Mental Health and Counseling results in Heraklion

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.

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.

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.

Polyxronaki Panagiota is a clinical psychologist - psychotherapist providing online sessions.

She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete and a master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Leiden University, Netherlands. She has been trained in the Cognitive Behavioral Approach by the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies.

She is certified in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, has completed the one-year postgraduate program in Clinical Psychopathology at the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and the Research University Mental Health Institute (EPISY), as well as holding a diploma in Coaching from UGROW and the Positive Psychology Society.

In parallel, she has attended numerous specialized trainings and continually pursues her professional development through supervision and ongoing education.

Regarding her professional training, she completed her internship as part of her postgraduate studies at the Psychiatric Clinic of the University Hospital of Heraklion and at the Alzheimer Day Center "Nefeli". Additionally, she completed an internship at the Student Counseling Center of NKUA, providing therapeutic support to students.

She works privately, providing sessions to adults and adolescents.

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.

Maria Kontaksaki is a Systemic Mental Health Counselor, certified in Systemic Psychotherapy, with a private practice in Gazi, Heraklion. She works with individuals, couples, and families seeking to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships, offering a framework of safety, acceptance, and trust. Her goal is to create a warm and supportive environment where each person can freely express themselves, process their difficulties, and discover new ways of connection and communication. Through the therapeutic process, self-awareness, emotional insight, and the capacity for meaningful and authentic relationships are enhanced. She has experience in individual counseling, couples counseling, and family therapy, and has also been involved in coordinating therapeutic groups. Additionally, she has completed clinical training under supervision and actively participates as a scientific collaborator in mental health institutions. She has attended and participated in numerous conferences, seminars, and trainings related to counseling, couples therapy, trauma, and the systemic approach, and is engaged in community support and group coordination activities. Her approach is based on systemic thinking, emphasizing relationships, interaction patterns, and the broader context in which the individual lives and evolves.

PsyMetrics Lab, based in Ierapetra, Crete, with the capability for online sessions, is a specialized center for psychometric assessment and psychotherapeutic support for adolescents and adults. The core focus of the center is the scientifically substantiated investigation of cognitive and emotional difficulties, with particular emphasis on ADHD, learning disabilities, and attention difficulties. Ifigeneia Liousia - Psymetrics Lab is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist, graduate of the Department of Psychology at the University of Derby and holder of an MSc in Clinical Psychology from the same university. Additionally, she is undergoing training in Integrative Psychotherapy at EICP - European Institute of Counseling & Psychotherapy, and holds a specialization in Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, as well as further training in adult ADHD from DI.K.E.P.S.Y. Here, different cognitive functioning is not approached as a deficit, but as a distinct profile of strengths and needs that requires understanding, accurate interpretation, and practical support. The goal is not only diagnostic clarification and empowerment of the individual, but also the enhancement of their functionality in studies, work, and daily life. Additionally, psychotherapeutic support is provided for anxiety, chronic stress, perfectionism, procrastination, depression, self-esteem difficulties, and interpersonal issues. The therapeutic approach is integrative, with a structured framework of goals, clinical case formulation, and an emphasis on creating a stable and secure therapeutic relationship.

Doksastaki Anna is a Psychotherapist specializing in Psychoanalytic Art Therapy and runs the private practice "Art Can Talk Dramatherapy and Wellness Centre" in Heraklion, Crete. She completed postgraduate studies in Applied Theatre "Applied Drama: Theatre in Education, Community and Society" at the University of London, as well as in Psychoanalytic Dramatherapy at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge. Her training is based on a psychodynamic approach, and consequently, her clinical practice is rooted in psychoanalytic theory. During her stay in the United Kingdom until 2015, she worked in numerous organizations, theatres, counseling centers, and schools as a Theatre Facilitator, Dramatherapist, and Director. The main focus of her studies, academic research, and professional experience is depression and anxiety disorders in children and adults. Additionally, she has conducted research on the beneficial effects of art and play in health crisis situations and has led workshops in Greece and the UK on managing anxiety and grief through creative activities.

Ο Ντίνας Μίνως,MSc,PhD είναι Ψυχολόγος-Ψυχοθεραπευτής, με ειδίκευση στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία (CBT). Ο Μίνως Ντίνας είναι ψυχολόγος, απόφοιτος του τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Παντείου Πανεπιστημίου Κοινωνικών και Πολιτικών Επιστημών, όπου συνέχισε τις μεταπτυχιακές του σπουδές στο πρόγραμμα Μεταπτυχιακών Σπουδών «Ψυχολογία», με ειδίκευση «Εφαρμοσμένη Γνωστική και Αναπτυξιακή Ψυχολογία». Στο παρόν διάστημα, είναι υποψήφιος διδάκτωρ Πειραματικής και Κλινικής Ανάλυσης της Συμπεριφοράς στο Εργαστήριο Πειραματικής και Εφαρμοσμένης Ανάλυσης της Συμπεριφοράς, του τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Παντείου Πανεπιστημίου, με κύριο ερευνητικό ενδιαφέρον τα πολύπλοκα ρεπερτόρια των δημόσια και ιδιωτικά παρατηρήσιμων μορφών της συμπεριφοράς.Εκπαιδεύτηκε στη Γνωσιακή-Συμπεριφοριστική Ψυχοθεραπεία στην Εταιρεία Γνωσιακών Συμπεριφοριστικών Σπουδών σύμφωνα με τα κριτήρια της European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT). Εποπτεύει ερευνητικές εργασίες του εκπαιδευτικού προγράμματος της Εταιρείας Γνωσιακών Συμπεριφοριστικών Σπουδών.

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.

Ms. Vardoulaki Katerina is a psychologist and psychotherapist, maintaining a private practice in Heraklion, Crete. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete, while her postgraduate specialization in Clinical Psychology was completed at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She has attended seminars and continuing education programs from accredited institutions (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Ampelokipi Mental Health Center of Thessaloniki, 18 Ano, etc.). She has contributed translationally to scientific texts by Ian Parker, and in 2022, her research on the evaluation of mental health structures was published in the International Journal of Psychology. Throughout her professional career, she has worked in a counseling and therapeutic capacity with children, adolescents, adults, families, elderly individuals, and socially vulnerable groups. Among the professional settings in which she has been employed are schools, short-term adolescent residential facilities, Social Cooperative Enterprises (Koin.S.Pe.), Mental Health Centers, nursing homes, OKANA (Organization Against Drugs), and others. Psychotherapeutically, she has worked individually with adults and families. In her practice, she follows the psychodynamic approach.