Health professionals for Obesity in Attica

Anastasiou Savvina is a Psychologist and Scientific Director at the Psychotherapeutic Center - Multipurpose Space Animus Corpus, located in Ilisia. She holds a degree in Psychology from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University and received further training in Clinical Psychopathology at the Athens University Hospital "Aiginiteio." Additionally, she has attended educational seminars on Psychotraumatology, a Counseling Psychology workshop, as well as training in the MMPI-II Personality Test. The psychotherapeutic interventions she applies include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and EMDR. Finally, she is a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society and the Hellenic Olympians Association, due to her distinction in Synchronized Swimming.

Giannis Papatheodorou is a Pathologist who maintains private clinics in Neo Irakleio and Acharnes. He holds a degree from the Medical School of the University of Craiova and specialized in Pathology at the General Oncology Hospital "Agioi Anargyroi" and the 1st Pathology Clinic of the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos," with clinical expertise in infections. He is a consulting physician for Eurodiet and participates in numerous medical conferences in Greece and abroad. He has co-authored, together with his microbiologist physician wife, the book "The Interpretation of Microbiological Tests." Finally, the doctor is a member of the Athens Medical Association, the Hellenic Gerontological & Geriatric Society, and the Hellenic Society for the Study & Research of Aging.

Pagourtzi Euanthia MSc is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and the scientific director of the licensed dietetic office "Nutritional Intelligence" in the Aigaleo area since 2011. She graduated from Harokopio University in 2010, where she continued her studies by completing the postgraduate program "Applied Dietetics and Nutrition" with a specialization in "Nutrition and Exercise," in which she was awarded twice for academic excellence. Additionally, she holds a diploma from the educational program "Evidence-Based Medical Nutrition" of AUTH. She has specialized in eating disorders and adult obesity through KEADD and has completed the training cycle "Lifestyle and Cardiovascular Disease" within the framework of the ELIDEK project. In her private practice, she manages a wide range of cases including obesity, overweight, cardiovascular diseases, dyslipidemias (high cholesterol, hypertriglyceridemia), hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance (hyperinsulinemia), polycystic ovaries, gastrointestinal problems, anemia, autoimmune diseases, thyroid disorders, women and men of reproductive age, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, menopausal women, as well as cases involving exercisers, recreational athletes, and professional athletes. During her studies, she participated in various research projects and completed her internship in several hospitals of Attica, where she dealt with numerous clinical cases. In the past, she has worked as an instructor in public Vocational Training Institutes (IEK) and concurrently collaborates with sports teams and fitness centers. She is a member of the Sports Nutrition Working Group of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists. Over the years, she has delivered presentations at scientific conferences on topics related to preventive medicine, nutrition, and exercise.

Zaxarodimos Nikolaos is a Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist, a doctoral candidate at the Laboratory of Dietetics and Quality of Life of the Agricultural University of Athens, and maintains a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. He graduated from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Technological Educational Institute of Crete and holds a master's degree in "Molecular and Applied Physiology" from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with a research specialization in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Simultaneously, he collaborates with medical clinics, hospitals, and fitness centers, offering personalized nutrition programs and body composition analyses. His professional experience includes salaried practice at the General Hospital of Athens "Laiko," participation in research projects and scholarships within the framework of the "Research – Create – Innovate" initiatives, and active involvement with publications in international journals and conferences both in Greece and abroad. He also has experience as a lecturer and trainer for students, as well as extensive volunteer work in nutritional education activities. Furthermore, the specialist is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians and Nutritionists and ACSM Exercise is Medicine Greece. Finally, at his dietetic office in Agia Paraskevi, he provides nutritional guidance for conditions such as diabetes, obesity, autoimmune diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, and muscle strengthening.

Dr. Koutsaki Maria is an Endocrinologist with a private practice in Kaisariani. She is undertaking postgraduate studies in Female Reproduction at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and specializes in Gynecological Endocrinology, Thyroid Disorders, and Diabetes Mellitus. Additionally, she has extensive experience in conditions such as gestational diabetes, osteoporosis, calcium and vitamin D metabolism, Cushing's syndrome, Addison's disease, menstrual disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome, obesity, metabolism, growth disorders, endocrine hypertension, adrenal diseases, pituitary adenomas, neuroendocrine tumors, and endocrine aspects of pregnancy. Furthermore, she has participated in numerous diabetes and endocrinology conferences both at the European and national levels, presenting clinical research studies and case reports aimed at continuous education and professional development in endocrinology. Finally, she is a member of the Athens Medical Association and the Hellenic Endocrine Society and is proficient in English, Italian, and German.

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.

Η Πήλιου Χρύσα (Harmonylife) είναι Σύμβουλος Ψυχικής Υγείας, Κλινική Υπνοθεραπεύτρια, Συνθετική Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και συγγραφέας του βιβλίου αυτοβελτίωσης "Βάλε χρώμα στις πληγές σου" με εξειδίκευση στη Συνθετική Ψυχοθεραπεία και Συμβουλευτική, καθώς και στην Κλινική Ύπνωση, το Breathwork και το Mindfulness. Είναι τακτικό μέλος της Ελληνικής Εταιρείας Συμβουλευτικής (Ε.Ε.Σ) και διαθέτει 15ετή εμπειρία στον τομέα του HR, σε ρόλους διαχείρισης ανθρώπινου δυναμικού στον τραπεζικό κλάδο. Παράλληλα, συγγράφει βιβλία που αξιοποιούνται θεραπευτικά σε ομάδες αυτογνωσίας και προσωπικής ανάπτυξης. Η ειδικός είναι κάτοχος Higher National Diploma – HND στη Ψυχολογία από το University of Wales. Έχει εκπαιδευτεί στη Συνθετική Συμβουλευτική και Ψυχοθεραπεία (Γνωσιακή – Συμπεριφορική, Ψυχοδυναμική και Συστημική προσέγγιση) και στην Κλινική Ύπνωση στο Πειραϊκό Ινστιτούτο Συνθετικής Συμβουλευτικής και Ψυχοθεραπείας (αναγνωρισμένο από το BACP). Είναι πιστοποιημένη στο Breathwork Level 1 (GPBA Certification Training, 262 ώρες) και στο Mindfulness & Meditation Therapy & Coach (International Association of Coaches, Therapists & Mentors). Έχει επίσης εκπαιδευτεί σε ομάδες προσωπικής ανάπτυξης και εναλλακτικές θεραπείες. Η ειδικός είναι ιδιοκτήτρια του Harmonylife.gr, ενός φιλόξενου και σύγχρονου κέντρου αυτογνωσίας και ψυχικής υγείας στον Άλιμο. Εκεί, μαζί με μια ομάδα έμπειρων συνεργατών και ειδικών ψυχικής υγείας, δημιουργεί εξατομικευμένα πλάνα θεραπείας που καλύπτουν σφαιρικά τις ανάγκες κάθε ατόμου. Στο Harmonylife πραγματοποιούνται συνεδρίες για ενήλικες, εφήβους, ζευγάρια, καθώς και συμβουλευτική γονέων. Παράλληλα, προσφέρονται ομάδες προσωπικής ανάπτυξης, βιωματικά σεμινάρια αυτογνωσίας-αυτοβελτίωσης, κλινική ύπνωση και υπνοθεραπεία. Για όσους προτιμούν εναλλακτικούς τρόπους θεραπείας, το Harmonylife φιλοξενεί ομάδες χαλάρωσης και ψυχικής ενδυνάμωσης, με πρακτικές όπως διαλογισμό, sound healing, breathwork και άλλες ολιστικές προσεγγίσεις. Εφαρμόζονται επίσης διαλογισμοί Mindfulness Meditation και τεχνικές Positive Psychology Coaching σε ατομικές και ομαδικές συνεδρίες, καθώς και σεμινάρια και προγράμματα για διάφορους οργανισμούς. Η θεραπευτική προσέγγιση της βασίζεται σε ένα ολιστικό μοντέλο, που συνδυάζει τη συνθετική ψυχοθεραπεία με σύγχρονες εναλλακτικές μεθόδους. Στόχος της είναι να προσφέρει εξατομικευμένες λύσεις για κάθε άνθρωπο, αντιμετωπίζοντας πολλαπλά ζητήματα σε όλα τα επίπεδα: νου, συναίσθημα, σώμα και πνεύμα. Πιστεύει βαθιά ότι η συνεργασία και η ομαδική εργασία μπορούν να οδηγήσουν σε πιο μακροπρόθεσμα και ουσιαστικά αποτελέσματα, με την ποικιλία ειδικοτήτων να ενισχύει την ολιστική προσέγγιση και να προσφέρει στον κάθε άνθρωπο μια ολοκληρωτική εμπειρία εξέλιξης και αυτογνωσίας. Η ίδια θεωρεί τη δια βίου μάθηση υποχρέωση αλλά και χαρά, φροντίζοντας να ενημερώνεται διαρκώς για τις εξελίξεις της επιστήμης της, συμμετέχοντας σε εκπαιδεύσεις, συνέδρια και σεμινάρια. Τέλος, το Harmonylife συνεργάζεται με εταιρείες για την ψυχική ενδυνάμωση των εργαζομένων (HR), αναπτύσσοντας προγράμματα που ενισχύουν την ευεξία και την παραγωγικότητα, συμβάλλοντας έτσι σε ένα πιο ισορροπημένο και υγιές εργασιακό περιβάλλον.

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.

Karamitros Xristos BSc, MBA is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Neo Irakleio. He holds a degree in Psychology from Cardiff Metropolitan University and has completed postgraduate studies in Clinical Cognitive Neuropsychology at the University of Strasbourg. Concurrently, he continues training in Systemic Psychotherapy at the Institute of Education and Research in Systemic Psychotherapy "Logos Psychis". He has completed practical volunteer work at the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association. In his private practice, he offers a wide range of services, respecting the unique needs of each patient.

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 Κέζιου Αγάθη είναι Σύμβουλος Ψυχικής Υγείας, Συνθετική Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια, Βιοθυμική Υπνοθεραπεύτρια και NLP Master Practitioner και διατηρεί το ιδιωτικό της γραφείο στη Γλυφάδα. Διαθέτει εξειδικευμένη επιμόρφωση στις Διαταραχές Προσωπικότητας Cluster B από το Εθνικό και Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών, ενώ έχει αποκτήσει πιστοποιήσεις στο Modeling Strategies από τη META International, στο NLP Master Practitioner και στο NLP Coaching από την INLPTA, καθώς και στο Time Line Therapy από την TLTA. Παράλληλα, έχει πιστοποιηθεί στα προγράμματα Stress Management και Persuading Others της Harvard ManageMentor. Η εκπαίδευσή της στη Συμβουλευτική Ψυχικής Υγείας και στη Βιοθυμική Κλινική Ύπνωση πραγματοποιήθηκε στο Κέντρο Εφαρμοσμένης Ψυχοθεραπείας και Συμβουλευτικής. Μέσα από το ιδιωτικό της γραφείο παρέχει υπηρεσίες συμβουλευτικής και ψυχοθεραπευτικής υποστήριξης, αξιοποιώντας συνθετικές ψυχοθεραπευτικές προσεγγίσεις, τη βιοθυμική υπνοθεραπεία και σύγχρονες τεχνικές προσωπικής ανάπτυξης. Είναι πιστοποιημένο μέλος της Ελληνικής Εταιρείας Συμβουλευτικής.

Η Παγώνη Ειρήνη είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχαναλύτρια, τακτικό μέλος του Συλλόγου Ελλήνων Ψυχολόγων και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Παλαιό Φάληρο. Διαθέτει πτυχίο BSc Ψυχολογίας από το University of Wales Swansea και μεταπτυχιακό δίπλωμα MA Ψυχανάλυσης από το Middlesex University of London. Είναι απόφοιτη του Αμερικάνικου Κολλεγίου Ελλάδας, ξεκίνησε την ακαδημαϊκή της εκπαίδευση στο Deree College of Greece και συνέχισε στο Ηνωμένο Βασίλειο. Διέμεινε στο Λονδίνο για σχεδόν μια δεκαετία, όπου ολοκλήρωσε την πρακτική της και, παράλληλα, εργάστηκε σε συνεργασία με σημαντικές δομές Ειδικής Αγωγής, όπως Child Autism UK, B.I.G (Behavioral Intervention Group) και LEAP (Learning Experiences and Alternate Program for Preschoolers and their Parents), όπου και ασχολήθηκε με το φάσμα αναπτυξιακών διαταραχών και την οικογενειακή συμβουλευτική. Συμμετείχε σε πολυάριθμα επιμορφωτικά σεμινάρια για τις αρχές του Συμπεριφορισμού, ανάμεσά τους και στο Regent’s College of London. Στην πορεία της πρόσφερε εθελοντική εργασία σε οργανωμένες δράσεις από τις τοπικές κοινότητες για ΑΜΕΑ και, όταν επέστρεψε στην Ελλάδα, στο Ίδρυμα Ανάδυση του Κολάτου. Μέσα στην εργασιακή της εμπειρία στην Αθήνα, περιλαμβάνεται και η παροχή εποπτείας στον Πανελλήνιο Σύλλογο Προσαρμοσμένων Δραστηριοτήτων καθώς η βασική της εργασία δεν παύει να είναι η πραγματοποίηση ψυχαναλυτικών και ψυχοθεραπευτικών διαβουλεύσεων. Σήμερα έχει συμπληρώσει 22 χρόνια εμπειρίας στον χώρο της επιστήμης της Ψυχολογίας και αναλαμβάνει ατομικές και ομαδικές συνεδρίες παρέχοντας υπηρεσίες ψυχοθεραπείας ενηλίκων και εφήβων. Έχοντας συνδυάσει την κατάρτιση της Ψυχανάλυσης με την γνώση του Συμπεριφορισμού αλλά και πολυετή μελέτη της Γιουνγκιανής Ανάλυσης, εξασκεί την προσέγγιση της Συνθετικής Ψυχολογίας ενσωματώνοντας τεχνικές από διαφορετικούς προσανατολισμούς ανάλογα με τις θεραπευτικές ανάγκες του θεραπευόμενου. Κατέχοντας τις απαιτούμενες γνώσεις από τις προαναφερθείσες κατευθύνσεις, ως επαγγελματίας χαρακτηρίζεται από μεγάλη ευρύτητα σκέψης και ευελιξία. Έχει εμπειρία σε αντιμετώπιση κατάθλιψης, κρίσεων πανικού, άγχους, παχυσαρκίας, διατροφικών διαταραχών, ιδεοψυχαναγκαστικής διαταραχής, διπολικής διαταραχής, μετατραυματικού στρες, θεραπείας ζεύγους, οικογενειακής συμβουλευτικής προσωπικής ανάπτυξης και αυτοβελτίωσης. Καθώς στην προσέγγισή της συναντώνται στοιχεία από διαφορετικές σχολές Ψυχολογίας, μπορεί να ανταποκριθεί αποτελεσματικά σε μια πληθώρα περιπτώσεων και θεραπευτικών προτιμήσεων, ακολουθώντας ένα διευρυμένο θεραπευτικό μοντέλο προσαρμοσμένο κατάλληλα σε κάθε τύπο προσωπικότητας. Τέλος, οι συνεδρίες μπορούν να διεξαχθούν και στα αγγλικά.

Eirini Nestoridi is a Dietitian - Nutritionist who conducts online and home-based consultations. She is a graduate of the Department of Nutrition Science and Dietetics at D.I.P.A.E. She has clinical experience through her internship at the General Hospital of Thessaloniki "G.N.Th. Gennimatas," and is currently attending the "Master Nutritionist in Clinical Nutrition" program of the Hellenic Nutrition Society. She has specialized in plant-based and sustainable nutrition, completing the "Plant Based Nutrition: A Sustainable Diet For Optimal Health" program offered by the University of Winchester. For three years, she worked in a dietetic office as well as in an EMS gym, taking responsibility for patient monitoring aimed at weight management and health improvement. Simultaneously, she has experience in counseling support through Nutrition Coaching, both on an individual level and in collaboration with companies within corporate wellness programs. Combining scientific knowledge and practical experience, she creates personalized nutrition plans aimed at habit change and adopting a sustainable lifestyle. She offers individualized support and nutrition coaching for habit change with an emphasis on balance.

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.

Marilena Petrakou is a Dietitian-Nutritionist who maintains a private practice in Keratsini. She holds a degree from the School of Dietetics and Nutrition of the Technological Educational Institute of Crete. As part of her continuing education, she completed a Personalized Nutrition Training Seminar at the Metropolitan College of Athens, as well as Clinical Nutrition studies at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Additionally, she worked as a Nutritionist during her internship at the General Hospital of Piraeus "Tzaneio." Notably, she is specialized in Clinical Dietetics, Nutritional Counseling, and the management of Metabolism and Obesity. Furthermore, she has attended training seminars on the nutritional management of intestinal diseases (irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease) and contributes articles as an external scientific collaborator to the leading nutrition and health portal MedNutrition, the largest nutrition and fitness website Fitness Motivation Hellas, and the site Monopoli.gr.

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.

Makrogianni Vitalioti Mariantzela is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as well as in Biothymia Clinical Hypnosis. She maintains a private practice in Peristeri. She is certified by the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling. She is the Director of the Damala Foundation, a contributing writer, and has worked at KETHEA in action and street work, gaining extensive experience in Anxiety Disorders and addictions. Additionally, she attends numerous seminars on eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and holistic medicine as part of her continuous professional development.