Psychologists in Macedonia

Kotidou Nefeli is a Clinical Psychologist – Specialist Cognitive Analytic Psychotherapist, licensed to practice by the Region of Central Macedonia. She graduated from the University of East London, where she completed her Master's degree in Clinical and Community Psychology, and subsequently furthered her training at the University of Cambridge, focusing on Cognitive Psychology and Neuropsychology. She is an active member of the British Psychological Society (BPS).

She possesses extensive experience in providing psychological support to adults, adolescents, and couples, with specialization in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), while concurrently training in Cognitive Analytic Psychotherapy (CAT).

She specializes in managing anxiety, panic attacks, depression, low self-esteem, and in enhancing interpersonal relationships.

She has collaborated with Centers for Special Therapies, Kindergartens, and Personal Development Centers, and has actively contributed to the work of the Hellenic Alzheimer’s Disease Society, as well as to mental health services and volunteer organizations, providing support to individuals of all ages.

She offers in-person and online sessions to adults from Greece and abroad (Greek expatriates), within a safe, confidential, and supportive framework, aiming at managing difficulties, personal development, and empowering the client.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ο Κοτρώτσιος Δημήτρης είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπευτής CBT με άδεια ασκήσεως επαγγέλματος και αφοσιώνεται στη βοήθεια και τη στήριξη εφήβων και ενηλίκων στην ανάπτυξη της ψυχικής τους ευεξίας. Έχοντας αποφοιτήσει από το τμήμα Ψυχολογίας του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης, στηριζόμενος σε αυτό, προχώρησε τις σπουδές του για να αποκτήσει μεταπτυχιακό τίτλο σπουδών στην Κλινική Ψυχική Υγεία του τμήματος Ιατρικής από το ίδιο πανεπιστήμιο, εμβαθύνοντας στην πολυπλοκότητα της ψυχικής υγείας και των θεραπευτικών προσεγγίσεων. Παράλληλα, εξειδικεύεται στη Γνωστική Συμπεριφορική Ψυχοθεραπεία (CBT) στην Ελληνική Εταιρεία Έρευνας Συμπεριφοράς, σύμφωνα με τα κριτήρια της European Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT), αποκτώντας πολύτιμες δεξιότητες για να ασχολείται με ένα ευρύ φάσμα ψυχολογικών προβλημάτων. Κατά την μέχρι τώρα ενασχόλησή του με τον τομέα της ψυχικής υγείας, έχει δραστηριοποιηθεί στην εργασία με ευάλωτες πληθυσμιακές ομάδες ανηλίκων και ενηλίκων, όπου παρείχε ψυχοεκπαιδευτικές παρεμβάσεις, συμβουλευτική και ατομικές συνεδρίες ψυχοθεραπείας για την αντιμετώπιση μιας σειράς αναπτυξιακών και συναισθηματικών δυσκολιών. Επιπλέον, στο πλαίσιο της δια βίου επιμόρφωσης στον επιστημονικό κλάδο, έχει παρακολουθήσει και ολοκληρώσει διάφορα δια βίου εκπαιδευτικά προγράμματα. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, έχει εξειδικευτεί στην "Ψυχική Υγεία: Τραυματικά Γεγονότα και Διαχείριση Απώλειας/Πένθους", επιτρέποντάς του να χειρίζεται επιδέξια θέματα που σχετίζονται με το τραύμα, την απώλεια και το μετατραυματικό στρες, και στην "Ψυχοεκπαίδευση και Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία Οικογένειας/ CBT Οικογενειακή Θεραπεία" εμβαθύνοντας στην αξία της ψυχοεκπαίδευσης ως ψυχοθεραπευτική διαδικασία με εύρος εφαρμογών τόσο σε σοβαρές σωματικές νόσους όσο και σε μείζονες ψυχικές διαταραχές που απευθύνονται στο άτομο και στην οικογένεια. Στο πλαίσιο της πρακτικής του άσκησης, συνεργάστηκε και με διάφορες μη κυβερνητικές οργανώσεις, όπου συνέχισε την εθελοντική του δραστηριότητα παρέχοντας συμβουλευτική γονέων, συμμετέχοντας σε αθλητικές δράσεις, ψυχοκινητικές δραστηριότητες και ομάδες συζήτησης με τα παιδιά που προωθούν την καλή ψυχική υγεία και την κοινωνική τους ενσωμάτωση. Ακόμα, έχει συμμετάσχει σε διάφορα project στο πλαίσιο ευρωπαϊκών προγραμμάτων (Όσλο, Βαλένθια, Μαρακές) με θεματικές που αφορούν την προώθηση της ψυχικής υγείας και την πρόληψη φαινομένων, όπως οι διακρίσεις, η βία, η περιθωριοποίηση και ο στιγματισμός. Τα τελευταία δυο χρόνια επεκτείνει τις υπηρεσίες του ως ιδιώτης, προσφέροντας διαδικτυακές συνεδρίες στα ελληνικά σε εφήβους και ενήλικες. Παράλληλα, το τελευταίο διάστημα εργάζεται και στον Ε.Ο.Π.Α.Ε. (Ειδικός Οργανισμός Πρόληψης και Αντιμετώπισης Εξαρτήσεων), συμμετέχοντας στην υποστήριξη ατόμων με εξαρτήσεις (αλκοόλ, ουσίες, τζόγος,διαδίκτυο) μέσω ψυχοθεραπευτικής παρέμβασης, ψυχοεκπαίδευσης και διεπιστημονικής συνεργασίας με άλλους επαγγελματίες ψυχικής υγείας, στοχεύοντας στην ενίσχυση της ανθεκτικότητας και της κοινωνικής επανένταξης των ωφελούμενων.

Petrou Vilma MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and conducts online sessions. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Athens with honors. She has held a professional practice license since 2021 and has specialized in stress management and anxiety disorders through the postgraduate program "Science of Stress and Health Promotion" at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Her psychotherapeutic approach is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), in which she was trained through the four-year training program of the Institute for Research and Behavioral Therapy (IEΘS). Simultaneously, through her participation in a holistic stress management and lifestyle change program for heroin-dependent users at the OKANA Unit of Sismanogleio Hospital, she gained valuable experience in the management of addictions, providing both individual and group sessions. In recent years, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, offering psychotherapy and counseling on issues such as anxiety disorders, depression, emotional difficulties, and interpersonal relationship challenges. Her experience includes individual adult sessions (both in-person and online), as well as sessions with children and adolescents through her collaboration with Special Therapy Centers. Her goal is to tailor the techniques she applies to the individualized needs of each client, aiming to improve their mental health and quality of life.

Mara Marialena is a Psychologist with a private practice in Katerini. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Lincoln in the United Kingdom and a master's degree in Health Psychology from the University of Westminster. The psychologist specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. In her private practice, she addresses a wide range of conditions, such as:

anxiety disorders,

obsessive-compulsive disorder,

agoraphobia,

panic attacks,

eating disorders,

loss - grief,

insomnia (CBT-i),

generalized anxiety disorder,

interpersonal difficulties

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.

Tourtouridou Maria MSc is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Kozani. She completed her studies in Psychology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and subsequently obtained a master's degree (MSc) from the same University in Clinical Mental Health. She has completed a Psychoanalytic Training program at the Psychoanalytic Research Center of Athens as well as at the Lifelong Learning and Training Center of A.U.Th, a training program in critical approaches in the field of addictions. She has worked as a Psychologist on the psychosocial support helpline of the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (Psychological Support Helpline 10306) and in a Mental Health and Social Rehabilitation Company for Patients. Additionally, she has worked as a Psychologist in a Psychological and Counseling Support Structure and in the Student Support Unit for Vulnerable Groups at the University of Western Macedonia. Finally, she has participated in numerous sessions aimed at continuous professional development and knowledge enhancement in her field.

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.

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.

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.

Stamou Xrysi is a Psychologist and Psychotherapist specialized in adult therapy, conducting online sessions. Her approach is Integrative Psychotherapy, which combines elements from Cognitive Behavioral, Psychodynamic, and Person-Centered Psychotherapy, tailoring the therapeutic process to the needs of each individual. Additionally, she incorporates Psychoeducation as an integral part of the sessions, providing clients with valuable knowledge and practical tools for better understanding and managing their challenges. She began her academic career in the Performing Arts before turning to Psychology. She holds a Higher National Diploma in Counseling and Psychology, a BSc in Psychology from Cardiff Metropolitan University, as well as a postgraduate degree (MSc) in Integrative Psychotherapy and Counseling from the University of Derby. She has experience in clinical and private therapeutic settings, such as the Neurological Clinic of Agios Georgios (Nees Pagases) and private psychotherapy centers. She is specialized in the management of anxiety disorders and panic attacks, improving interpersonal relationships, addressing specific phobias, and enhancing self-esteem and self-confidence. She continues her education with a focus on Psychological Trauma, ensuring that her therapeutic practices are always modern and effective.

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.

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.