Child psychologists

Drivakou Despoina MSc, PhD(c) is a Child Psychologist with a private practice in Thessaloniki. She also provides supervision to early-career psychologists and mental health professionals in the initial stages of clinical practice. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a Master's degree in Basic Methodology of Medical Research - Social Medicine - Public Health and Epidemiology from the Medical School of the same university. Additionally, she is a PhD candidate at the same institution. She has also trained in Systemic Family Psychotherapy, is a certified Life Coach, and consistently attends seminars and conferences related to the systemic approach. Other psychotherapeutic programs she has trained in include Psychodrama - basic training, Emotionally Focused Therapy - couples therapy, and developmental models specifically for couples in crisis due to substance, alcohol, and medication use, domestic violence, and narcissistic disorder. She has worked as educational staff in private adult education and currently works with children, adolescents, and couples, conducting systemic approach therapies and services related to young parents (parenting), fatherhood education, parental divorce, children's social skills, and sexuality. She regularly appears on Vergina TV, radio stations, and contributes articles to various magazines and her personal blog. Concurrently, she coordinates the Family Health forum, which has been organized over the past three years addressing issues related to family and children, involving many professionals from the health sector. Finally, she is a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society, the Hellenic Neuropsychological Society, the Systemic Society of Northern Greece, as well as other associations in Thessaloniki.

Nikolidaki Eleni is a Child Psychologist, School Psychologist, and Systemic - Family Psychotherapist. She completed her undergraduate studies in Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Additionally, she trained in Synthetic – Systemic and Family Psychotherapy (SY.MO.SY.TH) at the Laboratory for the Investigation of Human Relations. Concurrently, she holds certifications in Special Education from the University of Patras, in the Psychology of Children's Drawing from the Hellenic Open University, and in School Psychology from the University of Western Attica. She works as a Psychologist in public school units and institutions in both Primary and Secondary Education, while also collaborating privately with special education centers, nursery, and kindergarten schools, providing psychological support to children and parental counseling. She also conducts parenting schools as well as training sessions for educators and parents. Moreover, she volunteers as a psychologist at the Non-Profit Organization "EXARTISI," based in Thessaloniki, which aims to promote mental health and combat addictions. Together with the team, she has created a series of children's books concerning the addiction cycle and the "Smoking Cessation Diary for Adolescents aged 15-18." Previously, she has worked as a psychologist and mental health counselor on the nationwide counseling line 11525 "Union, Together for the Child," with the "Health Allies" of the Medical School of the University of Athens, and as a trainee psychologist at the Hellenic Center for Mental Hygiene and Research in the child and adolescent unit (E.KE.PSY.E.). She currently practices in her private office in Neo Psychiko, primarily conducting individual sessions with adolescents and adults.

Logos Kai Ekfrasi is a Special Education Center that has been operating for 17 years and has been based in Kaisariani since 2008. It provides parent counseling services, individual psychotherapy for children and adolescents, as well as individual and group psychopedagogical programs. The Child Psychologists at the center offer parent counseling on issues concerning parents, such as painful transitions, more specifically, managing divorce, coping with grief/death/illness in the family, difficulties in handling everyday situations like setting boundaries for children’s behavior, addressing difficulties with children’s nutrition and sleep, toilet training, managing the child’s refusal to attend school or complete homework, behavioral problems such as conflicts within family relationships, managing aggression and angry outbursts, addressing internet addiction, emotional problems including managing bullying experienced at school, phobias, insecurity, introversion, passivity, and jealousy towards a sibling. Additionally, they provide individual psychotherapy for children and adolescents facing emotional or behavioral difficulties such as anxiety, phobias, low self-esteem, obsessions, psychosomatic issues, eating disorders, selective mutism, aggressive or passive behavior, delinquent behavior, internet or electronic game addiction, and difficulties in social and interpersonal relationships. Finally, they offer individual or group psychopedagogical programs for children who demonstrate difficulties in communication and social skills, meaning they struggle to communicate effectively with others, behave appropriately in various social situations, make friends, share, wait their turn, follow rules, accept defeat, and understand others’ intentions and emotions.

Maria Merantza is a Psychologist - Child Psychologist and maintains a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. She was born and studied in Athens. She holds a degree in Psychology from Panteion University and is a graduate of the Master's Program in Child Psychology (MSc in the Psychology of Child Development) at the University of Central Lancashire, UK. Additionally, she completed a three-year training program in Person-Centered Counseling/Psychotherapy, earning a Postgraduate Diploma in Person Centered Counselling/Psychotherapy from ICPS College in collaboration with the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. She gained clinical experience at the University Child Psychiatry Clinic at the Children's Hospital "Agia Sofia," through collaboration with the interdisciplinary team of the Outpatient Unit, participating in taking psychosocial histories of children and administering diagnostic tests, as well as in the operation of the Special Clinic for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Furthermore, she attended an annual Special Education and Training Program organized by the Developmental Pediatrics Unit of the University Clinic of Athens and received certification for her training in the projective testing programs Children’s Apperception Test (C.A.T) and Thematic Apperception Test (T.A.T) for children and adults, respectively. Additionally, she participated in the pilot adult mental health program within the framework of the Care & Health Promotion programs of the Municipality of Athens, in collaboration with the NGO "Aktaia."

The Special Therapies Center “Words and Actions” is a space created with love, awareness, and care for children. The primary goal of the team is to meet the therapeutic needs of each child and to guide parents in order to enhance and develop the child's skills. The center provides specialized services for assessment, diagnosis, and therapy for children, adolescents, and adults presenting developmental disorders, speech and language problems, learning difficulties, behavioral issues, as well as psychological support and parental counseling. The founder and Scientific Director of the Center is Darla Eleni, a graduate of the Speech Therapy department of the School of Health Professions at the Technological Educational Institute of Epirus, a member of the Association of Speech Pathologists-Speech Therapists of Greece, and holds a professional license. She has been providing speech therapy services for the past 14 years to children and adults with communication, speech, and language disorders. She specializes in the assessment and therapeutic intervention for children with disorders such as delayed speech and language development, articulation disorders, phonological disorders, autism spectrum disorders, stuttering, and hearing impairment. She has attended numerous seminars related to Speech Therapy and Special Education and continues her professional training both theoretically and practically. Notably, she has been certified in widely recognized therapeutic methods such as TEACCH, Makaton, among others. She has also completed a 9-month training seminar on “AUTISM” at the University of Patras.

The Center for Specialized Therapies Development of Speech and Work is located in Kaisariani, with the scientific director being Special Educator Kentro Eidikon Therapeion Anaptyksi Logou Kai Ergou. The Center is staffed by highly trained therapists with many years of experience, covering a wide range to provide a more effective approach and treatment for each individual patient. Specifically, the team includes a Speech Therapist, Mental Health Counselor, Special Educator, and Occupational Therapist, offering personalized therapeutic programs tailored to the needs of each person with respect for their personality and particularities. Some of the services provided at the Center for Specialized Therapies Development of Speech and Work include the treatment of articulation and phonological disorders, addressing learning difficulties, autism, ADHD, as well as psychological support and counseling for children and adolescents.

Ms. Gkioka S Maria is a Psychologist - Child Psychologist and maintains her private practice in Aigaleo. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Indianapolis (license no.: 1070) and a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology. She has been trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy as well as in Systemic Counseling and Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents & Parent Counseling. She has attended continuing education seminars to update and enhance her knowledge, always aiming for accurate assessment and therapeutic treatment of each individual's personalized needs. She has served as a Scientific Collaborator/Counseling Psychologist at the Adolescent Health Unit, 2nd Pediatric Clinic, University of Athens, "P. & A. Kyriakou" Children's Hospital, the Hellenic Institute for the U.N., and other private centers and NGOs with the goal of providing psychological support and well-being to minors and youth. In her private practice, she works with children, adolescents, and young adults and has particular experience with Eating Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Anger Management, Interpersonal Relationships, School Bullying, Excessive Use of Gaming and Internet, Learning Disabilities, and ADHD. Additionally, she conducts parent counseling sessions on the above topics.

Gaugiotaki Xrysoula is a Psychologist - Child Psychologist with a postgraduate degree in Child and Adolescent Psychology. Within the framework of her postgraduate studies, she was trained in the diagnosis and treatment of psychopathology in children and adolescents, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. Concurrently, she has been trained in Systemic Therapy and has completed basic training in Compassion Focused Therapy. Additionally, as part of her continuous professional development, she is training in Gestalt psychotherapy. She works as a psychologist with adults, adolescents, and children, specializing in a wide range of difficulties such as anxiety and mood disorders, panic attacks - phobias, interpersonal relationships, among others.

Vogiatzi Gogo is a Child Psychologist and maintains her office in Aigaleo. She studied Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and is completing a postgraduate program in Applied Developmental Psychology of children and adolescents at the Hellenic Open University, during which she is undertaking her practical training at the Child Psychiatry Department of the General Children's Hospital "P. & A. Kyriakou". Within the framework of her clinical training, she has specialized in ADHD, special education, child and adolescent psychiatry, child and adolescent psychopathology, the application of cognitive and behavioral techniques in children and adolescents, as well as psychoeducation and parental counseling. Additionally, she has been trained in administering the Achenbach Assessment Tool (ASEBA), which evaluates the emotional and behavioral functioning of children and adolescents. She has experience in psychological support for children and adolescents and in parental counseling. As part of her continuous education and training, she attends numerous seminars and educational programs and supports her personal development through participation in personal therapy and supervision.

Mpoutsali Maria is a Child Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a professional license, maintaining a private practice in Metamorfosi. She conducts both in-person and online sessions. She provides psychotherapeutic services to adults, children, adolescents, and parents. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete and a postgraduate degree in "Clinical Interventions in Addictions" from the same university. Additionally, she has specialized in "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Adults" at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling (K.E.PSY.SY.), and has received further training in "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)" at the Society for Cognitive Behavioral Studies, as well as in coordinating "Parent School Groups and Adolescent Groups" at the Panhellenic Association of Parent Schools. She completed her postgraduate internship at the OKANA Adolescents Unit - "Atrapós," and volunteered her services at the Association of Parents, Guardians, and Friends of Individuals with Autism in Rethymno. Throughout her professional career, she has worked as a Psychotherapist in the Social Service of the Municipality of Ilion and as a chaperone in the Camping Program of the Panhellenic Federation of Parent and Guardian Associations of Persons with Disabilities (P.O.S.G.K.A.me.A.). To date, she collaborates with Special Therapy Centers in Attica, where she conducts individual psychotherapy sessions with children and adolescents, as well as parent counseling sessions. In the context of her continuous training and professional development, she has participated in scientific conferences and specialized seminars focusing on psychological research and innovative therapeutic approaches.

The Paediatric Therapy Centers "Iliaxtida" are modern facilities with specialized teams that provide a holistic approach to each case. The center is owned by Paidiatrika Kentra Therapeion Iliaxtida. Moving beyond traditional intervention frameworks, they aim for an in-depth psychotherapeutic approach for children and parents, fully aligned with the principles of contemporary parenting. Every child is unique and requires the upbringing that suits them. Using standardized as well as informal assessment tools that thoroughly recognize each child's medical profile, we support the development of the child and family individually. At the Paediatric Therapy Centers "Iliaxtida", services provided include Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Special Education, Child Psychological Intervention, specialized gymnastics, parental support, and English for learning difficulties.

The Skepsis Kai Logos Center operates in the Zografou area, providing high-level psychotherapeutic, speech therapy, and occupational therapy services to children and adults. The scientific director of the center is Clinical Psychologist - Occupational Therapist Skepsis Kai Logos Kentro Psyxologikon Therapeion, with studies in Psychology and Child Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well as Special Education & Training. Additionally, he possesses extensive experience, having worked both privately and in various facilities for children and adults. The center is staffed with experienced and specialized personnel consisting of Psychologists, Psychotherapists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech Therapists. The goal is the prevention, diagnosis, and rehabilitation of speech, language, and voice disorders through the application of valid and individualized scientific methods each time.

Karanika Elli, Clinical Psychologist - Psychotherapist for children, adolescents, and young adults, maintains a private practice in Thessaloniki. She studied Educational Sciences (Dipl.-Päd.) at Johann Wolfgang Goethe University in Frankfurt and Psychology (B.Sc.) at Goethe University. She also completed postgraduate studies in Psychology (M.Sc.) at the same university, focusing on Clinical Psychology in the field of Psychoanalysis, and received further training as a Psychotherapist for children, adolescents, and young adults, specializing in psychodynamic psychotherapy, at the Rhein Main Seminar training institute. She has extensive clinical experience at the Psychiatric Center and Clinic of Dr. Härtling in Frankfurt and completed her clinical internship in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University Hospital Frankfurt. Additionally, she undertook further clinical training in child and adolescent psychiatry at the General Hospital Hippokration of Thessaloniki.

Stergiopoulou Georgia, licensed Psychologist in Greece (Reg. No. 3997), completed her undergraduate studies at the Department of Psychology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She then pursued postgraduate studies in Developmental Psychology at the University of Crete, graduating with distinction. She has completed theoretical training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Society for Cognitive and Behavioral Studies, in accordance with the criteria of the European Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT).

She possesses clinical and practical experience in various mental health institutions, such as the 401 General Military Hospital of Athens, the Mobile Mental Health Unit of Lasithi, and the “Athena” Residential Facility of the Panhellenic Association for Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Vocational Reintegration (PEPSAEE).

Additionally, she has worked for three years in a Center for Special Therapies, providing psychotherapy services to children and adolescents as well as Parent Counseling.

She works privately, offering individual psychotherapy sessions to adults, children, and adolescents with a wide range of interpersonal difficulties (separation, grief), depression, anxiety disorders (Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Phobias), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. She also provides parent counseling sessions.

Georgia Bekiaris is a child psychologist holding a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and a Master’s degree in Neuroscience of Education from the University of Macedonia. She has completed advanced training in Special Education, Medical Psychology, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) through programs at the University of Athens, the “Dromokaitio” Psychiatric Hospital, and the Hellenic Association for Cognitive Behavioral Studies.She has extensive experience in Special Therapy Centers in Vyronas, Piraeus, Glyfada, Voula, and Kypseli, providing psychotherapy and psychoeducational support to children and adolescents with typical and atypical development, conducting learning and psychological assessments, and offering parental counseling. Since 2024, she has maintained a private practice in Kallithea.Her professional work is complemented by continuous professional development and active participation in national and international conferences, with a focus on child and adolescent mental health, ADHD, and psychoeducation.

Skolarikou Eleni is a Psychologist, Child Psychologist - Psychotherapist, and maintains a private practice in Neos Kosmos. She holds a degree in Psychology from the Open University. Subsequently, she completed postgraduate studies (MSc) in Applied Psychology at Derby University, as well as in Child Development Psychology at the University of Central Lancashire. Additionally, she has completed a three-year further training program in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling and has attended an advanced seminar on Positive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Positive CBT) at the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies. She has worked as a Psychologist in various institutions, gaining valuable experience at the Red Cross Hospital, Korgialenio-Benakeio, and the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling. In her private practice, she handles cases across the full spectrum of Psychology, conducting sessions with adults, children, adolescents, and parents.

Aliki Patera is a child psychologist – psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Ilisia. She has extensive experience in psychological support and psychotherapy for adults, children, and adolescents, as well as in parental counseling. Since 2013, she has been working at the Children and Adolescents Service of the Vyronas – Kaisariani Community Mental Health Center (1st Psychiatric Clinic, Aeginiteio Hospital), where she is a member of the interdisciplinary team engaged in clinical, diagnostic, and research work. She also participates in community prevention and awareness initiatives and educational programs.

She graduated from the Department of Psychology (Faculty of Philosophy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens) and holds a postgraduate degree in “Mental Health Promotion and Prevention of Psychiatric Disorders” (Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens). She has completed further training in Clinical Psychopathology (annual seminar “Panagiotis Oulis,” 1st Psychiatric Clinic, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens) and has attended a series of specialized seminars and conferences at recognized institutions. Notably, she has deepened her knowledge in areas such as parenting and mental health, psychiatry and gender identity in adolescence, adolescent romantic relationships, as well as anxiety symptoms and impulsive behaviors.

Previously, she worked (2010–2012) in the Adult Short-Term Hospitalization Department of Aeginiteio Hospital, where she provided psychotherapeutic support to hospitalized patients.

She is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Hospital Psychologists and the Hellenic Society of the New Lacanian School, while also participating in the educational program of the Academy of Clinical Studies of Athens (ACSA). Additionally, she teaches and supervises undergraduate and postgraduate psychology students.

In her private practice, she provides psych emotional assessment and psychotherapy, either short-term or long-term, tailored to the individuality and specific needs of each client.

Kapoulea Katerina is a Child Psychologist with a private practice in Pangrati. She holds a master's degree in counseling psychology (MSc) and psychotherapeutic training in cognitive-behavioral therapy, specializing in children and adolescents. She is experienced in pain management and stays updated on developmental, counseling, and clinical psychology issues through continuous participation in advanced training seminars, conferences, and workshops. Having worked in various mental health facilities, she has gained clinical experience with a wide range of psychological difficulties in adults, children, and adolescents. At the psychological center Opsis, she offers individual counseling and psychotherapy sessions for adults, children, and adolescents, as well as parent counseling and couples counseling. Additionally, she organizes parent support groups with specific themes in collaboration with other mental health professionals.

Soulakoudis Stylianos is a Child Psychologist practicing professionally in Volos. He graduated from the Department of Psychology at the University of East London in England. Subsequently, he pursued postgraduate studies in Child Psychology with a specialization in educational settings at the same university. Additionally, through the e-learning programs of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, he holds certification and specialization in counseling management, treatment, and therapy for children as well as adults with autism. Furthermore, he attends specialization programs at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens related to Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Psychotherapy. Moreover, he is an external collaborator at Speech Therapy Centers in the Volos area. Finally, he has volunteered at a Disease Center for individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

Kaouki Panagiota is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Kolonaki. She holds a degree in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). She has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at Aeginiteio Hospital of Athens. Her commitment is to create a safe and supportive environment for clients to process their experiences and work towards their personal development and well-being. As a Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapist (CBT), she utilizes techniques to address a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, specific phobias, eating disorders, sexual disorders, interpersonal relationship issues, grief management, self-esteem enhancement, among others. She is also dedicated to empowering clients to identify and challenge negative thought patterns, develop coping skills, and achieve their goals. Additionally, she provides psychological support and counseling for parents, aiming at the continuous improvement of quality of life and the management of intrafamilial issues. Finally, as part of her ongoing professional development, she attends seminars and conferences in the field.