Mental Health Counselors

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.

Mitsopoulou Maria is a Mental Health Counselor who conducts individual sessions. After completing her studies in the Department of Communication and Mass Media at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, she continued her education at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling (Kallithea), obtaining a diploma in Mental Health Counseling following three years of training and practical experience, including case management and observation of self-awareness groups and individual sessions. Simultaneously, she complements her academic knowledge and skills by studying for a BSc (Hons) in Psychology at the Metropolitan College of Athens in collaboration with Oxford Brookes University (UK). Additionally, the specialist continually enhances her expertise by attending seminars and specialized training programs in various fields of mental health. Finally, she offers online sessions, with in-person counseling services expected to be available soon.

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.

Dimitris Baklavas is a Mental Health Counselor and operates a private practice in Patissia. He holds a degree in Counseling Psychology from Edinburgh Napier University, affiliated with the Athens Synthesis Center. Additionally, he is certified in Counselling Skills and holds a diploma in Integrative Counselling from Counselling and Psychotherapy in Scotland. He also attends numerous seminars as part of his ongoing professional development.

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.

As a psychotherapist, I work with a calm, steady presence and offer a setting of safety, respect, and genuineness, where what you experience can be heard at your own pace. My approach is person-centered and non-directive: the goal is not to “change you,” but to create space for you to recognize what you feel, what you need, and how you wish to care for yourself. I accompany adults facing anxiety, sadness or low mood, burnout, fear/panic, relationship difficulties, grief, and self-esteem concerns. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship and the consistency of small steps: through quiet, attentive meetings, needs and boundaries come into focus, and more care is cultivated in everyday life. If this way of working feels right, it would be a pleasure to meet.

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.

Ο Αναστάσιος Παπαφράγκας είναι πιστοποιημένος Σύμβουλος Ψυχικής Υγείας και διαθέτει τετραετή ειδίκευση στη Συνθετική Ψυχοθεραπευτική Προσέγγιση με σπουδές στο ΟΛΟΝ Education. Είναι δημιουργός του καινοτόμου ψυχοεκπαιδευτικού προγράμματος NeuroBalance Protocol for Mental and Emotional Harmony και έχει ολοκληρώσει μονοετές πρόγραμμα στην Θετική Ψυχολογία, στο Πάντειον Πανεπιστήμιο Κοινωνικών και Πολιτικών Επιστημών. Είναι κάτοχος διπλώματος Meditation and Mindfulness από το Aegean College και έτσι στις συνεδρίες μπορεί να συνδυάζει την επιστήμη της Νευροψυχολογίας με πρακτικά εργαλεία για την επίτευξη συναισθηματικής ισορροπίας.

Έχει διατελέσει συνεργάτης της Μ.Κ.Ο. "Θεραπεύω", αποκτώντας σημαντική εμπειρία στη διαχείριση σύνθετων περιπτώσεων. Η προσέγγισή του εστιάζει στην ενδυνάμωση του ατόμου μέσω εργαλείων από τις 5 βασικότερες προσεγγίσεις της ψυχολογίας Ψυχοδυναμική, Συστημική, Προσωποκεντρική, Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφοριστική και Gestal, βοηθώντας τους θεραπευόμενους να απεγκλωβιστούν από αρνητικά συναισθήματα και να αναπτύξουν τη γνωστική ευελιξία που απαιτείται για τις μεγάλες μεταβολές που μπορεί να έχει η ροή της ζωής.

Μπορεί να βοηθήσει σημαντικά σε θέματα διαχείρισης άγχους και κρίσεων πανικού με εργαλεία CBT (Σωκρατική μέθοδος, Ημερολόγιο Σκέψεων), σε θέματα ενίσχυσης θετικότητας με εφαρμογές θετικής ψυχολογίας (ευγνωμοσύνη και απολαμβάνειν), στην αντιμετώπιση της κατάθλιψης και της συναισθηματικής έντασης, καθώς και στην συμβουλευτική προσωπικής ανάπτυξης και την αυτογνωσία.

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

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.

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.

Markou Anni is a Mental Health Counselor - Synthetic Approach Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Marousi. She is specialized in Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral, and Psychodynamic approaches. She holds a master's degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of East London and has specialized in couples therapy. She is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) as well as the Hellenic Society for Counselling & Psychotherapy. With initial studies in Business Administration at the Hellenic Open University, she has accumulated extensive experience working in human resources and organizational management departments, where she quickly recognized the significant role of psychological issues affecting people in their daily lives, as well as the ways they manage their personality traits. With a primary goal of continuous education and professional development, she consistently attends training courses, seminars, conferences, and workshops. Currently, she is continuing her studies in Psychology (BSc Psychology) at the European University Cyprus. Her practice handles cases of generalized anxiety, panic disorder, insomnia, phobias, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, grief, addictions, self-esteem issues, psychosomatic problems, and communication difficulties at personal or professional levels. Lastly, she conducts couples therapy sessions addressing issues concerning the relationship of the couple.

Η Ιωάννα Καρκάνη είναι Ειδικός Ψυχικής Υγείας - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και διατηρεί χώρο ψυχοθεραπείας και ψυχανάλυσης στην Άνω Γλυφάδα, όπου δέχεται ενήλικες, εφήβους και παιδιά, δια ζώσης και διαδικτυακά, προσφέροντας έναν τόπο όπου η επιθυμία να μιλήσει κανείς μπορεί να βρει χώρο να ακουστεί και να διερευνηθεί με τον δικό της ρυθμό. Κατέχει μεταπτυχιακή εκπαίδευση στη Συνθετική Συμβουλευτική και Ψυχοθεραπεία από το University of East London και ψυχαναλυτική εκπαίδευση στην Ψυχανάλυση Λακανικού Προσανατολισμού από το Κέντρο Ψυχαναλυτικών Ερευνών Αθήνας. Είναι επίσης πτυχιούχος του Τμήματος Φιλοσοφικών και Κοινωνικών Σπουδών του Πανεπιστημίου Κρήτης. Έχει εμπειρία ως ψυχοπαιδαγωγός σε παιδιά με μαθησιακές δυσκολίες, δυσλεξία, δυσγραφία, διαταραχές λόγου και υπερκινητικότητα, διαδρομή που εμπλούτισε την εμπειρία της πάνω στις σχέσεις γλώσσας, σώματος και μάθησης. Έχει παρακολουθήσει την εκπαίδευση ψυχικής υγείας παιδιών και εφήβων του Κοινοτικού Κέντρου Ψυχικής Υγείας του Γενικού Νοσοκομείου Αθηνών "Ο Ευαγγελισμός" και έχει επιμορφωθεί στο μοντέλο γονεϊκών δεξιοτήτων του T. Gordon, ενώ έχει εμπλουτίσει την κλινική της κατάρτιση με εργαστήρια παιγνιοθεραπείας και διαχείρισης θυμού. Στον τομέα της Ψυχοκοινωνικής Αποκατάστασης συνεργάζεται εθελοντικά με τη Μονάδα "Επανένταξη" και με ενήλικα άτομα που πάσχουν από ψυχιατρικές διαταραχές ενισχύοντας την αίσθηση του ανήκειν και της συμμετοχής τους στον κοινωνικό ιστό. Επιπλέον, έχει πραγματοποιήσει την πρακτική της στο συμβουλευτικό κέντρο "Roots Wellness Center" με ενήλικες, δουλεύοντας με ένα ευρύ φάσμα περιστατικών που αφορούσαν θέματα όπως άγχος, καταθλιπτική διάθεση, πένθος, τραυματικές εμπειρίες, δυσκολίες στις σχέσεις, ζητήματα ταυτότητας, αυτοεκτίμησης και μεταβάσεων ζωής. Παραμένει ενεργή σε χώρους σκέψης και μελέτης όπως ψυχαναλυτικές ημερίδες, κλινικά εργαστήρια, ομάδες μελέτης και συνέδρια σε Ελλάδα και εξωτερικό. Η αρχή μπορεί να έρθει με ένα αίτημα, ένα σύμπτωμα, μια ψυχική δυσφορία ή ένα ψυχοσωματικό φαινόμενο, κάτι που επανέρχεται και ζητά να ειπωθεί. Χωρίς προκαθορισμένες απαντήσεις, η θεραπευτική διαδικασία ανοίγει έναν χώρο όπου το υποκείμενο μέσα από τον λόγο μπορεί να ανιχνεύσει το νήμα που διατρέχει τη δική του ιστορία.

Nikolaki Sofia is a Psychotherapist - Mental Health Counselor and Life Coach - Personal Development and Self-Improvement Counselor with a private practice in Porto Rafti. She holds a degree in Psychology (BSc in Psychology Science) from southeastern Europe under authority granted by the State of Delaware, United States of America, and has specialized in personal development and self-confidence. Additionally, she specializes in Adlerian Counseling and Psychotherapeutic Approach from the Hellenic Society of Adlerian Psychology (E.E.A.Ps). She holds a Life Coaching certificate from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, the Association for Coaching, and the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC). She deals with the recognition and management of stressful situations (anxiety - stress), the utilization and management of time and finances, as well as the identification and resolution of workplace issues.

The Kentro Symfyia - Sakalidi Ioanna is located in Ano Patissia. The philosophy of "Symfyia," as its name suggests, symbolizes healing through the union and synthesis of the self, emphasizing the idea of integration and harmonious coexistence. The name of our psychotherapeutic center reflects the inspiration behind its creation—the process by which two or more entities/ideas closely unite in a way that they become inseparable and function as a single harmonious whole. Embodying these ideas, the center follows the Synthetic Psychotherapeutic approach both individually and in groups. Its purpose is to provide support to individuals so that they can address issues that concern them, such as anxiety management, crisis intervention, interpersonal relationships, self-improvement, personal development, and emotional conflicts. This approach is based on the relationship developed between therapist and client, which, to be effective and creative, must be well-defined, involve warmth and responsiveness, and take place in an atmosphere of acceptance and trust, where free expression of emotions is encouraged.

Gesthimani Pantelidou is a Mental Health Counselor - Psychotherapist and has been running the Mental Health Center - "aniGma" in Nea Smyrni for the past 7 years. She deals with issues related to personal anxieties, difficulties and dilemmas, family matters, issues and challenges concerning adolescents and the elderly, as well as emotional, psychosomatic, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress, and the management of loss and grief. Additionally, as a personal coach with extensive experience in the business sector, she supports the encouragement of change, motivation, utilization of personal potential, enhancement of self-confidence and self-esteem, management of indecisiveness, as well as goal setting and achievement. Based on the Synthetic Approach, she combines techniques from Person-Centered, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Psychodynamic therapies, as well as personal coaching techniques, to flexibly adapt to the needs and personality of each client. In today’s era of general disorientation and loneliness, the human individual strives to cope with pain, fear, and anxiety arising from the ambiguity of their constantly changing life. Psychological support and counseling sessions aim to reveal the distinctly personal functional adaptation method of the individual to the present and future of their life, discovering the unused potentials of their soul in conjunction with the ongoing cultivation of their communication skills with their environment.

“...I am not entirely guilty for the life I lead, since I did not choose it, nor am I entirely innocent from the moment I continue it...”

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.