Mental Health Counselors

Ioanna Psomiadi MSc is a Mental Health Consultant - Psychotherapist with private practices in Voula and Acharnes. She holds a degree in Psychology from the American College of Athens and possesses a Certification of Specialization in Cognitive Behavioral Theory & Clinical Practice from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). Continuing her studies, she obtained a Master's degree in Human Resource Management for large enterprises (HR) from Bolton University and completed the Group Psychotherapy program at the Athens Center for the Study of Human Behavior (AKMA), as well as the one-year One-Way Mirror Seminar: Effects of mirrors on individual human behavior program. Subsequently, through a series of seminars and clinical training, she has worked in group psychotherapy programs at various psychological support centers in Athens, where she has developed extensive experience in emotional disorders, interpersonal relationships, mood disorders, separations, management of low self-esteem, and generally psychological monitoring and support of adolescents and adults. Since 2022, she has collaborated and contributed articles as a Scientific Associate on Mental Health topics for health and wellness blogs and magazines (Vita.gr, Shape.gr, etc.). In February 2025, she was awarded by the HEALTH EAGLES for patient preference and trust as a psychotherapist. Finally, she undertakes individual therapies providing flexible sessions outside regular office hours, conducting daily appointments by telephone and via Skype for urgent issues, for individuals residing abroad, and for those with difficult and inflexible work schedules and daily obligations.

Farantakis Giannis is a Mental Health Consultant - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Ano Patisia. He is a graduate of the four-year Psychology program at Athens Metropolitan College and holds a postgraduate degree in Reichian Body Psychotherapy "Body Posture and Character" from the Hellenic Institute of Neurophytotherapy & Character Analysis "Wilhelm Reich". Concurrently, he has specialized as a Psychotherapist in body psychotherapy at the "Wilhelm Reich" Center. He has gained significant work experience, having served as a workgroup coordinator for the improvement and development of interpersonal and client relations at the company Web-Net Digital Agency, as well as working as a Psychotherapist at the mental health service provider company Man Of Style. He also provided psychological support on the counseling helpline "Together for the Child 11525". In his private practice, he offers a wide range of services, respecting the unique needs of each client.

Athanasiou Katerina Kai Synergates is a Mental Health Consultant, Systemic Psychotherapist with private practices in Ioannina and Kolonaki. Simultaneously, she is a founding member and Therapist at the Systemic Therapy and Counseling Center Ke.Sy.The.S. in Ioannina, a recognized Training Center of the E.F.T.A. She is specialized in Systemic Family and Human Systems Therapy (individuals, families, organizations) from the Society of Systemic Therapy and Human Systems Intervention. Additionally, she has specialized in Neuro-Linguistic Programming at Reframe Greece and has attended numerous trainings in Systemic Thinking & Coaching. She is a member of the HEAP (Hellas Employee Assistance Programs) network, a regular member of EFTA (European Family Therapist Association), and a member of the European and Hellenic Counseling Association. She works as a Systemic Coach and Mindset Motivator, with expertise in Family Businesses, work-related stress, and guiding Executives and Entrepreneurs in their personal development and fulfillment of their vision. Her focus areas include: management and improvement of quality of life and well-being (Weight Management Groups), anxiety management for employees and others, life change management, depression, life meaning, conscious separation from marriage or relationships, empowerment for achieving relationship or professional success, family conflicts and creating new family goals, support and empowerment for Entrepreneurs, Business Executives and teams interested in developing themselves, their teams, and consequently their businesses, Family Businesses and succession management issues, conflicts with relatives, single parents dealing with partner and child management issues, etc. Finally, she contributes articles to magazines such as Psychology Now, Alternative Action, Epixeiro, Metalogos, and regularly participates in conferences and seminars.

Vlaxou Georgia is a Systemic Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Marousi. She completed her clinical postgraduate studies in Psychiatry at the Medical School of Athens, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and continues her specialization in Systemic & Family Psychotherapy at the Institute of Education and Research in Systemic Psychotherapy SANE. She has additionally specialized in the therapeutic treatment of addictions and psychological trauma.

She provides individual psychotherapy for adults, counseling for parents, children, and adolescents, couples therapy, and group therapy. She specializes in managing anxiety, depression, addictions, and interpersonal difficulties. She has particular experience in managing psychological and intergenerational trauma, as well as supporting individuals who have experienced narcissistic abuse and dysfunctional relational dynamics, aiming to enhance self-regulation, self-esteem, and the capacity for healthy boundary-setting.

Specializations

Couples counseling – enhancing communication, conflict resolution & relationship restructuring

Parent counseling – support in the parenting role & cultivation of healthy family relationships

Anxiety, panic attacks & phobia management

Treatment of depression & mood disorders

Support for addiction issues (substances, alcohol, gambling)

Improvement of interpersonal relationships & boundary-setting

Processing of psychological trauma & intergenerational patterns

Recovery from narcissistic abuse & toxic relationships

Empowerment of self-esteem & personal identity

Kopanitsanou Akrivi Vivi is a certified Art Psychotherapist (ECP-h) with a Master's degree in Child Psychology (M.Sc.) and undergraduate studies in Education (EKPA). She has collaborated with public organizations, providing art psychotherapy either through individual sessions or by coordinating groups of children and adults. More specifically, she has worked at the Day Center of the psychosocial rehabilitation and support unit for adults with severe mental illness (S.O.P.S.Y. Vyronas), at the child protection institution Paidopoli "Agios Andreas" with abused children, and at the Medical-Pedagogical Service of EKEPSYE Piraeus. Currently, she practices privately, specializing in early traumas and their behavioral manifestations, such as identity issues, behavior, eating disorders, etc., employing the potentially effective use of art in the therapeutic process. She is a collaborating member of the psychoanalytic practice EPEKEINA and the Center for Art and Psychotherapy, where she coordinates groups of children and parents. She believes in the importance of continuous training in the journey of a therapist. She works in education and participates in collective actions for the development of art psychotherapy.

Andrikopoulou Aggeliki (BA, MSc, PhD) is a Psychotherapist for children and adults, maintaining a private practice in Nea Smyrni. She holds a Doctorate from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, a master's degree (MSc) in Cognitive Science from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology (BA) from the American College of Greece Deree, as well as a degree in Social Work from the University of West Attica. She received training in Family Therapy at the Pediatric Medicine Center of Nea Smyrni and in Trauma Therapy using the EMDR method at the Institute of Trauma Therapy. Psychotherapeutically, she has extensive experience working with both children and adolescents as well as adults. In the past, she worked for many years in early intervention programs for children with ASD and learning difficulties. She coordinated psychoeducational groups and pre-vocational training for adults with disabilities, as well as counseling and psycho-educational groups for parents.

Pougias Xaris is a Psychotherapist - Clinical Hypnotherapist and maintains a private practice in Nea Smyrni, while simultaneously serving as a collaborator and lecturer in Psychology courses at the Art Center and Artens seminars. He holds a degree in Psychology and is a certified clinical hypnotherapist by the General Hypnotherapy Standards Council. He specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy, Clinical Hypnotherapy, Bioenergetic Psychotherapy, and is a member of the Stress Management Society. Additionally, he has attended seminars on hypnotherapy, biological mechanisms, stress management, clinical hypnosis, sports hypnosis, as well as Mindfulness. Recently, his scientific interest has focused on Psychosomatic disorders and Psychodermatology, specifically skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, melanoma, vitiligo, urticaria, and trichotillomania. Finally, he works with autoimmune diseases and Hypnobirthing – smooth childbirth through deep relaxation.

Pagona Aria is a Psychotherapist - Group Analyst with a private practice in Ampelokipi. She holds a degree from the Department of Sociology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences. She has been trained in Group Analysis at the Hellenic Society of Analytical Group and Family Psychotherapy, as well as in Behavioral Therapy and Anxiety Disorders at the Research University Institute of Mental Health (E.P.I.PSY.). Additionally, she has attended the Lacanian Psychoanalysis Seminar at the Psychiatric Hospital of Attica "Dafni," conducted in collaboration with the Psychiatric Hospital of Attica "Dromokaiteion" and the Academy of Clinical Studies of Athens. Furthermore, she completed her internship at Aeginiteio Hospital, focusing on clinical cases with obsessive-compulsive disorder, and has worked at the Eastern Attica branch for persons with disabilities belonging to the Social Welfare Centers, where she conducted individual and group sessions with the clients. She has also volunteered for six years at the psychological support network "Synypaxi," providing individual and group sessions. As part of her continuing education, she has attended numerous psychology conferences and seminars. In her private practice, she offers individual counseling and psychotherapy for adults and adolescents, as well as analytic group psychotherapies. Specifically, she provides specialized interventions for the treatment of panic attacks, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, specific phobias, depression, post-traumatic stress, as well as for improving interpersonal relationships.

Dimitris Georgantas is a Mental Health Counselor and Psychotherapist who conducts online sessions. He studied Counseling Psychology at Mediterranean College in Thessaloniki in the Counseling and Psychology department, earning an HND degree from the British University, University of Derby. Simultaneously, he has attended numerous seminars such as the "Training in Psychology, Counseling, and Life Coaching" at the University of the Aegean, as well as the "Effective Parenting" training by Gordon Hellas. Currently, he is training in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy at the Recognized Center "Interdisciplinary & Research Psychosocial Support for Children and Adults" (D.I.K.E.Ps.Y). In recent years, he has maintained a private Counseling and Psychotherapy Center in the center of Komotini, working both online and in person. He believes that Psychodynamic Psychotherapy helps individuals to better understand themselves, recognize deeper feelings and thoughts, and improve the way they relate to others. A crucial role in this process is played by the real and authentic relationship experienced between the Psychotherapist and the Client. This relationship becomes an important tool, where patterns and emotions that emerge within the therapeutic relationship facilitate the understanding of the Client’s relationships outside therapy. Thus, over time, the Client can express themselves freely, better understand themselves, process difficult emotions, and ultimately live more freely, with greater self-awareness and authenticity in their relationships.

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.

Sarikoudis Apostolos is a Mental Health Counselor - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Thessaloniki. He has completed studies as a Mental Health Counselor with full qualification and certification of a three-year training program at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling, as well as his three-year training at the same center as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Psychotherapist. Concurrently, he is pursuing additional training in new therapeutic approaches. He has been professionally involved in psychological support and parental counseling for the municipality of Oraiokastro, Thessaloniki. During his internship, he served as a coordinator in groups for individuals with addictions at the rehabilitation center "Change of Life" and as a research observer in a personal development and self-awareness group at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling. He is a registered full member of the Hellenic Counseling Society (HCS) and a recognized registered member of the European Association for Counseling (EAC). In his private practice, he handles a wide range of cases and notably offers the option for online sessions.

Petamis Aristeidis is a Psychotherapist with a private practice in Dafni. He holds a degree in Social Anthropology from Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and a master's degree in Human Resource Management from the Athens University of Economics and Business. He received an Erasmus scholarship in Medical Anthropology from the Institute of Cultural and Social Studies at Leiden University. Additionally, he completed further training in Introduction to Psychiatry and Psychiatric Subspecialties at the 2nd Psychiatric Clinic of the Medical School and was trained in Group Analysis at the "S.H. Foulkes" Institute of Group Analysis. He has worked as a Human Resources Manager in non-profit organizations (NPOs) and businesses, as well as a Dormitory Coordinator (Panhellenic Association for Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Vocational Reintegration), where he worked with individuals with severe intellectual disabilities and serious mental disorders. In his practice, he handles cases across the entire spectrum of mental health, with a specialization in individual psychotherapy and group psychotherapy.

Karagianni Pinelopi is a Psychotherapist - Group Analyst and maintains her private practice in Exarchia. She successfully completed the training program of the Athens Institute of Group Analysis, which includes clinical practice in a Psychotherapeutic Community, coordination of analytic groups, participation in the Child and Family Therapy department, and supervision of therapeutic activities as required by the Hellenic Association of Psychotherapy. She has attended numerous trainings, including those on life coaching, eating disorders, adolescent psychopathology, parental counseling, LGBTQ+ counseling, and career orientation. It would be a significant omission not to mention that she holds a postgraduate degree in health unit management from the Hellenic Open University. In her private practice, she addresses a wide range of cases and specializes in Psychosomatic Symptoms, Individual, and Group Psychotherapy.

Maria Kontaksaki is a Systemic Mental Health Counselor, certified in Systemic Psychotherapy, with a private practice in Gazi, Heraklion. She works with individuals, couples, and families seeking to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships, offering a framework of safety, acceptance, and trust. Her goal is to create a warm and supportive environment where each person can freely express themselves, process their difficulties, and discover new ways of connection and communication. Through the therapeutic process, self-awareness, emotional insight, and the capacity for meaningful and authentic relationships are enhanced. She has experience in individual counseling, couples counseling, and family therapy, and has also been involved in coordinating therapeutic groups. Additionally, she has completed clinical training under supervision and actively participates as a scientific collaborator in mental health institutions. She has attended and participated in numerous conferences, seminars, and trainings related to counseling, couples therapy, trauma, and the systemic approach, and is engaged in community support and group coordination activities. Her approach is based on systemic thinking, emphasizing relationships, interaction patterns, and the broader context in which the individual lives and evolves.

Spanou Thomais is a Psychotherapist – Person-Centered Approach Counselor and maintains a private practice in Agios Ioannis Rentis. She holds a degree in Intercultural Education from the Democritus University of Thrace and completed this program with attendance at a summer seminar at Moscow State University, Lomonosov. Subsequently, she completed postgraduate studies and obtained an M.Sc. in Person-Centered Counseling and Psychotherapy from the University of Strathclyde, Scotland, with a research focus on parental traumas of a client during psychotherapy. After four years of training in the Person-Centered Approach, she acquired the European Certificate of Psychotherapy (ECP) from the European Association of Psychotherapy (EAP), of which she is a member. She is also a founding member of the Panhellenic Association of Professionals of Person-Centered & Experiential Approach. She has volunteered with Gefyra Zois working with children and adults with disabilities, and within the framework of volunteering, she has supported breastfeeding and motherhood (completion of Effective Parenting seminar by Gordon Hellas). She has attended clinical hypnotherapy seminars and remains active and engaged in the areas of education, research, and her own personal development.

Elena Papathanasopoulou MSW, Dip Psych (Hons) is a Psychotherapist - Mental Health Counselor with a private practice in Cholargos. She studied Psychology in the Department of Philosophy, Pedagogy, and Psychology at the University of Ioannina and subsequently at the Open University in the UK (Diploma in Psychology). Additionally, she completed postgraduate studies in the USA at the Smith College School for Social Work (Massachusetts) with a Fulbright scholarship. Upon returning to Greece, she continued her training at the Hellenic Psychoanalytic Society. She has worked as a therapist in psychotherapeutic centers in the USA and Athens. She possesses extensive teaching experience (in psychodynamic counseling seminars for mental health professionals and at the Technological Educational Institute of Patras). She has also worked in parent training schools and on various research projects. She has numerous presentations at conferences and educational and continuing education programs abroad and in Greece, as well as publications in scientific journals in Greece. She is a member of the British Psychological Society, the Hellenic Association of Social Workers, and the Hellenic Psychoanalytic Society. In her private practice, she treats a wide range of conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, self-awareness, generalized anxiety disorder, interpersonal difficulties, mood disorders, using psychodynamic psychotherapy and counseling as her primary therapeutic modalities.