Health professionals for Diet and nutrition in Attica

Panagiotou Maria - Anna is a Psychologist (BSc) and Psychotherapist specializing in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy. She graduated from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a professional practice license valid nationwide (License No: 1401991). She has worked as a Psychologist at the Elderly Care Unit "Rodi" in Filothei, as well as an external collaborator in a Medical Clinic and an English tutoring center to support employees and students. Additionally, she has volunteered in various settings, including public elderly care units and telephone support platforms. She has been trained in the Behavioral-Cognitive approach (higher education) at KEPSYSY in areas such as anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, psychosomatic disorders, depression, traumatic experiences, relationship issues, and has specialized in the non-pharmacological management of geriatric issues and caregivers, including dementia, grief, and anxiety at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She works with both adults and adolescents on family matters, crisis management, school performance, and violence-related issues. Her approach is based, among others, on the Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy model by Ellis, Beck's Cognitive Therapy model, as well as Meichenbaum's Cognitive-Behavioral Modification. Finally, the specialist is a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society (SEPS). Guided by empathy, authenticity, and scientific practices, individuals will progressively be able to manage life situations effectively. For optimal service provision, she is supervised and participates in personal psychotherapy.

Galazoula Georgia is a Psychologist and a certified Gestalt Psychotherapist, specializing in individual psychotherapy for adults and adolescents. Through the therapeutic relationship, she provides space for individuals to express themselves, gain greater self-awareness, and be empowered to approach their personal choices and challenges with increased clarity and freedom. Throughout her therapeutic practice, she has supported individuals facing anxiety, panic attacks, self-esteem issues, psychosomatic difficulties, relational challenges, as well as periods of existential searching or personal transitions. In her professional journey, she regularly participates in individual and group supervision to ensure the quality and ethical integrity of the therapeutic process. Concurrently, she herself engages in individual and group psychotherapy, viewing continuous personal work as a fundamental pillar for her development and authenticity as a psychotherapist. Her approach is experiential and focused on the here and now, emphasizing authentic contact and respecting the pace of each client. Her goal is to cultivate a therapeutic relationship founded on trust, where the individual can feel acceptance and safety, enabling a deeper connection with the self and fostering new ways of understanding and managing their life.

Dr. Alevizos Alevizos is a General Practitioner/Family Physician (GP/FM) who owns and manages two private medical practices in Piraeus and Thrakomakedones in the Athens wide metropolitan area. He holds a degree in Medicine from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with postgraduate training in diabetes from Harvard Medical School in the USA. He completed his residency in General and Family Medicine at "Tzaneio" General Hospital of Piraeus.

He has served as the medical scientific director for the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and has also served as a Health Consultant for the Hellenic Cardiological Foundation.

Since the legalization of Medical Cannabis in Greece, he has been a pioneer in assisting patients with various ailments and medical conditions providing up-to-date medical care, substantially fulfilling unmet patients needs.

He is a certified medical cannabis specialist and prescriber.

He has extensive educational and research experience, including numerous announcements and presentations at Greek and international conferences, as well as publications in many major international medical journals.

Finally, he is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Vasileiou Ksanthi is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains a private practice in Elefsina. Simultaneously, she collaborates with the medical center "IAZO MED" in Chaidari as an external associate specializing in Dietetics - Nutrition. She holds a degree from the Higher Technological Educational Institute of Larissa (now the University of Thessaly). Her practical training took place at the "THRIASIO" hospital, where she monitored hospitalized patients within the unit while simultaneously managing outpatient cases. Her thesis focused on Nutrition and Exercise during pregnancy. Considering continuous education essential in this field, she regularly attends numerous conferences and workshops. Additionally, the seminars she has participated in pertain not only to further specialization in nutrition but also to psychology, which plays a crucial role in managing dietary habits. Notably, she completed the professional empowerment program of the University of the Aegean on Psychology and Counseling. Furthermore, in 2017 and 2021, she completed the programs "BEYOND THE LIMITS OF DIET" and "Communication and Counseling Skills," respectively, at the K.E.PSY.F. Finally, she is a member of the Hellenic Dietitians - Nutritionists Association.

Dr Anamaterou Xrysanthi is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist, PhD graduate from the University of Heidelberg in Germany, and maintains a private practice in Marousi. She holds a medical degree from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and completed her specialization in Endocrinology and Diabetology at the University Hospital of Heidelberg in Germany. She has worked as an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist in a private polyclinic in Frankfurt, Germany, and has served as an endocrinology registrar at the University Hospital of Heidelberg. She specializes in thyroid gland disorders and has particular expertise in the management of thyroid cancer and other endocrine tumors (adrenal glands, pituitary gland, neuroendocrine tumors, endocrine syndromes). Additionally, she has experience in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and metabolic disorders. Due to her doctoral dissertation, she specializes in parathyroid gland diseases (calcium and vitamin D metabolism) and osteoporosis.

Pantelis Athanasios MD, MSc (QMUL), FMBS, SCOPE Cert., FACS, is a General Surgeon with a private practice in Ilion. He specializes in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, is a graduate of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and holds two postgraduate degrees from Queen Mary University of London and the Medical School of Athens. He has received specialized training in laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery as well as in obesity and metabolic disease surgery, having trained at the prestigious Mohak centers in India and Ponderas in Romania as a fellow of the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES). He has gained experience in hospitals in Greece and abroad, having served as a Consultant Surgeon in hospitals in Bucharest and India. Currently, he is a Consultant Surgeon at the Psychiko Medical Center and a Scientific Collaborator at the 1st Propaedeutic Surgical Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens at the General Hospital of Athens "Hippocrates." He maintains an active research portfolio, is an author and reviewer for international medical journals, and regularly participates in international conferences and educational programs. His expertise includes minimally invasive techniques (laparoscopic surgery), bariatric and metabolic disease surgery, as well as the modern management of abdominal wall hernias, digestive system diseases, and thyroid gland disorders. His approach is founded on consistency, scientific evidence, and respect for the patient.

Marikou Foteini is a Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist MSc, graduate of the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition at Harokopio University and holder of a Master's Degree from the Medical School of Athens titled "Pathology of Pregnancy - High Risk Pregnancy." As part of her undergraduate program, she completed internships at the 401 General Military Hospital of Athens, a private dietetic office, and a food industry company. Subsequently, she collaborated for several years with NGOs, where she provided voluntary nutritional support to cancer patients during and after anticancer treatments. Simultaneously, she has served as head dietitian - nutritionist in a large gym chain. She has been evaluating private cases since 2018, specializing in nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as in cases of eating disorders and clinical conditions such as hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, gestational diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, and specialized clinical conditions. Moreover, she continuously updates and actively follows the latest developments in the field of Nutrition and Health through educational seminars, conferences, and workshops. Since 2022, she has been operating her dietetic office in Ambelokipi, Attica, equipped with state-of-the-art technological equipment, catering to numerous individuals by personalizing her approach tailored to each person's specific needs.

Nezi Markella MD, MSc is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist with a private practice in Pallini. She graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a Master's degree in the specialization program "Research in Female Reproduction." Additionally, she completed her endocrinology specialization in the Endocrinology - Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolism Department at the "E.E.S Korgialeneio - Benakeio" Hospital, and she currently serves as a Scientific Collaborator at the Aretaieio Hospital in the Endocrinology Unit. Furthermore, she has numerous presentations and published abstracts in Greek and international conferences and significant research activity, highlighted by her distinction for the best clinical paper at the 28th Panhellenic AIDS Conference in 2018 in Athens. Finally, Dr. Markella is a member of the Athens Medical Association and the Hellenic Endocrinological Society.

Ο Κουραβάνας Κωνσταντίνος είναι Σύμβουλος ψυχικής υγείας και Συνθετικός ψυχοθεραπευτής και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στην Ηλιούπολη. Είναι κάτοχος πτυχίου Συμβουλευτικής και ψυχολογίας(HND) από το Μεσογειακό κολέγιο (Mediterranean college) πιστοποιημένος απο το BTEC με υποτροφία που διατήρησε όλα τα έτη σπουδών του.Ολοκλήρωσε την πρακτική του άσκηση στο Πειραικό Ισνστιτούτο (ΕΨΥΘΕ), εταιρία ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης , θεραπείας και εκπαίδευσης.

Ακολούθησε διετής συμμετοχή σε ομάδα εποπτείας και πρακτικής άσκησης στο κέντρο συμβουλευτικής και ψυχοθεραπείας " ΨΥΧΗΛΑΤΟΝ".Στη συνέχεια παρακολούθησε τετραετές πρόγραμμα Συνθετικής ψυχοθεραπείας μέ έμφαση στη Γνωσιακή- Συμπεριφορική, την Ψυχοδυναμική και τη συστημική -οικογενειακή ψυχοθεραπεία στο Πειραικό Ινστιτούτο (ΕΨΥΘΕ) που αποκόμισε τον τίτλο-εξειδίκευση του Συνθετικού ψυχοθεραπευτή.Είναι μέλος της (ΕΕΣ) Ελληνικής Εταιρίας Συμβουλευτικής και του Βρετανικού ψυχοθεραπευτικού συλλόγου(BACP) που απορέει απο τον τίτλο σπουδών του στη Συνθετική ψυχοθεραπεία.

Ήταν για αρκετά χρόνια ενεργό μέλος της κοινότητας "Ξεναγέτης" που έχει σκοπό την ανάπτυξη των ανθρωπίνων σχέσεων σε μια λειτουργική και ανθρώπινη προοπτική.

Έχει εργαστεί για πολλά χρόνια στο διατροφολογικό κέντρο του κλινικού διαιτολόγου -διατροφολόγου Πανόπουλο Παναγιώτη ώς Σύμβουλος Ψυχικής Υγείας σε διατροφολογικές διαταραχές και συνεργάζεται μέχρι σήμερα.

Επίσης σε ανδρολογική κλινική σε θέματα σεξουαλικών δυσλειτουργιών.

Παρακολουθεί ατομική, ομαδική ψυχοθεραπεία και εποπτεία όπως επιτάσσει ο Βρετανικός σύλλογος Συμβουλευτικής και ψυχοθεραπείας και η Ελληνική Εταιρία Συμβουλευτικής.

Στο γραφείο του ως ψυχοθεραπευτής προσφέρει ατομική ψυχοθεραπεία και Συμβουλευτική ενηλίκων σε διατροφικές διαταραχές(ψυχογενή βουλιμία, νυχτερινή υπερφαγία, παχυσαρκία), αγχώδεις διαταραχές(άγχος, κρίσεις πανικού, φοβίες, ψυχαναγκασμοί), διαταραχές της διάθεσης (κατάθλιψη), αδυναμία λήψης αποφάσεων, βελτίωση διαπροσωπικών σχέσεων, ανάπτυξη -αυτογνωσία, βελτίωση αυτοεικόνας ,διαχείρηση Πένθους και σεξουαλικές δυσλειτουργίες(στυτική δυσλειτουργία, απουσία ερωτικής διάθεσης,πρόωρη εξπερμάτωση.)

Επίσης κάνει συνεδρίες Ζεύγους και συντονίζει θεραπευτικές ομάδες.

Έχει παρακολουθήσει και παρακολουθεί πλήθως ημερίδων και σεμιναρίων που έχουν σκοπό την ανάπτυξη και σωστή επαγγελματική κατάρτιση του λειτουργήματος του.

Τέλος αρθογραφεί για διάφορα θέματα - δυσκολίες του σύγχρονου ανθρώπου στην ηλεκτρονική του σελίδα και σε άλλες και έχει υπάρξει ομιλητής σε δημόσιους και ιδιωτικούς φορείς .

Αν θα μπορούσε να χαρακτηριστεί η ψυχοθεραπευτική εργασία στους πελάτες-ψυχοθεραπευόμενους του θα την ονόμαζε ευθυνοκεντρική με Συνθετικό προσανατολισμό.

"Οι δυσκολίες ,οι κρίσεις και οι ανάγκες είναι τα εργαλεία για να επιτύχουμε μια ζωή με πληρότητα αρκεί να τις προσεγγίσουμε αναπτυξιακά και όχι καταστροφικά και αυτοκαταστροφικά.Είναι εκεί που το τραύμα στη ζωή με συνειδητή επιλογή και ανάλυψη της χαμένης ευθύνης μετουσιώνεται στο θαύμα μια όμορφης λειτουργικής και ευχαριστιακής ζωής."

(Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass

It' s about learning how to dance in the rain).

Bampili Angeliki is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains her private practice in the center of Athens (near Panepistimiou and Omonia). She holds a degree in Psychology from Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences. As a Psychotherapist, she has been trained in the Cognitive Behavioral model at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling (three-year training). Additionally, she has completed two years of training in Eating Disorders Therapy at the First University Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, in collaboration with the Research University Institute of Mental Health (E.P.I.P.S.Y). As part of her continuous education, she attends a basic training seminar in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, an approach belonging to the third generation of cognitive behavioral therapies, while in the past she has attended postgraduate seminars related to mindfulness. In the context of her clinical internship, she conducted psychotherapeutic sessions at the Eating Disorders Unit of Aeginiteio Hospital. Furthermore, she has undergone postgraduate training in Clinical Psychopathology at E.P.I.P.S.Y. Previously, she worked as a Psychologist at the National Psychosocial Support Line 10306. Within the scope of volunteering and internship, she has been employed in psychosocial rehabilitation structures of E.P.A.P.S.Y. Currently, she provides specialized therapeutic interventions at her private office for the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, specific phobias, and eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder). Additionally, she undertakes psychotherapeutic requests concerning sleep problems, anger management, life changes, low self-esteem, interpersonal difficulties, assertive behavior, and the development of social skills.

Mparmpari Maria, MD, MSc, PhD is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist with extensive qualifications and long-standing clinical and academic experience due to her comprehensive training. She maintains a private practice in Aigaleo. She is a graduate of the Medical School of the University of Turin, holding a master's degree in "Research in Female Reproduction" from the Medical School of the University of Athens. She is highly specialized in the morbidity of Obesity, having earned a Doctorate with a dissertation on . She specialized in Endocrinology at the Endocrinology Department of the General Hospital of Athens "HIPPOCRATEIO" and in Diabetes at the Diabetology Department of the 2nd University Pathology Clinic of G.N.A HIPPOCRATEIO. Additionally, she was trained at the Pediatric Clinic of the General Children's Hospital of Athens "AGIA SOFIA" in the management of Pediatric Endocrinology cases and at the General Hospital of Athens "Elena Venizelou" in endocrinopathies during pregnancy, with particular emphasis on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. She possesses extensive clinical experience in all endocrinological diseases concerning the thyroid gland, fertility in both sexes, adrenal and pituitary disorders, menstrual cycle disturbances during adolescence and adulthood including menopause, as well as metabolic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and lipid disorders. She has participated extensively in numerous Greek and international conferences, with various publications in Greek and foreign journals, and has received awards at Greek conference competitions. She is an active member of the Hellenic Endocrine Society and the European Society of Endocrinology - ECE ENDOCRINOLOGY.

Dr. Papadopoulou Efi, MD, MSc, PhD, is a Internist - Diabetologist and maintains a private practice in Ampelokipoi. She graduated from the Medical School of the University of Patras, holds a Master's Degree specializing in Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity, as well as a Doctorate from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with a medical specialization in Diabetes Mellitus. She completed her specialty training in Internal Medicine at the Therapeutic Clinic of the University of Athens at Alexandra General Hospital, where she also received clinical training in Diabetes Mellitus at the Diabetes Clinic of the same department. Currently, she maintains a private practice in Athens and concurrently works as an Attending Internist at the 7th Internal Medicine Clinic of Hygeia Hospital. Her clinical and research interests span the entire spectrum of Internal Medicine, with a particular emphasis on Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity.

Miari Panagiota BSc, MSc is a Dietitian - Nutritionist with a private practice in Peristeri. She holds a degree from the School of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Technological Educational Institute of Crete and a master's degree specialized in "Nutrition and Exercise" from Harokopio University of Athens, graduating with honors. Additionally, she has expertise in eating disorders and holds a diploma in Iridology. In her private practice, she provides applied nutritional education programs and support for physiological and pathological conditions, such as weight loss or gain, pregnancy, athlete nutrition, childhood obesity, chronic diseases, and eating disorders. Furthermore, she has been involved in public education through television and WEBTV on various channels, maintaining a regular presence on zoygla.gr, Channel 9, the show "Athens Nip Tuck," and channel E. She has participated in the European Study of the Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) program of the World Health Organization for childhood obesity, which was undertaken to be represented in Greece by the Hellenic Medical Society for Obesity in collaboration with the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics of the Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki. Finally, she has written and continues to write articles for magazines, newspapers, and scientific health websites, attended numerous seminars concerning the nutrition of children and adults, and has delivered educational lectures to sports clubs, schools, and on television.

Kokona Anastasia - Frinta is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Kolonaki, providing individual psychotherapeutic sessions for adults, children, adolescents, and parent counseling sessions. She studied Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and completed her postgraduate studies in Health Psychology at the University of Central Lancashire in the UK (MSc in Health Psychology). She is a member of the Greek Psychological Society and the British Psychological Society (BPS), in order to stay continuously updated on new research findings in the field of Psychology. She specializes in psychological support for patients with chronic illness, cancer patients, and psychological support for relatives of cancer patients. She has been trained in Cognitive Psychotherapy as part of the "I.N. Papakostas" program at Aeginiteio Hospital. Additionally, she holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Special Education and Training of individuals with oral and written language disorders. During her professional career, she has worked as a Psychologist - Psychotherapist in special therapy centers in Athens and hospitals, gaining valuable knowledge and experience in her field. Specifically, she has worked as a Psychologist - Scientific Collaborator at the Naval Hospital of Athens, as well as a Counseling Psychologist - Psychotherapist for Children and Adolescents in special therapy centers in Athens and at the Chalandri Mental Health Center. She is also certified in administering psychometric tools. Finally, she has attended numerous seminars aimed at continuous education and training in her field.

Karalis Konstantinos is a Pathologist with a private practice in Ilioupoli. He graduated from the Medical School of Democritus University of Thrace and completed his specialty in Pathology at St. Antonius Krankenhaus Hospital in Cologne, as well as at the General University Hospital of Athens "Alexandra." In addition to his private practice, he serves as a Scientific Associate – Attending Physician at the Athens Medical Center in Marousi and is a member of the Athens Medical Association. He provides a wide range of medical services, tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

Prekas Xristos is a Clinical Dietitian – Nutritionist, BSc, and has operated two dietetic offices since 2011, located in Petralona and Santorini. He holds a degree from the Department of Nutrition Science and Dietetics at Harokopio University of Athens and is a member of the Hellenic Dietitians – Nutritionists Association. He has participated in numerous research studies, organizes seminars and lectures for adults and children on nutrition and childhood obesity, and regularly contributes articles to nationwide websites and newspapers.

Dr. Peirounaki Eleutheria, MD, is an Endocrinologist and holds a PhD from the Medical School of Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Germany, with a private practice in Ilioupoli. She is also an External Endocrinology Collaborator at Mitera Hospital. She studied at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and specialized in Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism at TU Munich University and Duisburg-Essen University in Germany. She has worked as a Specialist Endocrinologist-Diabetologist at the Endocrinology Center of Munich, Endokrinologikum München, and as a Specialist Endocrinologist-Diabetologist and Head of regular Endocrinology clinics at Klinikum Bogenhausen in Munich, Germany. Finally, Dr. Peirounaki is specialized in osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, thyroid, and parathyroid glands.