Health professionals for Obesity

Pasxalidis Theodoros is a Clinical Psychologist specializing in anxiety, panic attacks, and overthinking, as well as learning and school-related difficulties. He assists individuals experiencing continuous stress, pressure, or difficulty calming their minds to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and acquire practical tools for daily life. Additionally, he supports cases involving low self-esteem, interpersonal relationship challenges, professional stress, and school-related issues, approaching each person with respect and aiming for meaningful change. Acknowledging that one is not invincible or omnipotent and taking the step to speak with a psychologist is not a sign of weakness but an act of strength and honesty towards oneself.

Despoina Rizopoulou is an Internist specializing in acupuncture and maintains private practices in Nea Raidestos, Thermis area, and Kalamaria. She graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Thessaly in July 1997. After completing her rural service, she specialized in Internal Medicine at the Pathology Clinic of Kastoria Hospital and the 2nd Propaedeutic Pathology Clinic of Hippokration Hospital in Thessaloniki, obtaining her specialty certification in January 2006. She worked at the Blue Cross and the General Clinic of Thessaloniki from 2005 to 2022.

Marianne Najm, MSc, is a dedicated psychologist practicing privately in Athens. She earned her Psychology degree from the University of Paris and holds a Master's degree in Organizational and CyberPsychology. Currently, she is undergoing specialized training in Psychoanalysis. Marianne is deeply committed to her profession, regularly attending seminars and conferences that focus on psychoanalytic approaches. She volunteers her expertise to provide invaluable psychological support services. She has actively contributed to various psychotherapeutic projects in Athens, with a particular emphasis on assisting individuals struggling with addiction and supporting the foreigner population, including children and adults. Her contributions extend beyond clinical work. As one of the esteemed scientific collaborators of Ecole Française de Cyberpsychologie, Marianne actively contributes to research exploring the effects of new technologies on mental health. Her areas of expertise include clinical psychology, neuropsychology, and social psychology. Marianne extends her influence to educational and corporate settings. She frequently conducts workshops, helping schools and businesses navigate the use of New Technologies in the workplace and promoting their responsible recreational use. Originally from France, Marianne Najm has been a resident of Athens since 2006, proficient in Greek, French, and English.

Trikoili Eirini is a Psychologist with a private practice in Neo Irakleio, offering psychotherapeutic support and psychological assessment services. Her goal is to create a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment in which adults, adolescents, and children can experience understanding, trust, and care. She is a graduate of Panteion University, with postgraduate training in School Psychology from Unic. Her psychotherapeutic approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (trainee member of the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies / EABCT), which is enriched—depending on the needs of the client—with elements from other approaches. She has experience in the psychotherapeutic process, psychological and psychometric assessment, implementation of individualized interventions, parental counseling, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams. She has worked as a Psychologist in the private sector, managing therapeutic cases using a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach, as a school psychologist at KEDASY, as a psychologist at the Aeromedical Center, and at a Center for Special Therapies.

Mauridi Afroditi is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Pangrati. She began her studies in Psychology in Groningen, Netherlands, and completed them in Cyprus. She has specialized in the diagnosis of children and adolescents through the systemic perspective SANE-System Attachment Narrative Encephalon and in systemic psychotherapy for adults at the Institute for Training and Research in Systemic Psychotherapy "Logos Psychis". Additionally, she has received training in various areas, including School Psychology, Psychosomatic Health, and Crisis Management. She possesses notable experience, having worked in various public and private institutions. Furthermore, she has significant research experience, participating in conferences and seminars, where she has also presented her work.

Dr. Papadopoulou Efi, MD, MSc, PhD, is an Internist - Diabetologist and maintains a private practice in Ampelokipoi. She graduated from the Medical School of the University of Patras, holds a Master's Degree specializing in Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity, as well as a PhD from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with a medical specialization in Diabetes Mellitus. She completed her specialty training in Internal Medicine at the Therapeutic Clinic of the University of Athens at GNA "Alexandra" Hospital, while also receiving clinical training in Diabetes Mellitus at the Diabetes Clinic of the same institution. Currently, she maintains a private practice in Athens and concurrently works as an Internist Consultant at the 7th Internal Medicine Clinic of HYGEIA Hospital. Her clinical and research interests encompass the full spectrum of Internal Medicine, with particular emphasis on Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity.

Rania Skioti is an Endocrinologist and maintains a private practice in Paleo Faliro. Upon completing her studies, she specialized in Endocrinology, Diabetology, and metabolic diseases. Additionally, she has experience and has worked, among others, in the Endocrinology Department of P.G.N.A "Alexandra". Finally, she specializes in diabetes mellitus, thyroid and parathyroid glands, as well as pregnancy endocrinology.

Η Αλεξάνδρα Μπάμπουλη είναι Κλινικός Ψυχολόγος – Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και διατηρεί Κέντρο Ψυχοθεραπείας στον Πειραιά και στην Αθήνα. Είναι αριστούχος απόφοιτη του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Παντείου Πανεπιστημίου και κάτοχος MSc Κλινικής Ψυχολογίας από το ΕΚΠΑ. Στο πλαίσιο της κλινικής της εκπαίδευσης έχει εξειδικευτεί στην Ψυχοδυναμική Ψυχοθεραπεία και στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία, ενώ έχει πραγματοποιήσει επιπλέον εκπαίδευση στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία στην Ελληνική Εταιρεία Γνωσιακών Ψυχοθεραπειών του Αιγινήτειου Νοσοκομείου, αναγνωρισμένη από τον European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT).Παράλληλα, διαθέτει εκπαίδευση στην ψυχομετρική αξιολόγηση ενηλίκων, παιδιών και εφήβων, με εξειδίκευση στη χορήγηση και ερμηνεία ψυχομετρικών εργαλείων, όπως τα WAIS-V, WISC-IV, MMPI-2, Rorschach και TAT-CAT. Εργάζεται ψυχοθεραπευτικά με ενήλικες, παιδιά και εφήβους, αναλαμβάνοντας ζητήματα που αφορούν το άγχος, τις κρίσεις πανικού, τις φοβίες, την κατάθλιψη, τις διατροφικές διαταραχές, τα ψυχοσωματικά συμπτώματα, τις δυσκολίες στις διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις, την αυτοεικόνα και την προσωπική ανάπτυξη. Παράλληλα, ασχολείται με την κλινική έρευνα με ιδιαίτερο ενδιαφέρον στην ψυχική υγεία των γυναικών και πραγματοποιεί ομάδες υποστήριξης εγκύων και νέων γονέων. Οι συνεδρίες πραγματοποιούνται και στην αγγλική γλώσσα.

Έχει αποκτήσει σημαντική κλινική εμπειρία μέσα από τη συνεργασία της με δημόσιες και πανεπιστημιακές δομές ψυχικής υγείας, όπως το Κέντρο Ψυχικής Υγείας Κορυδαλλού, το Παιδοψυχιατρικό Τμήμα του ΠΓΝ «Αττικόν», το Ψυχιατρικό Τμήμα του ΓΝΑ «Γεώργιος Γεννηματάς», το Ναυτικό Νοσοκομείο Αθηνών και τα Ειδικά Ιατρεία Μνήμης και Νοητικών Διαταραχών του Αιγινήτειου Νοσοκομείου.

Στο Κέντρο Ψυχοθεραπείας συνεργάζονται εξειδικευμένοι ψυχολόγοι και ψυχοθεραπευτές, παρέχοντας υπηρεσίες ψυχοθεραπείας και συμβουλευτικής σε παιδιά,εφήβους και ενήλικες.

Η Αλίκη Φλώρου είναι απόφοιτη του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Πανεπιστημίου Ιωαννίνων και κάτοχος MSc Παιδοψυχιατρικής από το ΕΚΠΑ. Εκπαιδεύεται στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία και διαθέτει κλινική εμπειρία στην υποστήριξη παιδιών, εφήβων και ενηλίκων με άγχος, κρίσεις πανικού, φοβίες, διατροφικές διαταραχές και δυσκολίες αυτοεκτίμησης.

Η Αγγελική Γκλαβά είναι απόφοιτη του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του ΕΚΠΑ και πραγματοποιεί MSc στη Συμβουλευτική των Εξαρτήσεων. Παράλληλα, έχει εκπαιδευτεί στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία και αναλαμβάνει ατομικές συνεδρίες ψυχοθεραπείας με εφήβους και ενήλικες, εστιάζοντας σε ζητήματα άγχους, κατάθλιψης, διαπροσωπικών σχέσεων και προσωπικής ενδυνάμωσης.

Η Ειρήνη Γώγου είναι απόφοιτη του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του ΕΚΠΑ και πραγματοποιεί MSc στην Ψυχική Υγεία και Ψυχιατρική Παιδιών και Εφήβων στην Ιατρική Σχολή Αθηνών. Παράλληλα, εξειδικεύεται στη Συνθετική Ψυχοθεραπεία και διαθέτει εμπειρία στην ψυχοθεραπευτική υποστήριξη παιδιών, εφήβων και ενηλίκων, καθώς και στη συμβουλευτική γονέων.

Η Έφη Καραγιάννη είναι απόφοιτη του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του ΕΚΠΑ και εκπαιδεύεται στη Συνθετική Ψυχοθεραπεία, έχοντας ολοκληρώσει εξειδίκευση στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφορική Ψυχοθεραπεία. Εργάζεται ψυχοθεραπευτικά με ενήλικες, με ιδιαίτερη εστίαση στις αγχώδεις διαταραχές, τις κρίσεις πανικού, την ιδεοψυχαναγκαστική διαταραχή, τις διατροφικές δυσκολίες, την αυτοεκτίμηση και τις διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις.

Η Ηρώ Κομηνού είναι Ψυχολόγος – Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια, κάτοχος άδειας ασκήσεως επαγγέλματος. Είναι απόφοιτη του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Παντείου Πανεπιστημίου και κάτοχος MSc «Προαγωγή και Αγωγή Υγείας» της Ιατρικής Σχολής του ΕΚΠΑ. Παράλληλα, έχει εκπαιδευτεί στη Γνωσιακή – Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία (CBT), πιστοποιημένη από την EABCT, ενώ εφαρμόζει και στοιχεία της Θεραπείας Αποδοχής και Δέσμευσης (ACT).Εργάζεται ψυχοθεραπευτικά με εφήβους και ενήλικες, αναλαμβάνοντας ζητήματα άγχους, κατάθλιψης, κρίσεων πανικού, διατροφικών διαταραχών, διαπροσωπικών σχέσεων και προσωπικής ανάπτυξης. Διαθέτει εμπειρία στην ψυχολογική υποστήριξη παιδιών, εφήβων και γονέων, έχοντας συνεργαστεί με δομές εκπαίδευσης και κέντρα ειδικών θεραπειών.

Skoufa Lida is a Psychologist with a private practice in Thessaloniki. She holds a PhD from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and completed postgraduate studies in Pain Management at the University of Ioannina. Additionally, she specialized in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy at the Hellenic Society of Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy. She has significant experience and is currently a Research Associate at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki as well as a Trainer in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy at the Medical Psychotherapeutic Center.

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.

Anna Kolokotroni is a Clinical Dietitian based in Thessaloniki. She studied Nutrition and Dietetics at the Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki and specialized in Clinical Nutrition with a postgraduate degree from the International Hellenic University. She gained experience in hospitals such as Theageneio and AHEPA, and has participated in the WHO's COSI program for childhood obesity. She holds a Diploma in Eating Disorders and Obesity from the United Kingdom. Since 2021, she has been operating a dietetic practice in the center of Thessaloniki, helping individuals improve their health and quality of life through nutrition.

Nonota Iliana is a certified (with distinction) Life Coach with an office in Ampelokipoi, Thessaloniki. She holds a first degree in teaching the French language, a second degree in teaching the English language, followed by a degree in psychology focusing on counseling, and finally in life coaching, specializing in health coaching (well-being, autoimmune diseases, weight loss). The specialist aims at the immediate resolution of everyday issues such as interpersonal relationship counseling (separation, divorce, abuse, toxicity), couples counseling, professional guidance, stress management, as well as management of diseases that significantly affect mental health and, consequently, the body itself. She conducts individual or group sessions, either in person or via video call, and utilizes validated psychometric tests. Her goal is empathy and confidentiality in matters of emotional, professional, and physical health.

Katerina Xrysoulaki is a Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist, BSc, MSc, and she operates a private practice (Thought for food) in Exarchia, where she provides personalized nutrition services. She holds a degree from the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition Science at Harokopio University of Athens and possesses a bachelor's and master's degree (BSc - MSc) in Food Science and Human Nutrition from the Agricultural University of Athens. Furthermore, she holds a "Master Practitioner" certification in Eating Disorders and Obesity from KEADD in collaboration with NCFED of the UK. She completed her internship at selected nutrition centers, as well as at the General Hospital of Athens "Alexandra," gaining valuable experience in clinical and preventive settings. She continuously attends specialized seminars and educational programs, staying updated on the latest developments in Nutrition Science, clinical practice, and nutritional behavior. Her primary goal is to help people feel better and improve their lifestyle through nutrition. Based on scientific data, each program is tailored to the needs, daily routine, and lifestyle of each individual. Change does not come through restrictions but through conscious choices that respect the body and the needs of each person.

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.

Dr. Panagou Maria MD is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist and maintains 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." In addition to her private practices, she is currently the Scientific Director of the Endocrinology Department at the Medical Diagnostic Center "Praxis Ygeias," and previously served as the Scientific Director of the Endocrinology Department at the South East Aigaion Clinic in Mykonos. Finally, Dr. Panagou has particular expertise in thyroid disorders, diabetes mellitus, and osteoporosis.

Kourgia Vasiliki is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and operates the dietary office "Diet for you" in Neo Iraklio. She studied in the Department of Nutrition & Dietetics at A.T.E.I Sitias, specializing in Eating Disorders at the postgraduate level. She has collaborated with the Central Clinic of Athens, with the obesity team of surgeon Mr. Grigoropoulos, and works systematically as a nutrition consultant in gyms and aesthetic centers. She has participated in various informative programs on state and private television as well as radio productions. Her articles have been published in magazines such as Vita, Armonia, as well as on several websites. In September 2014, she participated in the Stavros Niarchos Foundation program in remote areas involving anthropometric measurements in adults and children and providing information on promoting healthy nutrition for adults and children. She has taken part in various talks and conferences as a speaker on topics related to nutritional behaviors of adults and children, childhood obesity, and people with osteoporosis issues. She has attended various seminars on nutrition topics and conferences concerning new developments in nutrition and obesity. Her continuing education is ongoing through conferences and seminars on nutrition and psychology.

Theodorou Marigo is a psychologist-psychotherapist and maintains her private practice in Ilisia. She holds a degree in psychology from the University of Central Lancashire and is a trainee group psychotherapist at the S. H. Foulkes Institute of Group Analysis. She provides her services at the 7th municipal clinic of the Municipality of Athens, and has previously collaborated with various agencies and organizations such as the Society for Regional Development and Mental Health (EPAPSY), METAdrasi, and the digital platform "Speak to Me." Additionally, during her internship, she worked with the supportive and counseling 24-hour SOS hotline "By Your Side" of the Greek Network of European Women for women who have experienced violence. After completing her internship, she also provided counseling and psychotherapy services.

Pathologist Dr. Syneifakoulis Theoxaris is the third generation of physicians in his family. He graduated with "Excellent" from the Medical School of the University of Pécs, Hungary, and was awarded his Doctorate from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, having completed his dissertation on skin melanoma. Additionally, he is a member of the RCPSG (Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow) and collaborates with the private hospitals "Hygeia" and "Euroclinic".

Dr. Syneifakoulis Theoxaris's further specialization and sequential years of training, including postgraduate studies in Mountain Medicine at the University of Leicester, U.K., as well as his certifications as an instructor for the American Heart Association ("AHA"), the European Resuscitation Council ("ERC"), Prehospital Trauma Life Support ("PHTLS") by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians ("NAEMT"), and Advanced Trauma Life Support ("ATLS") from the American College of Surgeons ("ACS"), have inspired him to continue the family tradition and broaden his professional horizons. These qualifications have provided him with the motivation and tools to engage not only in Internal Medicine but also in Travel and Mountain Medicine, as well as emergency Prehospital Medicine, both as an instructor and as a healthcare professional.

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.