Urologists - Andrologists in Athens

Raptidis Grigorios is a Urologist - Andrologist Surgeon with a private practice in Ambelokipoi. He holds a degree in Medicine from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the Military Corps Officers School, and he is specialized in Endoscopic Urology in Texas, USA. Dr. Raptidis is the Director of the Urology Clinic at the 251 Air Force General Hospital, as well as an Associate Physician at numerous private clinics such as Euroclinic Athens, Iaso General, Bioclinic Athens, Hygeia, and others. He treats prostate diseases, lithiasis with endoscopic treatment methods and advocates for the best healthcare services through advanced diagnostics, comprehensive patient information, and targeted therapy. His modern, well-equipped private practice covers diagnostic and therapeutic needs for most urological cases. Finally, Dr. Raptidis is a member of the Athens Medical Association, the Hellenic Urological Association, the European Urology Association, the American Urological Association, and is a Fellow of the European Board of Urology (FEBU).

Dellis Grigorios MD, MSc, PhD, FEBU is a Urologist - Andrologist and operates his private practice in Ilisia. He holds a Doctorate from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and a postgraduate degree in Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery from the same university. Furthermore, after written and oral examinations, he became a member of the European Association of Urology and underwent further training at the 2nd Urological Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Currently, he is a Consultant at the Urological Clinic of the 251 Air Force General Hospital and manages cases covering the entire spectrum of urology, with a special focus on Minimally Invasive techniques both in Oncology and in the management of Urinary Tract Lithiasis, aiming to provide comprehensive services to patients.

In 2023, he traveled to the United Kingdom for training in Robotic Surgery, where he was trained in Robotic Prostatectomy, participating both as an assistant and as a console surgeon in a large number of procedures. He performs surgeries using the DaVinci Xi system at the 251 Air Force General Hospital and at IASO Clinic.

He has presented communications at both Greek and international conferences and has been a speaker at conferences and seminars abroad. Finally, he is a member of the Athens Medical Association, the Hellenic Urological Association, the European Association of Urology, and the General Medical Council.

Mprattis Nikolaos MD, PhDc, F.MAS, D.MAS, FEBU, Teaching Staff Member at IRCAD/EITS of the Strasbourg Medical School, is a Urological Surgeon - Andrologist with a private practice in Ilisia. He is a graduate of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a doctoral candidate at the Medical School of the University of Athens. He has served as Consultant Urologist at the Urology Clinic of the 401 General Military Hospital of Athens and Consultant at the Urology Clinic of the Army Fund Nursing Institution (NIMTS). He completed his specialization in Urological clinics and hospitals in the United Kingdom as well as Greece. He holds a Diploma in Minimally Invasive - Laparoscopic Urology from the World Laparoscopy Hospital, New Delhi, India. Additionally, he is certified and qualified in Robotic Urological Surgery following a fellowship at Southmead Hospital (Bristol, UK). He is a Robotic Surgeon (Urological Robotic Surgeon) specialized in Robotic Urological Surgery and trained on the Da Vinci robotic system. Finally, he is a member of the Athens Medical Association, the Hellenic Urological Association, the European Association of Urology (EAU), the World Federation of Laparoscopic Surgeons, the British Medical Council, and serves as a teaching member of the Laparoscopic and Robotic Urology School at the Cancer and Telesurgery Research Center (IRCAD/EITS), a department of the Medical School of the University of Strasbourg.

Psyllias Konstantinos is a Urologist - Andrologist with a private practice in Ampelokipoi. He holds a postgraduate degree in "Minimally Invasive Surgery, Robotic Surgery, and Telesurgery" from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Currently, he is a salaried collaborator of the 2nd Urological Clinic at the "Errikos Dynan" Hospital and an external associate of the Therapies Clinic and Bioclinic. He also participates in numerous conferences and seminars to stay updated on advancements in his field. In his private practice, he provides specialized services and treats conditions across the entire spectrum of urology and andrology.

Fragkoulis Gerasimos is a Urologist-Andrologist who maintains practices in Athens and London. He is a graduate of the Medical School of the University of Patras and holds a Master's Degree in Minimally Invasive Surgery, Robotic Surgery and Telesurgery from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He is also a PhD candidate at the Medical School of the University of Athens on the immunobiology of kidney cancer. He completed his specialization in Urology at the Athens General Hospital "Elpis" and then worked for three years as a Consultant at the “Ippokrateion” General Hospital of Athens. He has specialized in Robotic Urinary Surgery and Uro-Oncology in the United Kingdom having completed two fellowships at the Royal Surrey County Hospital and the Bradford Royal Infirmary and is the only Urologist in Greece who has received the Certificate of Excellence in performing robotic radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer from the Robotic Surgery section of the European Association of Urology. On the subject of Robotic, Laparoscopic and Minimally Invasive Surgery he has further trained in Belgium and France and has received the Diplome d' Universite de Chirurgie Laparoscopique from the University of Strasbourg. He has taught medical students at the Universities of Leeds and Surrey in General Urology and Uro-Oncology while supervising young interns at the hospitals he worked in Britain. The doctor is also specialized in Aesthetic Andrology having been trained in Milan in the techniques of cosmetic surgery of the external genital organs.During the last 5 years, he is among the surgeons with the highest volume of Aesthetic Andrology cases in the United Kingdom, including phalloplasty, scrotoplasty and filler applications for non-surgical penis enlargement.He has received scholarships from the Hellenic Urological Association after written exams and from the Robotic Surgery section of the European Association of Urology. He has also received the certifications of Fellow of the European Board of Urology (FEBU) and Fellow of the European Committee of Sexual Medicine (FECSM) and is a reviewer for the world-renowned journals Journal of Robotic Surgery and Journal of Clinical Urology. He has extensive surgical experience in the fields of prostate cancer (robotic radical prostatectomy, transperineal fusion biopsy of the prostate), bladder cancer (robotic radical cystectomy, TUR-BT), prostate enlargement (TURiS, HOLEP, robotic simple prostatectomy), urolithiasis (flexible laser ureteroscopy), Uro-Gynecology (incontinence tape, bladder BOTOX, robotic sacrocolpopexy) and Andrology (phalloplasty, scrotoplasty, penile fillers, scrotox, penile straightening for Peyronie's disease, partial and radical circumcision, preputioplasty, hydrocele, epididymal cysts, etc.). Finally, he undertakes cases of chronic pelvic pain (chronic prostatitis, interstitial cystitis, etc.) and erectile dysfunction, offering all the newest treatments such as PRP, Bocox and shock wave treatment.

Georgantas Panagiotis is a Urologist - Andrologist with a private practice in Neos Kosmos. He holds a medical degree from the University of Rome Torvergata, where he trained as a Clinical Physician. He completed his specialty in Urology - Andrology at the General Hospital of Athens "Elpis," and also specialized in General Surgery at the 2nd Surgical Clinic of the 1st IKA Hospital. He served as a Consultant at the Urology Clinic of the General Hospital of Heraklion "Venizeleio - Pananeio." Additionally, it is noteworthy that he has accumulated 10 years of experience, performing over 800 surgeries as both lead and assistant surgeon. He is an External Associate at the Athens Clinic, IASO Clinic, and Therapis. Furthermore, he consistently participates in numerous seminars and scientific medical conferences and regularly attends the annual Panhellenic Urological Conferences, demonstrating his commitment to continuous education and excellence in his field of expertise.

Markos Kapiris is a Urologist - Andrologist who maintains a private practice in Galatsi. He holds a degree from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and specialized in Urology at the Military Fund Nursing Institution. He also received additional training in General Surgery at the 7th IKA Hospital. He has served as an Assistant Urologist at the Elefsina Thriassio General Hospital and the Military Fund Nursing Institution, gaining extensive experience in clinical duties, surgeries, and on-call shifts throughout his career, acquiring valuable knowledge for the specialized services he currently provides at his practice. Since June 2013, he has been employed as a salaried physician at the Athens Medical Center, a member of the "Center for Minimally Invasive Robotic-Laparoscopic Urological Surgery" led by Dr. Georgios Kyriakou. He works as the clinical head of the team, with daily systematic clinical engagement, participation in surgeries, and involvement in the team's other scientific activities, outpatient clinics, and on-call duties.

Theofilou Theodoros is a Urologist - Andrologist and maintains a private practice in Kypseli. He holds a Medical Degree from Moscow University and specialized in Urology at the General Hospital of Heraklion Crete "Venizeleio" and the General Hospital of Athens "Hippokration". The physician has served as an external collaborator at the "Errikos Dynan" Hospital and specializes in Oncologic Urology, Endoscopic Urology, Andrology, and Infertility. In his private practice, he offers a wide range of services, tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

Konstantakis Emmanouil is a Urologist - Andrologist with a private practice in Melissia. He holds a degree in Medicine from the School of Health Sciences of Democritus University of Thrace. He completed his rural medical service in Erythres and subsequently chose to specialize in Urology at the General Hospital of Nea Ionia "Konstantopouleio" - Patision Agia Olga. He then received training in urinary system ultrasonography at the Athens Anti-Cancer - Oncology Hospital "Agios Savvas." Finally, the doctor holds the "European Board of Urology" diploma and has participated in numerous seminars on urology, aiming at continuous professional development in his field of specialization.

Kolaggis Aleksandros is a Urologist - Andrologist with a private practice in Athens. He holds a medical degree from the Universita degli studi di Bari "Aldo Moro" in Italy and specialized in General Surgery at the First Surgical Clinic of the 417 Military Fund Nursing Institution (NIMTS) and in Urology at the Urological Clinic of the General Hospital of Melissia "Amalia Fleming." Additionally, he completed a postgraduate program in Health Unit Management at the Hellenic Open University and underwent further training in Urological Ultrasound at the General State Hospital of Nikaia - Piraeus "Agios Panteleimon." He is affiliated with IASO, Immedica Clinic, and the Athens Medical Center, Palaio Faliro Clinic. Finally, he is a member of the Athens Medical Association, the Hellenic Urological Society, the European Association of Urology, the International Society for Sexual Medicine, and the European Society for Sexual Medicine.

Ο Βλασσόπουλος Γεράσιμος είναι Ουρολόγος - Ανδρολόγος και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό ιατρείο στο κέντρο Αθήνας- Κυψέλη. Είναι Υπεύθυνος Ανδρολόγος της Μονάδας Εξωσωματικής Γονιμοποίησης στην Ιδιωτική Κλινική Γένεσις Αθηνών από το 2012. Είναι κάτοχος διδακτορικού της Ιατρικής σχολής του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών, ενώ έχει εκπαιδευτεί σε κορυφαία ιδρύματα διεθνώς, όπως το Πανεπιστήμιο της Τεργέστης (Ιταλία), όπου μετεκπαιδεύτηκε στην Ανδρολογία, τη Μικροχειρουργική και τη Λαπαροσκοπική Ουρολογία, καθώς και στο Cleveland Clinic (ΗΠΑ) και το New York Presbyterian Hospital (ΗΠΑ). Έχει λάβει τον τίτλο Fellow of the European Board of Urology (FEBU) και έχει συμμετάσχει σε σειρά μετεκπαιδευτικών προγραμμάτων στην Ευρώπη και τις ΗΠΑ.Η επαγγελματική του πορεία περιλαμβάνει σημαντικούς επιστημονικούς και διοικητικούς ρόλους, όπως Διευθυντής Ουρολογίας στο Κωνσταντοπούλειο Γ.Ν.Ν. Ιωνίας "Η Αγία Όλγα" (2012-2023) και Διευθυντής Μονάδας Λιθοτριψίας και Ενδοσκοπικής Ουρολογίας στο 7ο Νοσοκομείο ΙΚΑ, ενώ έχει προσφέρει τις υπηρεσίες του και ως Άμισθος Επιστημονικός Συνεργάτης στην Πανεπιστημιακή Ουρολογική Κλινική του Γενικού Νοσοκομείου Αττικής “Σισμανόγλειο - Αμαλία Φλέμιγκ”. Επιπλέον, έχει εκπονήσει σημαντικές επιστημονικές εργασίες με ενεργό συμμετοχή σε πολλά συνέδρια στην Ελλάδα και στο εξωτερικό, καθώς και δημοσιεύσεις σε επιστημονικά περιοδικά. Αξίζει να αναφερθεί η Διδακτορική Διατριβή στο θέμα «Ο Ρόλος της Κρεατινικής Κινάσης του Σπέρματος στον Έλεγχο της Ανδρικής Υπογονιμότητας» και οι δημοσιεύσεις ερευνητικών έργασιών Από το 1999 κατόπιν επιτυχών εξετάσεων εγινε Fellow of the European Board of Urology. Ο ιατρός έχει διδάξει σε διάφορες ακαδημαϊκές δομές, από την Ιατρική Σχολή Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών ,την Ιατρική Σχολή Πανεπιστημίου Κρήτης έως τη Σχολή Επαγγελματιών Υγείας και Πρόνοιας του Πανεπιστημίου Δυτικής Αττικής και το Δημοκρίτειο Πανεπιστήμιο Θράκης. Είναι μέλος της Ελληνικής Ουρολογικής Εταιρείας, της Ελληνικής Ανδρολογικής Εταιρείας, της Αμερικανικής Ουρολογικής Εταιρείας, καθώς και της International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health, ενώ είναι και Ιδρυτικό Μέλος της Ελληνικής Εταιρείας Επαγγελματιών Ουρολόγων και της Εταιρείας Μελέτης Ανθρώπινης Σεξουαλικότητας (Ε.Μ.Α.Σ.). Με τη βαθιά εξειδίκευση του στην Ουρολογία και Ανδρολογία και την πολυετή εμπειρία του σε κλινικές και νοσοκομεία, ο Γεράσιμος Βλασσόπουλος παρέχει υψηλού επιπέδου υπηρεσίες σε όλους τους τομείς της ουρολογίας και ειδικότερα της Ανδρολογίας, με στόχο την καλύτερη ποιότητα ζωής και την αποτελεσματική αντιμετώπιση των ψυχοσωματικών ζητημάτων που σχετίζονται με την σεξουαλική και αναπαραγωγική υγεία.

Paizis Thodoris is a Urologist with a private practice in Pagrati. He graduated from the Medical School of Ovidius University with a specialty in Urology and is also a graduate of the Military Medical Training School (SEOPY) from the Air Force Medical Personnel Training Center (KEYPA). The doctor is a specialist urologist with extensive clinical experience in both the public and private sectors. Since 2024, he has been a Consultant at the Urology Clinic of the Medical Center of Palaio Faliro and maintains a private practice in Pagrati. He has served at major hospitals such as the General Hospital of Athens “G. Gennimatas,” where he completed his specialty in Urology, and has actively participated in Greek and international conferences with scientific presentations. His goal is to provide high-level medical services based on continuous education and scientific evidence.

Andreas Petrolekas is a Urologist - Andrologist who maintains a private practice in Ampelokipoi. He holds certification from the European Board of Urology and is specialized in internationally recognized clinics and in vitro fertilization centers in Paris, focusing on minimally invasive techniques for managing prostate hyperplasia (prostate vaporization with TURis and laser), malignancies of the urinary system (laparoscopic treatment of kidney, bladder, and prostate tumors), lithiasis (flexible ureteroscopy, laser lithotripsy, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy), as well as the diagnosis and treatment of urinary incontinence. He possesses remarkable experience, having worked in numerous clinics and hospitals such as Errikos Dynan Hospital, the Medical Center Group, Euroclinic Athens, as well as hospitals in Paris where he completed advanced training in internationally recognized clinics.

Dr. Mertziotis Nikolaos is a Urologist - Andrologist with private practices in Ampelokipoi, Cholargos, and Neo Psychiko. He holds a PhD from the University of Athens on the topic "Investigation of Urological and Sexual Disorders in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis." He earned his Medical Degree from the Medical School of the University of Modena, Italy, and specialized in Urology as a fellow of the Hellenic Urological Association, training at various hospitals in the United Kingdom with a focus on urinary incontinence urodynamics, urethroplasty, and reconstruction of the lower urinary tract. Additionally, he specialized in laparoscopic and robotic surgery in Strasbourg, France. He has been awarded by the Urological Association for an innovative urethroplasty technique and has presented his work on innovative laser focal therapy for prostate cancer in the Netherlands, Japan, Washington, and Los Angeles. Concurrently, he has been the Director of the Urology Clinic at Metropolitan General since 2014, possessing extensive clinical experience from his work at "Errikos Dynan" Hospital, the Athens Bioclinic, "Mitera" Hospital, among others, having successfully performed over 8,000 surgical procedures. He has introduced new techniques both in Greece and internationally. Lastly, he has presented and participated in 80 international and Greek studies and numerous conferences as a speaker and is a member of the European Association of Urology, the Hellenic Urological Association, the British Association of Urology, the Board of the Urodynamics, Incontinence and Female Urology Committee of the Hellenic Urological Association. He is the President of the Hellenic Society of Focal Therapy as well as the President of the Society of Preventive Medicine and Primary Care.

Georgios Koritsiadis is a Urologist - Andrologist and maintains his private practice in Elefsina. He has over 20 years of experience in surgical urology with a specialization in urinary oncology, focusing on minimally invasive techniques and laparoscopic surgeries. He has an extensive scientific and clinical portfolio centered on the management of complex oncological cases, aiming for comprehensive and personalized high-precision care. He has numerous published works in international journals, actively participates in Greek and international conferences, and has received Scientific Awards. He is a member of the Urogenital Oncology Committee of the Hellenic Urological Association and a member of the endourology and laparoscopic surgery section of the Hellenic Urological Association.

Palatianou Maria is a Urologist who maintains a private practice in Ampelokipoi. Additionally, she serves as a Scientific Collaborator at the 2nd University Urology Clinic of the General Hospital of Attica "Sismanoglio". She studied Medicine at the Facultatea de Medicina si Farmacie Oradea and specialized in Urology at the Judetean University Hospital of Oradea, with certification issued by the Ministry of Health. Furthermore, she is a member of the Athens Medical Association, the Hellenic Urological Association, and the European Association of Urology from 2018 to the present. Finally, Dr. Palatianou has active and systematic participation in national and international conferences and has served as a member of the Organizing Committee for the 37th and 38th Athens Urological Days in 2017 and 2018, respectively.

Ioannis Siafakas, Urologist, is a graduate of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and has completed further training at the General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas" and at Massachusetts General Hospital of Harvard Medical School. He is the Deputy Director of the Urology Department at the 251 Air Force General Hospital and handles cases covering the full spectrum of urology. Having specialized in neuro-urology and urodynamics, he is highly qualified to inform patients of all ages on issues related to the pathology of the genitourinary system. Urologist Ioannis Siafakas provides comprehensive services to patients suffering from prostate hypertrophy, urinary incontinence, and lithiasis. Additionally, through continuous training in recent years, he undertakes surgical cases such as kidney, bladder, and prostate tumors. In a state-of-the-art clinic, using the latest technology equipment, he offers the best possible diagnosis, treatment, and management for patients suffering from varicocele, employing laparoscopic and robotic repair, as well as phimosis treatment using radiofrequency or laser for improved healing.

Ο Ιωάννης Γκιάλας είναι Χειρουργός Ουρολόγος - Ανδρολόγος, Διδάκτωρ της Ιατρικής Σχολής του Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό ιατρείο στη Πλατεία Μαβίλη. Παράλληλα, είναι Επιστημονικός Συνεργάτης των μεγαλύτερων ιδιωτικών θεραπευτηρίων της Αθήνας, όπως η Κλινική ΡΕΑ, Κλινική "ΛΕΥΚΟΣ ΣΤΑΥΡΟΣ" και το Θεραπευτήριο "Μητέρα" (Β' Ουρολογική Κλινική).

Επίσης, έχει διατελέσει Διευθυντής και Επιμελητής στην Ουρολογική Κλινική του Γενικού Νοσοκομείου Αθηνών "Γ. Γεννηματάς", Επιμελητής Β’ στην Ουρολογική Κλινική του Αντικαρκινικού Νοσοκομείου Πειραιά "Μεταξά" και Clinical Fellow on Endourology, Endourology Unit, Urology Clinic, Western General Hospital στο Εδιμβούργο.

Είναι μέλος του Ιατρικού Συλλόγου Αθηνών, του British Medical Council, της European Urological Association (ΕΑU), της American Urological Association (AUA), της Société Internationale d’ Urologie (SIU) και της Ελληνικής Ουρολογικής Εταιρείας (ΕΟΕ), της οποίας το διάστημα 2019 - 2020 διετέλεσε Πρόεδρος. Κατά τη διάρκεια της προεδρίας του διοργανώθηκε για πρώτη φορά στην Ελλάδα το 39ο Παγκόσμιο Συνέδριο Ουρολογίας με περισσότερους από 2.200 συνέδρους.

Έχει συμμετάσχει σε πλέον των 120 ελληνικών και διεθνών συνεδρίων και πλέον των 85 σεμιναρίων, σε 36 προεδρεία ελληνικών και διεθνών συνεδρίων, έχει 58 διαλέξεις σε ελληνικά και διεθνή συνέδρια, 87 ανακοινώσεις σε ελληνικά συνέδρια και 53 σε διεθνή συνέδρια και 19 δημοσιεύσεις σε ελληνικά περιοδικά και 33 σε διεθνή περιοδικά.

Ο Ιατρός αντιμετωπίζει όλο το φάσμα των ουρολογικών και ανδρολογικών παθήσεων με την εφαρμογή σύγχρονων χειρουργικών τεχνικών, όπως TURis Προστατεκτομή για την Καλοήθη Υπερπλασία του Προστάτη, Ελάχιστα Επεμβατική Τεχνική Rezūm για την Καλοήθη Υπερπλασία του Προστάτη, Εύκαμπτη Ουρητηροσκόπηση και Laser Λιθοτριψία για τη λιθίαση του νεφρού και του ουρητήρα, τοποθέτηση ταινιών ακράτειας, μικροχειρουργική μέθοδος για την αντιμετώπιση της κιρσοκήλης.

Galanakis Ioannis is a Surgeon Urologist - Andrologist and holds a PhD from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with private practices in Ampelokipoi and Nikaia. He completed his basic medical studies at the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. As a military doctor, he also graduated from the Military School of Corps Officers and continued his service in the Navy. He began his specialization in Urology at the Naval Hospitals of Crete and Athens and completed it at the General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas". He became a member, after pan-European examinations, of the European Board of Urology (Fellow of the European Board of Urology, FEBU) and subsequently underwent further training for two years in Italy (San Bassiano Hospital, Bassano del Grappa) and the United Kingdom (Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne), covering the entire spectrum of modern management of urological diseases, with a focus on minimally invasive techniques (endourology - laparoscopic urology) as well as andrology. His literary and scientific work is extensive and includes publications in international and Greek journals (editorial member in several international journals), serving as a reviewer for scientific articles, numerous lectures, round tables, and presentations at international and Greek conferences. He holds the position of Director at the Urological Clinic of the Naval Hospital of Athens and is concurrently Director Urologist at the Psychiko Medical Center.

Urologist - Andrologist Georgios Athanasopoulos was born in Athens and graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens with a grade of "Very Good". He completed his military service in the Navy and fulfilled his rural service at the Primary Health Care Center of Lindos, Rhodes.

He specialized in Urology at the 2nd University Urology Clinic and obtained his specialty title in 2002, while in 2003 he was awarded the Fellow of the European Board of Urology (FEBU) following examinations.

He has extensive experience in a wide range of conditions, acquired in both the public and private sectors. He has worked in units and hospitals of IKA and since 2011 serves in the National Health System (ESY), initially at the Athens Polyclinic and since 2013 at the General Hospital of Elefsina "Thriassio," where he has held the position of ESY Director since 2019.

With many years of clinical experience and continuous scientific development, the doctor possesses a high level of diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic effectiveness. This experience translates not only into technical skill but also into mature clinical judgment, responsibility, and the ability to make decisions in complex situations.

Understanding the needs, fears, and expectations of the patient constitutes a fundamental pillar of medical practice. Active listening, respect for the patient's personality, and clear communication strengthen the therapeutic relationship and create an atmosphere of trust.