Mental Health and Counseling results in the Southern suburbs of Athens

Η Αγγουρά Μιχαέλα είναι Σύμβουλος Ψυχικής Υγείας, με ολοκληρωμένες σπουδές στη Συμβουλευτική και Ψυχολογία και εξειδίκευση στη Συμβουλευτική Σχέσεων, στη Συστημική Προσέγγιση και στην Ομαδική Ψυχοθεραπεία. Υποστηρίζει ανθρώπους που θέλουν να διαχειριστούν το άγχος, να βελτιώσουν τις σχέσεις τους και να αποκτήσουν περισσότερη αυτοπεποίθηση. Στις συνεδρίες της θα βρεις ένα χώρο όπου μπορείς να μιλήσεις ανοιχτά, χωρίς φόβο ή κριτική και να βρεις τρόπους να ταιριάζουν σ' εσένα ώστε να αισθάνεσαι καλύτερα. Στόχος της είναι να φύγεις από κάθε συνεδρία νιώθοντας πιο δυνατός και με ξεκάθαρα εργαλεία που μπορείς να εφαρμόσεις στην καθημερινότητά σου και να αποκτήσεις μεγαλύτερη σιγουριά, ηρεμία και ισορροπία. Ενθαρρύνει με βαθιά πίστη τη δύναμη της ανθρώπινης σύνδεσης και την ικανότητα του κάθε ανθρώπου να αναπτυχθεί μέσα από την επίγνωση, την αποδοχή και τη φροντίδα του εαυτού του. Μέσα σε ένα ασφαλές και υποστηρικτικό θεραπευτικό πλαίσιο, προσφέρει τον χώρο στον θεραπευόμενο να εκφραστεί ελεύθερα, να διερευνήσει τα βιώματά του και να εργαστούν μαζί προς την κατεύθυνση της προσωπικής ενδυνάμωσης και εξέλιξής του. Η βάση της δουλειάς της στηρίζεται στη Συστημική Προσέγγιση, την οποία εμπλουτίζει με στοιχεία από άλλες μεθοδολογίες, ώστε να ανταποκρίνεται ουσιαστικά και ολοκληρωμένα στις ανάγκες των ανθρώπων που απευθύνονται σε εκείνη. Η εκπαίδευσή της περιλαμβάνει: Ατομική Συστημική Θεραπεία και Θεραπεία Ζεύγους, Ομαδική Συμβουλευτική και Ψυχολογία, Συμβουλευτική και Ψυχολογία, Συμβουλευτική Σχέσεων και Ζευγαριών. Η επαγγελματική της εμπειρία περιλαμβάνει εργασία σε ιδιωτικά κέντρα ψυχικής υγείας, όπου υποστηρίζει ενήλικες και ζευγάρια σε ποικίλες ψυχοκοινωνικές προκλήσεις. Στην πορεία της έχει συνοδεύσει ανθρώπους που αντιμετωπίζουν άγχος, στρες, συναισθηματική κόπωση, δυσκολίες στις διαπροσωπικές και ερωτικές σχέσεις, έλλειψη αυτοεκτίμησης και αυτοπεποίθησης, θλίψη, απώλεια, συναισθηματικά τραύματα, μεταβάσεις ζωής και υπαρξιακά ερωτήματα. Η προσέγγισή της βασίζεται στη Συστημική Θεωρία, η οποία βλέπει το άτομο ως μέρος ενός ευρύτερου πλαισίου – της οικογένειας, των σχέσεων και των κοινωνικών του δικτύων. Μέσα από αυτό το πρίσμα, μαζί με τον θεραπευόμενο διερευνούν πώς οι σχέσεις και τα συστήματα στα οποία ανήκει επηρεάζουν τις σκέψεις, τα συναισθήματα και τις συμπεριφορές του. Πιστεύει ότι η θεραπευτική διαδικασία είναι μια δυναμική και δημιουργική διαδρομή κατανόησης και αλλαγής, με στόχο την ενίσχυση της σύνδεσης, της επικοινωνίας και της εσωτερικής ισορροπίας. Απευθύνεται σε όποιον νιώθει την ανάγκη για αλλαγή, επιθυμεί να ακουστεί σε βάθος ή να συνδεθεί ουσιαστικά με τον εαυτό του, συνοδεύοντάς τον με σεβασμό και ενσυναίσθηση.

«Η αλλαγή ξεκινά από τη στιγμή που αποφασίζεις να σε ακούσεις.»

To Mindtopia είναι ένα Διεπιστημονικό Κέντρο Ειδικών Θεραπειών και Ανάπτυξης Δεξιοτήτων για παιδιά, εφήβους και ενήλικες όπου η εξέλιξη και η υποστήριξη του κάθε ατόμου βρίσκονται στο επίκεντρο. Στο Mindtopia, η ψυχολογική υποστήριξη παρέχει ένα ασφαλές και υποστηρικτικό περιβάλλον όπου παιδιά και έφηβοι μπορούν να εκφράσουν τις σκέψεις και τα συναισθήματά τους. Οι έμπειροι ψυχολόγοι του κέντρου, προσφέρουν συμβουλευτική και ψυχοθεραπεία, βοηθώντας τα παιδιά να αντιμετωπίσουν άγχη, φοβίες, δυσκολίες συμπεριφοράς και άλλα συναισθηματικά προβλήματα. Παράλληλα, μέσω της ψυχοεκπαίδευσης, υποστηρίζονται γονείς και οικογένειες, όπου τους παρέχονται τα εργαλεία και οι γνώσεις για να κατανοούν και να διαχειρίζονται καλύτερα τις συναισθηματικές ανάγκες των παιδιών τους. Επιπλέον, προσφέρονται υπηρεσίες Εργοθεραπείας, η οποία επικεντρώνεται στην ανάπτυξη και βελτίωση των κινητικών δεξιοτήτων, οι οποίες είναι απαραίτητες για την καθημερινή ζωή και ανεξαρτησία των παιδιών αλλά και Λογοθεραπείας, μια επιστήμη που ασχολείται με διαταραχές λόγου, επικοινωνίας (λεκτικής και μη λεκτικής), ομιλίας, φωνής και κατάποσης. Επιπρόσθετα διαθέτονται εξατομικευμένα εκπαιδευτικά προγράμματα για παιδιά με μαθησιακές δυσκολίες, υποστηρίζοντας την ανάπτυξη κοινωνικών και συναισθηματικών δεξιοτήτων. Στο κέντρο μπορεί κάποιος να βρει και υπηρεσίες Πρώιμης Παρέμβασης, καθώς η πρώιμη παρέμβαση έχει ως στόχο την ανάπτυξη βασικών δεξιοτήτων από πολύ μικρή ηλικία, υπηρεσίες με επίκεντρο την Θεραπεία μέσω Τέχνης, Συμβουλευτική αλλά και Εκπαίδευση Γονέων, η οποία έχει στόχο να ενδυναμώσει το ρόλο κάθε γονέα ώστε ο ίδιος να είναι σε θέση να βοηθήσει το παιδί να ωριμάσει συναισθηματικά και να αυτονομηθεί. Τέλος την Ρομποτική, που είναι ένα εκπαιδευτικό εργαλείο για την διδασκαλία μαθημάτων που σχετίζονται με το STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).

Falari Marianna BSc is a Mental Health Counselor and conducts sessions online. She graduated from the University of Greater Manchester (Bolton University, UK), where she completed her studies in Psychology (BSc). She is a Mental Health Counselor trained in the Integrative Model at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling of Ioannis Dovelos. Currently, she specializes in Existential Psychotherapy of Becoming, approaching the individual through an existential perspective that respects the uniqueness and journey of each person towards meaning and authenticity. Additionally, the specialist has attended numerous seminars in various fields of counseling and psychotherapy, covering topics such as human relationships, anxiety management, grief, depression, and other critical mental health issues. Since 2022, she has maintained her private practice, working with adults in individual sessions, offering a safe space for expression, understanding, and psychological empowerment. She is an active member of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and is committed to continuous education and providing quality services with respect, empathy, and professionalism. Her work is supported by ongoing supervision, ensuring the quality and ethical adequacy of the therapeutic process.

Chrysoula Mpouka is the scientific director of the Center for Special Therapies "Epi Paidon Ergo," located in Glyfada, Attica.

She has extensive training and experience in her field. She graduated from the University of West Attica, is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Occupational Therapists, and is continuing her postgraduate studies in Developmental Psychology. She has obtained certifications in Sensory Integration (S.I.T.), administration of the EDAFALFA test, the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2, Greek version), Logometro, Achenbach for preschool and school-aged children, BAYLEY-4 Scales, RAVEN'S Educational CPM/CVS, as well as in dysgraphia. Additionally, she has completed the theoretical part of the Neurodevelopmental Treatment Bobath method (N.D.T.).

Her professional experience includes working with children and adolescents with various diagnoses, as well as participating as a member of Special Evaluation Committees within the framework of the "Personal Assistant for People with Disabilities" program. Continuous education and commitment to professional development are her key goals to provide high-quality occupational therapy services.

Η Βαμβασάκη Ζωή είναι Ψυχολόγος - Παιδοψυχολόγος BSc, MSc και διαθέτει άδεια ασκήσεως επαγγέλματος. Είναι πτυχιούχος του τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Παντείου Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών και κάτοχος του Μεταπτυχιακού Τίτλου Σπουδών "Ψυχική Υγεία και Ψυχιατρική Παιδιών και Εφήβων" από την Ιατρική Σχολή του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών. Έχει πραγματοποιήσει πρακτική άσκηση στη Κοινωνική Υπηρεσία του Δήμου Βούλας - Βάρης - Βουλιαγμένης και στο Τμήμα Ψυχιατρικής Παιδιών και Εφήβων του Γενικού Νοσοκομείου "Ασκληπιείο" Βούλας. Επιπλέον, έχει εργαστεί ως εθελόντρια Ψυχολόγος στη Ψυχολογική Υπηρεσία της Διεύθυνσης Κοινωνικής Προστασίας, Υγείας, Παιδείας και Εθελοντισμού του Δήμου Ηλιούπολης. Ειδικεύεται στη συμβουλευτική παιδιών, εφήβων και γονέων, καθώς και στις αγχώδεις διαταραχές, στην αντιμετώπιση φοβιών και στη διαχείριση της κατάθλιψης και του πένθους. Στο ιδιωτικό γραφείο που διατηρεί στην Ηλιούπολη προσφέρει πλήθος υπηρεσιών, σεβόμενη τις ιδιαίτερες ανάγκες εκάστοτε θεραπευόμενου.

Chrysa Xatzixaralampou BSc, MSc is a psychologist who conducts sessions with adolescents and adults both online and in person. She holds a master's degree in Integrative Counseling and Psychotherapy, having completed the three-year program at the University of Derby, and is also a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Additionally, she is training in Systemic Psychotherapy and Counseling at Ce.S.Me.Th (Center for Systemic Study and Therapy). As part of her continuous education, she has attended numerous conferences and seminars focusing on special education, school and developmental psychology, and psychotherapy. During her undergraduate studies, she completed her internship in the Acute Cases Department at the Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki. Subsequently, she undertook a postgraduate internship at a private office of a systemic psychotherapist, conducting individual sessions with adults. Concurrently, she has been active in the field of therapy with children and adolescents, addressing neurodevelopmental, emotional, and behavioral issues. She has also worked with adults, providing individual counseling and psychotherapy sessions as well as psychoeducational groups. Furthermore, she has been employed in vocational counseling, working with individuals facing severe psychosocial difficulties, focusing on psychoses, while coordinating support groups for people with psychosis and other psychosocial challenges aimed at enhancing their social skills. Moreover, she is a member of the Hellenic Association of Supported Employment (EL.ET.YP.E.) and the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy). Currently, the psychologist collaborates with a psychotherapy center, offering individual psychotherapy sessions for children and adolescents, support groups for children and adolescents, and parental counseling.

Elena Antoniou is a licensed Psychologist - Trained Integrative Psychotherapist. She completed her studies in Psychology (BA Hons) through The Open University, in collaboration with Deree – The American College of Greece, and subsequently obtained a Master's degree in Applied Clinical Psychology (MSc) from the University of Central Lancashire. She is training in Integrative Psychotherapy at the European Institute of Counselling and Psychotherapy (EICP), an approach that allows her to flexibly combine different therapeutic models, tailoring the therapeutic process to the needs, personality, and pace of each individual. Her clinical experience includes an internship in mental health facilities of the NGO IASIS, where she worked with individuals facing various psychological difficulties. Additionally, she has experience supporting children, both through voluntary activities (PIKPA) and through parallel support in a kindergarten setting. She is a certified yoga instructor (300 hours) and has specialized in yoga for medical conditions, as well as yoga for trauma, depression, and anxiety. Her engagement with yoga is an integral part of her personal and professional identity and influences the way she approaches the therapeutic process, incorporating a holistic perspective into human care.

Sorogka Vivi is a Consultant in Psychosomatic and Mental Health and maintains a private practice in Piraeus. She holds a postgraduate specialization in Psychosomatic Health with the application of the Evaluative Model, resulting from a collaboration between IST College and California Metropolitan University. She has also completed a postgraduate program in "Specialized Training in Supervision of Evaluative Counseling" at the Center for Evaluative Study of Psychosomatic Health of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the Hellenic Society for the Promotion of Psychiatry and Related Sciences. She is distinguished for her empathy, professionalism, and commitment to providing quality support to individuals facing psychosomatic and emotional challenges. Through scientifically grounded approaches and ongoing education in positive psychology, self-improvement, and the prevention of psychosocial difficulties, she aims to promote mental resilience and holistic well-being. It is noteworthy that the specialist served as Co-host of the informational program "Appointment with Vai" with the lead presenter Apostolatos Vaitsis, which delved into issues concerning mental well-being. Additionally, as part of her continuous professional development, she has attended numerous seminars and maintains an active presence in social contribution through consistent participation in volunteer activities supporting vulnerable groups. Finally, the specialist offers her services in the office tailored to the needs of each individual client.

Koletsas Giannis is a Psychotherapist - European Association of Psychotherapy - Mental Health Counselor with a Pearson Level Five Diploma BTEC and maintains a private practice in Athens. He holds a Level 5 diploma in Therapeutic Counseling and has undergone four years of training and specialization in Person-Centered Psychotherapy at the ICPS College for Humanistic Sciences. Previously, he worked as a caregiver for individuals with mental disorders at "Anima AMKE," has volunteered at Korydallos prisons, and participated in a parent group program organized by the Ministry of Education. He has specialized expertise and experience in counseling, the person-centered approach, as well as individual psychotherapy. Additionally, he is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Professionals of Person-Centered and Experiential Approach and a member of the European Association of Psychotherapy. Finally, he has attended numerous seminars and conferences in Greece to further his education.

Kritikou Katerina is a Mental Health & Mindfulness Consultant and maintains her private practice in Ilioupoli. She holds a diploma in Mental Health Counseling from the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling of Athens and has completed MBSR-Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction training at the One Breath Mindfulness Center, a hands-on educational program in Mindfulness techniques. She has also attended numerous continuing education programs, seminars, and workshops. In her private practice, drawing on many years of experience, Ms. Kritikou provides Individual and Group Sessions, Couples Counseling, and Parent Counseling, offered both in-person and through online sessions.

Fotis Mponios is a Psychologist and a graduate of the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He provides psychological support through integrative psychotherapy to adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, mood difficulties, relational problems, or intense emotional stress in their daily lives. The goal of the therapeutic process is to understand the personal experience, alleviate symptoms, and achieve meaningful, gradual change. He is trained in Integrative Psychotherapy at the Athens Synthesis Center. He completed his practical training at the Hellenic Center for Mental Health and Research (H.C.M.H.R. – Piraeus Branch) and in recent years has worked in private therapeutic centers, gaining substantial clinical experience with adults and adolescents. His therapeutic work includes issues related to anxiety, psychosomatic symptoms, mood disorders, low self-esteem, and difficulties in interpersonal and couple relationships. He has experience with performance anxiety, internal conflicts, emotional regulation difficulties, as well as cases of eating disorders. Concurrently, he works with adolescents facing anxiety, mood problems, relational difficulties, self-esteem issues, or self-injurious behaviors, emphasizing the creation of a safe and stable therapeutic relationship. His therapeutic approach is integrative and tailored to the needs of each individual. Special attention is given to creating a safe environment where the individual can express themselves without judgment, gain deeper self-understanding, and enhance their functioning and quality of life.

Vasilakis Kostis is a licensed Psychologist who offers psychotherapeutic sessions to adolescents and adults. His goal is to establish a therapeutic relationship characterized by empathy and acceptance, where the individual can explore the self and develop innate abilities within a safe and understanding environment.

He has worked in organizations such as the Ministry of Labor and in private therapeutic settings, providing counseling and psychological support, administering psychometric instruments, and collaborating closely with families.

He studied Psychology at the University of Nicosia and Communication at Panteion University. He has been trained in Systemic Therapy and specializes in Person-Centered and Focusing/Experiential Psychotherapy.

Gina Panagiotidi is a certified Psychotherapist by the HSPG (Hellenic Society of Psychotherapy) and the E.A.P. (European Association for Psychotherapy). She has worked with psychotic populations at Aeginiteio Hospital and with adult groups with psychosis and intellectual disability at the HCMHPR (Hellenic Center for Mental Health and Research) in Piraeus. She currently works as a psychotherapist with individuals and groups suffering from anxiety disorders, psychosomatic conditions, depression, post-traumatic stress, and personality disorders. She specializes in psychotherapy using art as a tool when deemed necessary.

Moraitis Mixalis BSc, PGDip, PGCert is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and currently conducts sessions via video call. He holds a degree in Psychology from the University of East London and has received further training in the management of traumatic events and loss through a program at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Additionally, he is being trained in Cognitive Counseling and interventions through specialized education in the Cognitive Behavioral Approach. He has participated in scientific conferences and seminars organized by institutions such as the Hellenic Psychiatric Association and the Hellenic Psychological Association, maintaining active engagement with contemporary developments in the field of mental health.

He emphasizes the creation of a safe and supportive environment where each individual can explore their thoughts and feelings without necessarily having to face something "serious." He can assist individuals experiencing anxiety, stress, relationship difficulties, or those who wish to better understand themselves and their concerns. The therapeutic process he offers is collaborative and practical, aiming for understanding to translate into meaningful changes in daily life. He creates a space where the client can speak at their own pace and in their own way, while the initial session serves as a calm introduction, without pressure or obligation to continue.

Eleni Afouksenidou is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Kaisariani. She completed her studies in Psychology at the International Faculty of the University of Sheffield and subsequently her postgraduate education in Counseling and Psychotherapy (MSc) at the American College of Greece. She specializes in Systemic Psychotherapy and bases her therapeutic practice on inclusivity and equality as core principles. Furthermore, her voluntary experience includes work with organizations such as Humanlinks, the Adolescent Day Center "PLOES," the non-profit organization PRAKSIS, the non-profit organization METAdrasi, Pride, and the 50+ Project, enhancing her understanding of the needs of diverse groups and age ranges. She believes in the power of art for mental empowerment and expression, which she integrates into her therapeutic approach. She continually enriches her practice with mindfulness techniques and Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET). Since 2020, she has consistently worked to create an environment of trust and understanding where each individual can find the necessary support. With an emphasis on collaboration and empathy, she aims to help people discover their inner strengths, overcome their difficulties, and achieve their goals with acceptance and focus on each individual’s uniqueness. Her commitment to empathy and understanding forms the foundation of her work. Finally, her ongoing training and passion for art and innovative therapeutic methods ensure that she provides the most contemporary and effective approaches.