Psychologists in Macedonia

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.

Aivazidou Kalliopi is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist specializing in Systemic Family Therapy. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of East London and a master's diploma in Clinical and Community Psychology from the same university. Previously, she has also worked as a Kindergarten Teacher, as her first cycle of studies was in the Department of Early Childhood Education at the University of Thessaly. Both of her professional focuses center on children. Having attended relevant postgraduate programs and conferences, as well as having worked with children, she undertakes the conduct of counseling sessions for children and adolescents, as well as parent counseling and Family Psychotherapy.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Vasiliki - Eirini Eleutherakou is a Psychologist with private practices in Thessaloniki at 126 Ioannou Tsimiski Street and in Serres at 15 Erythrou Stavrou Street, offering adult psychotherapy, child and adolescent psychotherapy, and parental counseling. She holds a Master's degree in Developmental and Adolescent Mental Health and is a certified Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapist. She specializes in anxiety and mood disorders, difficulties related to childhood and adolescence, parental support, and personal development enhancement. Her goal is to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment based on acceptance, understanding, and non-judgment, allowing each individual the opportunity to express themselves freely.

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.

Zarogkika Lina is a Psychologist specializing in Counseling Psychology and Psychotherapy. She holds a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from London Metropolitan University and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of East London. Her studies, combined with her clinical experience, have equipped her with a deep understanding of human emotions and behaviors. Her therapeutic approach is based on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), while also employing an integrative model utilizing tools from systemic, psychodynamic, gestalt, mindfulness, and other modalities. She has been trained and specializes in couples therapy, eating disorder treatment, clinical psychology, sexual education, anxiety, as well as other areas and approaches within the field. With experience in mental health settings and participation in scientific research projects, her aim is to provide practical and meaningful solutions. She focuses on the uniqueness of each individual and creates a safe and supportive environment to help clients address their challenges. Through empathy and contemporary therapeutic methods, she assists in redefining issues for a more functional and balanced daily life. A crucial component of all the above is the establishment of a therapeutic alliance with trust as its fundamental element.

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.

Papadopoulou Georgia (Tzia) is a Psychologist - Integrative Psychotherapist, graduate of the Department of Psychology at the University of East London and holder of a master's degree in Counseling & Psychotherapy. She applies the integrative psychotherapy model, tailoring the approach to the unique needs of each individual client. She combines techniques from cognitive, psychodynamic, and person-centered approaches with the aim of improving emotional well-being, personal development, and self-understanding. She provides individual sessions for adults and young people over 18 years old who wish to address issues such as anxiety, stress, emotional difficulties, low self-esteem, relationship challenges, losses, or identity crises.

She does not undertake a diagnostic role but focuses on psychological support and counseling, offering a safe, confidential, and warm environment for the client. She deeply believes in the power of acceptance, authenticity, and internal change. Her goal is to provide high-quality and scientifically supported psychological care, with humanity, empathy, and respect for each person's needs.

“I am not here to tell the client what to do. I am here to explore together what is happening within and around them, and to find, step by step, the path that fits their unique personality.”

Gerou Maira is a licensed psychologist with extensive academic and professional experience. She holds a bachelor's degree with distinction in Psychology from the University of East London, as well as a master's degree in Neuropsychology & Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of Essex. Additionally, she has studied Linguistics at Lancaster University and Strategic Human Resource Management at ALBA Graduate Business School, while also completing postgraduate studies in Language Education for refugees and immigrants at the Hellenic Open University, enhancing her understanding of approaches to diverse population groups.

Furthermore, she specializes in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), has been trained in Art Therapy as well as Career Counseling, and also holds training in Messy & Sensory Play—a method that supports multisensory development and emotional regulation in children and other age groups. Additionally, she is undergoing training in Parent Counseling.

In her clinical practice, she provides individualized sessions for adults and children, assisting in the management of anxiety, depression, panic attacks, ADHD, and autism. Moreover, her extensive experience in human resources and organizational psychology allows her to offer counseling on issues related to professional burnout, workplace stress management, and self-improvement. Through her scientific expertise and practical experience, she creates a safe and supportive environment, either through in-person sessions or via video calls, tailored to the needs of each client.

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.