Mental Health Counselors

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...”

Petra Sara is a Mental Health Counselor and Social Worker with experience in supporting individuals facing daily life challenges. She holds a degree from PADΑ (Former Technological Educational Institute of Athens). Since 2021, she has been undergoing further training at the Athens Center for Human Studies (AKMA) as a systemic psychotherapist. She works as a social worker in a mental health unit with individuals suffering from schizophrenia and concurrently manages her own cases through video calls and in person on specific days. Her goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and confidential environment.

Stelios Despotakis is a Person-Centered Counselor - Psychotherapist and has been active in the field since 2015, offering individual and group sessions in a warm and colorful space on Leof. Vasileos Konstantinou, between Evagelismos metro station and the Panathenaic Stadium.

- He views psychotherapy as a process of developing the innate potential of the individual, "a kind unfolding of our uniqueness". Through his work, he accompanies people on their journey, facilitating their efforts to better understand themselves, cope with stress, heal trauma, improve relationships, overcome feeling stuck, change direction and realise dreams

- He was trained at the College for Humanistic Sciences ICPS and holds a Professional Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (PGDip 2 years), the European Certificate of Psychotherapy (ECP 4 years), and a Masters level certificate in the Treatment of Depression (PCE-CfD 1 year) recommended by the UK's National Health Service (NHS). In addition, he has attended intensive training in Non-Violent Communication, Conflict Resolution and Online Counselling. Last but not least, he is currently being trained as a Mindfulness Teacher in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT 1 year) from the Oxford Mindfulness Foundation in partnership with Oxford University.

- In addition to his private practice, for five years he volunteered his services at the Social Solidarity and Psychological Support Network "synYperxi" offering support to vulnerable populations, and during the Pandemic he collaborated with Alzheimer Athens supporting caregivers of people with dementia via Online Counselling. Furthermore, he is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Person-Centered and Experiential Approach Professionals and the European Psychotherapy Association.

- Before engaging in psychotherapy, he studied, worked and lived abroad for most a decade. His first degree was in Engineering Mathematics at the University of Bristol (BEng) graduating with First-Class Honours, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Mathematics Education at the University of Oxford (PGCE). He then worked as a teacher in various institutions in England, Australia and Berlin, with a particular emphasis on democratic education

- Why work together? He thinks he's sensitive, trustworthy, and open to what he hears. However, there's no better way to find out if you're a good match than meeting in person (or Online via Videocall)

Mariolis Athanasios is a Mental Health Counselor - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Ampelokipoi. He trained in Integrative Counseling at the Athens Synthesis Center, certified by the University of Glasgow, COSCA. He also holds a degree in Counseling Skills from the same institution. He has completed training at the Lifelong Learning Center of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Grief and Emotional Trauma Management, Gender Roles and Stereotypes, as well as Self-Improvement and Assertive Behavior. Additionally, he has attended a training program in LGBTQ+ Counseling. He is continuing his education in Psychotherapy at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, in a 4-year international specialization program in Counseling and Psychotherapy, where he has completed study cycles in Systemic and Narrative Approaches. Finally, he collaborates with the Mental Health Structure "Synypaxis," where he offers his services voluntarily to economically vulnerable adults.

His passion for the cognitive field of Psychology motivated him to shift from his initial studies in Economics to the field of Mental Health. He believes in the profound reciprocal value of working on oneself and operates within a framework of acceptance, respect, trust, and empathy, serving as a companion on each client’s unique journey toward personal development and well-being.

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.

Mr. Fanourakis Dimitris is a Mental Health Counselor - Psychotherapist, specializing in psychodynamic psychotherapy and maintains a private practice in Ampelokipoi (near the metro station). He holds certification with full training in a synthetic approach (Counselling and Psychotherapy) from the Athens Synthesis Center. He has completed postgraduate training in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy with a diploma from the European University, and additional training in Gestalt therapy (empty chair technique) at the Unity Energetics Institute. Additionally, he is an active member of the Hellenic Society of Synthetic Counseling and Psychotherapy (E.E.S.S.Ps). He has attended and continues to participate in advanced training sessions in the analytical psychodynamic approach of Carl G Jung. Mr. Fanourakis supports his clients with dignity and respect for the uniqueness of each individual, while he himself engages in experiential and academic training with continuous supervision of all cases he undertakes in his practice. In the current era, as demands increase and daily life becomes increasingly complex, more and more individuals find themselves needing to explore deeper emotions and justify unconscious motives and behaviors that trouble them; in this effort, the professional therapist serves as a companion. The protective framework created with empathy and trust enables the client to cope with and become aware of their fears and anxieties. As a result, by speaking with a healthcare professional using combined therapeutic approaches, new representations are formed, granting the capacity to receive help and alleviate the psychological symptoms that trouble them, improving quality of life with new values and perspectives...

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.

Dimitris Aggelopoulos is a psychotherapist and educator specializing in Group Analysis. In his private practice, located in the center of Athens, he provides individual and group psychotherapy to individuals facing challenges in their personal lives, relationships, or mental health. His goal is not only the relief of symptoms, but also the emergence of each unique individual and the discovery of new ways of behavior and perception, focusing on healthy relationships and a sense of fulfillment.

He firmly believes that psychological difficulties are not solely individual problems, but mirrors of society, the relationships, and the groups within which we live and interact. Through Group Analysis, he utilizes the function of the group to facilitate the revealing of hidden aspects of the self, offering honest feedback and creating a space where individuals can express themselves freely, without fear of judgment. The group operates as a microcosm of relationships – a dynamic reality in which changes do not remain theoretical, but significantly impact the members’ broader lives.

Dimitris Aggelopoulos fosters an environment of safety and trust, where each person has the opportunity to face their challenges and cultivate the distinctive characteristics of their personality. Psychotherapy is not a luxury, but a vital investment in the relationship with ourselves and others.

Tzouliadaki Terpsixori is a Systemic Psychotherapist & Mental Health Counselor, maintaining a private practice in Heraklion, Crete. She has three years of training in Mental Health Counseling (COSCA - Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland, Napier University) and four years of training in Systemic Psychotherapy at the Systemic Thinking and Training Laboratory. She is a member of the European Family Therapy Association. She has performed voluntary work at the “Euzo with Cancer” association, providing family and individual psychotherapy to cancer patients and their families (2016-2018), and completed an internship at the Association of Women’s Organizations of Heraklion - an organization for the protection of women's and children's rights (2015). Finally, she actively participates in conferences in Greece and abroad.

Xorianopoulou Andriani is a Mental Health Counselor - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Pangrati. She holds a degree in Sociology from Panteion University and a master's degree in Counseling and Psychotherapy from the University of East London. Additionally, she specialized in Cognitive Psychotherapy at the Kostas Stefanis Research University Institute of Mental Health, Neurosciences and Precision Medicine, in collaboration with the First Psychiatric Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has also volunteered as a psychotherapist at the Social Protection and Solidarity Organization of the Municipality of Vrilissia and at the Parental Equality for the Child Association. Furthermore, in the context of ongoing professional development, she has attended numerous training programs, workshops, and seminars and is a member of the Hellenic Association of Cognitive Psychotherapies and the European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies.

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.

Η Τελιορίδου Βαλασία είναι Σύμβουλος Ψυχικής Υγείας - Προσωποκεντρική Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στην Κηφισιά. Μυεί ενήλικες και εφήβους στην πολύτιμη εμπειρία της ομαδικής και ατομικής ψυχοθεραπείας, με αποτέλεσμα τη βαθιά αλλαγή και την αυτογνωσία όσων αντιμετωπίζουν ζητήματα που προκαλούν προκλήσεις στη ζωή τους. Υποστηρίζει ζευγάρια, θεραπευόμενους/ες, με ζητήματα άγχους, κατάθλιψης, απώλειας, εξαρτήσεων, ψυχολογικής δυσπροσαρμοστικότητας. Ως ψυχοθεραπεύτρια έχει αναπτύξει ποιότητες για την εφαρµογή της Προσωποκεντρικής προσέγγισης, που συνάδουν µε τις κύριες συνθήκες που ο C. Rogers χαρακτήρισε ως επαρκείς και αναγκαίες, προτεινόμενες και ως κατάλληλες για όλες τις διαπροσωπικές συναλλαγές. Αυτές οι ποιότητες είναι η ενσυναισθητική κατανόηση, η άνευ όρων αποδοχή και η γνησιότητα. Η σύνθεση και η παροχή των παραπάνω συνθηκών, δημιουργούν το κλίμα εμπιστοσύνης που απαιτείται για την ουσιαστική συνάντηση θεραπεύτριας/η - θεραπευόμενης/ου, όσο και για την ανάπτυξη μιας βαθιάς σχέσης μεταξύ τους.

Είναι κάτοχος του διπλώματος Συμβουλευτικής, Pearson BTEC Level 5 Diploma in THERAPEUTIC COUNSELLING, επίσης του Ευρωπαϊκού Πιστοποιητικού Ψυχοθεραπείας (ECP) από την EAP (European Association for Psychotherapy) και έχει παρακολουθήσει από το 2014 σειρά προγραμμάτων και σεμιναρίων σε θέματα ψυχικής υγείας και ψυχοθεραπείας σε κρατικούς και ιδιωτικούς φορείς και σε πανεπιστημιακές κλινικές. Είναι ενεργό μέλος της ΠΕΕΠΒΙΠ (Πανελλήνιας Ένωσης Επαγγελματιών  Προσωποκεντρικής & Βιωματικής Προσέγγισης), της EAP (European Association for Psychotherapy), της ΕΕΨΕ (Εθνική Εταιρία Ψυχοθεραπείας Ελλάδος), του Ελληνικού Δικτύου EFT ( emotionally focused therapy). Εργάζεται σε κέντρο Ειδικής Αγωγής ασκώντας την Συμβουλευτική σε γονείς. Προσφέρει τις υπηρεσίες της εθελοντικά στο Κοινωνικό ιατρείο των Εξαρχείων και στον Σύλλογο καρκινοπαθών εθελοντών φίλων ιατρών ΄΄Κ.Ε.Φ.Ι΄΄.

Υπήρξε επαγγελματίας συνεργάτης της ολιστικής εκπαιδευτικής πλατφόρμας για γονείς «Project Parenting» για δύο συναπτά έτη. Τέλος, κατέχει δεξιότητες στη διαχείριση συμφωνιών με πελάτες και στην επίτευξη ετήσιων στόχων που αναπτύχθηκαν από θέσεις διοίκησης πωλήσεων κατά τις δεκαετίες (1992-2012).

I have maintained a private practice – Valsamo – in Thessaloniki since 2022. I work with the aim of co-creating new life possibilities with the individuals who turn to me, so that suffering is transformed with respect and care into balsams.

I studied Sociology (Hons) at the University of Crete and continued with a four-year training in Systemic Psychotherapy and Counseling at the Laboratory of Systemic Psychotherapy & Pedagogy «Rodakino». At the laboratory of systemic ideas, research, and intervention «Entropia», I trained in counseling for parents, children, and adolescents, as well as in creative therapeutic techniques such as systemic sculpture, genogram, and the family board. Concurrently, I completed a two-year program at the Observatory for Rights in the Mental Health Field in the accompaniment of individuals experiencing mental crises and their families, and I am a member of the active accompanying team.

My professional and research activity focuses on social empowerment, depathologization, and meaning-making of the mental experience, as well as on the development of collaborative, non-psychiatric accompaniment and support practices for extreme mental experiences. I present at conferences and seminars and have published scientific articles. I am an active member of the Systemic Society of Northern Greece, the Observatory for Rights in the Mental Health Field, and the Thessaloniki Health Runners Association.

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.

Thanasis Giorgos is an Integrative Psychotherapist – Mental Health Counselor with a private practice in Ilion. He has studied Counseling and Psychology certified by Pearson BTEC through Med College and specializes in Integrative Psychotherapy (Cognitive, Psychodynamic, and Systemic approaches) at the Piraeus Institute - (E.PSY.TH.E.). This approach, developed through years of training, has enabled him to provide personalized therapy tailored to the emotional difficulties of each client. He has worked in municipalities in Athens, offering his services to adolescents, adults, parents, the elderly, as well as in support programs for women victims of violence. Additionally, he has completed numerous training hours from various psychotherapy seminar cycles. Currently, he provides counseling and psychotherapy exclusively in his private practice while continuing his extensive training with additional psychotherapy education.

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.

Danai Volitaki is a Social Anthropologist - Systemic Family Psychotherapist providing sessions to adults and couples. She completed her undergraduate studies in Social Anthropology and History at the University of the Aegean, followed by a one-year postgraduate training program in Applied Counseling. She specialized in the Systemic and Family Psychotherapy program at the Laboratory for the Investigation of Human Relations, certified by international and European psychotherapy bodies (ELESYTH, EFTA, EAP, EEPS), gaining valuable clinical experience alongside esteemed trainers and supervisor psychotherapists. Subsequently, she completed the annual seminar on Therapeutic Treatment of Addictions at the public Detoxification Center 18 ANO. During her specialization in systemic family therapy, she participated in a clinical psychotherapy team at the Laboratory for the Investigation of Human Relations and began working privately as a psychotherapist. She has extensive experience in the field of Non-Governmental Organizations, having worked with vulnerable groups, providing counseling services to ex-prisoners, unemployed individuals, and people facing substance, alcohol, and gambling addiction issues, which enables her to offer a holistic therapeutic approach. Additionally, she has worked with infants, adolescents, and adults with disabilities (ASD and intellectual disabilities). She has volunteered at the Detoxification Unit 18 ANO, participating in individual and family sessions with addicted individuals and their families. Since 2018, she has worked privately as a Systemic Family Psychotherapist and concurrently as a Therapist for addicted individuals in the organization Group for UNESCO of Piraeus and Islands.