Health professionals for Obesity

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 at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She holds a doctorate with honors from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with a doctoral thesis entitled "The 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 (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 been trained in hospitals in Greece and the United Kingdom and possesses extensive clinical experience in a wide range of endocrinological disorders, such as type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus, gestational diabetes, obesity, thyroid diseases, osteoporosis, and endocrine disorders of pregnancy, polycystic ovary syndrome, menstrual disorders, diseases of the adrenal glands and pituitary, 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 at the Dietetics and Sport Science departments of Metropolitan and Mediterranean College. She is a member of the Hellenic Endocrinological Society, the General Medical Council (GMC) of the United Kingdom, and the Athens Medical Association. Finally, she holds degrees in English and French languages. 

Specialist Internist - Diabetologist Papadopoulos Paris maintains private practices in downtown Athens and Cholargos. He is a graduate of the English-speaking department of the University of Belgrade. He specialized in Internal Medicine initially at the 7th IKA Therapeutic Hospital and subsequently at the Konstandopouleio - Patision General Hospital of Nea Ionia, where he actively participated in the activities of the Diabetology Center. He holds a two-year postgraduate degree focused on Diabetes Mellitus from the University of Leicester, United Kingdom, and possesses the internationally recognized SCOPE (Specialist Certification of Professional Education) certificate for Obesity management, awarded by the World Obesity Federation. His name is included in the official list of healthcare professionals with international certification in Obesity management. He has served as Consultant of the Diabetology Unit and the Obesity Unit at the Athens Medical Center and as Head of the Internal Medicine Department at a private clinic in Peristeri. The physician offers high-level specialized and personalized medical services aimed at the best possible care for each patient, understanding their individual needs. He has extensive experience in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of diseases across the full spectrum of Internal Medicine, with a particular interest in Obesity, Diabetes Mellitus, Gestational Diabetes, Prediabetes, and Metabolic Syndrome. He has participated in multicenter domestic and international medical studies related to Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity. Finally, the physician regularly attends international and domestic conferences as part of his continuous professional development.

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.

Eftexar Samira-Vasiliki is a Psychologist-Psychotherapist (professional license number 6851/2015) and maintains a private practice in the Ilisia area, near the "Megaro Mousikis" metro station. As a Psychotherapist, she specializes in the Cognitive-Behavioral model, which forms the main axis of her therapeutic practice. In accordance with the individualized needs of each patient, she integrates tools and interventions from approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Compassion-Focused Therapy into this model. These constitute the "third generation" of Cognitive-Behavioral therapies, for which she has received relevant training. She has worked as an external scientific collaborator at the Eating Disorders Unit of the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of Aeginiteio Hospital, as part of her two-year postgraduate training in the treatment of Eating Disorders. She provides specialized therapeutic support to adults experiencing difficulties related to anxiety (generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, agoraphobia, health anxiety, phobias), eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder), depression, as well as life transitions, interpersonal relationship issues, communication challenges, low self-esteem, boundary issues, anger, procrastination, and more.

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.

Dara Argyro is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist with private practices in Glyfada and Anavyssos. She graduated from the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and trained as a resident physician at the General Oncology Hospital of Kifisia and in Endocrinology - Diabetology - Metabolism at the General Hospital of Athens "Korgialeneio - Benakio E.E.S." She worked as an associate at the General Clinic of Athens and at the private medical center "Hygeia" from 1997 to 2000 and served as a rural doctor at the Karlovasi Health Center in Samos from 1995 to 1996. She specializes with extensive experience in conditions such as gestational diabetes, body weight management, type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, menopausal disorders, menstrual disorders, hypothyroidism, and parathyroid gland diseases. As part of her continuous professional development, the doctor participates in numerous training courses and conferences both in Greece and abroad.

Oikonomou Eirini is a Psychologist with a private practice in Panormou. She studied Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and completed postgraduate studies in Health Psychology at the University of Surrey. She has specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at the Center for Research and Therapy of Behavior. She served as a Researcher at the University of Oxford, gaining significant research and teaching experience. Her scientific interests include chronic diseases, eating disorders, and more. In her practice, she handles cases related to interpersonal relationships, trauma recovery, self-improvement, obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment, anxiety disorders, phobias, eating disorders, addictions, and others.

Ioannis Kouslis is a Specialist in General Family Medicine and maintains a private practice in Thessaloniki. He holds a master's degree titled "Health and Exercise" with a specialization in Sports Medicine, as well as further training in Emergency Medicine and Prehospital Care. His practice offers comprehensive care services for chronic diseases (Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Dyslipidemia, Obesity, Osteoporosis, COPD, Asthma), Preventive Medicine, Emergency Cases, Home Visits, Vaccinations, Prescription of Medications & Blood Tests, Medical Leave Certificates, Spirometry, Single Channel Holter Monitoring, Electrocardiogram, Microsurgery, Trauma | Dressing changes. Appointments are required during office hours, while Sundays are reserved for emergency cases only, following prior communication with the doctor.

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. 

Priniotaki Katerina is a Mental Health Counselor with a private practice in Pangrati. She has experience in individual psychotherapy and counseling. She studied Psychology at the American College (Deree) and holds a Master's degree (MA) in Counseling and Psychotherapy from the University of East London, with extensive hands-on experience in psychoanalytic therapy and supervision. Additionally, she has worked at the Elderly Care Unit of the Moschato Social Welfare Center. She has expertise in cases of anxiety disorders, panic attacks, eating disorders, depression, relationship counseling, bereavement, and more.

A Step Beyond is a center for Counseling, Psychotherapy, Personal Development, Wellness, and Prosperity Growth. It was established by Kentro Psyxikis Ygeias Kai Euimerias A Step Beyond - Katranis Konstantinos Kai Synergates with the aim of providing therapies to individuals who wish to overcome their problems, to make their lives fuller and more beautiful, and to be guided towards wellness and prosperity through the necessary and appropriate means. The center’s specialists act as allies and companions for those who seek to discover new strategies and apply them, to enhance and utilize their internal resources, to learn new things or to view old matters from new perspectives, to heal traumas, to acquire new skills, to overcome fears and phobias, to eliminate chronic stress, and to live mindfully in the present moment, setting goals and achieving them. At A Step Beyond, the individual’s needs are addressed by selecting the appropriate specialist from among the trained Psychologists, Psychotherapists, Mental Health Professionals, or Personal Development Counselors to design a flexible and tailored evolution plan for each person.

Ms. Krokidi Xrysa is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains her private practice in Kifisia. She holds a BSc in Psychology from London Metropolitan University and an MSc in Clinical Psychology (CBT focused) from Hellenic American University, and has completed her training at the Center for Training and Treatment of Eating Disorders (KEADD). Ms. Krokidi has completed further educational programs related to Clinical Psychology, Learning Difficulties, and training in Cognitive Behavioral Clinical Hypnotherapy, and has particular expertise in managing life changes in women during menopause. In her private practice, she handles a wide range of cases, always focusing on providing the best possible care tailored to the individual needs of each person who seeks her services.

Apota Eudokia is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and operates a private practice in Ilioupoli. She is a graduate of the Higher Technological Educational Institute of Thessaly, specializing in Eating Disorders and Obesity (Master Practitioner in Eating Disorders & Obesity – KEADD). During her studies, she completed her internship at the General Hospital of Trikala, gaining valuable clinical experience. She has attended numerous seminars and workshops focused on clinical nutrition, childhood obesity, and weight management. She provides personalized nutrition programs aimed at promoting health and significantly improving quality of life.

Η Λάσπα Έλενα είναι Ενδοκρινολόγος - Διαβητολόγος και διατηρεί το ιδιωτικό της ιατρείο στο Χαλάνδρι. Μέσω πανελληνίων εξετάσεων εισήχθη στην Ιατρική Σχολή Αθηνών το 1990. Μετά από γραπτό διαγωνισμό έλαβε και διατήρησε για όλη τη διάρκεια των σπουδών την υποτροφία του κληροδοτήματος "Αντωνίου Παπαδάκη". Μετά την αποφοίτηση της τον Ιούλιο του 1996 εκπλήρωσε την υπηρεσίας υπαίθρου, στην διάρκεια της οποίας πήρε απόσπαση για τις εφημερίες της στην μονάδα εμφραγμάτων του Γενικού Νοσοκομείου Πρεβέζης. Εν συνεχεία ειδικεύτηκε για 2 έτη στην παθολογία ως προαπαιτούμενη εκπαίδευση για την κύρια ειδικότητα. Εξειδικεύθηκε στην ειδικότητα της Ενδοκρινολογίας στο Πανεπιστημιακό Νοσοκομείο Ιωαννίνων υπό τη διεύθυνση του καθηγητή Α.Τσατσούλη. Ολοκλήρωσε το τελευταίο τμήμα της την ειδικότητας στο St.Mary’s Hospital του Λονδίνου, όπου εξειδικέυθηκε στο υπερηχογράφημα τραχήλου και στις καθοδηγούμενες υπερηχογραφικά παρακεντήσεις όζων θυρεοειδούς αδένα. Παράλληλα με την κλινική της δραστηριότητα στο Λονδίνο, συμμετείχε σε ερευνητικά προγράμματα μελέτης της μεταβλητότητας παραγόντων κινδύνου για την εμφάνιση διαταραχής ανοχής γλυκόζης και αθηροσκληρωτικής νόσου. Μετά το πέρας της ειδικότητας παρέμεινε επιστημονικά ενεργή με την συμμετοχή της σε έρευνες του Πανεπιστημιακού Νοσοκομείου Ιωαννίνων για τον καρκίνο του θυρεοειδούς, για τις ανάγκες της οποίας ανέλαβε μεγάλο αριθμό παρακεντήσεων όζων θυρεοειδούς. Έχει συμμετάσχει ως κλινικός ερευνητής στην Διεθνή κλινική μελέτη Lantus HOE901/3505: ATLANTUS. Επίσης συμμετείχε ως ομιλητής σε πλήθος ελληνικών και διεθνών συνεδρίων. Διεθνή επιστημονικά περιοδικά έχουν φιλοξενήσει δημοσιεύσεις της. Το 2015 έγραψε το κεφάλαιο "Παραθυρεοειδείς αδένες και μεταβολισμός των οστών" στο διαδικτυακό πόνημα "Σύγχρονο εγχειρίδιο Ενδοκρινολογίας". Το 2016 έγραψε το κεφάλαιο "Pseudohypoparathyroid States" στην Εγκυκλοπαίδεια Ενδοκρινικών Νοσημάτων (Encyclopedia of Endocrine Diseases). Το 2019 ολοκλήρωσε το εκπαιδευτικό πρόγραμμα «Health Coach» του Κέντρου Επιμόρφωσης και Δια Βίου Μάθησης του Εθνικού Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών. Είναι ένα πρόγραμμα το οποίο προσφέρει γνώσεις και εφόδια «προπονητή υγείας» ,ώστε ο ιατρός με μοντέλα ειδικής προσέγγισης και μεθοδολογίας να ενδυναμώσει τον κάθε άνθρωπο να αλλάξει βλαπτικές συνήθειες και συμπεριφορές και να επιτύχει τους στόχους υγείας που θέτει. Είναι μέλος της Ελληνικής Ενδοκρινολογικής Εταιρίας και της Ελληνικής Εταιρίας Μελέτης Μεταβολισμού των Οστών. Μετά από εξετάσεις έγινε δεκτή ως μέλος της Ευρωπαϊκής Εταιρίας Ενδοκρινολογίας, Διαβήτη και Μεταβολισμού (Fellow of the European Board of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism).