Mental Health and Counseling results in Attica

Despoina Ntina is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist who offers online sessions for adults, children, and adolescents. She holds a degree in Psychology from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a Master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology from the University of Thessaly. Specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), she provides support for issues such as anxiety and mood disorders, panic attacks, phobias, and personality disorders. She also works with individuals on anger management, personal development, relationship difficulties, trauma recovery, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Despoina also supports individuals seeking guidance on matters related to sexuality, gender identity, and self-acceptance. Her approach is inclusive and respectful of each person's uniqueness, focusing on managing thoughts and behaviors that impact mental well-being. She offers a safe and affirming space for LGBTQ+ individuals to explore topics related to sexual orientation, gender expression and identity, and the challenges that may arise from social stigma or internal conflicts. Provides parental counseling, family support, and guidance on issues related to family dynamics and relationships. The goal is to enhance communication, manage conflicts, and support parents in their role. She offers online sessions in both Greek and English, ensuring flexibility and accessibility regardless of location. Over the past four years, she has worked with adults and children who have experienced domestic violence, as well as with minorities and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Papakonstantinou Vasilis is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and Addiction Counselor with a private practice in Kifisia. He holds a degree in Psychology from an English University (OU) and a license to practice as a Psychologist. He was trained in Person-Centered and Focusing experiential Psychotherapy at the Hellenic Focusing Center. Additionally, he received training in an integrative psychotherapy model (Group therapy, Family Systemic therapy, Cognitive therapy, Relapse prevention, Motivational interviewing) with applications including Addiction counseling. He holds a Diploma in Addictions Counselling from The Center for Addiction Treatment Studies. He has also been trained in Mental Health Promotion by the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Athens in collaboration with King’s College, London Educational Trust for Health Improvement. His professional experience includes working as a freelancer in individual and group psychotherapy, while concurrently working at a detoxification structure (KEAS) and volunteering his services to NGOs attuned to contemporary social needs, such as the cancer patient association KEFI and the volunteer group Symplefsi. Furthermore, he has provided his services at the Pain Management Clinics of Aretaieio and the Red Cross. Finally, he is a member of the Hellenic Society of Counseling, an esteemed member of the Hellenic and European Society of Psychotherapy, and holds a European Certificate in Psychotherapy.

"Με ενδιαφέρει ο άνθρωπος, η ιστορία του, και ο τρόπος που σχετίζεται με τον εαυτό του και τους άλλους."

Η Καραδήμου Θάλεια είναι απόφοιτος Ψυχολογίας από το Αμερικανικό Κολλέγιο και κάτοχος μεταπτυχιακού από το King’s College. Μέσα από το δικό της, προσωπικό ταξίδι αναζήτησης νοήματος, εντός και εκτός της ψυχοθεραπείας, κατέληξε πως της ταιριάζει η Συστημική - Οικογενειακή Προσέγγιση στην οποία εκπαιδεύεται και εποπτεύεται. Και αυτό, γιατί από όποια πλευρά έχει προσπαθήσει να δει και να καταλάβει την ιστορία της και την ιστορία των γύρω της, πάντα καταλήγει πως το νόημα της ζωής μας είναι οι ανθρώπινες σχέσεις. Όποια δύναμη, σιγουριά, φόβο και δυσκολία έχει ο καθένας μας προέρχεται από αυτές και ταυτόχρονα τις τροφοδοτεί.

Πολύ απλά δεν μπορούμε να υπάρξουμε χωρίς να συνδεόμαστε και να σχετιζόμαστε.

Η δική της διαδρομή στην ψυχοθεραπεία την δίδαξε ότι η μετακίνηση και η αλλαγή δεν είναι ποτέ μονόπλευρη· συντελείται μέσα στην σχέση, στον διάλογο, στη συν-κατασκευή νοήματος.

Αυτή είναι η φιλοσοφία της:

• Να συν-βαδίζουμε, να συν-δημιουργούμε και να συν-νοηματοδοτούμε
• Να αφήνουμε τον διάλογο να φωτίζει το μονοπάτι
• Να τιμούμε την ανθρώπινη σχέση ως τον πυρήνα της θεραπείας

"Για εμένα η θεραπεία δεν είναι «ανάλυση», αλλά ένα κοινό ταξίδι· μια σχέση όπου ερχόμαστε σε επαφή με αυθεντικότητα, συναισθηματική παρουσία, ηθική δέσμευση και ευθύνη, και όπου δημιουργείται χώρος για να ακουστεί η ιστορία σου — και όλα όσα υπάρχουν πίσω από αυτήν".

Έχει βρεθεί κι εκείνη στη θέση του θεραπευόμενου. Γνωρίζει τους φόβους, τις δυσκολίες της διαδικασίας, τον κόπο και το θάρρος που απαιτείται, αλλά και το πόσο ανεκτίμητο δώρο μπορεί να γίνει όταν υπάρχει ασφάλεια, σύνδεση και σεβασμός.

• Δεν φέρνει έτοιμες απαντήσεις· φέρνει περιέργεια.
• Δεν φέρνει εξηγήσεις· φέρνει χώρο.
• Στόχος της είναι να συν-κατασκευάσετε νέες οπτικές και νέες δυνατότητες· να σε βοηθήσει να βρεις έναν νέο τρόπο να υπάρξεις μέσα από τα νοήματα που θα ανακαλύψετε μαζί.

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.

Dimitra Smaragda, MSc., PgD., is a Forensic Psychologist, Systemic (Family) and Person-Centered Psychotherapist, licensed to practice professionally. She obtained her primary degree from the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete and specialized in individual counseling (PgD Person-Centered Counseling, University of Strathclyde). She holds a postgraduate diploma in Systemic - Family Psychotherapy. She has worked as a Psychologist in the Psychiatric Clinic of Metropolitan Hospital, served as a scientific collaborator at the Agios Nikolaos Clinic (substance abuse rehabilitation program), and was a scientific advisor at the Ministry of Citizen Protection. She was a scientific associate at the "Elpida" Association in the field of parental counseling and since 2006 has maintained a private practice as a Psychologist - Family Counselor. She has participated as a speaker at scientific conferences, attended numerous training seminars, and contributed to the writing of the book "Dictionary of Psychology," 2005. She is a Forensic Psychologist, member of the Hellenic Psychiatric Forensic Society, and exclusive collaborator - expert witness at the Rhodes Prosecutor's Office until 2015 and since then continues in the Athens Prosecutor's Office.

Spanou Thomais is a Psychotherapist – Person-Centered Approach Counselor and maintains a private practice in Agios Ioannis Rentis. She holds a degree in Intercultural Education from the Democritus University of Thrace and completed this program with attendance at a summer seminar at Moscow State University, Lomonosov. Subsequently, she completed postgraduate studies and obtained an M.Sc. in Person-Centered Counseling and Psychotherapy from the University of Strathclyde, Scotland, with a research focus on parental traumas of a client during psychotherapy. After four years of training in the Person-Centered Approach, she acquired the European Certificate of Psychotherapy (ECP) from the European Association of Psychotherapy (EAP), of which she is a member. She is also a founding member of the Panhellenic Association of Professionals of Person-Centered & Experiential Approach. She has volunteered with Gefyra Zois working with children and adults with disabilities, and within the framework of volunteering, she has supported breastfeeding and motherhood (completion of Effective Parenting seminar by Gordon Hellas). She has attended clinical hypnotherapy seminars and remains active and engaged in the areas of education, research, and her own personal development.

Santamouri Maria is a Psychologist, graduate of the Department of Psychology at Panteion University, and maintains her practice in Pangrati.

She has received postgraduate training in clinical psychopathology from the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. At the Medical School of the same educational institution, she completed her postgraduate studies in addiction (substance dependence, behavioral addictions, eating disorders). Currently, she is collaborating with the Personality Disorders Department and the Psychological Laboratory of the 1st University Psychiatric Clinic (Aiginiteio Hospital) for the preparation of her doctoral dissertation.

She has worked providing psychological support services to adolescents and young adults in Primary and Secondary Education and to children with developmental disorders in Centers for Children with Disabilities (ΚΔΗΦ). Within the framework of educational/research collaboration with the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of NKUA, she has gained significant clinical experience in anxiety and affective disorders. Since 2021, she has been working by providing psychosocial rehabilitation services to adults with mental health problems at the EKPS P. Sakellaropoulos.

Her psychotherapeutic approach is psychoanalytic with Lacanian orientation, offering individual sessions that take into account the uniqueness of each patient and their individualized needs and desires, aiming at a deeper understanding of the self and its subjective truth.

Η Κυριακή Πασλίδη είναι Ψυχολόγος, Συστημική Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και ειδικευόμενη Δεκτική Μουσικοθεραπεύτρια. Με πολυετή εμπειρία στον χώρο της ψυχικής υγείας, παρέχει υπηρεσίες Ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης, Συμβουλευτικής, Ψυχοθεραπείας και Δεκτικής Μουσικοθεραπείας σε παιδιά, εφήβους, ενήλικες και οικογένειες καθώς και υπηρεσίες επαγγελματικού προσανατολισμού σε έφηβους και ενήλικες. Βασική της επιδίωξη είναι η δημιουργία ενός ασφαλούς και υποστηρικτικού πλαισίου, όπου το άτομο μπορεί να αναπτύξει τις δυνατότητές του και να ενισχύσει την ψυχική του υγεία και ευεξία μέσα από εξατομικευμένη και επιστημονικά τεκμηριωμένη προσέγγιση.

Είναι υπεύθυνη του Κέντρου Ειδικών Θεραπειών «Ανοιχτός Τόπος» στη Νέα Ιωνία Αττικής, ένα σύγχρονο Κέντρο Ειδικών Θεραπειών και Συμβουλευτικής, αφιερωμένο στην υποστήριξη παιδιών, εφήβων, ενηλίκων και των οικογενειών τους. Με γνώμονα την προσωπική ανάπτυξη, την ψυχική ενδυνάμωση και τη βελτίωση της ποιότητας ζωής, προσφέρει ολοκληρωμένες υπηρεσίες αξιολόγησης, παρέμβασης, θεραπείας και επαγγελματικού προσανατολισμού. 

Εποπτεύει τη διεπιστημονική ομάδα του κέντρου η οποία αποτελείται από ψυχολόγους, λογοθεραπευτές, εργοθεραπευτές και ειδικούς παιδαγωγούς, ενώ συνεργάζεται με εξωτερικούς συνεργάτες, εξειδικευμένους επιστήμονες- παιδονευρολόγο, παιδοψυχίατρο και ψυχίατρο.

Dermati Anastasia is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Glyfada with a Professional Practice License from the Prefecture of Attica. Her practice handles cases across the entire spectrum of psychology, with specialization in anxiety management, panic attacks in couples counseling, psychological trauma management using the EMDR method, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), enhancement of self-confidence and self-esteem in adults and adolescents, and counseling on sports psychology issues (athletes - champions). She also holds a lecturer position at London Metropolitan University in the UK, through City Unity College in Athens, in the Master's program of Sports Psychology. She holds a BSc degree in Psychology and an MSc in Health Psychology from Cardiff Metropolitan University in the UK. She is a doctoral candidate at the School of Public Health at the University of West Attica. Additionally, she holds a BSc degree in Physical Education and Sport from Salem State University in the United States, and a master's degree in Adapted Physical Education from the University of Macedonia and Thrace. Her training includes certification in the therapeutic method Shadow Effect from the Ford Institute in the United States. Furthermore, Ms. Dermati is a research associate at the University of West Attica in the Department of Public Health Policies and a member of the BPS (British Psychological Society) of the UK.

Ο Ανδρέας Αλαβέρας,MSc είναι ένας Ψυχολόγος-Ψυχοθεραπευτής και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στον Χολαργό. Ο ειδικός συνδυάζει την ισχυρή ακαδημαϊκή κατάρτιση με την πλούσια κλινική εμπειρία. Διαθέτει πτυχίο από το University of Hertfordshire και μεταπτυχιακό (MSc) στην Κλινική και Κοινοτική Ψυχολογία από το University of East London, ενώ η προσέγγισή του βασίζεται στις αρχές της Γνωσιακής Συμπεριφορικής Ψυχοθεραπείας (CBT).Η επαγγελματική του δράση χαρακτηρίζεται από έναν έντονο ανθρωποκεντρικό προσανατολισμό. Πέρα από την ιδιωτική του πρακτική στον Χολαργό και τη συνεργασία του με ιδιωτικούς οργανισμούς, έχει αναπτύξει σημαντικό έργο στην υποστήριξη ευάλωτων κοινωνικών ομάδων και ατόμων με χρόνιες παθήσεις.Ως θεραπευτής, εστιάζει στην παροχή ενός ασφαλούς περιβάλλοντος για τη διαχείριση σύγχρονων προκλήσεων, όπως: Οι διαταραχές άγχους και οι κρίσεις πανικού,η κατάθλιψη και οι συναισθηματικές δυσκολίες καθώς και η διαχείριση απώλειας και πένθους.Η φιλοσοφία του εστιάζει στην οικοδόμηση μιας σχέσης εμπιστοσύνης με τον θεραπευόμενο, με στόχο την κατανόηση των βαθύτερων αιτιών των προβλημάτων και την ανάπτυξη πρακτικών δεξιοτήτων για τη βελτίωση της καθημερινότητας και της ψυχικής ανθεκτικότητας.

Maria Diamantopoulou is a Psychologist - Clinical Cognitive Neuropsychologist - Trained Somatic Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist who conducts sessions both in person and online. She completed her undergraduate studies in Psychology at the University of East London and holds a license to practice as a psychologist. Subsequently, she completed her two-year postgraduate studies in Clinical Cognitive Neuropsychology at the University of Strasbourg. She is also a trainee Psychotherapist in Somatic Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy at the Psychotherapy & Counseling Center "Wilhelm Reich", certified by the National Society of Psychotherapy of Greece (EEPS), the European Association for Psychotherapy (EAP), the Hellenic Counseling Association (EES), and the EABR. During her undergraduate and postgraduate studies, she gained extensive clinical experience in both public and private centers, such as the Athens Alzheimer Association, the Holargos Municipal Polyclinics, and the NMKEs Thalpos Mental Health and IASIS. She offers individual sessions of Counseling, Neuropsychological assessment, and intervention. Her therapeutic approach is primarily based on the principles of psychoanalytic somatic psychotherapy, drawing elements from the integrative approach (cognitive, psychodynamic, Gestalt) to tailor the therapy to the needs of each patient. Her goal is to act as a companion and establish a safe therapeutic relationship that provides the patient the opportunity to find answers to the issues troubling them.

Moustaka Anna is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Kolonaki - Lycabettus. She studied Psychology at the Department of Psychology of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), where she graduated with distinction and completed her internship at the Family Therapy Unit of the Psychiatric Hospital of Athens (Pangrati Department). Subsequently, she specialized in Family Psychotherapy at the Institute for Training and Research in Systemic Psychotherapy "Logo Psychis" and received further training in Clinical Psychopathology at the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of the University of Athens at Aeginiteio Hospital. Simultaneously, she volunteered at the Family Clinic and the Child Psychiatry Clinic of the General Children’s Hospital "Agia Sofia" and worked in various public and private institutions. Prior to focusing on the science of Psychology, she completed her studies at the Law School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and worked as a Lawyer specializing in Family Law. Currently, alongside the services provided in her office and through online sessions, she works as a Psychologist at the Kaisariani Community Center.

Tsanaktsidi Areti is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist specializing in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and maintains a private practice in Athens in the Panormou area, where she provides individual psychotherapy sessions for adults and parent counseling sessions. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has completed postgraduate studies in Developmental Psychology at the British University of Uclan (University of Central Lancashire, UK). She has completed a 4-year training program in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for adults, children, and adolescents at the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies and is certified according to the Training and Supervision Standards of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT). She has also been trained in Basic Training in Compassion-Focused Therapy at the Hellenic Center for Compassion-Focused Therapy. She has experience working as a psychotherapist for adults, children, and adolescents in Urban Non-Profit Organizations, Private Centers providing Psychotherapeutic Services, and in Primary Education. Finally, she specializes in anxiety disorders and interpersonal relationship management.

Η Χατζηνικολάου Ειρήνη είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στην Σαλαμίνα. Είναι απόφοιτος Ψυχολογίας (BSc Hons in Psychology Science) και κάτοχος Μεταπτυχιακού Τίτλου (MSc) στη Γνωσιακή-Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία με δεξιότητες Συμβουλευτικής (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with Counselling Skills). Έχει ολοκληρώσει μετεκπαίδευση στην Ψυχολογική Αξιολόγηση. Συμμετέχει διαρκώς σε επιστημονικά συνέδρια και εκπαιδευτικές δράσεις που αφορούν την ψυχική υγεία, τις σχέσεις, την οικογένεια, την ψυχολογική αξιολόγηση και τις σύγχρονες θεραπευτικές προσεγγίσεις. Παράλληλα, έχει ερευνητική εμπειρία μέσα από την εκπόνηση ακαδημαϊκών εργασιών σχετικά με τη Διαταραχή Αυτιστικού Φάσματος, καθώς και με την εικόνα εαυτού και τις διατροφικές διαταραχές. Τέλος, η ειδικός στο ιδιωτικό της γραφείο παρέχει υπηρεσίες ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης και ψυχοθεραπείας σε ενήλικες και ζευγάρια.

Diakopoulou Sofia is a Psychologist - Specialist Systemic Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Nea Ionia. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, holding a professional practice license. She holds a Master's degree (MSc) in "Management of Aging and Chronic Diseases" from the Hellenic Open University in collaboration with the University of Thessaly and is currently undergoing specialization in Systemic Psychotherapy at the Laboratory for the Exploration of Human Relationships. The specialist has gained experience in both the public and private sectors, providing psychological support to students, educators, and parents through the Ministry of Education, as well as to vulnerable population groups through her collaboration with NGOs. Since 2023, she has been offering psychotherapeutic services to adults, focusing on issues such as low self-esteem, anxiety, losses, and relationship difficulties, applying the principles of the systemic approach. Additionally, she is distinguished by her empathy, active listening, and respect for the uniqueness of each individual. Through a safe and collaborative therapeutic framework, her goal is to support individuals in empowerment, psychological resilience, and achieving personal balance.

Mpletsa Xristianna MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Nea Ionia. She holds a degree in Psychology from Cardiff Metropolitan University and a postgraduate degree (MSc in Health Psychology) from the same institution. She has specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and has been trained in Trauma Therapy using the EMDR method at the Trauma Therapy Institute. Additionally, she has been trained in play therapy through an educational program at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Concurrently, she has attended numerous training programs for her continuous professional development concerning human behavior, the management and treatment of phobias, psychosomatic symptoms, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and other anxiety and mood disorders, and she holds a professional practice license. Until 2023, she provided psychological services at the Memory Center of the Psychogeriatric Society "Nestor" for adults with anxiety disorders, chronic conditions, and psychiatric illnesses. She collaborates privately with the Special Therapy Center for children "Apo Kardiás" while also maintaining her private practice, where she handles cases involving adults, adolescents, and children.

Maurandrea Nota is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist, PhD Candidate at the Medical School of the University of Athens, and maintains a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. She works with adults and adolescents facing mental health challenges such as eating disorders, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, addictions, difficulties in interpersonal relationships, low self-esteem, and others. Additionally, she supports parents in strengthening their role. Her approach is based on developing a therapeutic relationship in which the patient can safely and confidently understand and connect with themselves. Regarding her education, she is a graduate of the Psychology Department of the University of Crete with postgraduate studies in Addiction Treatment. She is specialized in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy and concurrently specializes in the Treatment of Eating Disorders at Aeginiteio Hospital, where she also serves as a Scientific Collaborator in the respective Unit.

Karoutsou Olga is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Nea Filadelfeia. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences. She has specialized through a four-year training program in person-centered counseling and psychotherapy and holds the European Certificate of Psychotherapy (ECP). This is a humanistic approach tailored to the needs and capabilities of each individual. Alongside counseling and psychotherapy for adults, she also provides psychological support for adolescents and parental counseling, having specialized in Child Psychology (MSc, Psychology of Child Development) at the University of Central Lancashire. In the context of her professional practice, she has worked at the Educational and Counseling Support Center of Nea Ionia and in private preschools, while also volunteering her services to new mothers and pregnant women facing financial difficulties. Believing in the continuous development of the individual, she pursues personal and professional growth through personal psychotherapy, supervision, and further training. In her professional experience to date, she has collaborated with individuals dealing with issues in interpersonal relationships, panic attacks, anxiety disorders, depression, experiencing transitional life phases, or seeking a general improvement in their quality of life. She believes that within us lie the necessary strengths to improve our quality of life and accompanies each person on their therapeutic journey with equality and respect. Finally, it is worth mentioning that, beyond her studies in Psychology and Psychotherapy, she holds a degree in engineering from the Polytechnic School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH).