Health professionals for Obesity in Attica

Η Μαρκούση Μαριέττα είναι Κλινική Διαιτολόγος-Διατροφολόγος, απόφοιτη του Χαροκοπείου Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών με μεταπτυχιακό τίτλο στην Αθλητική Διατροφή. Ασκεί το επάγγελμα του διατροφολόγου για τουλάχιστον 16 έτη. Από το 2013 διατηρεί διαιτολογική μονάδα στη περιοχή της Νέας Ερυθραίας ενώ από το 2020 διατηρεί ακόμα μία στην περιοχή της Νέας Φιλαδέλφειας.

Κατά την πρακτική της άσκηση, παρείχε διαιτολογική υποστήριξη σε πολλά δημόσια νοσοκομεία της Αττικής ενώ έχει εργασθεί και εθελοντικά με το νοσοκομείο «Ερυθρός Σταυρός», στην Ενδοκρινολογική Κλινική, στο τμήμα Σακχαρώδη Διαβήτη & Παχυσαρκίας, στα πρώτα χρόνια της επαγγελματικής της καριέρας. Έκτοτε, έχει συνεργασθεί ως υπεύθυνη διαιτολόγος σε Ιδιωτικά γραφεία της Αθήνας. Το 2013 ίδρυσε το πρώτο διαιτολογικό της γραφείο στην περιοχή της Νέας Ερυθραίας ενώ το 2020 εγκαινιάστηκε η λειτουργία του γραφείου στη Νέα Φιλαδέλφεια.

Στην πολυετή πορεία της έχει συνεργασθεί με πολλούς elite αθλητές διαφόρων Εθνικών ομάδων και αθλημάτων (ενόργανη γυμναστική, ρυθμική γυμναστική, στίβος, επαγγελματικό μπαλέτο/ επαγγελματικός χορός, δρομείς μεγάλων αποστάσεων, καταδύσεις, κολύμβηση, καράτε, ποδόσφαιρο). Έχει συμβάλλει στην βελτίωση διατροφικών συνηθειών και της σχέσης του ανθρώπου με τη τροφή και το σώμα του (mindfulness). Με μεγάλη αποτελεσματικότητα, σε πλήθος ασθενών, συνεισέφερε στην βελτίωση κλινικών δεικτών. Ως προς τα περιστατικά με διαταραχές λήψης τροφής (ψυχογενή ανορεξία, ψυχογενή βουλιμία, υπερφαγία) εφαρμόζει τεχνικές διατροφικής συμβουλευτικής (γνωσιακή συμπεριφορική) προκειμένου να επιτυγχάνεται η έννοια της ισορροπημένης διατροφής βιωματικά! Άξονας του επαγγελματισμού της είναι η εξατομίκευση!

Τα γραφεία πλαισιώνονται και από άρτια καταρτισμένους συνεργάτες, πτυχιούχους Κλινικούς Διαιτολόγους- Διατροφολόγους του Χαροκοπείου Παανεπιστημίου. Μιας και η επιστήμη της διατροφής είναι μια συνεχώς εξελισσόμενη και ερευνητικά επικαιροποιημένη επιστήμη τόσο η ίδια όσο και οι συνεργάτες της φροντίζουν να επιμορφώνονται διαρκώς μέσα από μετεκπαιδεύσεις, συνέδρια και ομιλίες προκειμένου να παρακολουθούν όλα τα νέα επιστημονικά δεδομένα.

Olga Kakoulidi is a Dietitian - Nutritionist who maintains a private practice in Neos Kosmos. She holds a degree from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Thessaloniki Higher Technological Educational Institute. She has completed further training with an emphasis on communication skills, participated in the counseling skills program "Beyond the Limits of Diet," as well as in the program for the investigation, identification, and treatment of eating disorders at the Psychoanalytic Research Center of Athens. Additionally, the Dietitian - Nutritionist regularly attends conferences, workshops, and seminars to stay informed about the latest developments in her field. In her private practice, she provides specialized dietary programs for adults, the elderly, athletes, children, and adolescents, and is capable of managing numerous conditions such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Finally, her primary concern is to achieve the visitor's goal without the feeling of deprivation.

Anastasia Skliva is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Keratsini. She holds a degree in psychology from the Metropolitan College, has been trained in counseling psychotherapy at the Universal Training lifelong learning center, and specializes in systemic psychotherapy through her studies at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has experience managing mental health issues through counseling programs as well as her involvement with the NGO IASIS. She undertakes psychotherapy for adults, adolescents, and couples facing difficulties, and also conducts parent counseling sessions. Sessions are held either in person or online.

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.

Florou Athina is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains a private practice in the Zografou area. She graduated from the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition Science at Harokopio University of Athens in 2022, successfully completing her undergraduate studies. During her internship at the 251 General Airforce Hospital, she gained valuable knowledge and experience in nutrition support, designing personalized diet plans, nutritional counseling, and assessing patients' nutritional status. She continued her studies at University College London (UCL), where she obtained a master's degree in Eating Disorders and Clinical Nutrition with distinction. As part of her postgraduate education, she worked at St Ann’s Hospital/Eating Disorder Service, making a significant contribution to the rehabilitation of patients with eating disorders. Athina is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians-Nutritionists (PSDΔD), the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN), and the Association for Nutrition (AfN) in the UK. She has experience in managing clinical cases through collaboration with physicians of various specialties in both hospital and private settings. She applies individualized nutritional interventions based on scientific evidence, aiming for the holistic support of health.

As part of her active involvement in international scientific networks, she participates as a member of the Working Group of the European project HEALTH UP! of EFAD (European Federation of the Associations of Dietitians), contributing to the scientifically substantiated evaluation and updating of the Guide on Eating Disorders, aiming to enhance dietetic care practice at the European level.

Mixailidis Xristos is a General Practitioner with a private practice in Piraeus. He holds a degree from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and specialized in General Medicine at the Thriasio General Hospital of Elefsina. He has extensive professional experience, having worked at the General Hospital of Amfissa, the Neuropsychiatric Clinic "Agios Gerasimos," the Clinic "Kyaneus Stavros," and within the SOS doctors network. Additionally, he has served as an instructor at the Public IEK of Elefsina and Mandra. To date, alongside his private practice, he serves as a Physician at the Dialysis Unit of the Athens Medical Center. Furthermore, he has participated in numerous conferences, postgraduate seminars, and workshops aimed at continuous professional development in his field and has contributed to several studies and research projects. Finally, the doctor is a member of the Hellenic Society of General/Family Medicine.

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.

Iliopoulos Dimitrios MD, PhD is a Specialist Internist - Diabetologist with a private practice in Marousi. He holds a PhD from the Medical School of the University of Crete. He has specialized training in diabetology and serves as a scientific collaborator at the diabetology center of the 2nd University Clinic at the General Hospital of Athens "Hippocratio". He is also an associate internist at the "Mitera" Hospital. His primary goal is a patient-friendly approach, thorough clinical examination, and timely diagnosis and management of medical issues. In a simple and explanatory manner, the patient will fully understand their condition, receive updates on the latest medical data, and have any questions addressed. The practice manages a wide range of conditions, including infections, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and hyperlipidemia (cholesterol). Preventive screening is also performed, including clinical examination and prescription of laboratory and imaging tests. Finally, the physician also provides health certificates for sports and work, as well as medical reports for use in the KEPA committees.

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.

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!”

Η Σωτηροπούλου Αγγελική MSc είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια με ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Περιστέρι. Έχει αποφοιτήσει από το Πρόγραμμα Ψυχολογίας του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών και είναι κάτοχος άδειας ασκήσεως επαγγέλματος ψυχολόγου, ενώ κατέχει μεταπτυχιακό τίτλο σπουδών στην Κοινωνική Ψυχολογία (MSc in Social Psychology) από το London School of Economics and Political Science στο Λονδίνο. Επιπροσθέτως, πραγματοποίησε σπουδές στο τμήμα Φιλοσοφίας, Παιδαγωγικής και Ψυχολογίας με εξειδίκευση στην Ψυχολογία στο Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών. Στο γραφείο της στο Περιστέρι παρέχει υψηλού επιπέδου υπηρεσίες ψυχολογίας και ψυχοθεραπείας, με επαγγελματισμό και σεβασμό απέναντι στον κάθε ένα από εσάς, βασισμένη στην εμπειρία και τις γνώσεις της. Μέχρι σήμερα η κ. Αγγελική Σωτηροπούλου έχει εργαστεί ως ψυχολόγος σε διάφορα σχολεία της Αττικής, στο τμήμα Διεύθυνσης Αλλοδαπών της Ελληνικής Αστυνομίας, σε διάφορα κέντρα ψυχικής υγείας. Επίσης, έχει εργαστεί ως ψυχολόγος στο τμήμα Ιατρικής, Στατιστικής, Υγιεινής και Επιδημιολογίας της Ιατρικής Σχολής στο πρόγραμμα "Εγκάρδια", που αφορά στην πρόληψη, στον προσυμπτωματικό έλεγχο και στην παρέμβαση στην κοινότητα στα καρδιαγγειακά νοσήματα στην Αττική. Ακόμη έχει εργαστεί στον τομέα διαχείρισης ανθρωπίνων πόρων και δημοσίων σχέσεων για λογαριασμό μεγάλων πολυεθνικών εταιρειών. Επίσης, κατέχει μεγάλη εμπειρία και γνώση σε θέματα μετανάστευσης, διαπολιτισμικής ψυχολογίας, καθώς έχει εργαστεί για πολλά χρόνια με ευάλωτες ομάδες και πληθυσμούς από διάφορα πολυπολιτισμικά περιβάλλοντα, όπως για παράδειγμα σε σχολεία, κέντρα κράτησης μεταναστών, κοινωνικά ιατρεία, νοσοκομεία. Ασχολείται με την αξιολόγηση, τη συμβουλευτική και την ψυχοθεραπεία, καθώς και με την διεξαγωγή σεμιναρίων σε ομάδες και εταιρείες. Επίσης, συνεργάζεται με παιδιά, εφήβους και ενηλίκους (ατομικά, με ζευγάρια ή οικογένειες). Δεν ασχολείται με τοξικοεξαρτήσεις και αυτισμό. Παράλληλα, έχει εργαστεί ως Ψυχολόγος για την ΜΚΟ Ευρωπαϊκή Έκφραση / European Expression, στο πλαίσιο του έργου "Λειτουργία ανοικτής δομής φιλοξενίας αιτούντων άσυλο και ευάλωτων πολιτών τρίτων χωρών, στον Ελαιώνα Αττικής". Στο γραφείο της στο Περιστέρι πραγματοποιεί συμβουλευτικές και θεραπευτικές συνεδρίες, καθώς και σεμινάρια, τόσο στα ελληνικά όσο και στα αγγλικά, ενώ υπάρχει και η δυνατότητα πραγματοποίησης συνεδριών μέσω τηλεδιάσκεψης. Θεμελιώδης αρχή της είναι ο σεβασμός και η κατανόηση των αναγκών και της ιδιαιτερότητας του κάθε ατόμου, ενώ θέση μας είναι ότι για την ψυχοθεραπεία είναι μεγίστης σημασίας η σχέση που χτίζεται μεταξύ ψυχολόγου - ψυχοθεραπευτή και θεραπευόμενου. To γραφείο σύμφωνα με το νόμο "Προστασίας του ατόμου από την επεξεργασία δεδομένων προσωπικού χαρακτήρα" 2472/1997 τηρεί τις αρχές και τον κώδικα δεοντολογίας των επαγγελματιών ψυχικής υγείας, διατηρώντας αυστηρά το επαγγελματικό απόρρητο των πελατών.

Dr. Mamalaki Eirini is a Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist with a private practice in Ampelokipoi. She graduated from the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition Science at Harokopio University of Athens. She completed her Master's Degree specializing in "Clinical Nutrition" at the same department. In 2020, she earned her PhD on the topic "Nutrition and lifestyle of older adults." She has published over 30 scientific articles in the field of nutrition and lifestyle, as well as more than 45 written and oral presentations at international conferences. Currently, she is a Scientific Collaborator at Harokopio University and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has extensive experience in managing clinical cases, both adults and children, as well as in weight management for individuals (weight loss, maintenance of lost weight, weight gain). Her fundamental philosophy is that dietary intervention should be person-centered, based on the specific needs and requirements of each individual as well as their taste preferences, with the goal of achieving long-term maintenance of the changes discussed. Therefore, the core focus of her sessions is thorough assessment and discussion of needs with the individual, setting goals, and re-evaluating these goals at regular intervals.

Zoi Viky is a General Practitioner and operates a private clinic in Exarchia. She specialized in General Medicine at Papageorgiou Hospital in Thessaloniki and received further training in Diabetes Mellitus at the Dietetic Association of Northern Greece (D.E.V.E). Additionally, she has completed postgraduate studies in Public Health at the National School of Public Health and training in Emergency Medicine at the National Emergency Aid Center. Finally, she possesses substantial clinical and scientific experience.

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.

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.

Dr. Kouveletsou Marina, MD, MSc, PhDc, is a Military Physician, Specialist in Internal Medicine – Diabetology, and maintains a private practice in Kallithea, while also serving as a Consultant at the 251 Air Force General Hospital. She is a PhD candidate at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a Medical Degree from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Medical School and the Military School of Corps Officers (SSAS).

She specialized in Internal Medicine at the 1st University Teaching Internal Medicine Clinic of the General Hospital of Athens “Laiko” and at the 251 Air Force General Hospital. She holds a Master’s Degree (MSc) in “Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity” from the Medical School of the University of Athens with distinction (“Excellent”) and is specialized in diabetes mellitus and its complications at the Diabetology Center of the General Hospital of Athens “Laiko.”

She has completed certified training in Emergency Management (Advanced Life Support – ALS Provider) from the European Resuscitation Council, as well as emergency medicine training programs (Advanced Trauma Life Support – ATLS, Prehospital Trauma Life Support – PHTLS, Basic Life Support – BLS).

In her clinic, she manages cases of diabetes mellitus, obesity, arterial hypertension, elevated cholesterol, lipid disorders, metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, as well as general internal medicine conditions, approaching each patient individually with emphasis on prevention and early diagnosis.

She is a member of the Athens Medical Association, the Hellenic Society of Internal Medicine, the Hellenic Diabetes Association, as well as the Hellenic and European Atherosclerosis Societies. She has an extensive research background with published papers in international medical journals and presentations at Greek and international scientific conferences.