Health professionals for Obesity near Chalandri

Dr. Ioannis Virlos is a General Surgeon who maintains a private practice in Glyfada. He graduated from the Medical School of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, obtaining his medical degree in 1990. In 2000, he earned a Master’s degree in Surgical Sciences (MSc in Surgical Sciences) as well as a Diploma from Imperial College London (Diploma Imperial College), United Kingdom. In 2009, he was awarded a Doctorate (Medical Doctorate) from the University of Manchester, UK.He has been a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (FRCSEd.) since 1998 and of the Intercollegiate Board in Surgery of the United Kingdom (FRCS (Gen Surg)) since 2008. Since 2011, he has been a Fellow of the European Board of Surgery in the field of Colorectal Surgery (FEBS (Coloproctology)).Dr Ioannis Virlos is a specialized colorectal and bariatric surgeon, also trained in minimally invasive surgery — both laparoscopic and robotic. He has received training not only in Greece but also in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Belgium.After completing his military service in 1992, he trained in General Surgery in hospitals in Athens and the United Kingdom between 1992 and 1999, obtaining his specialty title in General Surgery in 1999. From 2002 to 2012, he served as a surgical consultant in hospitals in the UK, Australia, Belgium, and Greece. Specifically, he worked at the following hospitals in the UK: North Middlesex, Arrowe Park, Derriford, Torbay, Exeter, Cheltenham, and North Bristol, as well as at Sir Charles Gairdner University Hospital in Perth, Australia, and Sotiria Hospital in Athens (as Senior Consultant).During the same period, he received advanced training in laparoscopic colorectal surgery and laparoscopic bariatric surgery at Singleton Hospital in Swansea, UK, and Heilighart Ziekenhuis in Roeselare, Belgium.From 2012 to 2021, he worked as a Consultant Surgeon at the following hospitals in the UK: Ealing Hospital, Homerton University Hospital, John Radcliffe & Churchill Hospitals in Oxford, Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Northampton General Hospital, and University Hospitals of Derby and Burton. He returned to Greece in 2021.Since 2023, Mr. Virlos has been the Director of Surgery at Metropolitan General Hospital in Athens. He also serves as the General Secretary of the Hellenic Society of Coloproctology. Finally, for the period 2025–2028, he will represent Greece at the European Society of Coloproctology.

Η Φανακίδου Ιωάννα είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στη Νέα Ιωνία. Είναι απόφοιτη του Προγράμματος Ψυχολογίας της Φιλοσοφικής Σχολής του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών και ολοκλήρωσε με άριστα τις μεταπτυχιακές της σπουδές στην Ψυχολογία της Υγείας στο University of Central Lancashire του Preston. Το 2019 ολοκλήρωσε την εκπαίδευσή της στην Κλινική Υπνοθεραπεία (Solution Focused Clinical Hypnotherapy) από το αναγνωρισμένο κέντρο Clifton Practice Hypnotherapy Training της Βορείου Ιρλανδίας. Επιπρόσθετα, έχει εκπαιδευτεί και συνεργαστεί ως Ειδικός σεξουαλικής υγείας στο Ινστιτούτο Ψυχικής και Σεξουαλικής Υγείας. Παράλληλα, έχει ολοκληρώσει το ετήσιο μετεκπαιδευτικό σεμινάριο Κλινικής Ψυχοπαθολογίας «Παναγιώτης Ουλής»από το Ε.Π.Ι.Ψ.Υ. καθώς και το εκπαιδευτικό σεμινάριο στις «Διατροφικές Διαταραχές» στο Εκπαιδευτικό Κέντρο της Μονάδας Απεξάρτησης 18 Άνω. Είναι μέλος του Βρετανικού Συλλόγου Ψυχολόγων και τακτικό μέλος του Συλλόγου Ελλήνων Ψυχολόγων. Τέλος, αρθρογραφεί σε ελληνικά περιοδικά και ιστοσελίδες, με θέματα που αφορούν την ψυχική και σεξουαλική υγεία, ενώ έχει διεξάγει πληθώρα σεμιναρίων σεξουαλικής διαπαιδαγώγησης σε Δημοτικά, Γυμνάσια και Λύκεια τόσο σε γονείς και εκπαιδευτικούς όσο και σε μαθητές, καθώς και σεμινάρια που αφορούν τις σεξουαλικές δυσλειτουργίες και διαταραχές.

Meladaki Dimitra Kai Synergates is a Dietitian - Nutritionist maintaining a private practice in Nea Ionia. She holds a master's degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Glasgow, Scotland, and a bachelor's degree in Dietetics - Nutrition Science from Harokopio University of Athens. Additionally, she has specialized in Obesity and Weight Management at the University of Glasgow. Throughout her career, she has provided voluntary dietetic services to the municipalities of Cholargos and Papagos, and currently collaborates with Harokopio University on research projects as well as with mednutrition to educate the public on nutrition-related topics. Furthermore, she is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists of Greece and has attended numerous conferences and workshops on Nutrition and Dietetics held in Greece.

Oikonomou Nansy is a Specialist Pathologist and maintains private practices in Peristeri and Neo Psychiko, where she provides high-quality medical care. She has many years of experience and specialization in the field of pathology. She completed her specialty at the General Hospital of Attica "Sismanoglio," has served as a collaborator in the Oncology Clinic at the private clinic 'Iaso,' as well as in the Oncology Clinic of 'Hygeia' Hospital, managing a wide range of medical issues such as the nutrition of oncology patients. Additionally, she has served as a scientific collaborator in the Psychiatric Clinic "Panagia I Grigorousa," handling the management of pathological problems of psychiatric patients. Committed to the quality of healthcare, she is a reliable choice for those seeking meticulous medical care, including home care services, as she also undertakes home hospitalization cases upon request.

Maria Mantzourani is a Dietitian - Nutritionist with private practices in Nea Ionia and Nea Erythrea. She holds a degree from the Department of Dietetics - Nutrition at Harokopio University and a degree from the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has over 10 years of experience as a Dietitian - Nutritionist, as well as an exercise and fitness consultant, having managed thousands of cases. She possesses expertise in body weight management for adults and children, offering personalized nutrition programs and specialized services for clinical cases (such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, and others). Additionally, she has significant experience in regulating and improving metabolic rate and provides specifically tailored programs for pregnant and breastfeeding women, along with appropriate education and thorough information on their nutritional needs. Moreover, she designs programs tailored to the nutritional requirements of athletes, students, adolescents, and the elderly, offers individualized monitoring for cases of eating disorders, and monitors body composition through detailed anthropometric and body fat measurements. Finally, she is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians-Nutritionists and other associations in Greece and abroad, and consistently attends conferences organized by the Medical and Pharmaceutical Association.

Dr. Xarikleia Xristakou is an Endocrinologist with a private practice in Vrilissia. She completed her studies at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She began her clinical and research career in the Endocrinology Department of the First Internal Medicine Clinic at Laiko Hospital in Athens and at the Endocrinology and Metabolism Unit of the Ευγενίδειο Therapeutic Institute, with a special interest in disorders of female reproduction and metabolism. She was awarded the title of Doctor of Medicine from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in 2014. Subsequently, she specialized at the First University Pediatric Clinic of the "Agia Sofia" Children’s Hospital, focusing on Pediatric Endocrinology. She continued and completed her specialization in Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism at the First Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine Clinic of Laiko Hospital. She is the author of scientific articles in reputable Greek and international journals and has contributed to the authorship of Greek and international scientific textbooks on Endocrinology. Additionally, she has participated as a speaker at Greek and international conferences. Since January 2022, she has been an academic fellow at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, where she has been involved in clinical and teaching activities. Furthermore, as a member of the interdisciplinary team at the Center of Excellence for Neuroendocrine Diseases at the University of Athens at Laiko Hospital, she actively participates in Medical Board meetings, where interesting patient cases are discussed with the aim of accurate diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients with neuroendocrine diseases. She also serves as an instructor in the postgraduate program "Endocrine Neoplasms".

Maria Giannakou is an Endocrinologist and operates a private practice in Vrilissia. She specializes in Diabetes and Metabolism and holds a PhD from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Her doctoral thesis focused on chronic autoimmune thyroiditis and the nutritional and oxidative factors influencing its progression. She has extensive experience in university and hospital settings, having trained at the Center of Expertise for Rare Endocrine Diseases of the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos," as well as in the 1st Oncology Clinic of the General Oncology Hospital "Agioi Anargyroi." Currently, she is a consulting endocrinologist at the Endocrinology Unit of the University of Athens and at Medifirst in Marousi. She is a member of the Athens Medical Association, the General Medical Council of the United Kingdom, and the Endocrinological Society, remaining actively informed of scientific developments in her field.

Piki Eirini works as a psychologist, psychotherapist, family therapist, lecturer and supervisor. She is a member of the ‘Greek Psychological Association’ as well as the ‘Hellenic Association of Systemic Therapy (HELASYTH). She has also obtained the European Certificate in Psychology (EuroPsy), and a work license as a psychologist (No. 5522/07). She completed her undergraduate degree (BSc) at the University of North London and her postgraduate (MA) and doctoral (PhD) studies at Goldsmiths University of London. Furthermore, she completed a training in individual, group and family psychotherapy at the Laboratory for the Study of Human Relations. She has worked for several years in different contexts in the field of psychology, such as in prisons, nursing homes and orphanages. She has given lectures at Goldsmiths University of London (UK) and at Mediterranean College (Greece). Since 2002, she has taken part in several seminars, with the aim of informing either the laymen or specific groups, such as parents, teachers and/or mental health care professionals. Since 2005, she has been working in private practice at her office in Agia Paraskevi, Athens, as a psychologist-psychotherapist for children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, as a group therapist, and also as a supervisor. Moreover, since 2005, she has been cooperating with a number of nurseries and, since 2012, she is in collaboration with the European Network of Women, which is an NGO dealing with issues of interfamilial violence and racial discrimination.

Maurandrea Nota is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist, PhD Candidate at the Medical School of the University of Athens, and maintains a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. She works with adults and adolescents facing mental health challenges such as eating disorders, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, addictions, difficulties in interpersonal relationships, low self-esteem, and others. Additionally, she supports parents in strengthening their role. Her approach is based on developing a therapeutic relationship in which the patient can safely and confidently understand and connect with themselves. Regarding her education, she is a graduate of the Psychology Department of the University of Crete with postgraduate studies in Addiction Treatment. She is specialized in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy and concurrently specializes in the Treatment of Eating Disorders at Aeginiteio Hospital, where she also serves as a Scientific Collaborator in the respective Unit.

Dr. Dermitzakis Stylianos is a Pathologist, founder and owner of the Premedicare Medical Center. He graduated from the Medical School of the University of Rome "La Sapienza" and holds a postgraduate degree in "Health Unit Management" from the School of Social Sciences of the Hellenic Open University of Patras. Within his specialty training, he served at the 1st IKA Hospital "Papadimitriou," the Regional General Hospital of Attica "Sismanoglio," as well as at the Military Fund Nursing Institution NIMTS. Additionally, he served as Head of Pathology at the Athens Bioclinic and concurrently was Director of Medical Services at Cross Border, providing medical coverage to medical tourism patients.

Dr. Maria Livanou, PhD, MSc, Senior Lecturer, is a Psychologist and Psychotherapist specializing in child and adolescent therapy, with a particular emphasis on the psychodynamic approach. She has an academic background in the United States and the United Kingdom and holds an academic post at King’s College London (KCL). Her research focuses on child and adolescent mental health.

Her therapeutic approach is primarily grounded in psychodynamic therapy, aiming to understand deeper emotional processes and relationship patterns. At the same time, it remains individualized and holistic, responding to the unique needs of each child, adolescent, adult, and family.

During sessions, parental counselling and parent therapy are offered—from pregnancy through the early years of the child—along with support for families during early parenthood. Discussions may include topics related to early child development and the parent–infant relationship. She places particular emphasis on addressing communication difficulties, enhancing psychological well-being, building self-confidence, and improving social relationships.

She works with a wide range of issues concerning childhood and adolescence, including:

• Anxiety and anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, panic attacks)
• Phobias, separation anxiety, and attachment issues
• Depressive mood, depression, social withdrawal
• Adjustment difficulties and emotional distress
• Psychosomatic symptom
• Low self-esteem
• Difficulties in communication and social relationships, family conflicts, and adaptation to change (e.g., divorce)
• Grief and loss management
• Eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image concerns
• School-related difficulties, academic stress, and performance anxiety
• Issues of identity, self-image, and adolescent development
• Conduct problems, anger management difficulties, delinquent behavior
• Family counselling and therapy
• Neurodevelopmental difficulties (e.g., autism, ADHD)
• Trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), developmental trauma, and adverse childhood experiences

Η Ηλιοπούλου Τέτα είναι Σύμβουλος Ψυχικής Υγείας με πολυετή επαγγελματική εμπειρία, η οποία ξεπερνά τα είκοσι έτη. Παρέχει υπηρεσίες συμβουλευτικής και ψυχοθεραπείας, πραγματοποιώντας συνεδρίες δια ζώσης και διαδικτυακά.

Οι σπουδές της περιλαμβάνουν:

·        Κοινωνική Εργασία (Chette College)

·        Συνθετική Συμβουλευτική Ψυχοθεραπεία (Athens Synthesis Centre)

·        Ψυχολογία [BSc (Hons) Psychology Πανεπιστήμιο του Essex]

Από το 2005 ασχολείται με την συμβουλευτική ζεύγους, την προσωπική θεραπεία και συντονίζει ομάδες αυτογνωσίας – ψυχοθεραπείας.

Από το 2010 διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στη Νέα Ιωνία Αττικής.

Ενημερώνεται συνεχώς στον εξελισσόμενο χώρο της ψυχολογίας και ψυχοθεραπείας, μέσω σεμιναρίων και διαρκή προσωπική ανάπτυξη.

Επίσης, συνεργάζεται με ψυχίατρο όπου απαιτείται και διατηρεί την εποπτεία των περιστατικών της.

Η επαγγελματική υποστήριξη προσφέρει ένα ασφαλές πλαίσιο αποδοχής, σεβασμού και εχεμύθειας. Απευθύνεται σε όσους επιθυμούν να διαχειριστούν προσωπικές ή διαπροσωπικές δυσκολίες, να ξεπεράσουν συναισθηματικά αδιέξοδα και να επενδύσουν στην αυτογνωσία και την προσωπική τους εξέλιξη.

Η θεωρητική προσέγγιση που ακολουθείται είναι συνθετική, συνδυάζοντας στοιχεία και τεχνικές από διαφορετικές κατευθύνσεις, με βασικούς πυλώνες τις εξής:

Τη Γνωσιακή - Συμπεριφορική για αναγνώριση και τροποποίηση του σκεπτικού και της συμπεριφοράς που δείχνουν αδιέξοδα.

Την Ψυχοδυναμική για ιχνηλάτηση του παρελθόντος (πρώιμες παιδικές εμπειρίες) που έχουν διαμορφώσει ένα μοντέλο λειτουργίας του ατόμου.

Την Υπαρξιακή που εστιάζει στις επιλογές του παρόντος, στο προσωπικό νόημα και στις σχέσεις. Παρέχει ένα πλαίσιο διαχείρισης θεμελιωδών υπαρξιακών ζητημάτων (άγχος, μοναξιά, ελευθερία, φόβος θανάτου). Στις ομάδες εφαρμόζεται αποκλειστικά η συγκεκριμένη προσέγγιση.

Κυρίαρχη σε κάθε περίπτωση, η Προσωποκεντρική θεώρηση, όπου η έμφαση δίνεται πρώτα στον άνθρωπο και έπειτα στο πρόβλημά του. Υπάρχει η πίστη ότι κάθε άτομο διαθέτει θετικές πλευρές και ένα εσωτερικό δυναμικό, ικανό να υποστηρίξει την ανάπτυξη και την υπέρβαση των δυσκολιών της ζωής. 

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.

Kiousi Katerina is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains private practices in Paiania and Cholargos. She holds a degree in Nutrition Science from the School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom and a postgraduate degree in Education and Public Health Promotion from King’s College London. Additionally, she holds a Diploma in Basic Clinical Practice and Health Investigation from seminars attended at the International Academy of Health Investigation, Brookwood. She has gained significant professional experience and currently serves as the scientific director of the dietetics center at Voulioukaleio Clinic in Aigaleo and as an External Associate of boarding schools. In her private practices, she provides comprehensive nutrition programs tailored to individual needs. Finally, she has attended numerous industry conferences and is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists.