Mental Health and Counseling results in Macedonia

Anna Xanioti is a Mental Health Counselor and Psychotherapist specializing in the Person-Centered Approach. She trained in the 4-year experiential program "Person-Centered Roots" at the College of Humanistic Studies ICPS in Athens. She is a certified Psychotherapist accredited by the European Association of Psychotherapy (EAP) and holds the European Certificate of Psychotherapy (ECP). She ensures her professional development through continuous supervision, therapy, and participation in seminars and conferences. Her areas of interest include the integration of contemporary neuroscience with psychotherapy, developmental trauma and its impact on personal relationships, psychoemotional care of women during menopause, and encounter and personal development groups.

Dr Dimitrios Chionis is a Military Psychologist of the Hellenic Air Force, with a PhD in Psychology, Human Factors and Strategic Communication.

If you are looking for a psychologist online, this is not a generic counselling profile. You will meet a professional whose work has been shaped in high responsibility environments, where stress, pressure, decision making, communication and human performance are part of everyday reality.

In our sessions, we focus on what is difficult for you right now. This may be anxiety, stress, burnout, panic attacks, anger, sadness, fear, work pressure, relationship difficulties, problematic internet use, low self awareness, or the need for clearer personal direction. We do not begin with a label. We begin with you, your request, and the way your daily functioning is affected.

The work is practical, structured and human. The aim is to help you understand more clearly what is happening, how you react under pressure, and what small but meaningful steps you can take next. You are supported to regain clarity, emotional control, personal responsibility and a stronger sense of direction.

The special focus on Human Factors makes this work different. It looks at the connection between the person, the environment, pressure, decision making and behaviour. This is useful when you feel that the problem is not only inside you, but also in the system around you. Your work, your relationships, your responsibilities and your daily demands all matter.

The background in Strategic Communication is also important. It can help when your difficulty involves hard conversations, boundaries, conflict, professional relationships, leadership, personal image, or the need to express yourself clearly without losing your position.

The sessions may support you with anxiety management, stress regulation, burnout, communication skills, anger management, panic symptoms, self awareness, professional decision making, personal development and peak performance. The approach is direct, respectful and grounded in psychological science, without vague promises or ready made solutions.

This is not presented as a specific psychotherapy model that claims to fit everyone. The service focuses on psychological support, counselling, mentoring, coaching and the improvement of everyday functioning. The work is based on professional experience, scientific knowledge and respect for your personal request.

Confidentiality, clarity and responsibility are central to the process. Where more specialised care is needed, such as psychotherapy, psychiatric support, medical assessment, or multidisciplinary intervention, an appropriate referral or collaboration with another health professional may be recommended.

The goal is not to tell you to simply think positively. The goal is to help you see what is really going on, organise yourself more effectively and take the next steps with more awareness, stability and personal strength.

Elisavet Valkanioti is a Psychologist in Volos providing individual sessions for adults and adolescents (17+ years old), both in-person and online. She creates a safe, supportive, and confidential therapeutic environment tailored to the needs of each client.

She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Canterbury Christ Church University with a grade of Excellent and holds a Master's Degree in Organizational Psychology from University of East London.

She applies Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and has specialized training in Clinical Hypnotherapy (CBH), combining scientifically validated methods with contemporary therapeutic techniques. She offers support in issues such as:

• anxiety and panic attacks
• phobias
• sleep disorders
• smoking cessation
• chronic pain management
• weight control

She holds an advanced diploma in Cognitive-Behavioral Clinical Hypnotherapy (CBH) and has been trained in Regressive Therapy as well as in DSM-V (Understanding DSM-V), with an emphasis on the analysis of the psychiatric classification manual and the understanding of psychological phenomena.

Her therapeutic approach is integrative and individualized, combining the structured methodology of CBT with the dynamic aspects of clinical hypnotherapy, while incorporating experiential and humanistic elements.

She has experience in the field of Occupational Psychology, supporting individuals with work-related stress, professional relationships, and workplace behavior. Additionally, she has been trained in Forensic and Criminal Psychology, with a focus on psychological assessment within legal contexts.

Η Αθηνά Μάρκου είναι Ψυχολόγος με εξειδίκευση στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT), με επιστημονική κατάρτιση και πολυδιάστατο ακαδημαϊκό υπόβαθρο στον χώρο της ψυχολογίας και της ψυχικής υγείας. Είναι απόφοιτη Ψυχολογίας (BSc) του University of East London, κάτοχος MBA στη Διοίκηση Ανθρώπινου Δυναμικού από το University of Winchester και MSc στη Διοίκηση Φιλοξενίας και Τουρισμού από το American College of Thessaloniki. Παράλληλα, συνεχίζει την ακαδημαϊκή της εξέλιξη με μεταπτυχιακές σπουδές στην Κλινική Ψυχολογία στο University of Essex και στο πρόγραμμα Learning, Digitalization & Sustainability του Jönköping University. Από το 2025 διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο ως ελεύθερη επαγγελματίας Ψυχολόγος, παρέχοντας υπηρεσίες ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης και ψυχοθεραπείας σε ενήλικες. Παράλληλα, διδάσκει Ψυχολογία στο Τμήμα Δόκιμων Αστυφυλάκων Κομοτηνής και στον Εκπαιδευτικό Όμιλο Ευδόκιμος, συνδυάζοντας την κλινική πράξη με την ακαδημαϊκή διδασκαλία. Η θεραπευτική της προσέγγιση βασίζεται στις αρχές της Γνωσιακής Συμπεριφορικής Θεραπείας (CBT), μιας επιστημονικά τεκμηριωμένης μορφής ψυχοθεραπείας που στοχεύει στην αναγνώριση και τροποποίηση δυσλειτουργικών μοτίβων σκέψης και συμπεριφοράς, συμβάλλοντας στην αποτελεσματική διαχείριση δυσκολιών όπως το άγχος, οι κρίσεις πανικού, η κατάθλιψη, οι φοβίες, η χαμηλή αυτοεκτίμηση, οι δυσκολίες στις διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις και το καθημερινό στρες. Βασική της προτεραιότητα είναι η δημιουργία ενός ασφαλούς, υποστηρικτικού και εμπιστευτικού θεραπευτικού πλαισίου, όπου κάθε άνθρωπος μπορεί να εκφραστεί ελεύθερα, να κατανοήσει βαθύτερα τον εαυτό του και να αναπτύξει τις δεξιότητες που θα τον οδηγήσουν σε ουσιαστική προσωπική ανάπτυξη και ψυχική ευεξία. Είναι μέλος της American Psychological Association (APA) και ενημερώνεται διαρκώς για τις σύγχρονες επιστημονικές εξελίξεις στον χώρο της ψυχολογίας και της ψυχοθεραπείας.

Kavadatos Aleksios, BSc, MSc, is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist with a private practice in Kozani. He graduated from the Department of Psychology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and holds a Master's Degree (MSc) in Clinical Psychology from the same institution. He has been trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Group Analysis, and possesses over 20 years of experience in the field of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Adult Psychotherapy. He has served as the Scientific Supervisor in psychosocial rehabilitation facilities in Thessaloniki and Kozani, as well as a Supervisor of the psychological support program of the 3rd Health Region “No One Alone During the Pandemic”. Additionally, he was a member of the Scientific Committee for the psychological support telephone line 10306. From 2009 to 2023, he maintained a private practice in Thessaloniki and currently practices professionally in Kozani. Since 2023, he has been the President of the NPO IONOS, an organization active in mental health and social rehabilitation. He has attended numerous seminars and conferences aimed at continuous professional development and has many publications and presentations in the mental health field. He has organized and coordinated counseling groups for parents, caregivers of persons with disabilities, educators, and healthcare professionals, as well as psychoeducational groups for managing anxiety and professional burnout.

Roxani - Maria Vakalou is a Psychologist, graduate of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, specializing in Clinical Psychology. She is a certified Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist and is training in Bioenergetic Clinical Hypnosis.

Her choice of specializations is based on the integration of two critical pillars: focusing on the "here and now," addressing dysfunctional patterns of thinking and behavior, and processing emotional traumas formed during early developmental stages before the development of logical thinking.

Her career in the Mental Health field includes voluntary service at S.O.F.PSY. Serres, coordinating therapeutic groups and cognitive-behavioral interventions; collaboration with the Hellenic Alzheimer’s Disease Association; specialization in "Dance Theatre"; and mental health counseling in a multinational environment through conducting psychoeducational groups and individual sessions (since 2024).

She firmly believes that Psychotherapy is the most valuable investment in oneself and the cornerstone of self-awareness and mental well-being. Her goal is, within an environment of trust, understanding, and acceptance, to help individuals genuinely "embrace" themselves.

Maria Xastali - Sitara is a licensed Psychologist specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy. She has been practicing privately as a psychotherapist with adults for over 4 years. Previously, she volunteered at the Hellenic Council for Refugees, the Penteli Day Center for the prevention and treatment of dementia, and Thallo Seveneleven A.M.K.E for the prevention and treatment of dementia. During her internship, she served as an assistant clinical psychologist at the NGO Klimaka and as a psychotherapist through the Association of Families with Three or More Children Saint Nektarios. To ensure the highest quality of service, she is continuously engaged in individual and group clinical supervision as well as ongoing personal therapy. We are all unique in our own way. The time and manner in which each person evolves also differ. She is here to help each client reach their goals in their own, unique way.

Pinelopi Kitsou is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains her private practice in Thessaloniki. She holds a degree in Psychology from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She has specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy and has completed the Postgraduate Program in Adolescent Medicine and Adolescent Health Care at the School of Medicine of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. In her private practice, she handles a wide range of cases, always focusing on providing the best possible service tailored to the individualized needs of each person she undertakes.

H Xαριτωνίδου Λούση είναι Ψυχολόγος (MSc), Υπαρξιακή-Συστημική Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια

Είναι απόφοιτη του τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Παντείου Πανεπιστημίου Κοινωνικών & Πολιτικών Επιστημών, με άδεια ασκήσεως επαγγέλματος. Συνεχίζοντας την ακαδημαϊκή της πορεία ολοκλήρωσε τις μεταπτυχιακές της σπουδές στη «Θετική Ψυχολογία», στο Πάντειο Πανεπιστήμιο. Tαυτόχρονα, πραγματοποιεί την εξαετή ψυχοθεραπευτική της εκπαίδευση στην «Υπαρξιακή-Συστημική Ψυχοθεραπεία», στο Θεραπευτικό Ινστιτούτο Αντίστιξη.

Έχει ολοκληρώσει το εκπαιδευτικό πρόγραμμα της ΕΛΕΠΨΥΣΕΠ με τίτλο «Ψυχοπαθολογία παιδιού & εφήβου», καθώς και το ετήσιο μετεκπαιδευτικό σεμινάριο της Κλινικής Ψυχοπαθολογίας «Παναγιώτης Ουλής», που διεξάγεται από το Ερευνητικό Πανεπιστημιακό Ινστιτούτο Ψυχικής Υγείας, Νευροεπιστημών και Ιατρικής Ακριβείας «Κώστας Στεφανής» (ΕΠΙΨΥ), την Α΄ Πανεπιστημιακή Ψυχιατρική Κλινική του Αιγινητείου Νοσοκομείου & την εταιρεία «Προαγωγή της Γνώσης στις Ψυχικές Διαταραχές». Έχει παρακολουθήσει πληθώρα σεμιναρίων, ημερίδων & συνεδριών, με στόχο τη συνεχή της επιμόρφωση πάνω στα θέματα ψυχικής υγείας.

Έχει ολοκληρώσει την προπτυχιακή πρακτική της άσκηση στο Πανεπιστημιακό Γενικό Νοσοκομείο «Αττικόν», στη B΄ Πανεπιστημιακή Ψυχιατρική Κλινική και την μεταπτυχιακή της άσκηση στον Ξενώνα Ψυχοκοινωνικής Αποκατάστασης «Οδυσσέας» της Ε.Π.Α.Ψ.Υ., όπου συνέχισε και μετά το πέρας της ,εθελοντικά. Επιπρόσθετα,  έχει εργαστεί ως σχολική ψυχολόγος σε γενικά σχολεία της Δευτεροβάθμιας Εκπαίδευσης με στόχο την ψυχοεκπαίδευση, ευαισθητοποίηση και ψυχολογική υποστήριξη μαθητών, γονέων & διδασκόντων. Έχει συμμετάσχει εθελοντικά σε δραστηριότητες ευαισθητοποίησης της ΑμΚΕ ΙΑΣΙΣ, καθώς και ως αρθρογράφος, σε θέματα ψυχικής υγείας στην σελίδα Psychoedu.gr.

Στο παρόν εργάζεται ιδιωτικά ως ψυχολόγος-ψυχοθεραπεύτρια & συνεργάζεται με κέντρα ειδικών θεραπειών, όπου ασχολείται ψυχοθεραπευτικά με παιδιά και εφήβους, καθώς και με υπηρεσίες συμβουλευτικής γονέων. 

Mpourtzos Markos is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist, licensed to practice, and maintains a private practice in Kozani. He holds a degree in Psychology from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a Master's Degree (MSc) in Applications of Psychology in Health from the Medical Department of A.U.Th. Additionally, he trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy through a three-year training program accredited by the Hellenic Society of Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy. As a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, he can assist you in overcoming issues such as anxiety, panic attacks, depression, various phobias, eating disorders, among others. A fundamental principle of cognitive therapy is that our emotions and behavior are significantly influenced by the way we perceive things and by our broader attitudes and beliefs. Thus, during the course of therapy and within a relatively short period, we learn to think more realistically, free from negative thoughts and distortions.

Tavanli Xrysa Maria is a Psychologist - Systemic Family Psychotherapist and conducts online sessions, including individual, couple, and family therapy. She has extensive experience in both the public and private sectors as a certified Psychologist. She has worked in various settings, including Community Centers, Special Education School Units, and KEDASY (Centers for Differential Diagnosis, Diagnosis, and Support), and currently serves as a School Psychologist at the Ministry of Education. She holds a Psychology degree from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and has completed postgraduate studies in Special Education. Additionally, she has completed a 4-year training program in Systemic Family Therapy. Concurrently, she is continuing her education with postgraduate studies in Gender Studies at the Hellenic Open University. She possesses significant experience in intervention within school, social, and therapeutic contexts, with particular sensitivity to diversity and vulnerable social groups. She approaches individuals’ needs with empathy, systemic thinking, and scientific evidence, emphasizing a collaborative relationship and targeted empowerment.

Athina Arampatzi is a Psychologist with a private practice in Serres. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Crete, a postgraduate degree in Educational Studies from the Hellenic Open University (HOU), and is a certified therapist in Cognitive-Analytical Psychotherapy from the Hellenic Society. She has specialized in trauma therapy through EMDR and issues related to complex psychological trauma. She has worked as a counseling psychologist at the Second Chance School of the Nigrita Detention Center and has previously served in social structures of the Municipality of Serres, providing support to abused women and vulnerable groups. She has participated in European programs, offering individual and group counseling services aimed at empowerment and professional integration of individuals in socially vulnerable positions. Additionally, she has worked as a psychologist in organizations supporting individuals with disabilities, such as "Ensōmátosi" and "Argonáftes." She actively participates in scientific conferences and seminars and has published research in international and national conferences and journals, focusing on social development, disability, and school inclusion. Furthermore, she is a member of the International Association for Relational Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy (IARPP) and its Thessaloniki chapter.