Health professionals for Obesity in Athens

Prokopiou Maria is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist with private practices located in Mavili Square and Gerakas. She holds a master's degree in healthcare management from the Hellenic Open University and a degree from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She specialized in Endocrinology at the Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes Unit of the First Internal Medicine Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, at the General Hospital "Laiko". Additionally, she has attended Medical Acupuncture seminars at the International Postgraduate Acupuncture Center AcuScience. She possesses valuable professional and clinical experience in the diagnosis, prevention, and therapeutic management of endocrine gland disorders, specifically thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, ovaries, testes, adrenal glands, pituitary, and hypothalamus, as well as diabetes mellitus and obesity. She manages cases such as metabolic bone diseases - osteoporosis, female and male endocrinology, and hypertension. Finally, she is a member of the Athens Medical Association, the Hellenic Diabetology Society, and the European Society of Endocrinology.

Papaeuaggelou Maria is a Psychologist – Systemic Family Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Omonia. She holds a BSc in Psychology from London Metropolitan University and an MSc in Psychology from the University of Central Lancashire. She has obtained a Professional Diploma in Systemic and Family Therapy from the Laboratory for the Investigation of Human Relations, as well as a Professional Diploma in Mental Health Counseling (Person-Centered Approach) from the College for Humanistic Sciences – ICPS, certified by Pearson UK. Additionally, she has specialized in Emotional Trauma Management and Personality Disorders at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has completed clinical internships at the Outpatient Detoxification Clinic "Athena" of Aiginiteio Hospital and at OKANA (Organization Against Drugs), gaining experience in the assessment and therapeutic support of individuals with addictive behaviors and their families. Her therapeutic approach is based on Systemic and Person-Centered Psychotherapy, emphasizing the creation of a safe framework of trust and acceptance that facilitates personal awareness, empowerment, and meaningful change. Finally, her office provides personalized psychotherapy and counseling services tailored to the needs of each individual, couple, or family, aiming at empowerment, improvement of quality of life, and meaningful personal development.

Η Λαγιάκου Λυδία και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στα Άνω Πατήσια. Ολοκλήρωσε τις σπουδές της στην Ψυχολογία (BaHons) στο Αμερικανικό Κολλέγιο Ελλάδος Deree αποκτώντας διπλό πτυχίο από το εν λόγω ίδρυμα αλλά και από το Open University της Αγγλίας. Κατά τη διάρκεια των σπουδών της είχε λάβει υποτροφία από το International Honors Program του κολλεγίου, ενώ τα τελευταία δύο χρόνια των σπουδών της συμμετείχε σε πρόγραμμα εθελοντισμού και μετεκπαίδευσης στο Γενικού Στρατιωτικού Νοσοκομείου Αθηνών 401 στο τμήμα της Διασυνδετικής Ψυχιατρικής. Στη συνέχεια ολοκλήρωσε το μεταπτυχιακό της πάνω στη Συμβουλευτική Ψυχολογία και Ψυχοθεραπεία (MSc). Ταυτόχρονα, παρακολούθησε ποικίλα σεμινάρια όπως Ψυχοθεραπεία με επίκεντρο το συναίσθημα (Emotion-Focused Therapy) και Άβατον - Οριακές Περιπτώσεις (με θέμα την οριακή διαταραχή προσωπικότητας ιδωμένη μέσα από την ψυχαναλυτική σκοπιά). Επίσης, έχει παρευρεθεί στο 1ο Συνέδριο Ψυχοθεραπείας της Ψυχιατρικής και στο Διεθνές Συνέδριο Υπαρξιακής Ψυχοθεραπείας του 2023. Τέλος, πραγματοποιεί συνεδρίες βραχείας ψυχοθεραπείας εθελοντικά στην Εταιρεία Περιφερειακής Ανάπτυξης και Ψυχικής Υγείας (Ε.Π.Α.Ψ.Υ.).

Επί του παρόντος, είναι εκπαιδευόμενη ψυχοθεραπεύτρια Συστημικής προσέγγισης σε εγκεκριμένο εκπαιδευτικό κέντρο στην Αθήνα και παρακολουθεί ποικίλα σεμινάρια και εκπαιδεύσεις πιστοποίησης.

Pantazis Xristos is a psychologist with a degree in Psychology from Middlesex University in the United Kingdom. In 2009, he attended an annual seminar at Aeginiteio Hospital titled "Clinical Psychopathology." His interest in the functioning of the subconscious led him, in 2011, to obtain a diploma in "Clinical Hypnotherapy" and later a diploma in "Advanced Practice in Clinical Hypnotherapy."

In 2020, he participated in the training program "Adult Educators Training," as well as the program "Management of Parental Separation - Divorce" from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Since 2017, when he was licensed to practice as a psychologist, he has worked in his private practice, where he exclusively conducts individual sessions, addressing cases based on the personalized needs of each individual.

Mr. Pantazis states, “When someone arrives at a psychologist's office, they are often ready to approach the prospect of change in certain situations that concern them. In most cases, change arises through the adoption of a different way of thinking. Thinking is a form of listening – an internal listening. Who is the one speaking? Why do we listen to them? What are the reasons behind our actions or reactions to what we hear? To achieve a desired outcome, it is important to understand that the goal is to change the way we listen to ourselves.” If the way of thinking is repetitive and leads to specific outcomes, it is considered a mechanism.

In his office, you will observe these mechanisms and aim to negotiate or reconsider their usefulness. His invitation to clients is clear:

“Talk to me so I can negotiate with the one trying to be heard!”

Meletiou Thaleia is a specialized Endocrinologist-Diabetologist with a private practice in Pagkrati. She has extensive clinical and research experience in Greece and Germany. She specialized in Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism at the University Hospital of Tübingen - Bad Cannstatt Hospital in Stuttgart, the University Hospital of Giessen, and the Endocrinology and Gestational Diabetes departments at the "Alexandra" University General Hospital in Athens. She actively participates in numerous endocrinology and diabetology conferences for continuous education and updates in her field. Additionally, she is a member of the Hellenic Endocrine Society and the Athens Medical Association.

Katsantonis Vasilis is a Psychologist with a private practice in Gkyzi. He is a doctoral candidate at the University of Oxford, specializing in Applied Psychology, with at least 15 years of experience in this field as well as in Clinical and Forensic Psychology. He holds a degree in Applied Psychology from Seattle University, Washington, and a master's diploma in Applied Psychology from the University of Oxford, as well as in Clinical and Forensic Psychology from the University of Portsmouth. Additionally, he has ten years of experience in Counseling Psychology. He is also a member of the American Psychological Association.

Mauridi Afroditi is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Pangrati. She began her studies in Psychology in Groningen, Netherlands, and completed them in Cyprus. She has specialized in the diagnosis of children and adolescents through the systemic perspective SANE-System Attachment Narrative Encephalon and in systemic psychotherapy for adults at the Institute for Training and Research in Systemic Psychotherapy "Logos Psychis". Additionally, she has received training in various areas, including School Psychology, Psychosomatic Health, and Crisis Management. She possesses notable experience, having worked in various public and private institutions. Furthermore, she has significant research experience, participating in conferences and seminars, where she has also presented her work.

Sotiropoulou Lida is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and operates a private practice in Patissia. She studied in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Hellenic Mediterranean University, from which she graduated in 2018. In 2021, she completed the postgraduate program "Science of Stress and Health Promotion" at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens with distinction ("Excellent"). Her thesis was titled "Stress management, the establishment of healthy behaviors, and their impact on heart rate variability and biological age." She has attended the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens training program on Eating Disorders. She collaborates with Alterlife gyms. She is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists, the Hellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists, and I.N.A.K.E.N.

Papadopoulou Elina is a physician specializing in General Family Medicine. She operates her private practice, “FamilyMed Center,” in Argos and Kiveri. She specialized at the General Hospital of Athens “G. Gennimatas.” She has received additional training in emergency prehospital medicine, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and infections. She is also trained in medical acupuncture. She holds a Master of Science degree in Occupational and Environmental Health from the National School of Public Health. She worked for 20 years in the National Health System (ESY), the last 12 years as a Consultant at the Lygourio Health Center, with on-call duties at the Nafplio and Argos Hospitals. She held the positions of coordinator of the 1st Local Health Unit (TOMY) of Argos and supervisor for the National Public Health Organization (EODY) for the Argolis Prefecture (KOMY) during the pandemic. She has attended numerous conferences and has produced a significant number of papers related to the broader field of primary health care.

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.

Renta Elisavet is a Dietitian-Nutritionist, graduate of Harokopio University of Athens. She holds a Master's degree in Applied Dietetics - Nutrition from Harokopio University, as well as a Certificate of Pedagogical and Teaching Competence. She conducts home visits and works as a Dietitian at the 2nd Municipal Clinic of the Municipality of Athens. She has served as an Instructor in the course "Practical (Healthy) Nutrition Advice" at the Lifelong Learning Center of the Municipalities of Zografou and Ilioupoli and has collaborated with gyms and the Department of Nutritional Education and Exercise of the Municipality of Palaio Faliro. Finally, she has attended numerous conferences and workshops aimed at continuous professional development in her field.

Drimala Panagiota is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist and maintains a private practice in Ampelokipoi. She studied at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She specialized in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at the largest independent Endocrinology Clinic and Diabetology Center in the country, located in the “Evangelismos” hospital. There, she gained extensive experience in managing patients with diabetes mellitus. Additionally, she specialized in gestational diabetes and thyroid disorders during pregnancy at the “Alexandra” and “Elena Venizelou” hospitals. As part of her continuous education, she has attended postgraduate programs related to Human Reproduction, Childhood Obesity, as well as specialization in Thyroid Ultrasound at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

Lyra Eleni is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist licensed to practice and maintains a private office in Pangrati. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at the Faculty of Philosophy of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 2012 and has been trained in EMDR Therapy. Since then, she has dedicated herself to the science of psychology as a therapist, initially training in early intervention for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Following this experience, she continued her psychotherapy training and specialized in Clinical Expressive Art Therapy at the Aion Institute under the guidance of Dr. Avi Goren Bar. Since 2015, she has maintained her private practice, where she provides psychotherapy services, specializing in various areas. Ms. Lyra offers a safe and supportive environment (a space where you can explore and express your emotions without fear), individualized therapies (together you will create a therapeutic program tailored to your specific needs and goals), and various techniques (she employs a variety of therapeutic techniques, including art therapy, to help you find new ways to cope with life’s challenges). Additionally, she offers services such as anxiety and stress management, panic attack treatment, depression management, emotional difficulties support, relationship and family problems management, and assistance with self-esteem and personal development issues. She has served as a board member of the Association of Expressive Therapists of Greece and actively participates in numerous conferences and seminars aimed at her ongoing professional development and excellent training. Finally, she has completed studies in acting and is professionally involved in theater and cinema.

Vasiliki Antoniou is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist specializing in eating disorders and obesity, providing online sessions. Her engagement with psychology began as a personal quest for meaning and understanding and evolved into a professional career aimed at supporting individuals facing challenges related to weight, nutrition, and body image. She is a graduate of the Psychological Sciences and Techniques program at Guglielmo Marconi University and is certified as a Master Practitioner in Eating Disorders and Obesity by the Center for Training and Treatment of Eating Disorders (KEADD). Currently, she is training in the Systemic Approach, enhancing her therapeutic practice with tools that focus on the dynamics of relationships, family, and the broader environment of the individual. In her professional practice, she collaborates with a pathologist in Athens, offering psychological support to individuals with increased body weight. Through a holistic approach, she helps people restore their relationship with food, their body, and, on a deeper level, with themselves. Finally, her specialist work focuses on individual sessions aimed at enhancing self-observation and managing emotional binge eating.

Mpenroumpi Marianna is a Diabetologist with a private practice in Kypseli and concurrently serves as a Scientific Collaborator at the Euroclinic of Athens. She is a graduate of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has undergone specialized training in Diabetology at King's College Hospital in London. She has served as the Director of the Diabetology Center at the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos." She has extensive experience in type 1 diabetes and insulin pumps, in the monitoring and management of diabetic foot problems, and in providing psychological support and education to individuals with diabetes. Finally, Dr. Mpenroumpi Marianna has served twice as the president of the Hellenic Diabetes Association.

Ioanna Marmarou BSc, MSc, PhD is a Clinical - Counseling Psychologist who maintains a private practice in the center of Athens, in Exarchia. She holds a PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of East London, a master's degree in Clinical & Community Psychology, and a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the same university. The therapist is a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society with professional license number 309612. The therapeutic process follows the Integrative Approach, which successfully incorporates Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, and Gestalt therapy. She holds certifications in School Psychology, Sexual Education for Children and Adolescents, and Drama Therapy. At Ioanna Marmarou's private practice, the counseling and psychotherapeutic process focuses on the uniqueness of each individual, allowing them to express every right - wrong, good - bad, normal - abnormal, realistic - imaginary, light - dark aspect of themselves and their broader life. The purpose of this therapeutic process is to serve as a journey for the client to explore their own self and their relationship with themselves, as well as the relationships and boundaries they have established within their social environment. A core principle of the therapist is the empowerment of the individual, aiming to build healthy relationships, achieve inner fulfillment, and maintain functionality in daily life.

Komninou Eui is a Psychologist, graduate of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with a professional license to practice. She conducts online counseling and psychotherapy sessions with children, adolescents, and adults. She maintains a strong commitment to continuous education and professional development, having attended numerous seminars and specialized training programs. Since 2023, she has gained valuable experience by completing her internship at the Mental Health Center of the Armed Forces. She has engaged in both psychological assessment using psychometric tools and individual and group sessions with children, adolescents, adults, and families, addressing issues such as addiction management, bridging family relationships, couples therapy, parental counseling, self-image improvement, and enhancing self-awareness. Her goal is to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment where authentic connection and meaningful psychological support are cultivated with respect for the uniqueness of each individual, through an approach grounded in empathy and acceptance. She invests in creating a trusting space where the individual can freely express themselves without fear of judgment. In this context, particular emphasis is placed on psychological safety, confidentiality, and a consistent therapeutic relationship, taking into account the needs, experiences, and uniqueness of each person.