Psychologists in Macedonia

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.

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 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.

Pinelopi Kitsou is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains her private practice in Thessaloniki. She holds a degree in Psychology from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She has specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy and has completed the Postgraduate Program in Adolescent Medicine and Adolescent Health Care at the School of Medicine of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. In her private practice, she handles a wide range of cases, always focusing on providing the best possible service tailored to the individualized needs of each person she undertakes.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Maria Xastali - Sitara is a licensed Psychologist specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy. She has been practicing privately as a psychotherapist with adults for over 4 years. Previously, she volunteered at the Hellenic Council for Refugees, the Penteli Day Center for the prevention and treatment of dementia, and Thallo Seveneleven A.M.K.E for the prevention and treatment of dementia. During her internship, she served as an assistant clinical psychologist at the NGO Klimaka and as a psychotherapist through the Association of Families with Three or More Children Saint Nektarios. To ensure the highest quality of service, she is continuously engaged in individual and group clinical supervision as well as ongoing personal therapy. We are all unique in our own way. The time and manner in which each person evolves also differ. She is here to help each client reach their goals in their own, unique way.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

Η Ευαγγελούδη Ελισάβετ είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και εργάζεται παρέχοντας διαδικτυακές συνεδρίες Ψυχοθεραπείας. Στην παρούσα φάση, είναι εκπαιδευόμενη στο τριετές μεταπτυχιακό πρόγραμμα στην Ψυχανάλυση και Ψυχοδυναμική Ψυχοθεραπεία στο πανεπιστήμιο Birkbeck του Λονδίνου και σε συνδυασμό βρίσκεται σε εποπτευόμενη πρακτική άσκηση στην ψυχαναλυτική ψυχοθεραπεία σε ινστιτούτο του Λονδίνου. Είναι τελειόφοιτη Ψυχολόγος του Αριστοτέλειου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης και κατέχει Μεταπτυχιακό τίτλο (Msc) στην Ψυχολογία της Υγείας από Πανεπιστήμιο του Εδιμβούργου στην Σκωτία. Έχει παρακολουθήσει προγράμματα και κατέχει πιστοποιήσεις στην Γνωστική Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία (CBT), κατέχει δίπλωμα κλινικής πρακτικής άσκησης στην ψυχική υγεία, επίσης διαθέτει δίπλωμα στην Συνθετική Συμβουλευτική με εξειδίκευση στην Προσωποκεντρική προσέγγιση και την Ψυχοδυναμική Συμβουλευτική. Επιπρόσθετα, έχει εκπαιδευτεί με εποπτεία σε Πανεπιστημιακά νοσοκομεία της Ελλάδας και του Ηνωμένου Βασιλείου ως Ψυχολόγος αλλά και εκπαιδευμένη ψυχοθεραπεύτρια, συμμετέχοντας σε ψυχομετρικές διαδικασίες και συνεδρίες με ενήλικους σε ένα ευρύ φάσμα ψυχολογικών δυσκολιών όπως αγχώδεις διαταραχές και κρίσεις πανικού, κατάθλιψη, ψυχοσωματικά προβλήματα, εμμονές/ψυχαναγκασμοί (OCD), μετατραυματικό στρες, διαταραχές διατροφής και ύπνου κτλ. Τα τελευταία χρόνια ζει και εργάζεται στην Αγγλία ως Ψυχολόγος σε διάφορες δομές, παρέχοντας ψυχολογική υποστήριξη σε ευάλωτες ομάδες αλλά και άτομα με διάφορες ψυχολογικές δυσκολίες. Βάσει των ακαδημαϊκών τίτλων και της επαγγελματικής εμπειρίας της, ο στόχος της είναι να αναπτύσσει μια θεραπευτική σχέση εμπιστοσύνης, σεβασμού και κατανόησης και να δημιουργεί ένα θεραπευτικό πλαίσιο που βασίζεται στις ηθικές αξίες και κατευθυντήριες γραμμές του επαγγέλματος της ψυχοδυναμικής ψυχοθεραπείας. Στόχος της είναι μέσω των συνεδριών να βοηθήσει τα άτομα που αναζητούν συμβουλευτική, να αναπτύξουν μια καλύτερη κατανόηση και αναγνώριση των συναισθημάτων, σκέψεων και συμπεριφορών τους, να ενδυναμώσουν την αυτοπεποίθηση και αυτοαντίληψη τους και να αποκτήσουν τις κατάλληλες δεξιότητες ώστε να βελτιώσουν την ποιότητα ζωής τους. Τέλος, εστιάζει σε αξίες της ψυχοδυναμικής ψυχοθεραπείας όπως η ενεργητική ακρόαση, η ενσυναίσθηση, η συναισθηματική κατανόηση ώστε να δημιουργήσει μια θεραπευτική σχέση εμπιστοσύνης, σεβασμού και να διευκολύνει τα άτομα να πετύχουν τους θεραπευτικούς τους στόχους.

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.

Kavadatos Aleksios, BSc, MSc, is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist with a private practice in Kozani. He graduated from the Department of Psychology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and holds a Master's Degree (MSc) in Clinical Psychology from the same institution. He has been trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Group Analysis, and possesses over 20 years of experience in the field of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Adult Psychotherapy. He has served as the Scientific Supervisor in psychosocial rehabilitation facilities in Thessaloniki and Kozani, as well as a Supervisor of the psychological support program of the 3rd Health Region “No One Alone During the Pandemic”. Additionally, he was a member of the Scientific Committee for the psychological support telephone line 10306. From 2009 to 2023, he maintained a private practice in Thessaloniki and currently practices professionally in Kozani. Since 2023, he has been the President of the NPO IONOS, an organization active in mental health and social rehabilitation. He has attended numerous seminars and conferences aimed at continuous professional development and has many publications and presentations in the mental health field. He has organized and coordinated counseling groups for parents, caregivers of persons with disabilities, educators, and healthcare professionals, as well as psychoeducational groups for managing anxiety and professional burnout.