Mental Health and Counseling results in the Western suburbs of Athens

Xristou Panos BSc, MSc, MA is a Psychologist and maintains a private practice in Peristeri. He holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Essex, with postgraduate studies in Counseling and Psychotherapy from the University of East London (M.A. Counseling & Psychotherapy), as well as in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching from the same University (MSc Applied Positive Psychology & Coaching Psychology). He has participated in numerous conferences and seminars on the science of Psychology and the art of Psychotherapy and is continuously engaged in professional development through workshops and advanced training programs in his field of expertise.

Tsirtsiridis Giorgos BSc, MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Nikaia. He holds a degree in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and two master's degrees (MSc). He specialized in Clinical Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neuroscience through an interuniversity program of the University of Athens in collaboration with McGill University, while also completing postgraduate studies in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy at the University of Derby. He has enhanced his scientific training with specialized postgraduate seminars in clinical psychopathology, clinical skills, and special education and parent counseling, gaining a comprehensive understanding of mental health and developmental needs.

Since 2018, he has maintained a private practice in Nikaia, where he provides psychotherapy and psychological support services to adults. Concurrently, he collaborates as an external associate with the Psychodiagnosis center. In his professional career, he has worked as a special educator and has teaching experience, preparing adult candidates for psychology entrance examinations. In his therapeutic approach, he combines modern scientific knowledge with an integrative perspective, adapting the method to each individual's needs. His goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where the patient can freely express themselves, gain deeper self-understanding, and enhance their psychological resilience.

Η Κολέσνικ Αλεξάνδρα είναι Ψυχολόγος και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Περιστέρι. Είναι πτυχιούχος Ψυχολογίας του Παντείου Πανεπιστημίου Κοινωνικών και Πολιτικών Επιστημών. Έχει κάνει μεταπτυχιακές σπουδές στην Κλινική και Κοινοτική Ψυχολογία (MSc Clinical and Community Psychology, University of East London), με κατευθύνσεις στην Οικογενειακή - Συστημική Θεραπεία, Γνωστική Θεραπεία και Θεραπεία Σχημάτων. Επίσης, είναι κάτοχος διπλώματος μετεκπαίδευσης στην Κλινική Ύπνωση με εξειδίκευση στην Βιοθυμική Ψυχοθεραπεία (Κέντρο Εφαρμοσμένης Ψυχοθεραπείας και Συμβουλευτικής/ General Hypnotherapy Standards Council) καθώς και στην Γνωσιακή - Συμπεριφορική Κλινική Υπνοθεραπεία (Κέντρο Ψυχοθεραπείας και Μοντέρνας Εφαρμοσμένης Ψυχολογίας). Επιπλέον, έχει εκπαιδευτεί στην θεραπεία EMDR (EMDR Europe Βασική Εκπαίδευση, Αθήνα, Ελλάδα, Πέννυ Παπανικολοπούλου PhD EMDR Europe Accredited Senior Trainer), καθώς και στο πρόγραμμα εξειδίκευσης στην Συνθετική Θεραπεία Ζεύγους και τη Συμβουλευτική Γάμου (ΕΥΡΩΠΑΪΚΟ ΙΝΣΤΙΤΟΥΤΟ ΣΥΜΒΟΥΛΕΥΤΙΚΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΨΥΧΟΘΕΡΑΠΕΙΑΣ).

Καταρτήθηκε στην αντιμετώπιση και στην πρόληψη των κινδύνων του διαδικτύου (Ψυχική Υγεία και Διαδίκτυο: Δυσλειτουργικές Συμπεριφορές στο Διαδίκτυο - Τρόποι Παρέμβασης και Πρόληψης, Ε.Κ.Π.Α.) και απέκτησε ειδίκευση στην αντιμετώπιση παιδιών με αναπηρία και με ειδικές μαθησιακές ανάγκες (Ειδίκευση στην Ειδική Αγωγή και Εκπαίδευση, Ε.Κ.Π.Α.). Παρακολούθησε πλήθος σεμιναρίων, εκπαιδευτικών προγραμμάτων και συνεδριών όπως το Εκπαιδευτικό Πρόγραμμα Ψυχιατρικής Παίδων και Εφήβων, Τμήμα Ψυχιατρικής Παίδων και Εφήβων, ΓΝΑ Σισμανόγλειο-Αμαλία Φλέμινγκ (2013-2014) και ετήσια προγράμματα «Κρίσεις και ρήξεις: εφηβεία, κοινωνία» και «Η ψύχωση στην εφηβεία», Τμήμα Ψυχιατρική Εφήβων και Νέων του Γενικού Νοσοκομείου «Γ. Γεννηματάς» (2010-2012). Πραγματοποίησε πρακτική άσκηση με ειδικότητα ψυχολόγου σε συνεργασία με τον Συμβουλευτικό Σταθμό για το AIDS (Νοσοκομείο Αφροδίσιων και Δερματικών Νόσων Ανδρέας Συγγρός), την Τηλεφωνική Γραμμή για το AIDS (ΚΕ.ΕΛ.Π.ΝΟ), καθώς και την Κινητή Μονάδα Πρωτοβάθμιας Περίθαλψης. Άσκησε πρακτική με ειδικότητα ψυχολόγου στο Εργαστήριο Διερεύνησης Ανθρώπινων Σχέσεων (Χάρις Κατάκη), με συστημική-οικογενειακή θεραπεία. Συμμετείχε στην εθελοντική εργασία με ειδικότητα Ψυχολόγου στις Μη Κυβερνητικές Οργανώσεις «Ένα παιδί, ένας κόσμος» και «Μαζί για το Παιδί». Έχει τριετή συνεργασία με το «Ψυχοδός» (Κέντρο ψυχοθεραπείας, συμβουλευτικής και προσωπικής ανάπτυξης), όπου διεξήγαγε ατομικές και ομαδικές συνεδρίες, καθώς και θεραπεία ζεύγους. Επιπλέον, είναι εισηγήτρια σεμιναρίων με θέματα ψυχολογίας (Μικροεκφράσεις προσώπου και ανίχνευση ψεύδους, Κλινική Ύπνωση, Μηχανισμοί άμυνας, Ενδοικογενειακή βία, Mindfulness, κτλ.).

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.

Η Σοφία Τσακίρη MSc είναι Ψυχολόγος, απόφοιτη του προγράμματος Bachelor στην Ψυχολογία και Συμβουλευτική του Mediterranean College, σε συνεργασία με το Teesside University (Ηνωμένο Βασίλειο), από το οποίο αποφοίτησε το 2011. Το 2012 ολοκλήρωσε τις μεταπτυχιακές της σπουδές στην Ψυχολογία στο University of Plymouth (Ηνωμένο Βασίλειο). Σήμερα εκπαιδεύεται στη Συστημική Ψυχοθεραπεία και βρίσκεται στο 4ο έτος της τετραετούς εκπαίδευσής της. Εργάζεται ιδιωτικά, παρέχοντας υπηρεσίες ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης και συμβουλευτικής, ενώ έχει προσφέρει εθελοντικά τις υπηρεσίες της στο «Χαμόγελο του Παιδιού», αποκτώντας πολύτιμη εμπειρία στην υποστήριξη παιδιών και οικογενειών. Στο θεραπευτικό της έργο προσεγγίζει κάθε άνθρωπο ως τον μοναδικό ειδικό της δικής του εμπειρίας, αναγνωρίζοντας ότι οι προσωπικές ιστορίες, οι σχέσεις και τα νοήματα που συνδιαμορφώνονται επηρεάζουν τον τρόπο με τον οποίο αντιλαμβανόμαστε τον εαυτό μας και τον κόσμο γύρω μας. Μέσα από μια διαδικασία διαλόγου και συνδιαμόρφωσης νοήματος, υποστηρίζει τους ανθρώπους στην ανάδειξη των προσωπικών τους πόρων και δυνατοτήτων, στην εξερεύνηση νέων προοπτικών και στη διαμόρφωση αλλαγών που ανταποκρίνονται στις ανάγκες, τις αξίες και τις επιθυμίες τους. Βασική της προτεραιότητα αποτελεί η δημιουργία ενός ασφαλούς, συνεργατικού και υποστηρικτικού θεραπευτικού πλαισίου, μέσα στο οποίο κάθε άνθρωπος μπορεί να νιώσει ότι ακούγεται, γίνεται κατανοητός και αντιμετωπίζεται με σεβασμό. Παράλληλα, έχει παρακολουθήσει σεμινάρια όπως η Συμβουλευτική Γονέων, η Συστημική Σεξολογία και Σεξοθεραπεία Ζευγαριών και Ατόμων, Άγχος και Κρίσεις Πανικού, Ψυχοπαθολογία κ.α.

Ms. Gkioka S Maria is a Psychologist and maintains her private practice in Aigaleo. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Indianapolis (license no.: 1070) and a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology. She has been trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy as well as in Systemic Counseling and Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents & Parent Counseling. Additionally, she has attended continuing education seminars to update and enhance her knowledge, always aiming for accurate assessment and therapeutic treatment of the individualized needs of each person. She has served as a Scientific Collaborator/Counseling Psychologist at the Adolescent Health Unit, 2nd Pediatric Clinic, University of Athens, ‘P. & A. Kyriakou’ Children's Hospital, the Hellenic Institute for the United Nations, and other private centers and NGOs, focusing on the psychological support and well-being of minors and young people. In her private practice, she works with children, adolescents, and young adults, while possessing particular expertise in Eating Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Anger Management, Interpersonal Relationships, Bullying, Excessive Use of Gaming and Internet, Learning Disabilities, and ADHD. Furthermore, she provides parent counseling sessions on these topics.

Boukea Eirini is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist and maintains her private practice in Peristeri. She holds a degree in Psychology and a Master's Degree in Psychology from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences. She possesses a professional license (3173/15-4-2005), is an active member of the Greek Psychological Society (S.E.Ps.) and the Hellenic Society of Systemic Therapy (EL.E.SY.TH.). She specializes in Family/Systemic Psychotherapy and provides counseling and individual psychotherapy services for adults and adolescents, group psychotherapy for adults, couples and family therapy, regardless of the presenting issue/symptom. She is in continuous training and supervision while actively participating in experiential self-awareness processes. Through her personal and professional experience, she considers the psychotherapeutic journey to be the greatest gift a person can offer themselves for a better life.

Nous Kai Psyxi - Psyxotherapeia Psyxoekpaideusi Kai Symvouleutiki is a modern mental health facility located in Korydallos, offering Psychotherapy, Psychoeducation, and Counseling services. The services include individual psychotherapy sessions, memory and cognitive function assessments, as well as mental empowerment and rehabilitation programs. A wide range of needs are addressed, such as dementia, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, brain injuries, and other cognitive or psychological challenges.

Additionally, support is provided to patients and families through specialized counseling and psychoeducation. The experience is based on many years of individual/private collaborations, practical training, and partnerships with specialized institutions, such as the Athens Alzheimer Society, dementia care units for the elderly, and intervention units for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders.

The scientific training of the founder, Maria Kalafata, includes studies in Psychology (BSc, MSc, PhD) and specializations in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Forensic Psychology, Medical Psychology, and Integrative Therapeutic Counseling, with an emphasis on a person-centered approach. She holds certifications from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and international organizations such as Pearson–Edexcel.

Combining a high level of scientific knowledge with practical experience, Nous Kai Psyxi - Psyxotherapeia Psyxoekpaideusi Kai Symvouleutiki offers targeted and individualized care, empowering individuals to face their challenges and improve their quality of life.

Maria Touliatou is a Psychologist - Systemic Existential Therapist and maintains a private practice in Piraeus. She studied Philosophy, Pedagogy, and Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and subsequently graduated from the Psychology Department of the same University. She trained in Systemic-Existential Psychotherapy and Family Therapy for children, adolescents, and adults at the educational and therapeutic center "Antistixi D & E Karagianni." She has attended training sessions and experiential seminars in Play Therapy at the Drama Therapy and Play Therapy Center "Erma," in Adolescent Psychopathology at the General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas," as well as in communication techniques with oncology patients at the Anticancer Hospital of Piraeus "Metaxa." Additionally, she has successfully completed the Postgraduate program "Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Family Needs, Promotion of Mental Health of Families with Children and Adolescents" at the Medical School of Athens. She has completed practical training at the Attica Chronic Disease Hospital, in the Psychiatry – Psycho-oncology Service of the Anticancer Hospital of Piraeus "Metaxa," and in the Child Psychiatry Department of the General Hospital of Piraeus "Tzaneio." Finally, she works psychotherapeutically with children, adolescents, adults, and couples in her private practice, while maintaining collaborations with therapeutic centers and mental health facilities, participating in and organizing lectures and seminars, and engaging in article writing.

Kontogiannis Lampros is an Integrative Psychotherapist - Clinical Hypnotherapist and maintains a private practice in Sepolia, near the Attiki metro station. In 1997, he moved to the United Kingdom, where he attended specialized seminars in the Department of Clinical Psychology on "Eating Disorders," with a project titled “Anorexia Nervosa” at the private British College. Concurrently, he participated in a postgraduate program specializing in Counseling and Integrative Psychotherapy, earning an MSc in "Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy" from the University of Derby. He has since completed his specialization in systemic family therapy and couples therapy. He was distinguished among 250 scholars at the University of Derby, being one of only four Greeks to graduate as integrative psychotherapists. He excelled in his thesis on the personality traits and eating habits, examining how an individual’s personality influences both their nutritional and physical condition, and the role of gender as a factor. Integrative psychotherapy involves the synthesis of three different methods and approaches applied conjointly to each patient: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy, and the psychodynamic approach (attachment theory). Finally, he has also undergone further training at the Piraeus Institute of Integrative Counseling and Psychotherapy (EPSYTHE - Society for Psychological Support and Therapy) in clinical hypnosis, earning a specialty as a clinical hypnotherapist. He is among the founding members of the Greek Clinical Hypnotherapists Association and the International Hypnosis Association.

Patsani Maria is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Peristeri. She holds a degree in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and is licensed to practice professionally. She is a Certified Systemic / Family Psychotherapist, having completed the four-year specialization program in the Synthetic Model of Systemic Therapy at the Human Relations Research Laboratory. She has professional experience in Mental Health facilities, such as the Family Therapy Unit (Psychiatric Hospital of Attica), the Vyronas Mental Health Center, where she provided group psychotherapy, and the Student Counseling Center of the Athens University of Economics and Business (ASOEE). She offers individual counseling and psychotherapy services, group psychotherapy, couples therapy, and family therapy. She works with individuals experiencing difficulties in their intimate or/and family relationships, various types of problems with their children, and challenges in managing their emotions, e.g., mood disorders – depression, anxiety disorders, panic attacks, grief, as well as those seeking better self-understanding and aiming to improve the quality of life they deserve.

Anastasiou Katerina is a Psychotherapist - Social Worker maintaining a private practice in Korydallos. She graduated from the Department of Social Work at the University of West Attica and has been trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling. She has worked in support structures for vulnerable groups, such as shelters for unaccompanied minors, homeless shelters, as well as housing programs for refugees and beneficiaries of international protection, providing psychosocial support, counseling, and empowerment. She has experience in managing anxiety and panic attacks, depression, low self-esteem, as well as difficulties in interpersonal relationships and recurring behavioral patterns that complicate everyday life. She has been a contributor to the psychoedu.gr platform, writing articles related to mental health, self-regulation, and emotional awareness. Currently, she maintains a private practice in Korydallos, offering counseling and psychotherapy for adults, both in-person and online, by appointment, within a safe and supportive therapeutic framework based on respect, genuine connection, and collaboration.

I am a Greek Clinical Psychologist (MSc) - Psychotherapist that has lived in Greece, Italy and Netherlands. During the last years, I have gained a diverse range of clinical experiences working with individuals and families with a variety of mental health and developmental conditions. I completed my BSc in Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, followed by an MSc degree in Clinical Psychology at Utrecht University. To further my professional development, I am getting trained to become a Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapist from the Greek Association for Cognitive and Behavioral Psychotherapies, which is accredited by the European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT). During my Bachelor's Internship at Papanikolaou Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki, I participated in group therapy sessions, consisted of individuals diagnosed with Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder and other psychotic disorders. I also gained experience in family and couple therapy, utilizing the systemic approach. During my Master's Internship at the Psychiatric Facilities of the General Hospital of Corfu, I provided psychoeducational interventions to individuals diagnosed with Schizophrenia and to their families, as well as one-on-one psychotherapy sessions to individuals struggling with emotional issues. At the same time, I participated in group sessions with individuals hospitalized at the Detox Unit of the clinic, who were struggling with addiction issues. During my working experience at a Dyslexia Center, I provided counseling to parents, as well as I conducted individual sessions with children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD, Autism, and other developmental disabilities. In addition, I promoted social skills learning through the use of board games, CBT techniques, role-playing, and various psychoeducational materials. My decision to pursue a career as a psychotherapist stems from a profound love for understanding the intricacies of the human soul. This profession brings me immense fulfillment as it allows me to help individuals feel heard, gain deep self-awareness, and piece together the complex puzzles of their lives. Through this process, I assist them in finding meaning and moving closer to a sense of wholeness.

Marianna Kafetzi is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Aigaleo. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, holding a Professional Practice License (48073). She also holds a second degree in Greek Classical Philology, completed at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has completed her postgraduate studies in the field of School - Educational Psychology at Gugliemo Marconi University in Italy and in Special Education at the University of Cyprus. She has undertaken a one-year specialization in Adult Medical Psychology at the University of Athens and a one-year training program in Child Psychology - Child Psychiatry at the University of the Aegean, from which she is certified in Child Psychology. Currently, she is pursuing psychotherapeutic training in Integrative Psychotherapy and is attending an educational program in Counseling for Perinatal and Reproductive Psychology at the University of West Attica, as well as the training program Approach to Individuals and Families with Addiction Problems at the same institution. She works as a Psychologist at the Center for Interdisciplinary Assessment, Counseling, and Support (KEDASY) of the Ministry of Education in Piraeus. Previously, she has collaborated with Counseling and Psychotherapy centers, Day Centers, and Special Therapy centers for children and adults. She has also worked in the fields of Special Education and General Education. She completed an internship at the Psychiatric Hospital of Attica "Dromokaiteio" in the acute cases department "Agia Markella".