Mental Health and Counseling results in the Northern suburbs of Athens

Alexandra Xatzistaurou is a Psychologist working at the Aeromedical Centre of the Air Force General Hospital, while also maintaining her private practice "My Family Nest" in Chalandri, where she provides psychotherapeutic services to children and adults. She holds a professional license to practice Psychology. She has a degree in psychology (B.Sc. in Psychology, University of Central Lancashire, UK) as well as a postgraduate degree in Counseling Psychology (M.Sc. in Person-Centered Counselling, University of Strathclyde, UK). Additionally, she completed her studies in music, obtaining a degree in violin, and is a graduate of the three-year Master’s Educational Program in Music Therapy, conducted in collaboration with the Thessaloniki Music Therapy Centre, the Thessaloniki Music College, and New York University (USA). Furthermore, she is certified in the use and interpretation of the MMPI-2 personality psychometric test (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory®-2). She has teaching experience in undergraduate and postgraduate programs at British universities as well as experience in the design and implementation of corporate staff training. She also has teaching experience in conservatories in Thessaloniki, as well as at the Music Schools of Drama and Karditsa. She has clinical music therapy experience with children with autism, Down syndrome, emotional difficulties, learning disabilities, and behavioral disorders. She provides counseling to parents on issues related to education, emotional empowerment, and the development of social skills in children and adolescents. Additionally, she works with adults individually and in groups on Personal Development, integrating Expressive Arts into the psychotherapeutic process. Finally, she is a collaborator with Attachment Parenting Hellas and a member of the Professional Association of Art Therapists (ESTheT).

Deligiannis Giorgos - Aleksandros is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Marousi. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with Cum Laude distinction from Deree - The American College of Greece, as well as a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with Second Class Honours from the Open University of the United Kingdom. Concurrently, he is pursuing postgraduate studies in Drama Therapy at the Psychotherapeutic and Educational Center "to Erma," where he also completed his internship. He has worked as a Psychologist at the Ranch in Sofiko, Corinth, as well as a parallel support companion for a child with ADHD in Athens. Additionally, he has served as a Psychologist at the Psychiatric Clinic of the 414 Military Hospital of Special Diseases and at the 80th Health Battalion of the National Guard (TYETH) on the island of Kos, and has also worked as a Student Assistant at Deree - The American College of Greece. With a commitment to continuous professional development in his field of expertise, he attends numerous seminars and conferences. In his private practice, he offers a wide range of services, respecting the unique needs of each client.

Koutsaftiki Katerina is a licensed Psychologist – Psychotherapist, holder of a Psychology Degree with honors from the University of Greenwich, and maintains a private practice in Kifisia. She is a certified Systemic Psychotherapist from Logo Psychis – Institute of Training and Research in Systemic Psychotherapy, having completed the four-year Clinical Specialization Program SANE (System Attachment Narrative Encephalon), which integrates attachment theory, principles of narrative psychology, and contemporary findings in neuroscience. Additionally, she has attended the one-year Specialization Program in Couples Therapy and the one-year Specialization Program in Trauma Management offered at “Logo Psychis.” Lastly, she completed the Specialization program in Systemic Counseling from the Laboratory for the Exploration of Human Relations and holds an MBA from the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB) in Human Resource Management. She has taught at colleges in the field of Research Methods and Data Analysis in Applied Sciences (Psychology, etc.), and has conducted and coordinated experiential psychology seminars on self-awareness, boundaries, and interpersonal relationship management. She practices privately, providing in-person and online psychotherapy and counseling sessions for adults, couples, and parents, in both Greek & English. She specializes in interpersonal relationship issues, self-improvement and self-confidence enhancement, intra-family relationships, emotional difficulties, anxiety, occupational stress, as well as sexual orientation issues. Finally, she is a member of the British Psychological Society.

Liza Gamvrouli is a Person-Centered Psychotherapist and Master NLP Practitioner & Hypnotherapist, operating a private practice in Marousi. She has over 20 years of experience in the development and empowerment of individuals within the business sector, and possesses clinical experience in both private and non-profit settings focusing on adult psychotherapy and counseling, as well as conducting personal development groups and seminars. She holds the European Certificate of Psychotherapy (ECP) from the European Association for Psychotherapy and is a certified therapist in Interventions in Psychosomatic Disorders from the European Association of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, in Clinical Interventions in ADHD (ADHD-CCSP) from Evergreen, and in Eating Disorder Treatment from the European Federation of Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy (EFICP). Additionally, she is a certified Master NLP & Hypnotherapy Practitioner & Master Time-Line Therapist® by the American Board of NLP and the American Board of Hypnotherapy, a Team & Leadership Coach certified by the ICF, holds a diploma in Organizational Psychology, and has been trained as a Parent Effectiveness Training (PET) Instructor by Gordon Hellas. Her primary therapeutic interest focuses on the role of intuition and imagination in resolving internal conflicts and psychosomatic symptoms. Her research work titled “The Role of Intuition in Person-Centered Psychotherapy and Therapeutic Change” has been recognized by the University of Strathclyde. At her private practice, she provides individual sessions for anxiety management, panic attacks, ADHD, interpersonal relationship issues, psychosomatic symptoms, phobias, depression, as well as sessions for goal setting and life redirection.

Η Γκιλάκη Ελισάβετ είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και πραγματοποιεί διαδικτυακές και δια ζώσης συνεδρίες . Είναι πτυχιούχος Ψυχολογίας του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης. Μετά την ολοκλήρωση των προπτυχιακών της σπουδών, συνέχισε με μεταπτυχιακές σπουδές στην Ειδική Αγωγή και Εκπαίδευση, ενώ παράλληλα ξεκίνησε την εκπαίδευσή της στη Συνθετική Συστημική Ψυχοθεραπεία, στο Κέντρο Συνθετικής Συστημικής Θεραπείας στη Θεσσαλονίκη, όπου συνεχίζει έως και σήμερα. Η επιθυμία της να διευρύνει τις γνώσεις της την οδήγησε στην εκπαίδευση στην Παιδοψυχολογία και στη Συμβουλευτική Γονέων, καθώς και στην ολοκλήρωση σεμιναρίου Σχολικής Ψυχολογίας. Έχει επίσης εκπαιδευτεί στη χρήση του ψυχομετρικού εργαλείου WISC-V. Η επαγγελματική της εμπειρία περιλαμβάνει εργασία σε κέντρα ειδικών θεραπειών και δομές για άτομα με ειδικές ανάγκες, ενώ παράλληλα προσφέρει θεραπευτικές συνεδρίες διαδικτυακά. Από μικρή την μαγνήτιζε η παρατήρηση της ανθρώπινης συμπεριφοράς και η αναζήτηση του «γιατί» πίσω από τις πράξεις και τις σχέσεις. Η εσωτερική αυτή αναζήτηση την οδήγησε φυσικά στον δρόμο της Ψυχολογίας και, μέσα από αυτόν, στην επιθυμία να στηρίζει τους ανθρώπους στην πορεία τους προς την αυτογνωσία και την ψυχική ενδυνάμωση. Αν αισθάνεσαι έτοιμος ή έτοιμη να ξεκινήσεις το δικό σου θεραπευτικό ταξίδι, θα είναι χαρά και τιμή της να γίνει συνοδοιπόρος σου σε αυτή τη διαδρομή.✨

Sarikosta Meropi is a Psychologist who has maintained a private practice in Nea Filadelfia since 2011. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and a trainee Relational Psychotherapist in the Postgraduate Specialization Program in Clinical Skills based on the Cognitive Analytic Model and Relational Psychotherapy at the Institute of Relational and Group Psychotherapy (ISOPS). She was trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at Aeginiteio Hospital (EPIPSY) and attended the annual postgraduate seminar "Clinical Psychopathology" at the same hospital. She has acquired clinical experience in the psychiatric department of G.N.A. Sismanogleio, as well as in the First Psychiatric Clinic (EKPA) of Aeginiteio Hospital. Additionally, since 2009, she has worked as a psychologist and permanent staff member in the psychiatric department of the Central Clinic of Athens of the Hellenic Police (EL.AS), while actively engaging in volunteer work as a volunteer at the KEFI association (Association of Cancer Patients, Volunteers, Friends, and Doctors of Athens) supporting patients with cancer. She holds a license to practice as a psychologist and is a member of the International Association of Relational Psychoanalysis & Psychotherapy (IARPP) and the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA). From 2013 to 2016, she participated in group psychotherapy based on the principles of Gestalt at the Gestalt Foundation Psychotherapy & Training Center. Since 2020, she has been involved in group supervision, as well as individual and group psychotherapy within the Institute of Relational and Group Psychotherapy (ISOPS). She continually updates her knowledge by participating in seminars and conferences both in Greece and abroad.

Zapantis Ioannis is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Chalandri. He is a graduate student in Clinical Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and is training in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. His approach is based on respect, empathy, and scientific evidence, aiming to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment. He seeks to help individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves, recognize thought and behavior patterns that cause difficulties, and develop more functional ways to manage daily life. He deals with issues related to mood, anxiety, interpersonal relationships, self-esteem, and the improvement of life quality and functionality. Simultaneously, he emphasizes a personalized approach, tailoring the therapeutic process to the needs and goals of each person. He aims for continuous development and the scientifically substantiated application of his knowledge, with the goal of providing meaningful support and empowerment to those who trust him.

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.

Oikonomopoulou Mirella is a Psychotherapist - Mental Health Counselor, maintaining a private practice in Kifisia, and holds a Master's Degree (MSc Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy). She has trained at the First Psychiatric Department of Aeginiteio Hospital and, in her private practice, handles a wide range of cases, always focusing on providing the best possible service tailored to the individual needs of each person she treats.

Katía Troumpouki works as a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and Dance Therapist. She holds a BSc in Psychology, an MSc in Counseling, and has received further training in Dance Therapy, Analytical Group and Family Psychotherapy, Couples Therapy, as well as Trauma Therapy (EMDR). She is an active member of the British Psychological Society (B.P.S). She has worked with diverse clinical populations in facilities in Greece and abroad for the past 20 years.

Additionally, in her private practice, she conducts psychoeducation seminars for parents and experiential workshops for children, adolescents, and adults.

Mpardaka Semeli MSc, MA is a Psychologist, Integrative Systemic Psychotherapist, as well as a Career Counseling Advisor. She is a graduate of the Psychology Department of the University of Strasbourg. She holds a postgraduate diploma in Counseling, Career Guidance, and Lifelong Learning from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Additionally, she has specialized at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Clinical Social Psychology of Addictions, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Art Therapy. She has also been trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) by the EFT Greek Network, as well as Compassion-Focused Therapy. She has attended seminar series and has participated as a speaker in conferences. She completed her supervised internship at the company CVexperts as a career counselor and at the service center for people with disabilities "To Ergastiri – Lilian Voudouri" as a psychologist. Furthermore, she collaborates with the psychosocial services center Amphiaraos, Child and Family, where she handles a wide range of cases. Lastly, she maintains her private practice in Kifisia and Peristeri, providing individual psychotherapy, parent and family counseling, couples counseling, as well as career counseling services.

Kalaitzi Myrto is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Nea Filothei. She graduated with honors from the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, as well as from the Department of Philosophy, Education, and Psychology with a specialization in Psychology at the same university. Subsequently, she pursued postgraduate studies in "Applied Clinical Psychology" at UCLAN University in England and underwent psychodynamic training in the diagnosis and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults at DIKEPSY. She has worked as a Psychologist at KEDASY, in primary schools of the Chalandri municipality, and in a special secondary education school. Additionally, she has been employed at the Psychosocial Unit of the Samos Reception and Identification Center (KYT) of the National Public Health Organization (EODY) and at a center for therapy of children and adolescents. She possesses extensive experience with all age groups (children, adolescents, adults) and vulnerable populations. Finally, she has participated in numerous educational and scientific seminars, conferences, and workshops.

Dafni Petrakogianni MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist, licensed to practice, and maintains a private practice in Cholargos. She studied Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and holds a master's degree in "Health Promotion and Education" from the Medical School of Athens. She employs an integrative psychotherapy model, having been trained in Cognitive Therapy at Aeginiteio Hospital, while completing a two-year training in Systemic Psychotherapy, training in Systemic Constellation, as well as a three-year supervision in "Family Therapy with a Systemic Approach" at the Psychiatric Hospital of Athens Dafni. She has volunteered as a Psychologist in hospitals and specializes in the management of issues arising from chronic illnesses. Additionally, she has taught psychology courses in post-secondary education institutions. She has experience in treating mood and anxiety disorders (anxiety disorders, depression) and, through her work at the primary care clinics of Agia Paraskevi and the Day Center of Agia Paraskevi - Ikelos Association, she gained extensive experience in counseling on interpersonal relationship issues, enhancing self-image, and adult psychotherapy. Finally, she has worked as a Psychologist in kindergartens of the Municipality of Agia Paraskevi, at the Youth Counseling Center of the Sivitanidios School, and at a Children's Workshop, gaining substantial experience in adolescent psychotherapy and parental counseling.

Karakosta Arianna is a Psychotherapist trained in the Systemic-Family approach at the Athens Center for Human Education. In her clinical practice, she provides individual psychotherapy to adolescents and adults with anxiety and emotional difficulties, identity issues, as well as couples therapy and parental counseling. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Vassar College in the United States and her Master of Science degree in Social Psychology from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in the United Kingdom. Since 1996, she has been teaching Psychology in the International Baccalaureate program at the Athens College and other schools, possessing extensive experience in supporting adolescents and coordinating empowerment groups. Concurrently, she has practical experience from the Nea Irakleio Medical-Pedagogical Center in the psychological and learning assessment of children and adolescents. She consistently follows developments in her field by participating in educational seminars and conferences organized by the Hellenic Society of Psychoanalysis (HSP), Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Association (PPAA), the Galinos Institute of Mental Health, and Deree College. She conducts psychotherapy sessions in both Greek and English, offering a safe and supportive space for exploring the self, relationships, and personal identity, with respect for the uniqueness of each individual.

“There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in” που σημαίνει «Υπάρχει μια ρωγμή σε όλους, έτσι το φως περνάει μέσα μας». Αυτή είναι μια φράση του Leonard Cohen, πάνω στην οποία «έπεσα» επάνω, σε μικρή ηλικία και σε μια πολύ δύσκολη και κρίσιμη περίοδο της ζωής μου. Αυτή η φράση μου έδωσε μια περίεργη αίσθηση αισιοδοξίας κι ελπίδας χωρίς να έχω καταλάβει ακριβώς εκείνη τη στιγμή τι σημαίνει. Αρχισα, λοιπόν, από μικρή ηλικία να ψάχνω τι σημαίνει το να είναι ένας άνθρωπος «σπασμένος». Κάθε μέρα έδινα και μια ακόμα ερμηνεία σε αυτό. Αν και πρόκειται για μια διαδικασία που δεν σταματάει και ποτέ. Προκειμένου να μπορέσω να καταλάβω τα κομμάτια που με απαρτίζουν, να τα κολλήσω και να μπορέσω να επιτρέψω στο φως να περάσει, άρχισα να στρέφομαι στην ψυχολογία και να έχω μια επιθυμία να καταλαβαίνω τα «γιατί» που υπήρχαν πίσω από τα κομμάτια μου. Να προσπαθήσω να ταιριάξω το ένα με το άλλο και να σχηματίσω την εικόνα του εαυτού μου. Όπως εγώ με βλέπω, όπως εγώ με καταλαβαίνω, όπως εγώ με αισθάνομαι, όπως εγώ εκφράζομαι, όπως εγώ με μαθαίνω, και φυσικά να συμφιλιωθώ με αυτά. Ακόμα, κατάλαβα πως δεν πειράζει καθόλου να υπάρχουν κομμάτια και ρωγμές, καθώς τίποτα δεν είναι τέλειο. Άλλωστε χωρίς ρωγμές πως θα χωρέσει το φως; Από το σχολείο κιόλας, έπρεπε να επιλέξω ανάμεσα σε διάφορα μαθήματα ελεύθερης επιλογής και στράφηκα σε αυτό της ψυχολογίας. Τότε κατάλαβα πως αυτό ήθελα. Να ασχοληθώ με αυτήν την επιστήμη. Αρχικά για να καταλάβω εμένα κι έπειτα για να μπορέσω να βοηθήσω κι όσους το έχουν ανάγκη να βρουν κι εκείνοι αυτά τα «σπασμένα» κομμάτια, να τα κρατήσουν στα χέρια τους, να τα αναγνωρίσουν, να τα αγαπήσουν και να μπορέσουν να ζήσουν με αυτά, αφήνοντας το φως να περάσει. Ονομάζομαι Μαρία Σολδάτου και ξεκίνησα το ταξίδι μου στον κόσμο της ψυχολογίας από τη φιλοσοφική σχολή Αθηνών (ΕΚΠΑ), στο τμήμα Φιλοσοφία-Παιδαγωγικό-Ψυχολογίας. Ύστερα, θέλοντας να λάβω παραπάνω γνώσεις πάνω στο αντικείμενο, σπούδασα Εφαρμοσμένη Ψυχολογία (Applied Psychology), στο πανεπιστήμιο του Derby. Ύστερα, προκειμένου να αποκτήσω εμπειρία πάνω στο αντικείμενο, επέλεξα το μεταπτυχιακό μου πάνω στην Συνθετική Συμβουλευτική και Ψυχοθεραπεία (Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy), στο πανεπιστήμιο του Derby. Μέσα από το μεταπτυχιακό μου ολοκλήρωσα 300 ώρες εποπτευόμενης πρακτικής στο Roots Wellness Center, στο οποίο και συνεχίζω ως συνεργάτης μετά από την ολοκλήρωση του μεταπτυχιακού μου. Παράλληλα με τις σπουδές μου, δούλεψα εθελοντικά στην ΜΚΟ, animahome, μονάδα ψυχικής υγείας και κοινωνικής στήριξης. Ως θεραπευόμενη κι εγώ με τη σειρά μου κατάλαβα πόσο σημαντική είναι η σχέση μεταξύ του θεραπευτή και του θεραπευόμενου. Πόσο σημαντική είναι η ανάπτυξη της εμπιστοσύνης και της ασφάλειας προκειμένου να γίνει κάποιος συνοδοιπόρος στο δύσκολο, μα τόσο λυτρωτικό ταξίδι της ψυχοθεραπευτικής διαδικασίας. Κατάλαβα πόσο σημαντικό είναι να μπορεί ένας άνθρωπος να «ανοίξει» τα κομμάτια του σε ένα ασφαλές πλαίσιο, χωρίς κρητική. Να μπορέσει να δώσει ο ίδιος τις απαντήσεις στις δυσκολίες του έχοντας ως σημείο αναφοράς το θεραπευτικό πλαίσιο, προσπαθώντας να βρει και να θέσει ο ίδιος το δικό του κέντρο, επιστρέφοντας σε αυτό, προκειμένου να μπορέσει να βρει τις δικές του ισορροπίες. Ως ψυχοθεραπεύτρια εκπαιδεύτηκα στο Συνθετικό μοντέλο (ψυχοδυναμική, προσωποκεντρική και γνωστική-συμπεριφοριστική προσέγγιση). Χρησιμοποιώντας τις διαφορετικές προσεγγίσεις δημιουργείται ένα εξατομικευμένο πλάνο ανάλογα με τις ανάγκες και τους θεραπευτικούς στόχους του κάθε ατόμου. Φυσικά, πιστεύω πάρα πολύ στη διαρκή ενημέρωση, εξέλιξη και ανάπτυξη του ατόμου, γι’ αυτό και συνεχίζω να ενημερώνομαι συνεχώς και να ενισχύω τις γνώσεις μου σε προσωπικό και επαγγελματικό επίπεδο. Εσένα λοιπόν, ποια είναι τα κομμάτια σου;

Katsimardou Stauroula is a Psychologist – Systemic Psychotherapist for children, adolescents, and adults (professional license no. 1006982). She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Panteion University and is completing postgraduate studies in the program "Developmental and Adolescent Health Strategies" at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Concurrently, she is training in the four-year Systemic Psychotherapy and Counseling program at the Center for Systemic Study and Therapy (Ke.S.Meth.).

She deals with issues related to anxiety and panic attacks, intense stress and overload, occupational burnout and emotional exhaustion, psychosomatic symptoms, as well as difficulties in interpersonal relationships. Additionally, she works on grief and loss, low self-esteem, boundaries, emotional regulation, decision-making difficulties, loss of meaning, and adaptation to transitional life periods in adolescents and adults.

She holds certification in the administration and evaluation of the psychometric tools WISC-V and WAIS-IV and has attended the Special Education seminar at the University of Patras. She has participated in mental health seminars and conferences and is engaged in ongoing personal psychotherapy and supervision.

She has gained experience in various clinical settings, such as the Naval Hospital of Piraeus, the General Children's Hospital "Panagioti & Aglaia Kyriakou," the 414 Military Hospital for Special Diseases, and the Day Center for Children and Adolescents "Thalpos."

Mitsopoulou Maria is a Mental Health Counselor who conducts individual sessions. After completing her studies in the Department of Communication and Mass Media at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, she continued her education at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling (Kallithea), obtaining a diploma in Mental Health Counseling following three years of training and practical experience, including case management and observation of self-awareness groups and individual sessions. Simultaneously, she complements her academic knowledge and skills by studying for a BSc (Hons) in Psychology at the Metropolitan College of Athens in collaboration with Oxford Brookes University (UK). Additionally, the specialist continually enhances her expertise by attending seminars and specialized training programs in various fields of mental health. Finally, she offers online sessions, with in-person counseling services expected to be available soon.