Health professionals for Psychogenic Bulimia - Psychogenic Anorexia in Prefecture of Thessaloniki

Chrysa Nikoli holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and is a graduate of the Hellenic Military Academy of Corps Officers (SSAS). She holds a Master’s degree in Child and Adolescent Mental Health from the European University of Cyprus (EUC). In addition, she has specialized in Cognitive Analytic Psychotherapy at the Psychiatric Clinic of the 424 General Military Hospital and at the Medical Psychotherapeutic Centre in Thessaloniki, while she is currently undergoing training in Systemic Therapy and Counselling at the Centre for Systemic Study and Therapy of Thessaloniki (KESMETH).Since 2011, she has served in primary and secondary mental health care units within the Hellenic Armed Forces, working at the Psychiatric Clinic of the 251 General Air Force Hospital, the Aeromedical Centre, the SSAS, as well as in various units of the Hellenic Air Force. She also participates in the administration and evaluation of psychometric tests as part of the preliminary examinations for the selection of candidates to military academies (ASEI, ASSY). She currently serves as Head of the Psychosocial Welfare Office at the 350 Guided Missile Wing in Thermi.In her private practice, Chrysa Nikoli provides individual psychotherapy sessions for adults and adolescents, either in person or online. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in the principles of Cognitive Analytic Therapy and Systemic Therapy: the former focuses on identifying and changing patterns of thought, emotion, and behaviour, while the latter views the individual within the context of their relationships and social environment. Through a collaborative therapist–client relationship, the aim is to identify and modify dysfunctional patterns so that the individual can develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.Her goal is to create a safe, supportive, and strictly confidential environment where each person can freely express their thoughts and emotions. With respect for the personality and needs of each client, she supports individuals facing anxiety, panic attacks, mood disorders, psychotic symptoms, or post-traumatic stress, helping them find balance and stability through tailored therapeutic methods.As part of her ongoing professional development and commitment to staying informed about the latest advancements in her field, she regularly participates in scientific conferences and training seminars, ensuring she provides modern, reliable, and high-quality psychotherapeutic support to her clients.

Skoufa Lida is a Psychologist with a private practice in Thessaloniki. She holds a PhD from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and completed postgraduate studies in Pain Management at the University of Ioannina. Additionally, she specialized in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy at the Hellenic Society of Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy. She has significant experience and is currently a Research Associate at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki as well as a Trainer in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy at the Medical Psychotherapeutic Center.

Dafni Tzella is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Thessaloniki. She holds a degree in Psychology from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and an MSc in Special Education from the University of Macedonia. She trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at the Hellenic Society of Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy, and her specialization in Anxiety Disorders and Depression is notable. In her practice, she addresses a wide range of cases, utilizing her scientific expertise with the aim of providing the best possible care tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

Dr. Samaras Apostolos is a Mental Health Counselor with a private practice in Thessaloniki. He holds a degree in Clinical Psychology and Pathology from the University of Paris Paris VIII and possesses an advanced diploma (D.E.A.) in education from the same University. The Mental Health Counselor specializes in communication issues, interpersonal relationships, and has particular expertise in family and marital psychotherapy, anxiety disorders, and behavioral problems. He continuously participates in conferences and seminars to stay updated on developments in his field and has a substantial number of publications in the Greek press. Finally, Dr. Samaras Apostolos is a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society, the World Federation for Mental Health, the International Association of Family Therapy, and the International Society of Psychopathology & Clinical Psychology.

Georgitsopoulos Grigoris is a Psychologist with a practice located in the center of Thessaloniki. He holds a degree in Psychology from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling. He is also certified by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Stress Management and Health. Throughout his career, he has worked for several years as a Mental Health Counselor in municipal organizations and the Panhellenic Association for Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Professional Reintegration (PEPSAEE), providing support and counseling services to vulnerable social groups as well as Crisis Management. Additionally, he has served as a Mental Health Counselor in primary education.

Dimitra Mpotsoglou BSc, MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and holds a professional license to practice. She has been trained in Counseling Psychology at the University of Thessaly and in Adolescent Medicine with a focus on the Psychosocial Care of Adolescents at the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Additionally, she has received training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and is currently completing her second specialization in the four-year program in Integrative Psychotherapy at the University of Thessaly. She has completed over 1,500 hours of practical training in various institutions, such as the Volos Mental Health Center, the Patras Mental Health Association, the Athens First Boarding House, the Hellenic Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Society, among others. She has also volunteered with the Panagiotis Sakellaropoulos Society of Social Psychiatry and the NGO Arsis. Moreover, she has academic research activities focusing on topics related to the impact of the parent-child relationship on the child's psychoemotional development, interpersonal relationships, as well as adolescents’ self-esteem and self-perception.

Pliampa Freideriki is a Psychologist, Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapist licensed to practice as a psychologist. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and completed her postgraduate studies in Health Psychology (MSc in Health Psychology) at the University of Nottingham. She specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) through the Hellenic Society for Behavioral Research (EEES). To date, she has provided her services voluntarily and as part of her training at the social non-governmental organization ARSIS, the First University Psychiatric Clinic - G.N. Papageorgiou, and the Psychotherapeutic Center Stírixis. She is under continuous supervision. Since 2023, she has maintained a private practice.

Xristou A Maria Kai Synergates is an Psychotherapist - Art Therapist specializing in Counseling Psychotherapy for children and adults, and maintains a private practice in Thessaloniki. She specializes in therapy and counseling for children, adults, and families, utilizing Art Therapy and Sandplay therapy methods. These two methods can be used in combination with Counseling Psychotherapy to maximize therapeutic outcomes. She obtained her master's degree in Expressive Psychotherapy in 2000 from Lesley University in Cambridge, United States. Since then, she has worked for over ten years as an Art Therapist both in the USA and Greece. Specifically, from 1989 to 2004, she worked at organizations including Summer Camp Organization (Stockholm, Sweden), Alsten School (Stockholm, Sweden), Ilex / Vinfen Corporation (Massachusetts, USA), Arlington Youth Counseling Center (Massachusetts, USA), YWCA (X.E.N., Maryland, USA), North Charles Inc., Mental Health & Addiction Services (Massachusetts, USA), and Turnaround Inc. (Baltimore, Maryland, USA). The specialist speaks Greek, Swedish, and English. She is a certified Art Therapist by the US Art Therapy Credentials Board and a member of the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association and the Swedish Family Therapy Association.

Loizos Nikos is a Clinical Psychologist who maintains a private practice in the center of Thessaloniki. He is a graduate of the Psychology Department of Panteion University. He completed his postgraduate studies in medicine at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki with a specialization in "Clinical Mental Health," through which he has acquired extensive knowledge and understanding of the complexity of the human mind and mental functions. Additionally, he is in the process of completing his training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), aiming to obtain official certification as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. His knowledge of psychopathology and mental disorders qualifies him as a competent therapist capable of providing reliable and valid diagnoses. This is exceptionally important for the implementation of effective treatment. As a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, he possesses all necessary knowledge, research-backed techniques, and management strategies for comprehensive and effective intervention across a wide range of mental disorders. Research has shown that CBT is the most effective therapeutic method compared to other therapeutic approaches. It is a short-term therapy, typically lasting 3 to 4 months on average, depending on the nature of the difficulties and the needs of the client. His goal is to help those who trust him find functional ways to manage their difficulties. A key concern of his is to develop a strong therapeutic relationship with his clients, based on understanding, empathy, and compassion. He strives to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where individuals can openly express their concerns and collaborate towards improving their mental health and overall quality of life.

Nikolaos Gkoumas BSc, MA is a Counseling Psychologist with a private practice in Thessaloniki. He holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Sheffield, UK, and a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from York University. He completed a two-year internship at the City Counseling Center, accumulating 230 hours of supervised clinical sessions. In his private practice, he provides therapy for issues related to depression, anxiety, anger, family relationships, personal relationships, eating disorders, loneliness, substance abuse, interpersonal relationships, and self-esteem. He offers assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological problems, and conducts seminars for agencies, organizations, and companies.

Vagena Xristina is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Thessaloniki. She holds a degree in Psychology from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and completed a postgraduate program in Counseling Psychology at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Subsequently, she underwent a 4-year training program at the Hellenic Society for Behavioral Research, specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Additionally, she is certified in the administration of the MMPI-2 (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) by ISON Psychometrica. She has worked as a trainer at the public IEK of Aridea and Sindos and at the Mental Health Vocational Training Center, providing training to caregivers of individuals with dementia, autism, and Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, she has served as a Psychologist at the American College of Anatolia in Thessaloniki, as a School Psychologist at the 12th Vocational High School (EPAL) of Thessaloniki, and as a Forensic Psychologist Expert at the Thessaloniki Court of First Instance. Finally, she was a collaborator for 6 years at the Speech Therapy Center "Playlearning" in Thessaloniki.

Ο Κουτσομήτρος Θεόδωρος είναι ειδικός Ψυχίατρος- πιστοποιημένος Ψυχοθεραπευτής. Έχει ειδικευθεί στην Ψυχιατρική ενηλίκων σε πανεπιστημιακές κλινικές του Λονδίνου (UCL) και της Θεσσαλονίκης (ΑΠΘ) και έχει εξειδικευθεί στο Διακρανιακό Μαγνητικό Ερεθισμό (rTMS) στην Ολλανδία και στις Η.Π.Α. στα πανεπιστήμια του Μaastricht και του Harvard.

Παράλληλα με την εξειδίκευση του στην πρωτοπόρα θεραπεία του rTMS έχει εξειδικευθεί σε 9 διαφορετικές ψυχοθεραπευτικές προσεγγίσεις (ΒΕΔΨ, ΓΑΨ, CBT, GPM, Ομαδική, Συστημική- Οικογενειακή, Υπαρξιακή και Ψυχοδυναμική- Ψυχαναλυτική).

Από τα φοιτητικά του κιόλας χρόνια ως φοιτητής ιατρικής είχε ξεχωρίσει με τις επιδόσεις του καθώς ήταν ο μόνος τελειόφοιτος που αποφοίτησε με άριστα σε όλες τις τελικές εξετάσεις. Από τότε έχει λάβει ποικίλες πανευρωπαϊκές και παγκόσμιες διακρίσεις, είτε με την μορφή βραβείων, είτε με την εκλογή του σε θέσεις ευθύνης σε επιστημονικές κοινότητες.

Το 2019 ήταν μάλιστα ο μόνος Ψυχίατρος παγκοσμίως που τιμήθηκε για δεύτερη συνεχόμενη φόρα με το παγκόσμιο βραβείο WPA ECP Fellowship των Νέων Ψυχιάτρων της Παγκόσμιας Ψυχιατρικής Εταιρείας.

Έχει επιτελέσει Πρόεδρος της Ένωσης Ελλήνων Ειδικευόμενων Ψυχιάτρων με σημαντικό έργο για την αναβάθμιση της συνεχιζόμενης εκπαίδευσης στην Ψυχιατρική στη χώρα μας. Το 2019 εκλέχτηκε Πρόεδρος του τομέα των Νέων Ψυχιάτρων της Ελληνικής Ψυχιατρικής Εταιρείας (ΕΨΕ).

Παρουσιάζει έντονη επιστημονική δραστηριότητα μέσω διεθνών οργανισμών και πανεπιστημίων (αρθογραφία, δημοσιεύσεις, έρευνες, συνέδρια, βιβλία).

Διατηρεί ιδιωτικό ιατρείο στη Θεσσαλονίκη μαζί με μία ομάδα εξειδικευμένων ψυχιάτρων και ψυχολόγων στο Ευρωπαϊκό Ιατρικό Ινστιτούτο Ψυχοθεραπείας & Brain Stimulation SynaΨe . Είναι διευθυντής και ιδρυτής του ελληνικού ιατρείου rTMS (Greek rTMS) το μεγαλύτερο ιατρείο rTMS στην Ελλάδα.

Giazitzi Vasiliki is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist, a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, specializing in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which is recommended as the treatment of choice for a variety of mental disorders and is particularly effective.

She maintains private practices in Thessaloniki and Serres, providing psychotherapeutic services both in person and online to adults, adolescents, couples, and families.

She completed her postgraduate studies at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens with a degree in "Global Medicine and Health Crisis Management".

Since 2021, she has specialized in cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy at the Hellenic Society of Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy.

From May 2019 to June 2024, she worked with NGOs on various UNICEF programs such as Child Protection (Child and Family Support Hubs) and subsequently the support of all children in education (All Children in Education).

Within the framework of this work, she participated in the design and support of cases involving domestic violence, as well as cases of severe anxiety, depression, phobias, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and various mental disorders requiring support. In 2021, she held a coordinating role in the Child Protection program in the Serres field.

Mpotsifaras Ilias is a Dietitian-Nutritionist specializing in sports nutrition. He has a private practice at the NOUS THERAPY CENTER health center in the center of Thessaloniki. He is a lecturer at IEK ALFA Thessaloniki in the field of Nutrition and Dietetics. He graduated from the Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics at the International Hellenic University (IHU), based in Thessaloniki. He completed his internship at the General Hospital of Thessaloniki, where he specialized in clinical cases involving eating disorders and obesity. He has completed postgraduate studies and holds a specialization in Sports Nutrition from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the International Hellenic University. Currently, he is pursuing his second postgraduate degree with a focus on Clinical Nutrition at the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the International Hellenic University. Additionally, he has received further training in eating disorders and obesity at NCfED in the United Kingdom. He has conducted research on the bone density of football players and the influence of their dietary habits. He has also worked as a dietitian-nutritionist at the 424 General Military Hospital, monitoring clinical cases in the hospital. Finally, he provides nutritional support for athletes, manages clinical cases with a broad spectrum of diseases, and cases involving eating disorders. It is worth noting his active involvement in conducting research on the dietary habits of patients with chronic urticaria.

Giourga Filanthi BSc is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains a private practice in Thessaloniki. She graduated from the Department of Nutrition Science and Dietetics at the International Hellenic University. She has attended numerous seminars related to nutrition and has completed specializations in Clinical Nutrition and Eating Disorders at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Her goal is to provide personalized nutritional solutions, tailored to the needs, lifestyle, and objectives of each individual. She focuses on weight management, improving health in chronic conditions, supporting cases of eating disorders, as well as nutritional education across all age groups. She believes that nutrition is not merely a diet but a lifestyle that can bring balance, well-being, and long-term health. Her purpose is to support every individual with guidance, encouragement, and positive energy, enabling them to develop healthy habits that will accompany them throughout their lives.