Health professionals for Obesity in Attica

Mpooules Katri Tereza is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Ilioupoli. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Nicosia in Cyprus and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and Health Psychology from the Autonomous University of Barcelona. She specializes in a four-year training program in Systemic - Family Psychotherapy at the Institute for Education and Research in Systemic Psychotherapy "Logo Psychis." She has attended numerous educational seminars, and currently, in addition to her private practice, she serves as a Psychologist at the Athens Therapy Center. Previously, she has worked as a Psychologist for the Municipality of Ilioupoli and has completed her internship at the Institute of Mental Health & Personal Development "Galinos" as well as at ALMA (Panhellenic Association for Adaptive Activities). In her private practice, she manages a variety of cases, utilizing her scientific expertise and always prioritizing the best possible service to meet the individualized needs of each client she undertakes.

Kourkouti Chrysoula is an endocrinologist and runs her private practice in Markopoulo. She graduated from the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and completed further training in the Pituitary Department at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in the UK. During her residency, she served at Lamia General Hospital and Agia Sofia General Hospital, and has also worked at the Health Center of Markopoulo and AEMY Kera-tea. In her private practice, she addresses a wide range of cases within her specialty, always focusing on providing the best possible care tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

O Θεοδωρόπουλος Αργύρης MSc είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπευτής και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Σύνταγμα. Είναι αριστούχος απόφοιτος του Λυκείου Αμαρουσίου Αναβρύτων και του τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Πανεπιστημίου Κρήτης. Οι μεταπτυχιακές του σπουδές στο Εθνικό και Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών αφορούν την πρόληψη και την προαγωγή της ψυχικής υγείας. Όσον αφορά την ψυχοθεραπεία, έχει εξειδίκευση στη Γνωσιακή – Συμπεριφορική ψυχοθεραπεία (Ινστιτούτο Έρευνας και Θεραπείας της Συμπεριφοράς, πρόεδρος Καλαντζή-Αζίζι Αναστασία, Ομότιμη Καθηγήτρια Κλινικής Ψυχολογίας, Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών) και στη Συστημική – Υπαρξιακή ψυχοθεραπεία (Εκπαιδευτικό Κέντρο Συστημικής και Υπαρξιακής Ψυχοθεραπείας, πρόεδρος Καραγιάννης Δημήτρης, ψυχίατρος – ψυχοθεραπευτής). Η Γνωσιακή – Συμπεριφορική θεραπεία βοηθάει τον άνθρωπο να κατανοήσει και να επιλύσει τα διάφορα συμπτώματα (συμπτώματα κατάθλιψης : άσχημη διάθεση, απώλεια ενεργητικότητας, ανηδονία, αρνητικές σκέψεις κ.ά. και συμπτώματα άγχους : κρίσεις πανικού, ψυχαναγκασμοί, ψυχοσωματικά κ.ά.). Η Συστημική – Υπαρξιακή Θεραπεία συμβάλλει στο να κατανοήσει το άτομο τα προβλήματα σχέσης και οικογένειας που δημιουργούνται καθώς εντοπίζει τα λάθη που το ίδιο κάνει στην αλληλεπίδραση και στο πώς σχετίζεται με τους άλλους ανθρώπους, συνδέοντας παράλληλα πώς ο ίδιος έχει επηρεαστεί από την οικογένεια στην οποία μεγάλωσε. Η Υπαρξιακή Ψυχοθεραπεία κινητοποιεί τον άνθρωπο να αξιοποιήσει τις δυνατότητές του, να τις εξελίξει σε ικανότητες και να βιώσει ολοκλήρωση και ευχαρίστηση στη ζωή του. Οπότε ο συνδυασμός των παραπάνω ψυχοθεραπευτικών προσεγγίσεων βοηθάει με τον καλύτερο τρόπο τον άνθρωπο αγγίζοντας τον εις βάθος. Εκτός από την ψυχοθεραπεία, η οποία είναι η βασική του επαγγελματική δραστηριότητα, ο Αργύρης Θεοδωρόπουλος έχει εργαστεί σε διάφορα δημόσια και ιδιωτικά πλαίσια (σχολεία, νοσοκομεία, κλινικές κ.ά.). Η εκπαιδευτική του εμπειρία περιλαμβάνει τη διδασκαλία σε ιδιωτικές σχολές Ψυχολογίας μαθημάτων σχετικά με τη διάγνωση και τη θεραπεία ψυχικών και σεξουαλικών διαταραχών. Εργασίες του έχουν δημοσιευτεί σε ελληνικά και διεθνή ψυχολογικά και ψυχιατρικά συνέδρια, όπως το Πανελλήνιο Συνέδριο Ψυχιατρικής, το International Psychiatric Conference, το World Congress for Mental Health, το Πανελλήνιο Συνέδριο Ψυχολογίας, το Συνέδριο Εφηβικής Ιατρικής κ.ά. Επίσης, συμμετείχε στη συγγραφή των βιβλίων «Ας μιλήσουμε για τις σχέσεις μας» (εκδόσεις Λιβάνης), «Για σένα έφηβε» (εκδόσεις Μίνωας) και «Σεξουαλική Υγεία» (εκδόσεις Λιβάνης). Τέλος, ο ειδικός αρθρογραφεί σε περιοδικά, εφημερίδες και ηλεκτρονικό τύπο (tovima.gr, in.gr, protothema.gr, iatronet κ.ά).

Poulis Arsenios is a Specialist in Internal Medicine, a collaborator of the Diagnostic Therapeutic Center of Athens "HYGEIA" for many years, and maintains a private practice in Alsoupoli, Nea Ionia. He is a graduate of the Medical School of the University of Ioannina. He completed his specialty in Internal Medicine and trained in Medical Acupuncture, Chinese Acupuncture, Auricular Neuromodulation (auriculotherapy), and New Cranial Acupuncture according to YAMAMOTO (YNSA). During his professional career, he served for 17 years as a Chief Consultant in the 1st Pathological Oncology Clinic of the "HYGEIA" Hospital. Currently, he is a collaborator at "HYGEIA" Hospital with extensive experience in managing pathological diseases and applying Medical Acupuncture. Finally, he is a member of the Hellenic Institute of Acupuncture Education as well as a founding member of the Academy of Auricular Neuromodulation.

Lyrarakis Konstantinos has a private practice in Pallini, Attica. He holds a diploma as a Mental Health Counselor from the Athens Synthesis Centre, recognized by the internationally renowned Counselling and Psychotherapy Organization COSCA (Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland). He has been awarded the "COSCA Counselling Skills Certificate," recognized by Napier University of Edinburgh. He has completed a one-year training program focused on Parent-Adolescent relationships. He has extensive experience working with couple relationships aimed at finding solutions. He has contributed articles to an online health newspaper, offering opinions and solutions on contemporary issues. He has authored and published a book related to relationships. He collaborates with companies to address issues concerning employee relationships and communication. He organizes and delivers seminars for company executives with the goal of improving workplace communication. He applies an approach tailored to the needs of executives. Focused on improving relationships, he develops communication methods at the workplace, family, and individual levels. He implements an integrative therapeutic model, identifying the needs of each individual. With acceptance, non-judgment, and empathy, he accompanies the client on their journey of personal development. Targeting the strengthening of mental and overall physical health, he supports clients in managing their fears and concerns. His areas of practice include anxiety management, separation, low self-esteem, depression, panic attacks, employee relations, support and empowerment for business executives, family businesses, succession management, and more. He offers individual and couples therapy daily at his private office. Online sessions are also available.

Synetos Dionysios is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Chalandri. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of East London, and has specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling in Kallithea. He has completed an internship at the Alzheimer Day Center in Maroussi and has managed cases at the Psychogeriatric Society "Nestor" as part of his CBT internship and continues to volunteer there to this day. Additionally, he has worked privately with individuals with autism and currently works at the Day Center of PESOPSY in Vyronas.

Pyksara Souzana is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains her practice in Neo Iraklio. She studied at the Technological Educational Institute of Larissa and holds a professional license.​ Her career path led her to recognize the close relationship between psychology and nutrition, which guided her to specialize as a "Master Practitioner in Eating Disorders and Obesity" from the Center for Education and Treatment of Eating Disorders (KEADD).

Dr. Panagou Maria MD is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist with private practices in Melissia and Koropi. She graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and completed her specialization in Endocrinology, as well as in Pathology, at the Endocrinology Clinic of the General Hospital of Melissia "Amalia Fleming". Alongside her private practices, she currently serves as the Scientific Director of the Endocrinology Department at the Medical Diagnostic Center "Praxis Hygeias," and in the past, she was the Scientific Director of the Endocrinology Department at the South East Aigaion Clinic in Mykonos. Finally, Dr. Panagou has extensive experience in thyroid disorders, diabetes mellitus, and osteoporosis.

Nektarios Oikonomou is a Psychologist with private practice offices in Markopoulo and Porto Rafti. He graduated from the Department of Psychology at UCLAN University (2017-2021) and has enhanced his knowledge with specialized studies at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT, Social Clinical Psychology of Addictions, Sports Psychology, and Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families), strengthening his ability to approach psychological issues from multiple dimensions.

Professionally, he maintains private practice offices in Markopoulo and Porto Rafti, offering psychotherapy services, addiction treatment, psychological support, and counseling.

He is also active as a sports psychologist with PAO Kalyvia (2024-present), where, combined with his status as a final-year student at the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science (TEFAA), he employs a comprehensive scientific approach that links mental empowerment with physical performance, supporting athletes in enhancing mental resilience and competitive performance.

Additionally, he has collaborated as an addiction counselor at KETHEA DIAVASI (2020-2021). In the field of addictions, he integrates his scientific training with profound experiential understanding of addiction and recovery mechanisms, which enhances empathy and the effectiveness of the therapeutic approach.

Ο Τζώρτζης Πέτρος (MSc, BSc, PG.PD. ) γεννήθηκε και μεγάλωσε στην Αθήνα, διαθέτει ελληνική και καναδική υπηκοότητα. Ξεκίνησε τις σπουδές του στη Συμβουλευτική Ψυχολογία (Psychology and Counselling )στο University of Teesside, UK. για ένα χρόνο, ολοκλήρωσε τις σπουδές του στην εφαρμοσμένη ψυχολογία BSc(hons.) in Applied Psychology από το University of Derby, UK.. Είναι κάτοχος μεταπτυχιακού διπλώματος(Master of science) κλινικής και κοινοτικής ψυχολογίας Clinical and Community Psychology από το University of East London, UK. Κατά τη διάρκεια των σπουδών του απέκτησε επαγγελματική εμπειρία και αποκόμισε ένα ευρύ φάσμα εμπειριών εργασίας και πρακτικής άσκησης στο ΨΝΑ Δρομοκαΐτειο και συμμετείχε ενεργά σε παρουσιάσεις σε ελληνικά και διεθνή συνέδρια. Είναι πιστοποιημένος(licensed) γνωσιακός συμπεριφορικός θεραπευτής με εξειδίκευση στους τομείς της Γνωστικής Συμπεριφορικής θεραπείας(CBT) από το κέντρο εφαρμοσμένης ψυχοθεραπείας και συμβουλευτικής και της Κλινικής Ύπνωσης (Βιοθυμικής Ψυχοθεραπείας πιστοποιημένο από το General Hypnotherapy Standards Council(GHSC). Συμπληρωματικά πήρε εξειδίκευση από το εκπαιδευτικό πρόγραμμα της Γνωσιακής Συμπεριφορικής θεραπείας διαταραχών πρόσληψης τροφής από την Ελληνική Εταιρία Έρευνας της Συμπεριφοράς.(ΕΕΕΣ) σε συνεργασία με την Ά Ψυχιατρική Κλινική του Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών του Αιγινητείου νοσοκομείου. Βρίσκεται σε ολοκληρωμένη προσωπική θεραπεία και εξελισσόμενη εποπτική δράση, συνεργάζεται με κέντρα, κλινικές και νοσοκομεία καθ’όλη τη διάρκεια της ακαδημαϊκής τους καριέρας. Διαθέτει, άδεια ασκήσεως επαγγέλματος Ψυχολόγου και είναι μέλος της IARPP και της American Group Psychotherapy Assosiation AGPA.

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.

Xantzaridis Petros is a Military Dietitian - Nutritionist, founder and Director of the Clinical Diet dietetic office in Agia Paraskevi. He was admitted to the Veterinary Medicine Department of the Military School of Officers Corps (SSAS) in Thessaloniki and was commissioned as an Officer of the Hellenic Army in 1996, having been honored with scholarships and commendations from the State Scholarships Foundation (I.K.Y.). In 2000, he was admitted to the Department of Nutrition & Dietetics of the School of Food Technology & Nutrition at ATEI Thessaloniki and graduated in 2003, again receiving scholarships from I.K.Y. In 2009, he was selected by the Health Directorate of the General Staff of the Army as a recipient of an honorary educational scholarship in the field of Dietetics. The prestigious New York University in the United States selected him among numerous candidates from around the world and accepted him into the Graduate Program of Clinical Nutrition, from which he graduated in 2010 with a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition, receiving favorable reviews from leading international Nutrition professors. Since 2005, he has served for several years as Director of the Dietetic Department of the 401 General Military Hospital of Athens. His daily management of clinical cases at the 401 General Military Hospital of Athens, his extensive experience, and the breadth of his studies allow him to have a comprehensive understanding of the food chain, nutritional risks, and their proper management both preventively and in clinical settings. Finally, upon requests from Harokopio University of Athens and the Department of Nutrition & Dietetics of the Technological Educational Institute of Crete, he has undertaken the training of many final-year students as part of their practical training.

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.

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.

Tzeremes Andreas is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and conducts online and face-to-face sessions in Haidari, Attica. He holds a BSc in Psychology with Counselling from the University of Bradford and a master's degree, MSc in Clinical Skills based on Integrative Psychotherapy, from Manchester Metropolitan University. Concurrently, he continues his training at the Institute of Relational and Group Psychotherapy (ISOPS) in the Clinical Skills program based on Relational Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (PgDip). Professionally, he is active in individual and online sessions, collaborates with the Center for Counselling and Psychotherapy "Psychoplefsi" and the Model Center for Integrative Therapy "The Tree of Therapy", and has participated in numerous scientific conferences and seminars both in Greece and abroad. His interest focuses on the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship, the importance of reciprocity, and the reflective exploration of the self within the therapeutic framework.

Spyros Georgios is a Pathologist and maintains a private practice in Nea Smyrni. He completed his specialty at Laiko Hospital and underwent clinical and laboratory training in diabetes mellitus at the Diabetes Clinic of the First Medical Clinic of the University of Athens.

Dimitrakopoulou Natalia is an Internist and maintains a private practice in Nea Smyrni. She holds a degree and a doctorate from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has specialized in Internal Medicine, Diabetes Mellitus, and Diabetic Foot at the General Hospital of Athens "Laiko" and has also participated in multicenter studies at the Diabetes Laboratory of the same hospital. She is a member of the Hellenic Society of Internal Medicine, the Hellenic Diabetes Association, the Society for the Study of Diabetic Foot Disorders, and the Hellenic Atherosclerosis Society.