Psychotherapists in Kriti

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.).

Elena Georgakopoulou is a Counseling Psychologist - Psychotherapist for children, adolescents, and adults. She holds a professional license to practice in England (HCPC Register PYL 15025) since 2006, and a professional license in Greece since 2008. She is also a regular member of the Hellenic Psychological Society and has worked as a Psychologist in the National Health Service of the United Kingdom (NHS), providing therapy to adults and children with severe clinical symptomatology. She has worked with adults and children and utilizes an eclectic and integrative model combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), systemic, and person-centered approaches. Her work often involves collaboration with parents, as well as coordination with other agencies such as educational settings, while in Greece she works remotely. She is interested in and can assist in areas such as autism and autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, anxiety and depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), low self-esteem and self-confidence, loss of meaning and direction in life, relational and attachment difficulties, and parental counseling. Sessions are also provided in English.

Η Σγουράκη Δήμητρα BSc είναι Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και Σύμβουλος Ψυχικής Υγείας με εξειδίκευση στην Ψυχοτραυματολογία και την Ψυχοδυναμική Ψυχοθεραπεία, συνδυάζοντας με εξαιρετική αποτελεσματικότητα τις δύο προσεγγίσεις για την ολιστική κατανόηση και θεραπεία των ψυχικών τραυμάτων. Η προσέγγισή της επικεντρώνεται στην επεξεργασία τραυματικών εμπειριών και στη βαθύτερη κατανόηση των ασυνείδητων διεργασιών του ατόμου, επιδιώκοντας να ενισχύσει τη σύνδεση των βιωμάτων με τις ψυχικές διαδικασίες. Εστιάζει στη δυναμική αλληλεπίδραση μεταξύ του παρελθόντος και του παρόντος, βοηθώντας τους θεραπευόμενους να αναγνωρίσουν τις βαθύτερες αιτίες των δυσκολιών τους και να αναπτύξουν πιο λειτουργικές στρατηγικές διαχείρισης. Έχει εμπειρία στη συμβουλευτική ενηλίκων, παρέχει θεραπεία σε ασφαλές θεραπευτικό πλαίσιο βασισμένο στην εμπιστοσύνη, την ενσυναίσθηση και τη σταθερότητα σε άτομα που αντιμετωπίζουν ζητήματα άγχους, κατάθλιψης, φοβιών, συναισθηματικών διαταραχών, διατροφικών θεμάτων καθώς και δυσκολιών στις διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις. Με δέσμευση στη διαρκή επιμόρφωση και επαγγελματική ανάπτυξη, παρακολουθεί τακτικά εξειδικευμένα σεμινάρια και εργαστήρια, παραμένοντας ενημερωμένη για τις τελευταίες επιστημονικές εξελίξεις στον τομέα της ψυχολογίας και της ψυχοθεραπείας. Στόχος της είναι να προσφέρει ένα ασφαλές, υποστηρικτικό και θεραπευτικό περιβάλλον, όπου οι θεραπευόμενοι μπορούν να επεξεργαστούν τις εμπειρίες τους, να κατανοήσουν βαθύτερα τις ψυχικές τους ανάγκες και να χτίσουν μια πιο ισχυρή, ισορροπημένη και αυθεντική ζωή.

Parasyri Iro is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Heraklion, Crete. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete. She has completed her postgraduate training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling, while currently pursuing her master's degree in Developmental Psychology and Educational Applications at the University of Crete. Additionally, she has attended online training seminars at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, focusing on Couple Counseling and Special Education. She completed her internship at the Mental Health Clinic "Agios Charalampos" and has worked at the Municipality of Heraklion at KEKOIFAPI Mastaba and on the psychological support hotline. In the private sector, she has collaborated with speech therapists regarding difficulties experienced by children and their parents. She has volunteered at the SOS Children's Village in Heraklion, providing music lessons and creatively engaging the children. Furthermore, she has worked with the Mobile Mental Health Unit "Arogi" in Agios Nikolaos, in the psychosocial support program "No One Alone During the Pandemic." Since 2021, she has maintained her private office in the center of Heraklion, Crete, while also voluntarily offering her services to the association "Eu-zo me ton Karkino" ("Living Well with Cancer"). Concurrently, as part of her ongoing education, she attends the Psychoanalysis Training Program of the Borromean Knot Society of the New Lacanian School (Crete Branch) as well as the Training Program "Skills and Techniques of the 3rd Wave CBT" at the Educational Institute of Synthetic Approach.

Το Κέντρο Ψυχοθεραπείας & Συμβουλευτικής "Ψυχής Ευεξία" - Αντωνάκη Βαρβάρα βρίσκεται στο Ρέθυμνο. Επιστημονική Υπεύθυνη του κέντρου είναι η Ψυχολόγος Msc - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια Αντωνάκη Βαρβάρα. Είναι απόφοιτη του τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Πανεπιστημίου Nottingham Trent University με Μεταπτυχιακές σπουδές στην Ψυχολογία της Υγείας (M.Sc. in Health Psychology University of Bedfordshire 2014-2015). Παράλληλα, ολοκλήρωσε την εκπαίδευση του Health Psychology in Public Health Network στην Ανάπτυξη παρεμβάσεων στην δημόσια υγεία «Developing Interventions in public health”. Μετά την ολοκλήρωση των σπουδών της παρείχε εθελοντικά τις υπηρεσίες της ως ψυχολόγος για τρία χρόνια στην Ψυχιατρική κλινική και στον Ξενώνα Βραχείας Παραμονής «Ηλιοτρόπιο» του Γενικού Νοσοκομείου Ρεθύμνου. Ειδικεύεται στην Γνωσιακή Αναλυτική Ψυχοθεραπεία (Cognitive analytic therapy-CAT) και είναι κάτοχος διπλώματος ψυχοθεραπεύτριας και τακτικό μέλος της Πανελλήνιας Εταιρείας Γνωστικής Αναλυτικής Ψυχοθεραπείας. Έχει εκπαιδευτεί στην Συστημική Ψυχοθεραπεία ολοκληρώνοντας το πιστοποπιημενο 4ετές πρόγραμμα, στην Συμβουλευτική και Θεραπείας Ζεύγους και Οικογένειας καθώς και στη Θεραπεία Εστιασμένη στη Λύση (level2 ). Είναι μέλος του Βρετανικού Συλλόγου Ψυχολόγων.. Διαθέτει μεγάλη εμπειρία σε όλο το φάσμα της ψυχοπαθολογίας (αγχώδεις διαταραχές, κρίσεις πανικού, ψυχοσωματικά, συναισθηματικές διαταραχές) καθώς και σε θέματα που αφορούν κάποια χρόνια νόσο (παχυσαρκία, αυτοάνοσα νοσήματα, καρκίνος). Επίσης, σε δυσκολίες που οφείλονται σε μεταβάσεις (πανελλήνιες εξετάσεις, φοιτητική ζωή, γάμος, γέννηση παιδιού, διαζύγιο, πένθος). Έχει συμμετάσχει ως βασική ομιλήτρια σε ημερίδες ψυχικής υγείας και αναλάβει βιωματικά σεμινάρια που απευθύνονται σε γονείς παιδιών σχολικής ηλικίας και εφήβων. Βρίσκεται σε συνεχή αναζήτηση για την ενίσχυση των γνώσεων μου και σε συνεχή εποπτεία από Πανεπιστημιακούς Διδάκτορες Ψυχοθεραπευτές και Ψυχιάτρους. Από το 2020 έως το 2023 ήταν γραμματέας του κοινωνικού συνεταιρισμού Κοι.Σ.ΠΕ νομού Ρεθύμνου «ΑΡΩΔΑΜΟΣ», που έχει ως στόχο την ανάπτυξη δραστηριοτήτων για την απασχόληση ατόμων με ψυχοκοινωνικά προβλήματα για την ισότιμη συμμετοχή τους στην κοινωνική και οικονομική ζωή.

Maraki Aggeliki is a Mental Health Counselor - Systemic Psychotherapist, a member of EFTA (European Family Therapy Association) & ELESYTH (Hellenic Society of Systemic Therapy), and maintains a private practice in Heraklion, Crete. After completing her studies at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences (Department of Sociology), she completed her postgraduate studies at the University of Amsterdam and underwent four years of training in Systemic Family Psychotherapy - Systemic Psychotherapy at the Laboratory of Systemic Thinking in Education. During her studies, she completed her internship at the Prevention Center for Addictions and Promotion of Psychosocial Health "Athina Ygeia". She possesses extensive professional experience, having served as Project Manager at the Hellenic Center for Intercultural Psychiatry and Care "Kostis Ballas," as Administrative Director - Quality Management Responsible for ISO at the Mental Health Clinic Agios Charalampos, where she was responsible for managing and providing care and service to patients, their families, clinic staff, and external outpatient clinics. She has volunteered in the Health Education and Psychosocial Support Program within the Greek and Muslim Roma community at the Hellenic Center for Intercultural Psychiatry and Care "Kostis Ballas," in collaboration with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and in recording and managing telephone calls at the Therapy Center for Dependent Individuals, KETHEA. She has also volunteered for two years by creating support groups through the "Stoxos" – Breast Cancer Prevention initiative, aiming to support individuals affected by the disease and their families. Finally, she actively participates in conferences both in Greece and internationally.

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.

Dimitra Drakaki is a Clinical Psychologist who works privately, offering online therapy sessions in Greek, English and French. She holds a Bachelor’s degree (BSc) in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, as well as a Master’s degree (MSc) in Clinical Psychology, Psychopathology, and Health Psychology from Paris Nanterre University in France.

Her therapeutic practice is grounded in the psychodynamic model, with theoretical and clinical training obtained through the psychoanalytic program of Paris Nanterre University, complemented by further specialization through seminars and professional trainings at institutions such as ASM13 (Paris, France). In parallel, she is engaged in personal therapy and receives psychodynamic supervision.

Her clinical interests have led her to work with diverse populations and settings, including psychiatric clinics (ASM13 – Hôpital L’Eau-Vive, CH Fondation Vallée), medical and psychosocial support centers (CMP Philippe Paumelle, Centre Friends’ Play, SOS Children’s Villages), working with adults as well as children and adolescents. She has provided individual therapy and facilitated therapeutic groups, as well as groups for mental health professionals. Issues related to parenthood and family relationships are central to her research interests; she has explored women’s experiences of infertility and its connection to the biological and emotional dimensions of the female body.

Allowing her professional identity to be shaped through these experiences, she draws on a range of therapeutic tools that enable each individual to come into contact with a more authentic version of themselves. The aim of the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe space in which the client can process their experiences, reflect on their personal history, and develop greater awareness and freedom in relation to their choices and desires.

Eleutheria Fourtouni is a Mental Health Counselor and Sociologist with a rich academic background and specialized training in individual support. She holds a degree in Sociology from Panteion University and possesses the EPPAIK diploma (Educational Competence) from ASPAITE.

Her specialization as a Mental Health Counselor was completed through the three-year program at KETHESY, which included intensive supervised practical training and personal therapy. Her approach is based on the model of Recombinant Elective Counseling, a method that strategically combines different types of psychotherapy with a central focus on the psychodynamic approach.

Guided by holistic support,

she has further specialized in key areas such as: Career Counseling, Special Education, the Autism Spectrum and Learning Disabilities, Parent Counseling, Child Drawing Analysis, and Music Therapy.

Sociology plays an important role in her work as it takes into account both the individual's environment and its influence on them, as well as the reciprocal impact.

Combining scientific knowledge with empathy, she works with the aim of empowerment, support, and personal development of her clients, tailoring her tools to the unique needs of each individual.

Pasxalidou Sissy is a Social Worker - Psychotherapist with advanced training in Person-Centered Psychotherapy and Counseling. She graduated from Democritus University of Thrace and holds a postgraduate degree in Person-Centered Psychotherapy and Counseling from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.

Her professional experience includes working with diverse age and social groups through settings such as kindergartens, hospital environments (General Hospital of Kavala), the "Help at Home" program for elderly individuals, among others. Since 2022, she has been providing individual psychotherapy sessions both online and in-person, with her office located in Gerani, Chania. Concurrently, she coordinates parent empowerment groups.

"In my therapeutic work, I emphasize creating a relationship of acceptance, safety, and authentic contact. I support individuals facing issues such as anxiety, difficulties in interpersonal relationships, low self-esteem, emotional burden, life transitions, as well as the need for self-care and personal development. My goal is to accompany each person with respect and empathy on their unique journey."

Vasilakis Kostis is a licensed Psychologist who offers psychotherapeutic sessions to adolescents and adults. His goal is to establish a therapeutic relationship characterized by empathy and acceptance, where the individual can explore the self and develop innate abilities within a safe and understanding environment.

He has worked in organizations such as the Ministry of Labor and in private therapeutic settings, providing counseling and psychological support, administering psychometric instruments, and collaborating closely with families.

He studied Psychology at the University of Nicosia and Communication at Panteion University. He has been trained in Systemic Therapy and specializes in Person-Centered and Focusing/Experiential Psychotherapy.

Spanoudakis Stratos is a Mental Health Counselor with a private practice in Chania. He completed studies in Synthetic Counseling as well as Couples Therapy and Synthetic Psychotherapy at the Athens Synthesis Center. He also trained in Synthetic Group Psychotherapy at the same center. He has experience providing voluntary support on the online platform "Míla Mou" as well as the NGO "Synýparxi". Finally, he specializes in anger management and in panic attacks - phobias.

Mpita Eirini is a Psychodynamic Psychotherapist – Mental Health Counselor and a graduate of Sociology from Panteion University, with private practices in Athens and Norway. She has been trained in Couples Therapy & Parenting Counseling and has further specialized in Child Psychology and Infant and Preschool Child Psychology (NKUA). Additionally, she regularly attends annual seminars and lectures. Her internship at the Greek Forum of Migrants and her voluntary work with the Norwegian Red Cross have enhanced her sensitivity to issues of cultural integration, identity, and mental health support for vulnerable populations. Having lived and worked in multicultural environments, she approaches therapy with openness, understanding, and respect for the uniqueness of each individual. She works with adults and couples facing difficulties such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, relationship challenges, or life transitional phases. For Mpita Eirini, therapy is a profound dialogue where symptoms serve as starting points for understanding and processing what has not yet been expressed. She creates a safe space where each person can freely express themselves and meaningfully connect with their inner self.