Psychologists in Heraklion

The INTERNUS counseling and psychotherapy center, led by clinical psychologist Mr. Kargakis Emmanouil - Internus, maintains offices in Heraklion, Rethymno, Chania, and Athens, offering a wide range of services concerning treatment, rehabilitation, prevention, and promotion of mental health, primarily based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Mr. Kargakis, a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki with postgraduate studies in Clinical and Counseling Psychology at La Salle University of Philadelphia, and his experienced associates, supported by a modern and continuous framework of supervision, training, and professional development through attendance at national and international psychology conferences, ensure the provision of the most advanced mental health services. Over the years, our center has developed activities and collaborations with various organizations such as SOS Children's Villages, O.E.V.E.N.H, O.E.V.E.N.X, secondary education tutoring centers, schools of various levels, sports clubs, educational seminars for the general public, appearances on television and radio programs, and contributions to local blogs. Sessions are conducted by appointment either in person or online.

Mytautsi Stella is a Psychologist & Child Psychologist – Psychotherapist with two private practices in Heraklion, Crete, and in central Athens. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Panteion University and holds a master's degree (MSc Child and Adolescent Mental Health) from King’s College London, officially recognized by DOATAP.

During her studies in the United Kingdom, she trained at the Institute of Psychiatry and the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, gaining valuable clinical experience in modern, scientifically validated therapeutic models. Upon returning to Greece, she specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and completed the postgraduate Clinical Psychopathology program at the Psychiatric Clinic of the Medical School of Athens.

In recent years, she has expanded her clinical training in contemporary therapies, such as Schema Therapy, EMDR trauma therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). Simultaneously, she has specialized in the treatment of Eating Disorders.

Her therapeutic approach is individualized, combining scientific evidence with an emphasis on the therapeutic relationship, empathy, and understanding of deeper psychological patterns.

She has been practicing privately as a psychologist since 2016 and holds a professional practice license.

• The decision to begin psychotherapy is an important step in taking care of oneself. Often, the challenges of daily life, stress, demands, or life changes can make us feel as though we’ve lost our balance. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where everyone can express themselves freely, gain a better understanding of themselves, and develop new ways to cope with the challenges they face.

• I am a licensed psychologist, I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Wrexham Glyndŵr University, and I hold a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Cognitive Neuropsychology. I am also currently training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the University of Crete, and I have completed specialization programs in Counseling and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy.

• My therapeutic approach is primarily based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a scientifically validated method that helps identify and modify dysfunctional patterns of thought and behavior. Each therapeutic process is tailored to the needs, values, and personal goals of each client, as I believe that every person is unique.

• I provide support to adults facing challenges such as:

i) anxiety / panic attacks / agoraphobia / health anxiety,

ii) chronic stress and burnout,

iii) depression / depressive symptoms,

iv) difficulties in interpersonal and romantic relationships,

v) low self-esteem and self-confidence issues,

vi) emotional regulation,

vii) personal growth, self-awareness, and improving quality of life.

• At the same time, thanks to my academic background in Cognitive Neuropsychology, I have a particular scientific interest in the connection between cognitive functions and mental health. I address issues related to neurodevelopmental and neurocognitive difficulties, such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), mild cognitive disorders, and dementia, providing psychological support and counseling to the individuals themselves and, where necessary, to their families, in collaboration with the relevant medical specialties.

• My therapeutic approach combines the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with current knowledge in Cognitive Neuropsychology, taking into account both the psychological and cognitive processes that influence each person’s daily functioning and quality of life.

• I believe that therapy is not limited to simply managing difficulties, but is a process of personal growth. Through collaboration, trust, and the use of scientifically validated therapeutic tools, the goal is to bring about meaningful change and strengthen mental resilience.

Sessions are conducted online, in both Greek and English, with respect for each person’s needs and individual pace.

Rasoulis Giorgos is a Clinical Psychologist and maintains a private practice in Heraklion, Crete, where he provides psychotherapeutic services to adults. He is a graduate of the University of East London. His professional approach is based on scientific knowledge, empathy, and respect for the individual, aiming to enhance self-awareness, manage emotional difficulties, and improve mental well-being. He utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and counseling psychotherapy, tailoring methods to the specific needs of each case. Sessions are conducted both in person and online, allowing individuals from all over Greece and abroad to receive support in a manner adapted to their needs.

If you are experiencing anxiety, internal pressure, or difficulties in your relationships, it may be time to connect more closely with what you are going through.

Psychotherapy is not merely a problem-solving process—it is a space of understanding where you can give meaning to your experiences and create meaningful change.

Dimitrios Tolidis is a B.Sc Psychologist – M.Sc in Clinical and Dynamic Psychology, working with adults and couples, providing a safe and stable therapeutic environment.

His therapeutic approach emphasizes:

• understanding emotional patterns

• exploring relationships

• and processing traumatic experiences

The work is based on an integrative approach, centered on psychodynamic understanding and elements of psychotraumatology, tailored to the pace and needs of each individual.

Sessions are conducted in person in Heraklion, Crete, and online.

Understanding begins within us.

Pleksousakis Dimitris is a Psychologist with a master's degree in Applied Clinical Psychology (MSc, University of Central Lancashire). He completed his undergraduate studies in Psychology (BSc, Wrexham Glyndwr University) and simultaneously trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the University of Crete.

His professional experience includes an internship at the Psychiatric Clinic of the University Hospital of Heraklion, where he worked with diverse clinical cases and developed skills in clinical assessment and therapeutic support.

As part of his ongoing education and specialization, he has attended seminars and programs related to sports psychology, psychodrama, psychotraumatology, and the cognitive-behavioral approach.

Paraskeui Stamataki is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist offering online sessions. She holds a degree in Psychology from Panteion University, with postgraduate studies in Neuroscience and Mental Functioning ("Brain and Mind") and specialization in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy and psychopathology. Having worked in various settings, including psychiatric clinics and diagnostic centers, she provides psychological support services for adults dealing with anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, as well as interpersonal issues. Her professional experience also includes collaboration with primary and secondary schools, offering comprehensive therapeutic solutions and counseling for personal development and mental well-being. Additionally, the Psychologist has participated in numerous seminars as part of her ongoing professional development. Ultimately, with the aim of effectively enhancing emotional balance and well-being, the specialist offers individualized psychological services centered on understanding and managing mental health challenges.

Simigdali Ioanna is a Psychologist conducting online counseling and psychotherapy sessions for children, adolescents, and adults. She is a graduate of the University of Ioannina (2022) and holds a professional license to practice. She holds a Master’s Degree in “Clinical Mental Health” from the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (2025) and has completed a three-year training program in Psychodynamic Approach (2022–2025), certified by the Hellenic Counseling Society. She maintains a strong commitment to continuous education and professional development, having attended numerous seminars, webinars, and specialized training programs. Since 2022, she has gained valuable clinical experience in public mental health facilities, working in two hospitals and a Mental Health Center, and subsequently in the private sector at Centers for Special Therapies, working with children, adolescents, adults, and families, as well as patients with mental disorders. Additionally, she has been involved in the administration and evaluation of psychometric tools. Concurrently, she actively participates in scientific conferences and presentations. Her research focuses on issues of parental attachment, childhood trauma (abuse – neglect), and psychological resilience, topics that deeply sensitize her and enhance her sense of responsibility towards people. Her goal is to provide a space of safety, authentic connection, and psychological support, with empathy and respect for the uniqueness of each individual.

Alexandros Ananiadis Bassias is a licensed Psychologist (License No. 9225/14) since 2015, specializing in online therapy in Greek and English.

He has worked in both public and private mental health settings, including the Psychiatric Hospital of Attica, the Mental Health Center of Rethymno, and the Hellenic Red Cross Hospital. He has also contributed to research projects at the London Business School and Queen Mary University of London.

Besides his clinical and research experience, he has been actively involved with entrepreneurship, negotiations and conflict resolutions.

Alex holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Crete, a Master’s in Decision-Making Psychology from University College London (UCL), and is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (IBRT). He is also a trained negotiator from the Athens University of Economics and Business.

His approach to therapy focuses on collaboration, transparency, and clear, practical goals. He aims not only to help people manage challenges like anxiety and depression but also to boost positive relations, resilience, self-confidence, and overall well-being.

Thomaidi Paulina is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist, a regular member of the Hellenic Psychological Society (HPS), and maintains a private practice in Kypseli, Athens. She is a graduate of the Psychology Department of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a postgraduate diploma in Forensic – Criminal Psychology from Coventry University. She trained in Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and has specialized in addressing issues related to anxiety, depression, personality disorders, as well as couples counseling and family therapy. She has consistently invested in her scientific development through numerous seminars and training programs covering topics such as trauma therapy, autoimmune diseases and mental health, domestic violence, and contemporary, revised guidelines for mental health treatment, ensuring that her services are based on the most reliable psychological practices. Academically, she has conducted research on the social stigma of LGBTQ+ community members, as well as on attitudes and behaviors toward sexual violence against women and double standards. She addresses issues of anxiety, depression, psychological trauma, eating disorders, addictions – dependencies, obsessive-compulsive disorders, personality disorders, and provides counseling services. Additionally, she offers couples and family counseling and therapy. Her treatment is LGBTQ+ friendly and tailored to cases of neurodiversity (ADHD, ASD, etc.).

H Mαρία Σμαργιανάκη είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Ηράκλειο Κρήτης από το 2012. Είναι απόφοιτος του Tμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Boltοn University και του μεταπτυχιακού MΕd.Εκπαιδευτικής Ψυχολογίας του University of Manchester, στο Ηνωμένο Βασίλειο.Εργάστηκε στη Δευτεροβάθμια Εκπαίδευση του Ηνωμένου Βασιλείου ως ψυχολόγος και SEN-Co (Συντονίστρια Ειδικών Εκπαιδευτικών Αναγκών) και εκπαιδεύτηκε στην Προσωπο-Κεντρική θεραπευτική προσέγγιση (Centra και Bolton University).Από το2004 που επέστρεψε στην Ελλάδα, εργάστηκε σε δημόσιες δομές όπως τα ΚΕ.ΔΑ.ΣΥ (Κέντρα Διεπιστημονικής Αξιολόγησης και Συμβουλευτικής), όπου παρείχε ψυχομετρική αξιολόγηση και ψυχοκοινωνική υποστήριξη παιδιών και εφήβων καθώς επίσης και συμβουλευτική γονέων. Στη συνέχεια μετεκπαιδεύτηκε στη Γνωσιακή - Συμπεριφορική θεραπεία στο 4ετές πρόγραμμα του Τομέα Ψυχιατρικής και ΕπιστημώνΣυμπεριφοράς του Τμήματος Ιατρικής Πανεπιστημίου Κρήτης (Κλινική εκπαίδευση και κλινική άσκηση υπό εποπτεία).Από το 2020 μέχρι και σήμερα, εργάζεται και στο Συμβουλευτικό Κέντρο Φοιτητών του Πανεπιστημίου Κρήτης, παρέχοντας ατομική ψυχολογική υποστήριξη στους φοιτητές/ριες και στο διοικητικό προσωπικό του Πανεπιστημίου, και σχεδιάζοντας και υλοποιώντας βιωματικά σεμινάρια ή/και ψυχοεκπαιδευτικές ομάδες διαφόρων θεματικών. Στο παρόν,συνεχίζει να παρακολουθεί σεμινάρια που αφορούν κυρίως τη Γνωσιακή -Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία (ΓΣΘ), καθώς επίσης και τα Πανελλήνια Συνέδρια της ΓΣΘ και στα μελλοντικά της σχέδια είναι η συνεχιζόμενη εκπαίδευση σε ψυχοθεραπευτικές προσεγγίσεις. Συμμετείχε στην έρευνα που παρουσιάστηκε και δημοσιεύτηκε στο 18ο Πανελλήνιο Συνέδριο Ψυχολογικής Έρευνας, 2022, της Ελληνική Ψυχολογικής Εταιρείας, στον Κλάδο της Συμβουλευτικής Ψυχολογίας, με θέμα ΄΄Η αποτελεσματικότητα των ψυχολογικών παρεμβάσεων στο Συμβουλευτικό Κέντρο Φοιτητών του Πανεπιστημίου Κρήτης: Μια ποσοτική μελέτη΄΄.Στο παρελθόν συμμετείχε εθελοντικά στην ομάδα-αυτοβοήθειας για άτομα εξαρτημένα από το αλκοόλ, του Συλλόγου ΄΄Προμηθέας΄΄,ως συν-συντονίστρια και μέλος του Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου, για 4 έτη.Τέλος, σήμερα πραγματοποιεί συνεδρίες δια ζώσης και εξ αποστάσεως στην Ελληνική και Αγγλική γλώσσα, προσφέροντας υπηρεσίες που αφορούν ζητήματα όπως: γενικευμένο άγχος, κοινωνικό άγχος, σωματοποίηση άγχους, ειδικές φοβίες, κρίσεις πανικού με ή χωρίς αγοραφοβία, μετατραυματικο στρες, ιδεοψυχαναστική διαταραχή, κατάθλιψη, διαχείριση πένθους, διαταραχές στον ύπνο, διαχείριση χρόνιου πόνου, διαχείριση θυμού, δυσκολίες στις διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις, εκπαίδευση στη διεκδικητική συμπεριφορά, διαχείριση αναβλητικότητας καθώς και συμβουλευτική γονέων.

Antonis Paksimadakis is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Heraklion, Crete. At Inner Balance, counseling and psychotherapy services are provided, either individually (for adults or adolescents) or in groups (for couples and families), aiming to enhance mental health and personal development. The approach is based on scientifically validated methods and emphasizes personalization, empathy, and the creation of a safe and progressive therapeutic environment. Sessions are available both in-person and online, in Greek as well as English. Fees start at €30, with special discounts offered to students, military personnel, and families with many children.

Ο Μάριος Μπαγιάστας είναι Κλινικός Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπευτής με άδεια ασκήσεως επαγγέλματος, εξειδικευμένος στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία (CBT) και στη χρήση τεχνικών Mindfulness. Παρέχει δια ζώσης συνεδρίες στο γραφείο του στο κέντρο της Αθήνας αλλά και online ψυχοθεραπευτικές συνεδρίες, δίνοντας τη δυνατότητα σε άτομα από όλη την Ελλάδα και το εξωτερικό να λάβουν ψυχολογική υποστήριξη από την άνεση του προσωπικού τους χώρου. Διαθέτει πτυχίο Ψυχολογίας από το University of East London και μεταπτυχιακό δίπλωμα στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία από το Euraka, ενώ έχει ολοκληρώσει και δεύτερο μεταπτυχιακό στην Κλινική Ψυχολογία από το London Metropolitan University. Επιπλέον έχει παρακολουθήσει μετεκπαίδευση στις Αγχώδεις και Καταθλιπτικές Διαταραχές από το Εθνικό και Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών (ΕΚΠΑ). Κατά τη διάρκεια των συνεδριών του, ενσωματώνει τεχνικές Mindfulness, βοηθώντας τους θεραπευόμενους να εστιάσουν στο "εδώ και τώρα", να διαχειριστούν το άγχος και τις αρνητικές σκέψεις και να ενισχύσουν τη συναισθηματική τους ισορροπία. Η χρήση Mindfulness έχει αποδειχθεί ιδιαίτερα αποτελεσματική στη μείωση του άγχους, των κρίσεων πανικού και της κατάθλιψης, ενισχύοντας τη συνολική ψυχική ευεξία. Με σημαντική εμπειρία σε φορείς Ψυχικής Υγείας όπως οι Ψυχαγκάλη, Roe, Mytherapist και Milamou, ο Μάριος Μπαγιάστας έχει συνεργαστεί με άτομα που αντιμετωπίζουν: Αγχώδεις Διαταραχές, Κατάθλιψη, Κρίσεις Πανικού και Φοβίες, Διαταραχές Διατροφής, Διαχείριση Θυμού και Διαχείριση Πένθους. Οι συνεδρίες που προσφέρει έχουν σχεδιαστεί για να προσαρμόζονται στις ανάγκες του κάθε θεραπευόμενου, προσφέροντας ένα ασφαλές και υποστηρικτικό περιβάλλον. Με στόχο τη δημιουργία ενός κλίματος εμπιστοσύνης και αποδοχής, βοηθά τους θεραπευόμενους να ενδυναμώσουν την αυτογνωσία τους, να αποκτήσουν ψυχική ανθεκτικότητα και να ζήσουν μια ζωή γεμάτη ισορροπία και ευεξία. Οι αξίες που διέπουν τη δουλειά του είναι η ενσυναίσθηση, η αποδοχή, το πραγματικό ενδιαφέρον για τον άνθρωπο και η αγάπη για την επιστήμη της Ψυχολογίας.

Kaffetzakis Emmanouil is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist with a Psychoanalytic orientation and maintains a private practice in the center of Heraklion, Crete, where he conducts sessions for adults and adolescents. He is a member of the Borromean Knot Society of the New Lacanian School of Psychoanalysis in Greece and actively participates in its activities.

Psychoanalysis is an invitation to speak. Over time, each person's speech organizes around what is difficult or impossible for them to bear. They speak about their symptom. Lacanian psychoanalysis offers the possibility of inventing a new way to cope with their symptom, with the specific way they suffer. Through the discourse that the analysand addresses to the analyst, they can begin to find personalized and satisfactory solutions to old and repetitive modes of existence and reactions.

Zaxaraki Foteini is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Heraklion, Crete. She studied Psychology at Wrexham University in the United Kingdom, as well as Social Anthropology at the University of the Aegean, completing postgraduate studies specializing in Asian countries at SOAS, University of London. She has been trained in Systemic Family Therapy at the Laboratory of Systemic Thinking & Training, certified by the European Family Therapy Association Training Institute Chamber (EFTA TIC). She has participated in research programs concerning minorities and migrants in the Netherlands and Greece and has taken part in several anthropological field studies. Additionally, she is a certified Life & Business Coach by the European Mentoring & Coaching Council and has extensive professional experience in the business sector. She holds a license to practice as a Psychologist, maintains a legal office in Heraklion, Crete, and works in individual and group psychotherapy and coaching sessions. She is a member of the British Psychological Society, the American Anthropological Association, as well as the Association of Social Anthropologists of Greece.

Lila Karali is a Psychologist, an honor graduate of the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete (BSc), licensed to practice professionally. She has an academic background in the natural sciences (Chemistry-BSc, MSc), and a postgraduate diploma in Bioethics (MA). Her interdisciplinary education enhances her ability to bridge the biological and psychological perspectives, focusing on a comprehensive understanding of the human experience. She possesses clinical experience with the adult population and has specialized in Systemic Psychotherapy (a four-year training program), promoting the understanding of the self in relation to significant life systems (family, work, society). Additionally, she has training and experience in Compassion Focused Therapy to alleviate psychological distress related to persistent shame and self-criticism. Her therapeutic practice emphasizes the autonomy and values of each individual.

Pitsinis Errikos Dionysios is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist who conducts online psychotherapy sessions while also maintaining his private practice in Kypseli. He has completed studies in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the International Psychotherapy Center "ALYPIA," holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Forensic Psychology from the University of Central Lancashire, and a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Forensic Psychology from Coventry University. His professional experience includes work in private practice as well as an internship at the Korydallos Detention Center I. He has specialized through training programs at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in the following areas: Couple and Family Counseling and Therapy, Aggressive and Violent Behavior: Professional Risk Assessment and De-escalation Techniques, Anxiety and Depression: Psychoeducation and Management, Psychosocial Support for Prisoners and Reintegration Issues, and Cluster B Personality Disorders (Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, and Narcissistic Personality Disorders). Finally, the specialist is a regular member of the Hellenic Association of Psychologists.

Maria Xalepli is a Psychologist and Psychotherapist with a private practice in Ampelokipoi. She graduated with honors from the Psychology Department of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She holds a four-year specialization in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for adults (CBT) from the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies. Additionally, she has been trained by the same organization in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Children and Adolescents. She has also obtained certification in "School Psychology" from EKKE, University of Patras. She has worked as a psychologist at the Day Center for the Homeless of the Municipality of Athens, providing psychosocial support to vulnerable and at-risk groups. She works in private psychotherapy centers providing psychological support to adults and adolescents. Furthermore, as part of her practicum, she worked as a psychologist at the Counseling Station of the Municipality of Petroupoli, where she addressed therapy requests for both adults and adolescents as well as parental counseling. Finally, in her office, she handles cases involving interpersonal relationships, anxiety disorders, phobias, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder management, and more.