Psychotherapists in Heraklion

Thomaidi Paulina is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist, a regular member of the Hellenic Psychological Society (HPS), and maintains a private practice in Kypseli, Athens. She is a graduate of the Psychology Department of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a postgraduate diploma in Forensic – Criminal Psychology from Coventry University. She trained in Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and has specialized in addressing issues related to anxiety, depression, personality disorders, as well as couples counseling and family therapy. She has consistently invested in her scientific development through numerous seminars and training programs covering topics such as trauma therapy, autoimmune diseases and mental health, domestic violence, and contemporary, revised guidelines for mental health treatment, ensuring that her services are based on the most reliable psychological practices. Academically, she has conducted research on the social stigma of LGBTQ+ community members, as well as on attitudes and behaviors toward sexual violence against women and double standards. She addresses issues of anxiety, depression, psychological trauma, eating disorders, addictions – dependencies, obsessive-compulsive disorders, personality disorders, and provides counseling services. Additionally, she offers couples and family counseling and therapy. Her treatment is LGBTQ+ friendly and tailored to cases of neurodiversity (ADHD, ASD, etc.).

Kaffetzakis Emmanouil is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist with a Psychoanalytic orientation and maintains a private practice in the center of Heraklion, Crete, where he conducts sessions for adults and adolescents. He is a member of the Borromean Knot Society of the New Lacanian School of Psychoanalysis in Greece and actively participates in its activities.

Psychoanalysis is an invitation to speak. Over time, each person's speech organizes around what is difficult or impossible for them to bear. They speak about their symptom. Lacanian psychoanalysis offers the possibility of inventing a new way to cope with their symptom, with the specific way they suffer. Through the discourse that the analysand addresses to the analyst, they can begin to find personalized and satisfactory solutions to old and repetitive modes of existence and reactions.

Simigdali Ioanna is a Psychologist conducting online counseling and psychotherapy sessions for children, adolescents, and adults. She is a graduate of the University of Ioannina (2022) and holds a professional license to practice. She holds a Master’s Degree in “Clinical Mental Health” from the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (2025) and has completed a three-year training program in Psychodynamic Approach (2022–2025), certified by the Hellenic Counseling Society. She maintains a strong commitment to continuous education and professional development, having attended numerous seminars, webinars, and specialized training programs. Since 2022, she has gained valuable clinical experience in public mental health facilities, working in two hospitals and a Mental Health Center, and subsequently in the private sector at Centers for Special Therapies, working with children, adolescents, adults, and families, as well as patients with mental disorders. Additionally, she has been involved in the administration and evaluation of psychometric tools. Concurrently, she actively participates in scientific conferences and presentations. Her research focuses on issues of parental attachment, childhood trauma (abuse – neglect), and psychological resilience, topics that deeply sensitize her and enhance her sense of responsibility towards people. Her goal is to provide a space of safety, authentic connection, and psychological support, with empathy and respect for the uniqueness of each individual.

Tzouliadaki Terpsixori is a Systemic Psychotherapist & Mental Health Counselor, maintaining a private practice in Heraklion, Crete. She has three years of training in Mental Health Counseling (COSCA - Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland, Napier University) and four years of training in Systemic Psychotherapy at the Systemic Thinking and Training Laboratory. She is a member of the European Family Therapy Association. She has performed voluntary work at the “Euzo with Cancer” association, providing family and individual psychotherapy to cancer patients and their families (2016-2018), and completed an internship at the Association of Women’s Organizations of Heraklion - an organization for the protection of women's and children's rights (2015). Finally, she actively participates in conferences in Greece and abroad.

Polyxronaki Sofia is a Psychologist-Psychotherapist for children, adolescents and adults and maintains a private practice in Heraklion, Crete. She is a graduate of the Psychology Department of the University of Nicosia and holds a professional license to practice as a Psychologist. She has completed her postgraduate studies at Universitatea Babeș-Bolyai, specializing in "Counseling and psychological interventions in human development." Additionally, she has undertaken a series of trainings focused on counseling children and adolescents as well as their parents. She has worked with both clinical and general populations: children, adolescents, and adults who require counseling or psychotherapy to improve their quality of life. In the field of psychotherapy, she conducts individual and group sessions with children, adolescents, and adults, primarily focusing on parental counseling, anxiety, depression, separation, personal development, autism, ADHD, abuse, and school bullying. She is currently training in Synthetic Systemic Psychotherapy at the Synthetic Systemic Center of Thessaloniki. 

Stella Toromanidou is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who conducts online sessions, offering a safe and supportive environment for personal exploration and growth. She is a graduate with honors from Kingston University of London, specializing in Forensic Psychology (BSc with Honors) and is a postgraduate student in Forensic Psychiatry at the Medical Department of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Her studies and research experience include topics such as abuse, domestic violence, gender-based violence, cybercrime, and psychopathology.

She has presented scientific papers at forensic psychiatry conferences and has participated in research programs and legal procedures in the United Kingdom, gaining valuable experience in understanding human behavior and the psychological factors leading to crisis. She has also volunteered to combat violence and cybercrime through organizations such as Be Human and the Cyber Security International Institute.

Additionally, she holds a second degree in Philology with a specialization in Existential Poetry, which enriches her therapeutic approach with creative and expressive means, such as art and poetry. As a trainee in Existential Psychotherapy, she focuses on deeper issues such as the search for meaning, freedom, mortality, and the authentic relationship with oneself and others.

Stella combines scientific knowledge, understanding, and empathy, providing personalized support to those seeking change, self-awareness, and a more meaningful way of life.

Victoria Papadimitropoulou MSc is a Mental Health Counselor - Psychotherapist specializing in psychodynamic approach and maintains a private practice in Neo Psychiko. She is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA). She holds a master’s degree (MSc) in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy from Deree/American College of Greece, and a master’s degree (MSc) from the Business School of Strathclyde University. She has completed two years of training in the systemic approach (A.K.M.A), as well as in the psychodynamic approach, in which she specializes. Her work includes group therapy, adolescent developmental issues, internet use, body image, and identity formation. She is specialized in self-esteem issues, interpersonal relationships (work environment, personal relationships), family dysfunction, anxiety management, and depressive tendencies. She has conducted research on the impact of social media, particularly Instagram, on body image and identity formation during the emerging adulthood stage of development. Her clinical experience in psychopathology beyond private psychotherapy practice comes from individual Counseling Psychology sessions in the public framework of the Municipal Health Clinics of the Municipality of Athens, group psychotherapy practice at the 18Anō Addiction Unit of Attica Psychiatric Hospital, as well as individual psychoanalytic-type psychotherapy at the Institute of Mental Health for Children and Adults (IPSIPE). She regularly attends selected certified seminars and training as part of ongoing professional development. She provides sessions in both Greek and English.

The INTERNUS counseling and psychotherapy center, led by clinical psychologist Mr. Kargakis Emmanouil - Internus, maintains offices in Heraklion, Rethymno, Chania, and Athens, offering a wide range of services concerning treatment, rehabilitation, prevention, and promotion of mental health, primarily based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Mr. Kargakis, a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki with postgraduate studies in Clinical and Counseling Psychology at La Salle University of Philadelphia, and his experienced associates, supported by a modern and continuous framework of supervision, training, and professional development through attendance at national and international psychology conferences, ensure the provision of the most advanced mental health services. Over the years, our center has developed activities and collaborations with various organizations such as SOS Children's Villages, O.E.V.E.N.H, O.E.V.E.N.X, secondary education tutoring centers, schools of various levels, sports clubs, educational seminars for the general public, appearances on television and radio programs, and contributions to local blogs. Sessions are conducted by appointment either in person or online.

Ranoutsou Georgia is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Heraklion, Crete. She holds a degree in Sociology from the School of Social Sciences at the University of Crete and a degree in Psychology from the School of Social Sciences at MBS College. She has worked as a Psychologist in the private practice of Ioanna Niakaki, in the breast cancer organization, in the Psychiatric Clinic of Venizeleio - Pananio Hospital, and in the Oncology Clinic of the Regional University General Hospital of Heraklion. Additionally, she has worked as a Psychologist in the Pathology Clinic at the "ALLILEGGYIS" Alzheimer's Center and as a Psychologist - Sociologist at the Mental Health Center of Rethymno. In her practice, she addresses cases across the entire spectrum of psychology and mental health, with a specialization in couples therapy, depression, and anxiety and mood disorders.

Zaxaraki Foteini is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Heraklion, Crete. She studied Psychology at Wrexham University in the United Kingdom, as well as Social Anthropology at the University of the Aegean, completing postgraduate studies specializing in Asian countries at SOAS, University of London. She has been trained in Systemic Family Therapy at the Laboratory of Systemic Thinking & Training, certified by the European Family Therapy Association Training Institute Chamber (EFTA TIC). She has participated in research programs concerning minorities and migrants in the Netherlands and Greece and has taken part in several anthropological field studies. Additionally, she is a certified Life & Business Coach by the European Mentoring & Coaching Council and has extensive professional experience in the business sector. She holds a license to practice as a Psychologist, maintains a legal office in Heraklion, Crete, and works in individual and group psychotherapy and coaching sessions. She is a member of the British Psychological Society, the American Anthropological Association, as well as the Association of Social Anthropologists of Greece.

Βοηθάμε τους γονείς να βρουν λύση σε οτιδήποτε τους απασχολεί με το παιδί τους, από 0 έως 18 ετών, προσωποποιημένα στην οικογένειά τους, με βαθιά γνώση γύρω από τη διαπαιδαγώγηση και βασισμένοι στις τελευταίες επιστημονικές εξελίξεις.

Ειδικευόμαστε στην Συμβουλευτική Γονέων που πιστεύουμε ότι αποτελεί το πρώτο βήμα στην αντιμετώπιση οποιουδήποτε ζητήματος στην οικογένεια. Και δεν μένουμε στη θεωρία. Μοιραζόμαστε πρακτικούς τρόπους και δοκιμασμένες τακτικές που μπορούν οι γονείς να υιοθετήσουν για να δουν πολύ γρήγορα τις αλλαγές που θέλουν στην οικογένειά τους.

Ζητήματα όπως το άγχος και η επιθετικότητα, η αποτελεσματική οριοθέτηση, ο ύπνος, το φαγητό και οι φυσικές ανάγκες, η προσκόλληση, η συνεργασία των γονέων στη διαπαιδαγώγηση, αλλά και ζητήματα γύρω από τη χρήση οθονών, την κοινωνικοποίηση, το σχολείο και τις σχολικές επιδόσεις, τον σχολικό εκφοβισμό, οικογενειακές κρίσεις, κ.ά., βρίσκονται στο επίκεντρο της δουλειάς μας.

Μέσα από τη συνεργασία μας, οι γονείς μαθαίνουν τη φιλοσοφία και τη λογική πίσω από τη Θετική Διαπαιδαγώγηση, τον ενδεδειγμένο πλέον τρόπο καθοδήγησης των παιδιών, χωρίς συμβατικές μεθόδους όπως η τιμωρία, οι φωνές, οι απειλές, οι δωροδοκίες, κ.ά. Οι γονείς εξοικειώνονται σταδιακά με τη νέα προσέγγιση, μαθαίνουν πρακτικούς τρόπους για το πώς μπορούν να υποστηρίξουν το παιδί τους σε κάθε πρόκληση που αντιμετωπίζει, χτίζουν μαζί του μία ζεστή, υποστηρικτική σχέση, και βλέπουν το κλίμα στην οικογένειά τους να μεταμορφώνεται.

Η Συμβουλευτική Γονέων στο Parenting.Today δεν μένει στη θεωρία. Εστιάζει στην πράξη, δίνοντας στους γονείς συγκεκριμένα εργαλεία και πρακτικές εφαρμογές επιστημονικά τεκμηριωμένες, που αποσκοπούν στην βέλτιστη υποστήριξη των παιδιών καθώς μεγαλώνουν. Η συμβουλευτική γίνεται από εξειδικευμένους συμβούλους γονέων σε ιδιωτικές διαδικτυακές συναντήσεις των 50 λεπτών.

Ξεκινήστε ακόμα και αυθημερόν, επιλέγοντας την ώρα που σάς εξυπηρετεί!

Η Θετική Διαπαιδαγώγηση:

1.Διαμορφώνει ένα κλίμα αμοιβαίου σεβασμού στην οικογένεια.

2.Δίνει στα παιδιά το εσωτερικό κίνητρο για να ακολουθούν την καθοδήγηση των γονιών τους.

3.Τα παιδιά τα πάνε καλύτερα στο σχολείο, έχουν λιγότερα προβλήματα συμπεριφοράς και καλύτερη συναισθηματική υγεία μεγαλώνοντας.

4.Ενισχύει την αυτοπεποίθηση των παιδιών, καλλιεργεί την αυτονομία τους και τα προετοιμάζει κατάλληλα για την εφηβεία και την ενήλικη ζωή.

5.Βοηθάει τους γονείς να είναι πιο ευαίσθητοι και υποστηρικτικοί για τα παιδιά τους, πιο ήρεμοι και πιο χαρούμενοι στον γονικό τους ρόλο.

Lila Karali is a Psychologist, an honor graduate of the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete (BSc), licensed to practice professionally. She has an academic background in the natural sciences (Chemistry-BSc, MSc), and a postgraduate diploma in Bioethics (MA). Her interdisciplinary education enhances her ability to bridge the biological and psychological perspectives, focusing on a comprehensive understanding of the human experience. She possesses clinical experience with the adult population and has specialized in Systemic Psychotherapy (a four-year training program), promoting the understanding of the self in relation to significant life systems (family, work, society). Additionally, she has training and experience in Compassion Focused Therapy to alleviate psychological distress related to persistent shame and self-criticism. Her therapeutic practice emphasizes the autonomy and values of each individual.

Η Τζάννε Βάνα είναι Κλινικός Ψυχολόγος και πραγματοποιεί online συνεδρίες. Είναι απόφοιτος Ψυχολογίας από το Εθνικό και Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών και έχει ολοκληρώσει μεταπτυχιακές σπουδές στην Κλινική και Κοινοτική Ψυχολογία. Έχει εκπαιδευτεί στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφοριστική Ψυχοθεραπεία Ενηλίκων, Παιδιών & Εφήβων, καθώς και στη θεραπεία Διαταραχών Πρόσληψης Τροφής στο Αιγινήτειο Νοσοκομείο. Ακόμα, έχει εκπαιδευτεί στη Διαλεκτική Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία στην Ιατρική Σχολής του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών (Ελληνική Εταιρεία Έρευνας Συμπεριφοράς), όπου συνεχίζει ακόμα ως εξωτερικός συνεργάτης και προσφέροντας εθελοντικά υπηρεσίες σε οριακούς ασθενείς αλλά και σε άτομα με διατροφικές διαταραχές. Στο πλαίσιο της επαγγελματικής της εμπειρίας, συνεργάζεται τα τελευταία 8 χρόνια έως και σήμερα με την Α’ Ψυχιατρική Κλινική του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών, στο Αιγινήτειο Νοσοκομείο (Μονάδα Διαταραχών Προσωπικότητας και Διαταραχών Πρόσληψης Τροφής), ενώ διετέλεσε επιστημονικός συνεργάτης στη Β’ Παιδιατρική Κλινική του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών, στο Γενικό Νοσοκομείο Παίδων Αθηνών "Παναγιώτη και Αγλαΐας Κυριακού", εστιάζοντας σε ζητήματα γονεϊκότητας και όντας εκπαιδεύτρια σε προγράμματα γύρω από την Ψυχική Ανθεκτικότητα για επαγγελματίες υγείας αλλά και γενικό πληθυσμό. Έχει συμμετάσχει σε πανελλήνια και πανευρωπαϊκά συνέδρια Παιδιατρικής, Εφηβιατρικής, Ψυχολογίας, Ψυχιατρικής, καθώς και σε άλλα ιατρικά συνέδρια (χειρουργικής, μαιευτικής κα). Έχει συνεργαστεί με το Ινστιτούτο Ψυχικής και Σεξουαλικής Υγείας του Δρ Θάνου Ασκητή, ενώ συμμετείχε και στη συγγραφή εκπαιδευτικού υλικού για τη σεξουαλική αγωγή, εγκεκριμένο από το Υπουργείο Παιδείας, καθώς έχει ασχοληθεί και ερευνητικά με τον τομέα των Ψυχοσεξουαλικών ζητημάτων. Η επένδυση στην ψυχοθεραπεία είναι διαρκής, με εκπαίδευση στο Mindfulness, στη Θεραπεία Εστιασμένη στη Συμπόνοια καθώς και το Διατμηματικό Πρόγραμμα Ομαδικής Θεραπείας από την Ελληνική Εταιρεία Ψυχαναλυτικής Ψυχοθεραπείας Ομάδας. Είναι ενεργό μέλος της Ελληνικής Εταιρείας Έρευνας Συμπεριφοράς και της Ελληνικής Εταιρείας Εφηβικής Ιατρικής, διατηρώντας συνεχή επαγγελματική εξέλιξη και επιστημονική ενημέρωση, δουλεύοντας κλινικά με εφήβους και ενήλικες.

Antonis Paksimadakis is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Heraklion, Crete. At Inner Balance, counseling and psychotherapy services are provided, either individually (for adults or adolescents) or in groups (for couples and families), aiming to enhance mental health and personal development. The approach is based on scientifically validated methods and emphasizes personalization, empathy, and the creation of a safe and progressive therapeutic environment. Sessions are available both in-person and online, in Greek as well as English. Fees start at €30, with special discounts offered to students, military personnel, and families with many children.

I was born in Athens in 1983, where I spent my childhood and school years.

Driven by my Cretan roots and the prestigious reputation of the University of Crete, I decided to study Medicine in Heraklion following the national exams in 2001. I graduated in 2008 with a GPA of 7.05 ('Very Good').

Immediately after obtaining my degree, I moved to Munich, Germany, to pursue my medical residency. Although I initially wavered between Neurology and Psychiatry, I was drawn to Psychiatry after a year of working in neurological rehabilitation.

I completed my residency at the renowned psychiatric teaching hospital Inn Salzach Klinikum in Wasserburg am Inn, affiliated with the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU). During the academic years 2015/2016, I also served as a lecturer at the hospital's nursing school.

In the summer of 2016, I was awarded the title of Specialist in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (Facharzt für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie) by the State of Bavaria. My medical specialty was officially recognized in Greece in 2017.

From 2017 until late 2024, I worked as a specialist Psychiatrist-Psychotherapist at the outpatient clinics of KBO-Klinik Nord in Munich. Parallel to this, from 2018 to 2023, I served as a Court-Appointed Psychiatric Expert for the Bavarian State Courts, collaborating with the Munich-based institute GWG (Gesellschaft für wissenschaftliche Gerichts- und Rechtspsychologie).

In 2018, I had the honor of being a speaker and interpreter at the Greek-German conference "Challenges of Psychotherapy in a Globalizing World," organized by the Munich Medical Academy for Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy and the Orthodox Academy of Crete in Kolymvari, Chania.

Returning permanently to Greece in 2025 marked a year of transition after 15 years in Germany. In 2026, I established my private psychiatric practice in Heraklion, Crete.

My extensive experience in Germany allowed me to work across the full spectrum of mental health disorders. This background shaped my approach to mental illness as a complex issue with biological, psychological, and social dimensions. I am committed to providing high-level medical services with profound respect for the individual, free from discrimination, stereotypes, or stigma.

BE YOU

Elena Apostolaki has dedicated her life to psychology and personal development—not merely as a professional choice, but as a personal journey of self-awareness and growth. She holds a degree in Psychology from Canterbury Christ Church University, with a specialization in Psychopathology through the Educational Group Evdokimos. She has been trained in Life Coaching at the University of West Attica and holds a Practitioner Coach certification from the international organization IAPCM. Additionally, she has completed studies in Counseling Intervention at the School of Personal Development and Therapy "Diodos." Currently, she is pursuing postgraduate studies at Aegean College, in collaboration with the University of Essex, continuously enhancing her theoretical and practical foundation in psychology. In her work, she integrates elements from Cognitive Psychology, the Person-Centered approach, and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) techniques, offering a safe and supportive environment for those who wish to: deepen their self-knowledge, recognize the barriers that limit them, and evolve with substance and authenticity.

Her philosophy is based on the belief that every person already possesses within themselves all they need to flourish—the only requirement is the appropriate environment, support, and guidance to discover and utilize these resources.

This is the purpose served by BE YOU:

A space for inner exploration, authentic connection, and personal transformation.

It does not tell anyone who to become—it helps each person remember who they truly are.

📍 Provides sessions in Heraklion, Crete and online, in Greek, English, and German, with respect, authenticity, and discretion.

BE YOU – because change begins from within.

Pitsinis Errikos Dionysios is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist who conducts online psychotherapy sessions while also maintaining his private practice in Kypseli. He has completed studies in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the International Psychotherapy Center "ALYPIA," holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Forensic Psychology from the University of Central Lancashire, and a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Forensic Psychology from Coventry University. His professional experience includes work in private practice as well as an internship at the Korydallos Detention Center I. He has specialized through training programs at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in the following areas: Couple and Family Counseling and Therapy, Aggressive and Violent Behavior: Professional Risk Assessment and De-escalation Techniques, Anxiety and Depression: Psychoeducation and Management, Psychosocial Support for Prisoners and Reintegration Issues, and Cluster B Personality Disorders (Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, and Narcissistic Personality Disorders). Finally, the specialist is a regular member of the Hellenic Association of Psychologists.