Health professionals for Obesity in Attica

Mpelekos Vasilis MSc is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and operates a private practice in Korydallos. He is a graduate of the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition Science at Harokopio University and holds a master's degree in Applied Dietetics and Nutrition from the same institution. Through years of monitoring individuals requiring nutritional support, he has gained significant expertise in areas such as Clinical Nutrition, Nutritional Counseling, Sports and Exercise Nutrition, and the application of the Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) model. He contributes articles to online platforms and magazines and has served as a speaker on informative television programs focused on nutrition. He has participated in numerous conferences to continuously enhance his knowledge and stay updated in the ever-evolving field of nutrition. Finally, he is a member of the Hellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists.

Anastasopoulos Vasilis is an Internist at the General Hospital of Attica KAT with the rank of Senior Registrar and maintains a private practice in Nea Filadelfeia. He holds a Medical Degree and specialized in Internal Medicine at the General Hospital of Attica KAT and the General Oncology Hospital "Agioi Anargyroi," as well as in Diabetes Mellitus at the University General Hospital "Attikon." He holds a postgraduate diploma in Occupational and Environmental Health from the National School of Public Health. He has received further training in emergency pre-hospital medicine at the National Center for Emergency Care (EKAB), as well as in the 2nd Propaedeutic Internal Medicine Clinic of the University General Hospital "Attikon," focusing on lipid disorders and cardiovascular disease prevention. He has served as the scientific director at the Local Health Unit in Petroupoli and at the Health Center of Peristeri. He is a member of the Hellenic Society of Internal Medicine, the Society for the Study of Risk Factors for Vascular Diseases, and the Hellenic Lipidology Society. As part of continuous medical education, he has attended numerous scientific conferences and has contributed to the writing of scientific papers.

Nikolidaki Konstantina is a Psychologist with a private practice in Haidari. She studied psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom and completed the postgraduate program 'MSc in Drugs Addiction' at Liverpool John Moores University, specializing in addiction therapy. Upon returning to Greece, she completed a postgraduate specialization program in Cognitive Analytic Psychotherapy. Additionally, she has attended various specialized training seminars and continuing education programs in family therapy, group analysis, and psychodrama at the Open Psychotherapeutic Center. She trained in couples therapy and sexual disorders at City University of Seattle, while also participating in experiential training for grief management with Dr. Jane Simington. She is a certified trainer-coordinator of Parent Schools with the Panhellenic Association of Parent Schools. Furthermore, she trained in trauma therapy and post-traumatic stress disorder at the Gestalt Institute of San Francisco. Throughout her career, she has worked as a counselor in the syringe exchange program at Lifeline Manchester’s harm reduction and drug and alcohol treatment center, as well as a psychotherapist and coordinator of psychotherapeutic groups and family groups at the Lyrakou Psychotherapeutic Clinic. Finally, she is a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society and the British Psychological Society.

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.

Maria Mpotsari is a Psychologist specializing in school psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy for adults, children, and adolescents, and maintains a private practice in Alimos. She has completed undergraduate studies in Psychology at the Université de Strasbourg and is continuing her studies in School Psychology at the University of Patras. Concurrently, she has trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy & Counseling, and has attended numerous specialized seminars and training programs (WISC-V, Play Therapy, Parent Counseling, Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology, etc.). She has experience in psychological assessment (including administration of the WISC-V), psychotherapeutic support for children, adolescents, and adults, as well as parent counseling. She has worked in clinical and educational settings, such as the Support and Family Center, the "Together for the Child" program, and the Center for Applied Psychotherapy & Counseling. Her focus is on a holistic approach to mental health, utilizing modern therapeutic methods and creative tools such as psychoeducation through play and the development of personalized materials (e.g., emotion cards, worksheets). She is particularly sensitive to issues related to neurodevelopmental disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum, and school difficulties.

Evgenia Grypari is a Psychologist with extensive experience in the field of mental health, currently collaborating with the center “Charin Noiseos” in Moschato. She graduated from the Department of Psychology of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Philosophy, while simultaneously attending the Hellenic Military Academy of Corps Officers (2009–2013). She later completed her Master’s Degree in “Mental Health and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry” at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (2020–2022).

Since 2013, she has been serving as a psychologist in the Hellenic Navy, having worked in several mental health units such as the Psychiatric Clinic of the Naval Hospital of Athens, the Joint Center for Mental Health of the Armed Forces (414 SNEN), and the Naval Hospital of Salamina. She has also staffed the 24-hour National Helpline for Psychological Support and Crisis Intervention, and has served aboard a warship as a military psychologist, gaining valuable insight into the psychological challenges faced by personnel in operational environments. Additionally, she has held administrative and coordinating positions related to health and personnel management within the Armed Forces.

Evgenia Grypari participates annually in the selection and evaluation processes for candidates of the military academies and Armed Forces personnel. She has also completed internships at the Self-Help Promotion Program of Thessaloniki (supporting individuals in substance recovery) and at the Psychiatric Department of the “Agia Sofia” Children’s Hospital.

Her clinical experience covers a wide range of cases, including:

• Depression and anxiety disorders
• Personality disorders and psychoses
• Relationship and marital difficulties
• Parental counseling and divorce management
• Perinatal and postpartum depression
• Eating disorders
• Adolescent issues and identity development
• Sexual disorders and sexual identity concerns

She has further training and specialization in:

• Child psychology
• Relationship and divorce management
• Art Therapy (Vera Vasarhelyi method) for children and adolescents (6–18 years)
• Children’s drawing interpretation
• Music therapy
• Eating disorders
• High-functioning autism

Her therapeutic approach is person-centered and integrative, aiming to provide a safe and supportive environment that fosters self-awareness, emotional resilience, and personal growth.

Dr. Kaza Maria, MD, MSc, PhD, is a Endocrinologist – Diabetologist | Metabolism Specialist and maintains a private practice in Gerakas. She is a contracted Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She is a distinguished PhD graduate of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with a doctoral thesis entitled "Effect of physical activity on the physical and mental well-being of children and adolescents with diabetes mellitus". She completed with Distinction her postgraduate studies in Endocrinology and Diabetes (MSc in Endocrinology and Diabetes) at the Medical School of Queen Mary University of London (Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, UK) and is a graduate of the Medical School of the University of Patras. She has trained in hospitals in Greece and the United Kingdom and possesses extensive clinical experience in a wide range of endocrinological disorders, including type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, gestational diabetes, obesity, thyroid diseases, osteoporosis and endocrine disorders of pregnancy, polycystic ovary syndrome, menstrual disorders, adrenal and pituitary diseases, and endocrine hypertension. Her research and academic activities further include publications in international medical journals, participation in Greek and international conferences, as well as teaching experience in the Departments of Dietetics and Sport Science at Metropolitan and Mediterranean College. She is a member of the Hellenic Endocrine Society, the General Medical Council (GMC) of the UK, and the Medical Association of Athens. Finally, she holds certificates in English and French languages. 

Ο Κλήμης Αθανάσιος είναι Διαιτολόγος – Διατροφολόγος και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στα Σεπόλια. Είναι απόφοιτος του τμήματος Διαιτολογίας του Queen Margaret University. Κατά τη διάρκεια της ακαδημαϊκής του πορείας εστίασε στην επιστημονική κατανόηση της διατροφής και στην πρακτική εφαρμογή της στην καθημερινή ζωή. Το 2021 ολοκλήρωσε την πρακτική του άσκηση στο Πανεπιστημιακό Γενικό Νοσοκομείο Αττικόν, όπου απέκτησε σημαντική εμπειρία στη λήψη διατροφικού ιστορικού, στις ανθρωπομετρικές μετρήσεις και στη διατροφική αξιολόγηση ασθενών. Παράλληλα, παρακολουθει συνεχώς σεμινάρια, ημερίδες και επιστημονικά συνέδρια, με στόχο τη συνεχή εξέλιξη και ενημέρωση στο αντικείμενο της διατροφής. Τα τελευταία χρόνια έχει συνεργαστεί με διαιτολογικά γραφεία, ιατρικά κέντρα, αθλητικά σωματεία και γυμναστήρια, αποκτώντας πολύπλευρη εμπειρία στη διατροφική καθοδήγηση διαφορετικών πληθυσμών. Από το 2022 έχει αναπτύξει ένα σταθερό και συνεχώς αυξανόμενο πελατολόγιο, βοηθώντας ανθρώπους να πετύχουν τους στόχους τους μέσα από εξατομικευμένα διατροφικά πλάνα. Η φιλοσοφία του βασίζεται στη δημιουργία ρεαλιστικών και εξατομικευμένων διατροφικών πλάνων, που προσαρμόζονται στις ανάγκες, την καθημερινότητα και τους στόχους του κάθε ανθρώπου. Στόχος του ειδικού δεν είναι απλώς η απώλεια βάρους, αλλά η υιοθέτηση υγιεινών συνηθειών που οδηγούν σε μακροχρόνια αποτελέσματα και καλύτερη ποιότητα ζωής. Παράλληλα, επενδύει συνεχώς στη γνώση, παρακολουθώντας σεμινάρια, ημερίδες και επιστημονικά συνέδρια, ώστε να προσφέρω πάντα σύγχρονες και επιστημονικά τεκμηριωμένες υπηρεσίες.

Valia Xristopoulou - Theranous is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist based at the private TheraNous office in Drosia. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Ioannina and is a postgraduate student at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in the "Early Intervention in Psychosis" program. She specializes in stress management, with a particular focus on early intervention in forms of psychopathology, mental, and emotional disorders. She has completed the Clinical Psychopathology Postgraduate Seminar "Panagiotis Oulis" of the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of NKUA and the Interdepartmental Training Program of the Hellenic Society of Group Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, focusing on group dynamics. She has worked as a Psychologist at KETHEA Epirus and the Psychiatric Clinic of the General Hospital of Argolida, where she gained valuable experience supporting individuals with addictions as well as managing severe mental disorders in a hospital setting. Simultaneously, she is training in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy through the five-year program of the Hellenic Society of Group Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (HSGPP), strengthening her theoretical knowledge and clinical practice. Her goal is to provide meaningful psychological support, both through individual and group sessions, tailored to the needs of each person seeking help and change in their life.

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.

Kouna Eleutheria is a Dietitian - Nutritionist with a private practice in Galatsi. She is a graduate of the University of Surrey, United Kingdom, and holds a postgraduate degree in Clinical Nutrition with a specialization in the Nutritional and Psychological Management of Eating Disorders and Obesity. She has extensive experience, having successfully managed numerous cases of bulimia nervosa and anorexia, binge eating disorder, psychogenic obesity, as well as childhood obesity. The dietitian keeps up-to-date with current medical developments by participating in national and international conferences and seminars on nutrition and obesity. She is also a member of the Hellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists. Her private practice offers specialized services with respect for the client.

Dr. Petsiou Elena MD, PhD is a Pathologist - Diabetologist and maintains a private practice in Nea Smyrni. She holds a Doctorate from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and earned her Medical degree from the University of L’Aquila, Italy. She specialized in Diabetes Mellitus at the University General Hospital "Attikon". Alongside her private practice, she serves as the Director of the Pathology Clinic at Metropolitan Hospital and has previously held the position of Deputy Director at the "Errikos Dunant" Hospital Center. She has also worked as a Pathologist - Diabetologist at Queens Hospital and Blackpool Teaching Hospital in the UK, gaining substantial experience in arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, with specialization in diabetes mellitus and obesity. Finally, Dr. Petsiou is a member of the Hellenic Diabetes Association, the Hellenic Society of Internal Medicine, and the Athens Medical Association.

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.

Athanasiadou Anastasia is an Endocrinologist, maintaining a private practice in the Artemidos area and working at the Lifecheck Polyclinic in Kolonaki. She is a PhD candidate at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She specialized in Endocrinology at the Endocrinology Unit of the Therapeutic Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens at the General Hospital "Alexandra." Furthermore, she has participated in Greek and international conferences, aiming for continuous education in her field of expertise, and in her private practice, she provides a variety of services tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

Makaratzi Viky is a Dietitian-Nutritionist and operates her private practice in Korydallos. She has worked in dietetic offices as a lead Dietitian and has attended numerous postgraduate seminars and conferences. Her philosophy is summarized as follows: "Our body is our home, and only we can take care of it, providing it with energy, mood, psychology, and health. All of this is achieved through a balanced diet. The number of kilograms is not important, but the weight that makes each individual feel comfortable with themselves. I am a companion on this journey to help each of you reach the best version of yourself."

Aggelaki Ioanna is a Mental Health Counselor and maintains a private practice in Exarcheia. She holds a diploma in Counseling Psychology from KE.PSY.SY. At the same center, she is pursuing further training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She has attended numerous seminars on mental health and counseling topics. Her experience encompasses a wide range, including management of anxiety, stress, panic attacks, grief, assertiveness, LGBTQ+ empowerment, and more. As a mental health counselor, she is dedicated to helping individuals improve their mental health and well-being. With a passion for psychology and a desire to positively impact people's lives, she provides a warm and non-judgmental environment to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors together. If you are struggling with anxiety, stress, or any other mental health issue, she is here to support you on your journey toward healing and growth.

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.

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).