Health professionals for Obesity in Athens

Η Σταυρουλάκη Γεωργία - Μαρία είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια με ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Κολωνάκι. Είναι κάτοχος διδακτορικού τίτλου (PsychD) στη Συμβουλευτική Ψυχολογία από το University of Roehampton στο Λονδίνο, αναγνωρισμένο από τη British Psychological Society. Η διδακτορική της διατριβή επικεντρώθηκε στον ρόλο του ναρκισσισμού στον τρόπο με τον οποίο οι συμβουλευτικοί ψυχολόγοι διαχειρίζονται τον εαυτό τους στη θεραπευτική σχέση, ακολουθώντας μια συνθετική προσέγγιση που ενσωματώνει στοιχεία γνωσιακής - συμπεριφορικής και ψυχοδυναμικής θεωρίας. Έχει επίσης αποκτήσει Professional Certificate στις δεξιότητες Συμβουλευτικής από το The Hellenic Association of Continuing Education (THACE)), ενώ είναι απόφοιτος του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Παντείου Πανεπιστημίου Κοινωνικών και Πολιτικών Επιστημών.

Από το 2016 έως σήμερα εργάζεται ως Ψυχολόγος στο Υπουργείο Παιδείας, παρέχοντας κλινική αξιολόγηση και ψυχο-συναισθηματική υποστήριξη σε μαθητές ηλικίας 4 έως 21 ετών, καθώς και ψυχοπαιδαγωγικές παρεμβάσεις στο σχολικό πλαίσιο. Παράλληλα, υποστηρίζει εκπαιδευτικούς, υλοποιεί σεμινάρια ευαισθητοποίησης και πρόληψης σε θέματα ψυχικής υγείας και διαφορετικότητας, συμβουλεύει γονείς και συνεργάζεται με φορείς όπως νοσοκομεία και κέντρα ψυχικής υγείας. Έχει εργαστεί ως ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και εισηγήτρια ψυχοεκπαιδευτικών σεμιναρίων στο ΠΑΙ.ΚΕ.ΨΥ, παρέχοντας αξιολόγηση και θεραπευτική παρέμβαση σε παιδιά με μαθησιακές και συμπεριφορικές δυσκολίες, καθώς και υποστήριξη σε γονείς. Στο Συμβουλευτικό Κέντρο του Πανεπιστημίου Κρήτης προσέφερε ατομικές συνεδρίες συμβουλευτικής σε φοιτητές, αντιμετωπίζοντας ζητήματα όπως άγχος, διαπροσωπικές δυσκολίες και μαθησιακές προκλήσεις.

Η επαγγελματική της εμπειρία στο Ηνωμένο Βασίλειο περιλαμβάνει τη συνεργασία με το Macmillan Bereavement Service στο Ealing Hospital, όπου παρείχε υποστήριξη πένθους σε ενήλικες, εφήβους και παιδιά, καθώς και με το Wandsworth Association of Psychotherapists και το Kid’s Company, προσφέροντας συμβουλευτική σε άτομα με άγχος, κατάθλιψη, διατροφικές διαταραχές και προβλήματα συμπεριφοράς. Επιπλέον, πραγματοποίησε την πρακτική της άσκηση στον ΟΚΑΝΑ Πειραιά, στο πρόγραμμα υποκατάστασης μεθαδόνης.

Στον ακαδημαϊκό τομέα, διδάσκει ως Καθηγήτρια Ψυχολογίας στο Aegean College από το 2022 έως σήμερα, σε προπτυχιακά και μεταπτυχιακά προγράμματα, ενώ στο παρελθόν διετέλεσε καθηγήτρια και υπεύθυνη προγράμματος Ψυχολογίας στο MBS Κολλέγιο Κρήτης, όπου δίδαξε πλήθος μαθημάτων και είχε ενεργό ρόλο στον συντονισμό και την ανάπτυξη του προγράμματος σπουδών.

Έχει συμμετάσχει ενεργά σε επιστημονικά συνέδρια και εκπαιδευτικά σεμινάρια, με εισηγήσεις σε θέματα όπως η ενίσχυση κινήτρων μάθησης, η διαφορετικότητα, ο σχολικός εκφοβισμός και οι ψυχοδυναμικές προσεγγίσεις στην αντιμετώπιση ψυχολογικών επιπτώσεων της πανδημίας COVID-19 σε παιδιά και εφήβους. Τέλος, έχει παρακολουθήσει πληθώρα εκπαιδευτικών προγραμμάτων και σεμιναρίων σε τομείς όπως η ψύχωση, η δραματοθεραπεία, η υποστήριξη ευάλωτων ομάδων και ο αυτισμός.

Η κ. Καλιακάτσου Ειρήνη είναι ειδικός Ενδοκρινολόγος - Διαβητολόγος και διατηρεί το ιδιωτικό της ιατρείο στο Κουκάκι ενώ, παράλληλα, εργάζεται ως Ενδοκρινολόγος στο Ιδιωτικό Πολυϊατρείο LIFECHECK Καλλιθέας, Χαϊδαρίου και Κορυδαλλού. Είναι πτυχιούχος της Ιατρικής Σχολής του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών. Ειδικεύτηκε στην Ενδοκρινολογία στην Ενδοκρινολογική Μονάδα και Κέντρο Σακχαρώδους Διαβήτη- Κέντρο Εμπειρογνωμοσύνης Σπάνιων Ενδοκρινολογικών Νοσημάτων στο Γενικό Νοσοκομείο Αθηνών “Γ. ΓΕΝΝΗΜΑΤΑΣ”.  Διατελεί μέλος του Ιατρικού Συλλόγου Αθηνών και της Ελληνικής Ενδοκρινολογικής Εταιρείας. Έχει εκπαιδευτεί και διαθέτει μεγάλη κλινική εμπειρία σε μεγάλο εύρος ενδοκρινολογικών παθήσεων, συμπεριλαμβανομένων του σακχαρώδη διαβήτη τύπου 1 & 2, σακχαρώδη διαβήτη κύησης, των νοσημάτων θυρεοειδούς και παραθυρεοειδών αδένων, των νοσημάτων των επινεφριδίων και της υπόφυσης, της ενδοκρινικής υπέρτασης, της οστεοπόρωσης και των νοσημάτων του μεταβολισμού ασβεστίου, των ενδοκρινοπαθειών κατά την κύηση, των διαταραχών εμμήνου ρύσεως και της παχυσαρκίας. Έχει συμμετάσχει σε ελληνικά και διεθνή συνέδρια και σεμινάρια Ενδοκρινολογίας και Σακχαρώδους Διαβήτη με συνεχή ενημέρωση για τις εξελίξεις της επιστήμης στον τομέα της. Τέλος, είναι κάτοχος πτυχίων στην Αγγλική, Γαλλική, Γερμανική και Ισπανική γλώσσα.

Katerina Xrysoulaki is a Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist, BSc, MSc, and she operates a private practice (Thought for food) in Exarchia, where she provides personalized nutrition services. She holds a degree from the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition Science at Harokopio University of Athens and possesses a bachelor's and master's degree (BSc - MSc) in Food Science and Human Nutrition from the Agricultural University of Athens. Furthermore, she holds a "Master Practitioner" certification in Eating Disorders and Obesity from KEADD in collaboration with NCFED of the UK. She completed her internship at selected nutrition centers, as well as at the General Hospital of Athens "Alexandra," gaining valuable experience in clinical and preventive settings. She continuously attends specialized seminars and educational programs, staying updated on the latest developments in Nutrition Science, clinical practice, and nutritional behavior. Her primary goal is to help people feel better and improve their lifestyle through nutrition. Based on scientific data, each program is tailored to the needs, daily routine, and lifestyle of each individual. Change does not come through restrictions but through conscious choices that respect the body and the needs of each person.

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.

Pop Olympia MSc is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in the center of Athens, specializing in psychological assessment, psychotherapy, and counseling. She obtained her degree from the University of Bucharest, which was subsequently recognized by DOATAP. She pursued further training in Applied Psychology with a specialization in Counseling at the American College of Greece. She has collaborated with and provided psychological services in various private and public institutions, such as the social service of the Agios Eleftherios municipal clinics, the social service of the Municipality of Keratsini - Drapetsona, and the Network for Children's Rights. She has received training and provides supervised psychological services in the following areas: assessment of minors and parental counseling at the Child Mental Health Center, assessment of the elderly and caregiver counseling at the Alzheimer Center of the Nestor Psychogeriatric Society, and group support in the reintegration department for individuals over 18 years old. Since 2009, she has been a member of the Hellenic Association of Psychologists.

Anastopoulou Filippa is a Psychologist (MSc) offering online sessions. She holds a degree from the Department of Applied Psychology at the University of Derby and a postgraduate qualification in Clinical Psychology and Counseling. She continually enhances her knowledge through specialized seminars on mental health and psychotherapy topics, while also undergoing training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She is a member of the Cyprus Association of Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapists (S.G.S.P.K.) and the EABCT. She possesses significant clinical experience, having worked in mental health facilities, including a Psychiatry department, providing support to individuals with various psychological difficulties. Her work focuses on the management of anxiety, somatoform and depressive disorders, grief, addictions, and other mental health issues. With scientific training and a person-centered approach, she delivers high-quality psychological support and therapy services.

Haroula Tsatsani is a Psychologist, graduate of the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), and a Relational Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist, certified by the Institute of Relational and Group Psychotherapy (ISOPS). She is a member of the International Association for Relational Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy (IARPP) and the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA). She has successfully completed the Master's Program in "Clinical Management of Addictions" at the Athens Medical School and has extensive clinical experience in public and private mental health institutions. She has collaborated with Day Centers (Ariadni–KMOP, Galini–Prometheus), the Psychological Support Hotline 10306, primary and secondary education schools as a school psychologist, as well as hospitals such as "Evangelismos". Additionally, she has experience in the diagnosis and treatment of sexual dysfunctions, as well as supporting children and adolescents in shelters for unaccompanied minors. Currently, she maintains a private practice in Mets, providing psychotherapy to adults and adolescents facing difficulties in interpersonal relationships, mental disorders, psychosomatic symptoms, addictions, and other challenges. Simultaneously, she collaborates with the psychotherapeutic center "Psychoplefsi" in Athens and the Konstantakou office in Western Attica. She holds a Professional Practice License as a Psychologist (7894/12.10.2016) and receives consistent supervision and training, continuously advancing her personal and professional development.

Η Ελισάβετ Σκουτέρη είναι Κλινική Διαιτολόγος - Διατροφολόγος, BSc, MSc, και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο (Thought for food) στα Εξάρχεια. Παρέχει εξατομικευμένες υπηρεσίες διατροφικής υποστήριξης και εκπαίδευσης. Αποφοίτησε από το Τμήμα Επιστήμης Διαιτολογίας - Διατροφής του Χαροκόπειου Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών και συνέχισε τις σπουδές της παρακολουθώντας το διετές Μεταπτυχιακό Πρόγραμμα Σπουδών "Σακχαρώδης Διαβήτης και Παχυσαρκία" της Ιατρικής Σχολής του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών. Στο πλαίσιο της πρακτικής της άσκησης απέκτησε πολύτιμη εμπειρία στο Νοσοκομείο Παίδων "Η Αγία Σοφία" και σε ιδιωτικό διαιτολογικό γραφείο, όπου συνέχισε να εργάζεται. Είναι μέλος του Συλλόγου Διαιτολόγων - Διατροφολόγων Ελλάδος (HDNA) και επενδύει στη συνεχή επιμόρφωσή της μέσω εξειδικευμένων σεμιναρίων και εκπαιδευτικών προγραμμάτων. Διαθέτει πάνω από 5 χρόνια επαγγελματικής εμπειρίας, έχοντας υποστηρίξει διαφορετικά περιστατικά και εξατομικευμένες διατροφικές ανάγκες. Στόχος της είναι να προσφέρει διατροφική υποστήριξη με απλό και μεθοδικό τρόπο, με σεβασμό στις ανάγκες και την καθημερινότητα κάθε ατόμου, συμβάλλοντας παράλληλα στην υιοθέτηση πιο υγιεινών και ισορροπημένων διατροφικών συνηθειών.

Maggana Efi is a Psychologist - Clinical Hypnotherapist and operates her private practice in Kolonaki, where she addresses a wide range of psychological issues including anxiety disorders, depression, interpersonal relationship challenges, and personality disorders. She holds a degree in Psychology from Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences. Additionally, she earned a Master's degree in Occupational Psychology from the University of East London and a second Master's degree in Health and Occupational Psychology from the University of Paris, Université Paris 8.

Furthermore, she completed a one-year training program and internship in Clinical Hypnotherapy at the Institut Français d’Hypnose in Paris. She has professional experience as a Mental Health Counselor and HR consultant, having worked in France at the "Hôpital Kremlin-Bicêtre" in Paris and in Greece at the “EANP METAΞA” hospital.

She is currently undertaking further training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at the DDEEΨY (Department of Psychological Education and Clinical Training) and regularly participates in various professional seminars in Psychology.

Angeliki Xatzimanoli, MSc is a Psychologist, certified Psychotherapist, and maintains a private practice in Ilisia. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at the University of Central Lancashire and graduated from the Department of Social Policy at Panteion University. Additionally, she has a master's degree in "Addiction Treatment - Addictology" from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, in collaboration with the Medical School of Athens. Currently, she is training in "Systemic Psychotherapy and Counseling" at the Center for Systemic Study and Therapy of Athens (Ke.S.Me.Th.). Throughout her career, she has volunteered with the Non-Governmental Organizations "ActionAid Hellas" and the International Cybersecurity Institute (CSI). She served as a Psychologist for the NGO "The Home Project" and collaborates as an external associate with the Center for Special Therapies "Oikogeneia." She also writes voluntarily for the website ''efiveia.gr,'' focusing on family and its connection and collaboration with the online therapy platform Terappin. She has been trained in the application of the Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy protocol (TF-CBT). She provides psychological support to children, adolescents, and adults. It is noteworthy that she participated in authoring the European program "TRACeD," within the framework of actions for the awareness and prevention of online gender-based violence. In her private practice, she undertakes the assessment, monitoring, and psychotherapeutic treatment of various psychological difficulties, such as anxiety disorders, depressive episodes, adjustment disorders, personality disorders, as well as issues related to interpersonal relationships and self-esteem.

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.

Katerina Leventouri is a Clinical Psychologist (MSc) - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Exarchia. She graduated with honors from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (GPA 8.75) and holds a professional license. She has completed postgraduate studies in Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, specializing in Clinical Psychology with a grade of Excellent (9.14). During her postgraduate studies, she worked in the mental health department of the Hellenic Center for Mental Health and Research in Thessaloniki, as well as in the acute cases department of the Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki, handling a wide range of cases and gaining valuable experience in managing mental health issues such as anxiety, mood, and personality disorders. She has a particular interest in eating disorders, having collaborated as a trainee Clinical Psychologist with the Day Center for Eating Disorders ElpiZo of EPAPSY. Simultaneously, she has attended a one-year educational seminar on the treatment of eating disorders and has also conducted research on the topic. Additionally, she has participated in a research team at University College Cork in Ireland focusing on combating stigma in patients with chronic pain. As a professional, she places great emphasis on lifelong education, personal therapy, and supervision. As a psychotherapist, she follows an individualized approach, respecting each person's unique history, pace, and request within a safe framework of exploration and self-acceptance.

Theodorou Marigo is a psychologist-psychotherapist and maintains her private practice in Ilisia. She holds a degree in psychology from the University of Central Lancashire and is a trainee group psychotherapist at the S. H. Foulkes Institute of Group Analysis. She provides her services at the 7th municipal clinic of the Municipality of Athens, and has previously collaborated with various agencies and organizations such as the Society for Regional Development and Mental Health (EPAPSY), METAdrasi, and the digital platform "Speak to Me." Additionally, during her internship, she worked with the supportive and counseling 24-hour SOS hotline "By Your Side" of the Greek Network of European Women for women who have experienced violence. After completing her internship, she also provided counseling and psychotherapy services.

Ermioni Margariti is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist who conducts sessions at her private office located at 15 Laodikeias Street (opposite the Athens Concert Hall) as well as online. She graduated from Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences – Department of Psychology and has specialized in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Adults, Children, and Adolescents at the Institute for Research and Therapy of Behavior (I.E.TH.S. – a four-year study program) leading to European certification from the EABCT. She has attended numerous seminars and training programs, including the Postgraduate Seminar in Clinical Psychopathology "PANAGIOTIS OULIS" and the Postgraduate Seminar in Clinical Skills in Psychopathology "PANAGIOTIS OULIS" at Aeginiteio Hospital – 1st Psychiatric Clinic. She has clinical experience in municipal clinics of the Municipality of Athens, school units of all levels, in streetwork of the Municipality of Athens, and at the Institute for Research & Therapy of Behavior. Since 2021, she has been providing private psychotherapy to adolescents and adults while continuing her clinical training.

Zagkalis Theologos is a General Practitioner providing online medical services. He is a graduate of the Medical School of Varna Medical University and holds a postgraduate specialization degree in Public Health from the National School of Public Health. He served as a salaried resident physician during his ten-month training for obtaining the General Medicine specialty at the Nea Makri Health Center and later at the General Hospital of Athens "Korgialenio - Benakeio" - Hellenic Red Cross. He has held the position of Assistant General Practitioner, grade B Registrar, at the Primary Health Care Center - Lavrio Health Center, and Assistant General Practitioner with the rank of NHS Physician, Registrar B, at the Primary Health Care Center - Nea Makri Health Center. Finally, from 2022 to 2025, he collaborated with Affidea in the 24-hour DrOnline program, a telemedicine platform offering consultations via text messages and video calls, and was responsible for conducting pre-insurance medical examinations for applicants on behalf of Ethniki Insurance.

Kalaitzi Myrto is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Nea Filothei. She graduated with honors from the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, as well as from the Department of Philosophy, Education, and Psychology with a specialization in Psychology at the same university. Subsequently, she pursued postgraduate studies in "Applied Clinical Psychology" at UCLAN University in England and underwent psychodynamic training in the diagnosis and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults at DIKEPSY. She has worked as a Psychologist at KEDASY, in primary schools of the Chalandri municipality, and in a special secondary education school. Additionally, she has been employed at the Psychosocial Unit of the Samos Reception and Identification Center (KYT) of the National Public Health Organization (EODY) and at a center for therapy of children and adolescents. She possesses extensive experience with all age groups (children, adolescents, adults) and vulnerable populations. Finally, she has participated in numerous educational and scientific seminars, conferences, and workshops.

Papataksiarxis Euaggelos MSc is a Dietitian - Nutritionist with a private practice in Ampelokipoi. He holds a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki and a master's degree (MSc) with distinction in Applied Dietetics - Nutrition from Harokopio University of Athens. He specializes in modifying dietary behaviors through lifestyle habit changes in both adults and children and creates personalized nutrition programs for weight modification, pathological cases, and athletes. He participates in numerous seminars and conferences to stay updated on developments in the field and delivers lectures at conferences, talks at schools and associations, and television interviews on nutrition topics. Lastly, he is a member of the Hellenic Dietitians - Nutritionists Association and the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists.

Valsamidou Foteini is a General and Homeopathic physician with private practices in Glyfada and Pangrati. She graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a diploma from the International Academy of Homeopathy. She specialized in general medicine at the General Hospital of Athens "Korgialenio - Benakeio" and at the Markopoulo Health Center. The doctor provides individualized treatment for each case using classical homeopathy. In her private practice, she treats conditions such as allergic diseases, constipation, dysmenorrhea, polycystic ovary syndrome, headaches, menstrual problems, irritable bowel syndrome, and psoriasis.