Mental Health and Counseling results in Macedonia

Giazitzi Vasiliki is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist, a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, specializing in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which is recommended as the treatment of choice for a variety of mental disorders and is particularly effective.

She maintains private practices in Thessaloniki and Serres, providing psychotherapeutic services both in person and online to adults, adolescents, couples, and families.

She completed her postgraduate studies at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens with a degree in "Global Medicine and Health Crisis Management".

Since 2021, she has specialized in cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy at the Hellenic Society of Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy.

From May 2019 to June 2024, she worked with NGOs on various UNICEF programs such as Child Protection (Child and Family Support Hubs) and subsequently the support of all children in education (All Children in Education).

Within the framework of this work, she participated in the design and support of cases involving domestic violence, as well as cases of severe anxiety, depression, phobias, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and various mental disorders requiring support. In 2021, she held a coordinating role in the Child Protection program in the Serres field.

Dimitra Karakasi is a Psychologist-Psychotherapist, graduate of the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She has completed postgraduate studies and specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She has worked in mental health facilities and school units, gaining experience in providing psychological support to adults, adolescents, and children. She deals with issues related to anxiety, depression, difficulties in interpersonal relationships, and enhancing self-esteem. Her clinical practice is based on scientifically validated methods, aiming to promote mental health and personal development.

Giannopoulou Maria is a Psychologist practicing privately in Katerini. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She has also volunteered at the Katerini Mental Health Center for 3 years.

Mpoutouridou Georgia is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Katerini. Concurrently, she works as a psychologist in a facility for individuals with disabilities. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology and specializes in Systemic Psychotherapy, training at the Center for Systemic Therapy and Study of Thessaloniki (KE.S.ME.TH). Additionally, she has completed a one-year specialization in Sensory & Messy Play through the mental health multipurpose center "Psycho-lo-Yia," where she worked as a Psychologist at the central Toumpa branch. She is distinguished by her love of learning and dedication to the science of Psychology, actively participating in numerous educational seminars and maintaining ongoing interest in the psychosocial development of children, adolescents, and adults. She has provided voluntary psychological services to Non-Governmental Organizations for people with disabilities as well as to a support center for abused women, and has completed internships both in a private psychology practice and at university counseling centers. She is fluent in Greek, English, and Romanian, combining theoretical training with genuine empathy and professional ethics. Finally, the specialist maintains a private practice and her own mental health and therapy multipurpose center "Psycho-lo-Yia Katerinis," offering services to children, adolescents, and adults.

Siopi Thomai MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Veria. She holds a degree in Psychology from City College of the University of Sheffield in Thessaloniki, where she was awarded a scholarship for her excellent performance. Additionally, she has a master's degree (MSc) in Health Psychology from the affiliated universities UCL and King’s College London. Furthermore, she has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at the Hellenic Society for Behavior Research. She has also completed training in the treatment of eating disorders and obesity through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She participates in seminars and experiential workshops aimed at improving and continuously developing her knowledge. Finally, she is a member of the British Psychological Society, the European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies, and the Hellenic Society for Behavior Research.

Thomas Palikrousis is a Psychologist (UEL), certified Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapist (EEGSPS), Dietitian-Nutritionist (ATEITH), and Food Technologist (ATEITH), twice awarded scholarships by the State Scholarship Foundation (IKY). He holds four postgraduate degrees (MSc) in Aging and Chronic Disease Management (HOU), Quality Management and Food Industry Production Organization (ATEITH), Quality Assurance (HOU), and Food Chemistry (AUTH). He is a doctoral candidate at the Department of Food Science and Technology (DIPE), a student in the Department of Agriculture at the University of Western Macedonia, and a postgraduate student in Applied Developmental Psychology (HOU).

His professional work focuses on bridging theory and practice through an interdisciplinary approach. Specifically, he practices privately as a Psychologist, having provided mental health services at the Student Counseling and Support Center (KSSF) of the University of Macedonia (PAMAK). As a Dietitian-Nutritionist, alongside operating a private practice, he has collaborated with professional and amateur sports clubs. As a Food Technologist, he has worked with numerous food industries, contributing to the design of products that have received significant awards at the International Taste Awards and Healthy Diet Awards. Additionally, he is a researcher at the International Hellenic University (DIPE) and has served as a faculty member at a private university college in collaboration with the state University of Essex (United Kingdom), independently teaching courses in the BSc (Hons) Dietetics (Applied) program. Finally, he is a member of the Sports Nutrition Working Group and the Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Committee of the Pan-Hellenic Association of Dietitians-Nutritionists, as well as the association's representative for the Florina Prefecture.

Maggana Panagiota is a Psychologist - Specialist Psychotherapist working privately, offering online sessions in Greek and English. She provides services to individuals living in Greece and abroad. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology (BSc) at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). She holds a master's degree (MSc) in Social Psychology from Tilburg University in the Netherlands. Additionally, she specializes through a four-year training program in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) provided by the Hellenic Society of Cognitive and Behavioral Psychotherapy (GACBP).

The therapeutic approach of Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy aims to illuminate the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. From early years and throughout a person's life, certain thought patterns as well as cognitive and behavioral "habits" are formed that are not always functional and often lead to dysphoric feelings or complicate our relationship with ourselves or others.

In therapy, the goal is to establish a therapeutic alliance and collaboration to identify these patterns. By setting realistic goals and considering objective environmental challenges, the individual begins to gain self-awareness, practice self-acceptance and self-compassion, and through a range of tools, develops new mechanisms for managing the self, relationships, and everyday situations.

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. 

Peristera Kalamara MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Kozani. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and has completed a postgraduate program in Adolescent Medicine and Adolescent Health Care from the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Additionally, she is a graduate of a Special Education training program from the Department of Education at the University of the Aegean and a certified CBT Psychotherapist by the Hellenic Society of Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy. The psychologist has gained significant professional experience, having worked in mental health institutions and organizations such as the Mobile Mental Health Unit of Kozani - Grevena, the counseling & psychotherapy program "No One Alone" of the Mental Health & Social Reintegration Society, and at The Smile of the Child in Thessaloniki. Furthermore, she completed her internship at the Psychiatric Clinic of the General Hospital of Kozani and continues to work at IONOS - Company for Psychosocial Development and Cooperation.

She organizes and coordinates parent groups regarding the challenges of their new roles and provides counseling on adolescent-related issues.

She is also an instructor at Volteros IEK in the Occupational Therapy and Infant Care Departments, teaching Psychopathology courses on disorders and the professional roles in relation to mental health of the individuals they care for.

Finally, she has participated in numerous conferences related to her specialty.

Mpita Eirini is a Psychodynamic Psychotherapist – Mental Health Counselor and a graduate of Sociology from Panteion University, with private practices in Athens and Norway. She has been trained in Couples Therapy & Parenting Counseling and has further specialized in Child Psychology and Infant and Preschool Child Psychology (NKUA). Additionally, she regularly attends annual seminars and lectures. Her internship at the Greek Forum of Migrants and her voluntary work with the Norwegian Red Cross have enhanced her sensitivity to issues of cultural integration, identity, and mental health support for vulnerable populations. Having lived and worked in multicultural environments, she approaches therapy with openness, understanding, and respect for the uniqueness of each individual. She works with adults and couples facing difficulties such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, relationship challenges, or life transitional phases. For Mpita Eirini, therapy is a profound dialogue where symptoms serve as starting points for understanding and processing what has not yet been expressed. She creates a safe space where each person can freely express themselves and meaningfully connect with their inner self.

Η Αθηνά Μπακαράκη, Ψυχολόγος και Συστημική Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια, δημιουργεί έναν ασφαλή χώρο για την έκφραση και την εξερεύνηση των σκέψεων και συναισθημάτων σας.

Αποφοίτησε από το University of Strasbourg με πτυχίο στην Ψυχολογία (BSc Hons) και συνέχισε την εξειδίκευσή της στη Συστημική και Οικογενειακή Ψυχοθεραπεία στο Εργαστήριο Διερεύνησης Ανθρωπίνων Σχέσεων, αποκτώντας μια ολιστική ματιά στη θεραπεία ατόμου και οικογένειας. Στο πλαίσιο των σπουδών της, φοίτησε και στο Université Lille III, διευρύνοντας τις γνώσεις της πάνω στην εκπαίδευση και την ανάπτυξη του ανθρώπου. Παράλληλα, ολοκλήρωσε προπτυχιακές σπουδές στο Εθνικό Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών, στο Τμήμα Εκπαίδευσης & Αγωγής στην Προσχολική Ηλικία, γεγονός που της προσέφερε βαθύτερη κατανόηση της παιδικής ψυχολογίας και της ανάπτυξης των πρώτων σχέσεων ζωής.

Ως Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια συνεργάζεται με ενήλικες, εφήβους, ζευγάρια και οικογένειες. Στις συνεδρίες της εφαρμόζει τη Συστημική Προσέγγιση, επικεντρώνοντας όχι μόνο στο άτομο, αλλά και στις σχέσεις και τα περιβάλλοντα που το επηρεάζουν. Μέσα από ένα υποστηρικτικό και ασφαλές πλαίσιο, βοηθά τους θεραπευόμενους να διαχειριστούν άγχη, στρες, διαπροσωπικές δυσκολίες, ζητήματα αυτοεκτίμησης και προσωπικής ανάπτυξης. Οι συνεδρίες απευθύνονται σε ανθρώπους που ζουν στην Ελλάδα ή στο εξωτερικό και μπορούν να πραγματοποιηθούν διαδικτυακά, στα ελληνικά ή στα αγγλικά.

Η Αθηνά Μπακαράκη έχει εργαστεί σε ιδιωτικά κέντρα, εθελοντικές δομές και νοσοκομειακά πλαίσια. Αυτή τη στιγμή, εργάζεται στο Κέντρο Υποστήριξης Παιδιών και Ενηλίκων, ΔΙ.ΚΕ.Ψ.Υ., προσφέροντας ψυχολογική αξιολόγηση και ψυχοθεραπεία σε παιδιά, εφήβους και ενήλικες και συμβουλευτική γονέων. Παράλληλα, εργάζεται ιδιωτικά παρέχοντας εξατομικευμένη ψυχοθεραπεία ενηλίκων με συστημική προσέγγιση, με στόχο την προσωπική ανάπτυξη και υποστήριξη κάθε θεραπευόμενου. Η κλινική της εμπειρία έχει ενισχυθεί μέσα από τη συνεργασία της με την Ψυχιατρική Κλινική του Γενικού Νοσοκομείου Νίκαιας. Εκεί, συμμετείχε ενεργά στην ψυχοεκπαίδευση των ασθενών και τη διαγνωστική αξιολόγηση ψυχοπαθολογικών καταστάσεων. Επιπλέον, έχει προσφέρει εθελοντικά τις υπηρεσίες της μέσω της διαδικτυακής πλατφόρμας ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης "Μίλα μου", παρέχοντας ψυχολογικές πρώτες βοήθειες σε άτομα σε κρίση.

Η εμπειρία της στον τομέα της εκπαίδευσης, μέσω της συνεργασίας της με το μοντεσσοριανό νηπιαγωγείο Rainbow School Paris, την έχει βοηθήσει να κατανοήσει καλύτερα τις ανάγκες των παιδιών και τον τρόπο με τον οποίο διαμορφώνονται οι πρώτες τους σχέσεις και συμπεριφορές.

Δεν περιορίζεται μόνο στις κλασικές θεραπευτικές συνεδρίες, αλλά ενσωματώνει και δημιουργικές προσεγγίσεις για την ενίσχυση της ψυχικής υγείας. Έχει συμμετάσχει στο TEDxKlonatzidika, όπου σχεδίασε και συντόνισε το βιωματικό εργαστήριο "Τρέφοντας το Νου: A Vision Board Workshop", το οποίο επικεντρώνεται στην ενίσχυση της ψυχικής ανθεκτικότητας και της αυτογνωσίας, μέσω δημιουργικών τεχνικών όπως η οπτικοποίηση στόχων με τη χρήση vision board.

Tsintsiou Xara is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Serres. She holds a degree in Psychology from the Faculty of Philosophy at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and completed a three-year training program in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy from the Hellenic Society of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, certified by the European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT). She volunteered to gain two years of clinical experience at the 3rd University Psychiatric Clinic of the P.G.N.Th. AHEPA Hospital, where she participated in clinical case assessments, administration, scoring, and interpretation of psychometric and neuropsychological tests, attended a series of educational activities and sessions, and took part in afternoon therapeutic groups for hospitalized patients. For her continuous professional development, the Psychologist attended a six-month program in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy at the Mental Health Center of the Central Sector of Thessaloniki, within the framework of training healthcare personnel of the Hellenic Police (EL.AS.), and subsequently participated in weekly psychiatric case analyses for diagnosis at the same Center for a similar period. Recognizing science as a dynamic and constantly evolving process, and wishing to be part of this evolution, she has attended numerous scientific conferences and seminars. It is also important to note that she holds a Certificate of Educational Competence as an Adult Trainer in Non-Formal Education. Moreover, her training includes the structured parent education program "I Think & I Act." Finally, she has completed a training cycle in Trauma Therapy using the EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) method.

Xatzopoulos Dimitrios is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Kavala, a space where personal contact and trust create the ideal environment to begin the journey of self-awareness and well-being. As a psychologist with a degree in Psychology from the University of East London (UEL), he creates a safe and confidential environment for his clients, offering psychological support and counseling to individuals facing various issues and difficulties. Every person is unique, as are the challenges they encounter. He provides a safe space for individuals to explore their emotions, understand their behaviors, and develop new coping strategies. Through the application of theories and techniques learned during his studies, personal study, and professional experience, he offers specialized support for issues such as mental disorders (e.g., depression, ADHD, etc.), psychological problems (e.g., caregiver anxiety, anger, and hostility, etc.), as well as medical issues with psychological factors (e.g., insomnia, migraine, etc.). His approach is based on professional ethics and his commitment to providing quality care to his clients. Through his skills and enthusiasm for psychology, he offers a valuable source of support.

Xatzikonstantinidou Nikoleta is a Psychologist MSc and Systemic Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Neapoli. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She completed postgraduate studies at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, in the field of Liaison Psychiatry. She has completed four years of training in Systemic Psychotherapy at KEDITHAS and holds a professional practice license.

She provides individual sessions & couple sessions, in person as well as online, addressing issues such as anxiety management, panic attacks, psychosomatic symptoms, emotional difficulties, relationship and communication challenges, depression, grief, chronic illness, parental counseling, and more. Additionally, she specializes in the field of perinatal mental health, offering support and counseling for infertility, as well as during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

As part of her ongoing professional development, she has attended numerous seminars and training programs related to clinical mental health, stress management, parental counseling, psychological trauma, and others. Throughout her professional career, she has collaborated with mental health centers and facilities in Athens and Thessaloniki, gaining valuable clinical experience in hospitals such as the University General Hospital "Attikon," the Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki, and the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of A.U.Th. at the General Hospital "Papageorgiou." She has also worked for five years as a psychologist on a 24-hour psychological support hotline and as a coordinator of mental health seminars.

Kollia Mairi is a psychologist. She holds a professional practice license with protocol number 4346/07-11-2019. She graduated with honors from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Athens. She specialized at the postgraduate level in Clinical Psychology (MSc in Clinical Psychology) at Leiden University in the Netherlands, where she graduated with distinction cum laude. She has completed a four-year study program in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Society of Cognitive and Behavioral Studies (ΕΓΣΣ). Additionally, she has been trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), also provided by the Society of Cognitive and Behavioral Studies (ΕΓΣΣ). Furthermore, she has specialized in trauma therapy using the EMDR method at the Institute of Trauma Therapy. She has also received training in "Counseling and Mental Health in Infertility, the Perinatal and Reproductive Period" at the University of West Attica, focusing on psychological support regarding infertility, pregnancy, and transition to parenthood (postpartum depression, perinatal anxiety, tokophobia, birth trauma, etc.). Currently, she works privately, conducting individual therapy sessions with adults, both in-person and online. She also collaborates with a clinic based abroad, providing psychotherapy online to clients worldwide. In parallel, she maintains a collaboration with an assisted reproduction (IVF) clinic and is a member of an interdisciplinary team at a gynecological clinic in central Athens. Sessions are conducted in Greek and English.