OUR TEAM
PSYCHOLOGISTS
ELENA ARISTODEMOU, MA, LPMHC
Elena Aristodemou is the Founder and Lead Psychologist at Altius Mind Institute, a licensed Clinical Psychologist in Cyprus and a licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York City. In 2019, she established Altius Mind Institute with the goal of providing support to individuals struggling with mental health disorders and helping them achieve long-term recovery. Elena pursued her academic training in the United Kingdom, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Reading University. She then moved to the United States, where she completed a three-year Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at the American International College. Early in her career, Elena received advanced training in a variety of psychological treatment modalities under the guidance of prominent leaders in the field. Her credentials include a four-year training program in Interpersonal Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy for Eating Disorders, Compulsions, and Addictions (EDCAS) at the William Alanson White Institute of Psychiatry, Psychoanalysis, and Psychology in New York City. Additionally, she completed intensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Personality Disorders at the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Philadelphia, and training in Gestalt Psychotherapy for Treating Trauma using Chairwork and Parts Work with Dr. Scott Kellogg in New York City. Elena’s clinical expertise spans a wide range of areas, including addiction and substance abuse, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, personality disorders, eating disorders, trauma, attachment issues, and self-esteem challenges. In addition to her work at Altius Mind Institute, she also provides psychotherapy and diagnostic assessments at the Thalassemia Center, Pedieos IVF Center, and Embryon Center in Nicosia and Limassol. Elena is deeply committed to her work, stating:
“I honor the courage it takes to ask for help and to look at your own wounds”.
Therapy language: English 
/ Greek 
ELENA GIAPPA, MS, CCTP, CSTIP
Elena Giappa is a licensed Clinical Psychologist in Cyprus, holding a Certificate of Advanced Study in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. She is also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), a Certified Couples and Sex Therapy Informed Professional (CSTIP) through the Integrative Sex Therapy Institute, and a Certified Autism Spectrum Clinical Specialist (ASDCS). In addition, she is trained and certified in the administration of the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition), providing specialized assessment as part of the diagnostic evaluation of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Elena holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Nicosia and has pursued extensive postgraduate and continuing professional education through providers recognized by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) State Board for Mental Health Practitioners. Her clinical training encompasses a range of psychological assessment tools and therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic and Psychoanalytic approaches, and Person-Centered therapy. Her clinical experience includes working with individuals, couples, families, and groups presenting with a wide range of psychological and emotional difficulties, as well as challenges associated with significant life transitions. Her approach is integrative and individualized, drawing on different therapeutic frameworks according to each client’s needs, circumstances, and therapeutic goals. Elena is committed to helping clients develop greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and practical strategies for managing psychological difficulties and navigating life transitions. Her work places particular emphasis on understanding each individual within the context of their personal history, relationships, and current circumstances. Whether supporting clients through periods of distress and change or facilitating deeper self-exploration, she aims to create a therapeutic relationship that promotes psychological growth, healing, and lasting change. Her areas of clinical experience include anxiety and panic attacks, depression and mood-related difficulties, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and personality-related difficulties, including borderline personality disorder. She also works with individuals experiencing childhood trauma and abuse, attachment difficulties, grief and loss, boundary-related concerns, insecurity and self-esteem difficulties, intimacy and romantic relationship concerns, family and child-related difficulties, couples’ issues, interpersonal conflict and communication difficulties, and workplace stress.
“The therapeutic process aims to create a safe place built on respect and honesty, where your thoughts, feelings, and experiences can be processed, in order to further personal growth and development”.
Therapy language: Russian 🇷🇺 / English 🇺🇸 / Greek 🇬🇷
MARIOS ANTONIOU, MS
Marios Antoniou is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Cyprus. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Cyprus and later completed his Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Nicosia. During his undergraduate studies, he conducted a literature review on how Theory of Mind relates to language disorders and language development. In his postgraduate program, he carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis on the relationship between trauma, callous-unemotional traits, and developmental pathways to psychopathy. Additionally, he received training in psychological assessments, including the WAIS-IV and WISC-V, and specialized in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Gabor Maté’s Compassionate Inquiry for Trauma. Marios follows an integrative therapeutic approach, combining Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and the Person-Centered Approach. This flexibility allows him to tailor individualized treatment plans based on each client’s unique needs. His areas of expertise include trauma, anxiety, depression, addictions, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), personality disorders, grief, and low self-esteem/self-confidence. The primary goals of therapy are to establish a safe therapeutic relationship and explore the client’s symptoms in depth, fostering an environment for personal growth and self-discovery.
“I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.” – Carl Jung
Therapy language: Greek 🇬🇷
EVANTHIA SOTERIOU, MS, CCTP-II
Evanthia Soteriou is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Cyprus with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Leicester (UK) and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the European University of Cyprus. Her research focused on the psychosocial impacts of Endometriosis on mental health, and she has clinical experience in managing chronic illnesses, particularly in women with Endometriosis, addressing the psychological effects of such conditions. Evanthia is trained and certified in the assessment and diagnosis of ADHD across the lifespan, with experience providing ADHD interventions for adults. She helps clients improve executive functioning, manage symptoms, and achieve their personal and professional goals. In addition, she is trained and certified in the administration of the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition), providing specialized assessment for the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP-II), Evanthia integrates trauma-informed care into her work, ensuring a compassionate, personalized approach for each client. She is dedicated to helping her clients navigate through their challenges and achieve personal growth and healing. She is committed to staying current with the latest research and techniques in the field of clinical psychology to ensure the highest quality of care for her clients. Her therapeutic approach is eclectic, tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, thereby formulating personalized treatment plans for the optimal therapeutic results. Her approach in therapy is underlined by compassion and empathy, fundamental to establishing a safe and trusting therapeutic alliance. By prioritizing these values, she fosters an environment encouraging personal exploration.
“It’s important to hear what isn’t being said.”
Therapy language: English 🇺🇸 / Greek
PARASKEVI FILIPPOU, MS
Paraskevi Filippou is a licensed Clinical Psychologist in Cyprus, providing psychological assessment and psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults. She is committed to creating a safe and supportive therapeutic environment where individuals can explore their experiences, emotions, and behavioral patterns, fostering self-awareness, emotional understanding, and personal growth. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Cyprus and subsequently completed her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Nicosia. During her studies, she participated in experimental research examining children’s physiological responses to different emotional stimuli. The research focused on measuring heart rate and skin conductance in young children presenting callous–unemotional traits. As part of her postgraduate training, she also conducted research on the development and administration of questionnaires exploring factors that contribute to tension and conflict in romantic relationships. During her clinical training, she collaborated with the Center for Research and Counseling (KESY) at the University of Nicosia, the Addiction Treatment Center “Agia Skepi”, and Athalassa Hospital, gaining valuable experience in psychological assessment and therapeutic support for individuals facing a variety of mental health challenges. In addition, she has been trained in the administration of psychometric assessment tools, including WAIS-IV and WISC-V. Her therapeutic approach is integrative, grounded primarily in the Humanistic–Person-Centered model, emphasizing the importance of a therapeutic relationship built on respect, empathy, and trust. She also incorporates techniques from different therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic perspectives, and elements of Positive Psychology. Through the therapeutic process, she aims to support individuals in developing a deeper understanding of their emotions, experiences, and relational patterns, within a framework of acceptance, collaboration, and personal development.
“When someone really hears you without passing judgment, it is deeply healing.”
— Carl Rogers
Therapy language: Greek
PANTELITSA STAVRINOU, MS
Pantelitsa Stavrinou is a licensed Clinical Psychologist in Cyprus. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Cyprus and completed her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Nicosia. During her undergraduate studies, she conducted a systematic review of correlational and experimental studies on Gratitude, exploring the role of gratitude in psychological well-being and positive individual adjustment. As part of her postgraduate program, she carried out a literature review on racial differences and other predictive factors of Post-Traumatic Growth, focusing on the psychological mechanisms that facilitate development after traumatic experiences. Pantelitsa has experience providing psychological support to various populations, including individuals with addictions, minors, and people with psychiatric comorbidities, tailoring therapy to the unique needs of each individual. Her therapeutic approach is integrative, with a primary orientation toward psychodynamic interpretation of cases, while she also incorporates techniques from more structured approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). At the same time, she applies principles of Positive Psychology, focusing not only on addressing dysfunction, but also on strengthening each client’s personal strengths, values, and psychological resources. Positive Psychology serves as a complementary tool that cultivates optimism, resilience, and connection with life’s meaning, thereby contributing to a more holistic and meaningful therapeutic experience. She deeply believes in the therapeutic relationship as the core of psychotherapy — a safe space of authentic connection, understanding, and acceptance, through which individuals can process their difficulties and discover new perspectives on their lives. Through this relationship, and with respect for each client’s pace and needs, her goal is to foster resilience, self-awareness, and personal growth toward a more balanced and meaningful everyday life.
“Therapy is the healing of the roots, so the soul can stand steady”
Therapy language: Greek
YARA HASBANI, MA
Yara Hasbani is a licensed Clinical Psychologist in Cyprus and Lebanon. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the Lebanese University. She provides psychotherapy to young adults and adults in the Middle East and Cyprus who are experiencing mood disorders, anxiety, attachment difficulties, self-esteem concerns, life transitions, grief and bereavement, and interpersonal challenges. Her training includes experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques supporting individuals with depression, anxiety, trauma, and relational distress. She has also completed the Online Intensive Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Training Program at the William Alanson White Institute of Psychiatry, Psychoanalysis, and Psychology in New York City. Yara’s clinical background includes work in psychiatric hospital settings, collaborations at a national level with the Lebanese National Mental Health Program, and with international NGOs in humanitarian emergency contexts. These experiences have strengthened her commitment to offering psychotherapy that is both culturally sensitive and emotionally attuned, whether patients are navigating long standing emotional difficulties or acute life stressors. Grounded in psychodynamic psychotherapy, Yara offers a reflective and supportive space to explore the deeper layers of emotional life including unconscious patterns, internal conflicts, past experiences, and unspoken needs that shape one’s relationship with self and others. Drawing from an integrative lens, she tailors her work to each person’s unique history, goals, and lived experience, fostering deeper self-awareness and more authentic, fulfilling relationships with oneself and others.
“The quality of our lives depends upon the questions we are willing to ask ourselves.”
Therapy language: English , French 🇫🇷, Arabic 🇱🇧
CHRISTIE ROUSSOU, MS
Christie Roussou is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Nicosia. She is also an EAAP Accredited Aviation Psychologist (AP206) and a BPS Accredited Psychometrics Assessor. Christie has professional experience across both clinical and aviation settings, providing psychological assessment, psychometric evaluation, clinical interviewing, and evidence-based psychological interventions. Her work is grounded in a strong commitment to supporting individuals’ psychological wellbeing, resilience, and ability to navigate challenging and demanding circumstances. Her clinical interests include mental health assessment, psychological wellbeing, resilience, emotional adjustment, and the psychological factors that influence how individuals cope, adapt, and function in different areas of life. She has experience in conducting comprehensive psychological assessments, developing individualised case formulations, delivering one-to-one psychological interventions, and contributing to psychoeducational and group-based interventions. Christie integrates elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and psychodynamic approaches into her clinical work. She adopts a flexible, person-centred approach, recognising that each individual brings a unique set of experiences, strengths, challenges, and goals to therapy. At the heart of Christie’s practice is the development of a safe, collaborative, and non-judgmental therapeutic relationship. She believes that effective psychological care begins with understanding the individual as a whole and working collaboratively towards meaningful and sustainable change.
“I prefer to think of my patients and myself as fellow travelers.”
— Irvin D. Yalom
Therapy language: Greek
ADMISSIONS TEAM
DIMITRA AIGINITI, BS
Dimitra Aiginiti works at Altius Mind Institute as an operational manager. She is a licensed Systemic Psychotherapist, having completed her four-year training in Systemic Psychotherapy and Counselling at the Center for Personal Development and Psychotherapy (KEPAPSY) in Cyprus. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the European University of Cyprus. She completed her internship at the Cyprus Family Planning Association, where she was trained in the issues of sexual and reproductive health and individuals’ sexual rights with involvement in campaigns to prevent individuals’ rights. She is an active member at the Hellenic Association of Positive Voice where she supports individuals suffering from HIV, as well as providing psychosocial support intervention for children from vulnerable social groups. Additionally, she provides counselling and professional support to social care organizations, contributing also to the design and implementation of interventions that promote mental health, empowerment and social inclusion among the populations they serve.
“Small steps can lead to big progress in mental health”.
Language: English / Greek
ELENI ANTONIOU, BS
Eleni Antoniou works at Altius Mind Institute as an operational manager. Eleni is a Communication and Journalism graduate with extensive experience in journalism, communication, and executive support. In recent years, she has specialized in the organization and administrative management of psychotherapy practices, helping to cultivate calm, structured, and supportive environments. She has worked closely with mental health professionals, offering administrative support, program coordination, and customer service delivered with respect, discretion, and empathy. Her academic background in communication, combined with a strong understanding of human behavior, enables her to support every collaboration with professionalism, consistency, and humanity. Additionally, her experience in journalism strengthens her skills in active listening and meaningful communication, contributing to the smooth, human-centered operation of every therapeutic setting.
“Real communication begins when we listen with empathy.”
Language: English / Greek
COLLABORATIONS
DOROTHEOS CHARALAMBOUS, BS
Dorotheos Charalambous works at Altius Mind Institute as an Operations manager. He obtained a BSc degree in Psychology from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom. During his studies, he took courses such as the Neuroscience of Mental Health and Issues in Clinical Psychology, which developed his interest in Neuropsychology. For his dissertation, he investigated the effects of left posterior parietal cortex stimulation on working memory using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Dorotheos is interested in the connections between neuroscience and psychology, particularly in neurorehabilitation and cognitive psychology. He plans to continue his studies in clinical neuropsychology to further explore brain-behavior relationships and psychological assessments. At the same time, he has begun his Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at the European University Cyprus, further strengthening his academic and professional development.
“Change your brain, change your life.” – Wayne Dyer
Language: English / Greek
TEREZA HADJIMICHAEL, BS
Tereza Hadjimichael works at Altius Mind Institute as an Assistant. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (with a minor in Mindfulness: Know Thyself) from Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands. For her thesis, titled “The Incremental Value of Coping Self-Efficacy and Professional Psychological Help in Predicting Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms,” she examined the separate and unique contributions of coping self-efficacy and professional psychological support in predicting post-traumatic stress outcomes. Alongside her academic work, she served as a Young Ambassador for the “Hope For Children” Center and was an active member of UNICEF in the Netherlands. Currently, Tereza is pursuing her Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Nicosia in Cyprus. Her professional interests center on psychotherapy and therapeutic interventions, with a dedication to evidence-based practice and mental health support.
“The weight becomes lighter not when the storm passes, but when we no longer walk through it on our own.”
Language: English / Greek