Δια Βίου Μάθησης ΕΥΔΟΚΙΜΟΣ. Στο παρόν, βρίσκεται σε διαδικασία φοίτησης στο πρόγραμμα σπουδών Ψυχολογίας στη Σχολή Κοινωνικών-Ανθρωπιστικών Επιστημών του Aegean College σε συνεργασία με το University of Essex. Έχει συμμετάσχει στην εθελοντική ομάδα «Emfasis», με streetworks και ψυχολογική υποστήριξη σε ανθρώπους χωρίς στέγη και άτομα με εξαρτήσεις και το διάστημα 2015-2020, έχει υπάρξει ενεργό μέλος του εθελοντικού δικτύου ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης και κοινωνικής αλληλεγγύης «Συνύπαρξη», προσφέροντας ατομικές συνεδρίες συμβουλευτικής και ψυχοθεραπείας και ομαδικές συναντήσεις ως συντονίστρια και διευκολύντρια ομάδας θεραπείας και ανάπτυξης. Είναι μέλος της Ελληνικής Εταιρίας Συμβουλευτικής (Ε.Ε.Σ.) και της Ελληνικής Προσωποκεντρικής και Βιωματικής Εταιρείας (Ε.Π.Β.Ε.), παραμένει διαρκώς ενεργή επιμορφωτικά, συμμετέχοντας σε ποικίλα επιστημονικά σεμινάρια, συνέδρια και ημερίδες και βρίσκεται σε συνεχή διαδικασία προσωπικής θεραπείας και επαγγελματικής εποπτείας.

Εργάζεται ιδιωτικά με ενήλικες, παρέχοντας συνεδρίες συμβουλευτικής/ψυχοθεραπείας και τραυματοθεραπείας, προσωποκεντρικής και focusing-βιωματικής προσέγγισης, δια ζώσης και διαδικτυακά, και παραμένει βαθιά αφοσιωμένη στη συντρόφευση ανθρώπων στο προσωπικό τους ταξίδι αυτογνωσίας, ενδυνάμωσης, ίασης και ανάπτυξης. Κύριο μέλημά της είναι η δημιουργία ασφάλειας τόσο στη θεραπευτική σχέση όσο και στον εσωτερικό κόσμο των θεραπευόμενων καθώς έχει διαπιστώσει πως μόνο από μια θέση ταυτόχρονης εσωτερικής και εξωτερικής ασφάλειας και εμπιστοσύνης μπορούν να προσεγγιστούν ευάλωτα και πληγωμένα κομμάτια των ανθρώπων, ώστε να επουλωθούν οι πληγές και να καλλιεργηθεί η ανάπτυξη.

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.

Kandiliotis Danae is a psychologist - psychotherapist and has a private office in the centre of Athens. She holds a BSc, MSc in Psychology and is a member of the Hellenic Association of Psychologists. Community of Behavior Analysis. In addition, she has completed two years of study at the two post-graduate trainings in the Department of Sociology of Panteion University, two post-graduate trainings in Cognitive-Behavioural Psychotherapy and is a Behavioural Analyst. In her office she undertakes a variety of clinical cases, mainly anxiety disorders, mood and personality disorders. She has worked extensively with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and has attended as speaker at conferences, workshops and television shows. In addition, she has conducted internship at the Smile of the Child and has also been a collaborator of the Local Mental Health Promotion Team of the Municipality of Nea Smyrni and other institutions. Finally, she has attended numerous seminars and trainings regarding Psychology issues and Psychiatry, while she is also involved in issues of work and Organizational Psychology. She serves in the Athens area, in the centre of Athens and in the area of Ampelokipi. Both offices are located at a minimum distance from metro stations.

As a psychotherapist, I work with a calm, steady presence and offer a setting of safety, respect, and genuineness, where what you experience can be heard at your own pace. My approach is person-centered and non-directive: the goal is not to “change you,” but to create space for you to recognize what you feel, what you need, and how you wish to care for yourself. I accompany adults facing anxiety, sadness or low mood, burnout, fear/panic, relationship difficulties, grief, and self-esteem concerns. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship and the consistency of small steps: through quiet, attentive meetings, needs and boundaries come into focus, and more care is cultivated in everyday life. If this way of working feels right, it would be a pleasure to meet.

Matina Batzaki is a Psychologist with a private practice located in Ilisia. She graduated from the University of Crete and holds a master's degree in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry: Integrated Care of Physical and Mental Health from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She is undergoing training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Hellenic Society for Behavioral Research. Concurrently, she is pursuing further specialization in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) at the Institute of Behavioral Research and Therapy (IBRT), as well as in the Treatment of Eating Disorders at the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, in collaboration with EPIPSY. She has collaborated with public and private healthcare institutions, including Attikon University General Hospital, Penteli Children's General Hospital, and the Lyrakou Psychiatric Clinic, where she continues to work. Additionally, she is active in research in the field of psychopathology and health, with publications in international scientific journals. She maintains a private practice in Ilisia, where she provides psychotherapeutic services to adults, adolescents, and families, based on the principles of the Cognitive-Behavioral approach and contemporary scientific practice.

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.

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.

Haroula Tsatsani is a Psychologist, graduate of the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), and a Relational Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist, certified by the Institute of Relational and Group Psychotherapy (ISOPS). She is a member of the International Association for Relational Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy (IARPP) and the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA). She has successfully completed the Master's Program in "Clinical Management of Addictions" at the Athens Medical School and has extensive clinical experience in public and private mental health institutions. She has collaborated with Day Centers (Ariadni–KMOP, Galini–Prometheus), the Psychological Support Hotline 10306, primary and secondary education schools as a school psychologist, as well as hospitals such as "Evangelismos". Additionally, she has experience in the diagnosis and treatment of sexual dysfunctions, as well as supporting children and adolescents in shelters for unaccompanied minors. Currently, she maintains a private practice in Mets, providing psychotherapy to adults and adolescents facing difficulties in interpersonal relationships, mental disorders, psychosomatic symptoms, addictions, and other challenges. Simultaneously, she collaborates with the psychotherapeutic center "Psychoplefsi" in Athens and the Konstantakou office in Western Attica. She holds a Professional Practice License as a Psychologist (7894/12.10.2016) and receives consistent supervision and training, continuously advancing her personal and professional development.

Katerina Leventouri is a Clinical Psychologist (MSc) - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Exarchia. She graduated with honors from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (GPA 8.75) and holds a professional license. She has completed postgraduate studies in Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, specializing in Clinical Psychology with a grade of Excellent (9.14). During her postgraduate studies, she worked in the mental health department of the Hellenic Center for Mental Health and Research in Thessaloniki, as well as in the acute cases department of the Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki, handling a wide range of cases and gaining valuable experience in managing mental health issues such as anxiety, mood, and personality disorders. She has a particular interest in eating disorders, having collaborated as a trainee Clinical Psychologist with the Day Center for Eating Disorders ElpiZo of EPAPSY. Simultaneously, she has attended a one-year educational seminar on the treatment of eating disorders and has also conducted research on the topic. Additionally, she has participated in a research team at University College Cork in Ireland focusing on combating stigma in patients with chronic pain. As a professional, she places great emphasis on lifelong education, personal therapy, and supervision. As a psychotherapist, she follows an individualized approach, respecting each person's unique history, pace, and request within a safe framework of exploration and self-acceptance.

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.

Ioanna Marmarou BSc, MSc, PhD is a Clinical - Counseling Psychologist who maintains a private practice in the center of Athens, in Exarchia. She holds a PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of East London, a master's degree in Clinical & Community Psychology, and a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the same university. The therapist is a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society with professional license number 309612. The therapeutic process follows the Integrative Approach, which successfully incorporates Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, and Gestalt therapy. She holds certifications in School Psychology, Sexual Education for Children and Adolescents, and Drama Therapy. At Ioanna Marmarou's private practice, the counseling and psychotherapeutic process focuses on the uniqueness of each individual, allowing them to express every right - wrong, good - bad, normal - abnormal, realistic - imaginary, light - dark aspect of themselves and their broader life. The purpose of this therapeutic process is to serve as a journey for the client to explore their own self and their relationship with themselves, as well as the relationships and boundaries they have established within their social environment. A core principle of the therapist is the empowerment of the individual, aiming to build healthy relationships, achieve inner fulfillment, and maintain functionality in daily life.