Psychologists in Macedonia

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.

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.

Makedou Eirini MSc is a Clinical Psychologist - Psychotherapist based in Kavala. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a master's degree (MSc) in Clinical and Community Psychology from the University of East London. She has been trained in Cognitive Analytic Psychotherapy (CAT) at the Medical Psychotherapeutic Center of Thessaloniki and is currently attending a training seminar on "Child and Adolescent Psychopathology" at the same Center. She completed her clinical internship at the Psychiatric Outpatient Department of the 424 General Military Training Hospital of Thessaloniki, with primary responsibilities including diagnostic assessment, training, and administration of psychometric tools such as the MMPI, as well as participation in therapeutic team activities for individuals with psychosis. Her main areas of practice include anxiety disorders, depression, personality disorders, and counseling support aimed at improving individuals' quality of life. Drawing on her education and clinical experience, her primary goal is to provide high-quality care and support to individuals seeking therapy.

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.

Rousta Eleni is a Psychologist, graduate of Coventry University, and a trainee Systemic Psychotherapist at ESYTHEPAS. Since 2011, she has been active in the healthcare sector, providing nursing services, which is also her first degree. Since 2020, she has been collaborating with the National Public Health Organization, contributing to the promotion and protection of public health. She has completed the one-year specialization program in Counseling and Career Guidance at the University of the Aegean, as well as the Executive Coaching and Management program. Additionally, she has attended specialized training seminars that enhance her therapeutic skills, the most significant being EMDR Traumatotherapy and Coaching and Mental Resilience. She has also volunteered in mental health organizations and structures, such as the support hotline "Together for Children" and the Residential Care Home B’ Attica of EKPS, providing support to children, families, and vulnerable social groups.

Kastorini Vasiliki is a Psychologist who conducts online sessions. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University. She has received further training in the Gestalt Psychotherapy Program at the Gestalt Foundation, in Psychodiagnostics: Techniques and Tools for Personality Assessment in Psychological Diagnosis, and in the "Training Department in Forensic Psychology, Forensic Psychopathology, and Psychodiagnostics. Theory and Expert Evaluation Techniques & Counseling in Civil and Criminal Sectors, Adults and Minors" in Italy. The psychologist has significant professional experience in psychotherapy and counseling and has volunteered in the psychological support department of the General Children’s Hospital of Penteli, at "Together for the Child," at the Penteli Children’s Convalescent Home, at the Municipal Clinics of the Heraklion Municipality in Attica, and in other facilities. She also participates in numerous conferences, specialized seminars, workshops, and symposiums in Greece, aiming for continuous education and professional development.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kexagias S Ioannis is a Psychologist MA and Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Kavala. He holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at the University of Sheffield and has a Master's degree (MA) in Counseling Psychology from the University of Sheffield. He has completed psychotherapeutic training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and conducted his internship as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist at the private psychiatric clinic “Η Γαλήνη” and at the Community Counseling Center in Thessaloniki. He provides individual adult sessions both in person and online. Additionally, he specializes in anxiety and mood disorders, specific phobias, depression, eating disorders, panic attacks, psychosomatic symptoms, difficulties in relationships and communication, and the enhancement of self-image and self-esteem.

As part of his ongoing professional development, he attends numerous seminars and training sessions related to clinical health.

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.

Η Αθηνά Χαλάτση είναι Ψυχολόγος, απόφοιτη του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης, με εξειδίκευση στην Ψυχοδυναμική Ψυχοθεραπεία. Αυτή την περίοδο πραγματοποιεί την εκπαίδευσή της στο Ευρωπαϊκό Ινστιτούτο Συμβουλευτικής και Ψυχοθεραπείας, στο πλαίσιο Ψυχοδυναμικής και Ψυχαναλυτικής Εκπαίδευσης.Στην επαγγελματική της πορεία έχει εργαστεί ως ψυχολόγος σε φορείς με σημαντική κοινωνική και ψυχολογική δράση, όπως η Άλμα Ζωής Θεσσαλονίκης και ο ΣΟΨΥ Θεσσαλονίκης, αποκτώντας εμπειρία στην υποστήριξη ανθρώπων που αντιμετωπίζουν διαφορετικές και συχνά απαιτητικές συνθήκες ζωής.Η ψυχοδυναμική προσέγγιση που ακολουθεί εστιάζει στην κατανόηση των βαθύτερων συναισθημάτων, των σχέσεων, των επαναλαμβανόμενων μοτίβων και των εμπειριών που μπορεί να επηρεάζουν τον τρόπο με τον οποίο ένα άτομο σκέφτεται, αισθάνεται και σχετίζεται με τον εαυτό του και τους άλλους.Μέσα από μια θεραπευτική σχέση που βασίζεται στην εμπιστοσύνη, την αποδοχή και τον σεβασμό στη μοναδικότητα κάθε ανθρώπου, στόχος είναι η βαθύτερη αυτογνωσία, η επεξεργασία των δυσκολιών και η ενίσχυση της προσωπικής ανάπτυξης και της ψυχικής ευεξίας.

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.