Health professionals for Obesity in Athens

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.

Komninou Eui is a Psychologist, graduate of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with a professional license to practice. She conducts online counseling and psychotherapy sessions with children, adolescents, and adults. She maintains a strong commitment to continuous education and professional development, having attended numerous seminars and specialized training programs. Since 2023, she has gained valuable experience by completing her internship at the Mental Health Center of the Armed Forces. She has engaged in both psychological assessment using psychometric tools and individual and group sessions with children, adolescents, adults, and families, addressing issues such as addiction management, bridging family relationships, couples therapy, parental counseling, self-image improvement, and enhancing self-awareness. Her goal is to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment where authentic connection and meaningful psychological support are cultivated with respect for the uniqueness of each individual, through an approach grounded in empathy and acceptance. She invests in creating a trusting space where the individual can freely express themselves without fear of judgment. In this context, particular emphasis is placed on psychological safety, confidentiality, and a consistent therapeutic relationship, taking into account the needs, experiences, and uniqueness of each person.

Η Σακαρέλλου Σταυρούλα,MSc είναι Ψυχολόγος με άδεια ασκήσεως επαγγέλματος και εκπαιδευόμενη στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία (ΓΣΘ) στο Αιγινήτειο Νοσοκομείο καθώς και στη Συστιμική Ψυχοθεραπεία στο ΑΚΜΑ. 

Είναι απόφοιτη του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας με κατεύθυνση Κλινική Ψυχολογία του University of Kent (BSc) και κατέχει Μεταπτυχιακό Τίτλο Σπουδών (MSc) στη Γνωστική Νευροεπιστήμη και Νευροψυχολογία από το ίδιο πανεπιστήμιο.

Έχει ολοκληρώσει επιπλέον εκπαιδεύσεις στη στη Σχολική Ψυχολογία και στη θεραπευτική αντιμετώπιση Διατροφικών Διαταραχών και Παχυσαρκίας, ενώ βρίσκεται σε συνεχή κλινική εκπαίδευση και εποπτεία.

Έχει αποκτήσει κλινική εμπειρία σε δημόσιες και ιδιωτικές δομές ψυχικής υγείας. Συγκεκριμένα, έχει εργαστεί στο Πανεπιστημιακό Γενικό Νοσοκομείο ΑΤΤΙΚΟΝ, συμμετέχοντας στην ψυχολογική αξιολόγηση και υποστήριξη ασθενών, καθώς και στη διεπιστημονική συνεργασία στο πλαίσιο νοσοκομειακής φροντίδας. Επιπλέον, έχει συνεργαστεί με ιδιωτικές δομές, όπως το Thalpos, παρέχοντας ψυχολογική υποστήριξη σε ενήλικες.

Παράλληλα, εργάζεται ως online ψυχολόγος στην πλατφόρμα HIWELL, προσφέροντας συνεδρίες εξ αποστάσεως. Έχει επίσης εμπειρία στη χορήγηση και ανάλυση ψυχομετρικών εργαλείων (MMPI-II) μέσω της συνεργασίας της με το MED24.

Έχει παρακολουθήσει πληθώρα σεμιναρίων στον τομέα της ψυχικής υγείας και της κλινικής ψυχολογίας. Στο θεραπευτικό της έργο εφαρμόζει επιστημονικά τεκμηριωμένες παρεμβάσεις, προσαρμοσμένες στις ανάγκες του κάθε θεραπευόμενου.

Πιστεύει ότι η θεραπεία είναι μια διαδικασία αυτογνωσίας και ενδυνάμωσης, η οποία, παρότι συχνά συνοδεύεται από αβεβαιότητα ή φόβο στην αρχή, μπορεί να αποτελέσει ένα ουσιαστικό βήμα προς την κατανόηση του εαυτού και την αλλαγή. Μέσα σε ένα ασφαλές και υποστηρικτικό πλαίσιο, στόχος είναι να αναγνωριστούν μοτίβα σκέψης και συμπεριφοράς, να καλλιεργηθεί η ψυχική ανθεκτικότητα και να δοκιμαστούν νέοι, πιο λειτουργικοί τρόποι αντιμετώπισης της καθημερινότητας.

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.

Mpaltas Ioannis is a General Surgeon with a private practice in Nea Erythraia. He specializes in Minimally Invasive, Laparoscopic Gastrointestinal Surgery as well as Colorectal Surgery. Additionally, he has expertise in modern proctologic surgery (hemorrhoids, anal fissure, pilonidal cyst). He has extensive experience in the effective and safe surgical management of obesity, hiatal hernia, digestive system disorders, and abdominal wall hernias. Furthermore, alongside his private practice, he collaborates with major private clinics in Attica, including Mitera, Athens Medical Group (Peristeri clinic), Mediterraneo, Doctor's Hospital, and Attiko Hospital.

Η Δρ. Ευφροσύνη Δρακοπούλου είναι Παθολόγος και απόφοιτος της Ιατρικής Σχολής του Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών. Έχει ειδικευτεί στην Εσωτερική Παθολογία στο Γενικό Νοσοκομείο "Ο Ευαγγελισμός" και έχει ολοκληρώσει μεταπτυχιακές σπουδές στην Εθνική Σχολή Δημόσιας Υγείας. Διαθέτει πολυετή κλινική και νοσοκομειακή εμπειρία, καθώς και εξειδίκευση στην Ηπατολογία, τη Μεταβολική Ιατρική, την Παχυσαρκία, την Προληπτική Ιατρική και τη Μακροζωία (Longevity Medicine). Διατηρεί το ιδιωτικό της ιατρείο στο Κολωνάκι όπου παρέχει ολοκληρωμένη ιατρική φροντίδα ενηλίκων με έμφαση στην πρόληψη, την έγκαιρη διάγνωση και τη σύγχρονη θεραπευτική αντιμετώπιση παθολογικών νοσημάτων. Επιπλέον, παρέχει και κατ’ οίκον επισκέψεις κατόπιν συνεννόησης για ασθενείς με δυσκολία μετακίνησης ή για όσους επιθυμούν με στόχο την ασφαλή και εξατομικευμένη ιατρική φροντίδα.

Katerina Leventouri is a Clinical Psychologist (MSc) - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Exarchia. She graduated with honors from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (GPA 8.75) and holds a professional license. She has completed postgraduate studies in Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, specializing in Clinical Psychology with a grade of Excellent (9.14). During her postgraduate studies, she worked in the mental health department of the Hellenic Center for Mental Health and Research in Thessaloniki, as well as in the acute cases department of the Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki, handling a wide range of cases and gaining valuable experience in managing mental health issues such as anxiety, mood, and personality disorders. She has a particular interest in eating disorders, having collaborated as a trainee Clinical Psychologist with the Day Center for Eating Disorders ElpiZo of EPAPSY. Simultaneously, she has attended a one-year educational seminar on the treatment of eating disorders and has also conducted research on the topic. Additionally, she has participated in a research team at University College Cork in Ireland focusing on combating stigma in patients with chronic pain. As a professional, she places great emphasis on lifelong education, personal therapy, and supervision. As a psychotherapist, she follows an individualized approach, respecting each person's unique history, pace, and request within a safe framework of exploration and self-acceptance.

Ioanna Marmarou BSc, MSc, PhD is a Clinical - Counseling Psychologist who maintains a private practice in the center of Athens, in Exarchia. She holds a PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of East London, a master's degree in Clinical & Community Psychology, and a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the same university. The therapist is a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society with professional license number 309612. The therapeutic process follows the Integrative Approach, which successfully incorporates Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, and Gestalt therapy. She holds certifications in School Psychology, Sexual Education for Children and Adolescents, and Drama Therapy. At Ioanna Marmarou's private practice, the counseling and psychotherapeutic process focuses on the uniqueness of each individual, allowing them to express every right - wrong, good - bad, normal - abnormal, realistic - imaginary, light - dark aspect of themselves and their broader life. The purpose of this therapeutic process is to serve as a journey for the client to explore their own self and their relationship with themselves, as well as the relationships and boundaries they have established within their social environment. A core principle of the therapist is the empowerment of the individual, aiming to build healthy relationships, achieve inner fulfillment, and maintain functionality in daily life.

Yro Stamou is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist specializing in psychoanalytic orientation. She practices privately in the Ilisia area while also serving as a scientific collaborator at the "Therapis General" hospital. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and holds professional license number 7447/1998. Additionally, she is a candidate group psychotherapist at the S.H. Foulkes Institute of Group Analysis. She provides individual and group psychotherapy services for adults, focusing on establishing a stable and authentic therapeutic relationship. With respect for the uniqueness of each individual and their personal psychological journey, she addresses a wide range of difficulties such as anxiety, depression, dysfunctions in interpersonal relationships, and psychological pain that is often difficult to express verbally.

Papadopoulou Elina is a physician specializing in General Family Medicine. She operates her private practice, “FamilyMed Center,” in Argos and Kiveri. She specialized at the General Hospital of Athens “G. Gennimatas.” She has received additional training in emergency prehospital medicine, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and infections. She is also trained in medical acupuncture. She holds a Master of Science degree in Occupational and Environmental Health from the National School of Public Health. She worked for 20 years in the National Health System (ESY), the last 12 years as a Consultant at the Lygourio Health Center, with on-call duties at the Nafplio and Argos Hospitals. She held the positions of coordinator of the 1st Local Health Unit (TOMY) of Argos and supervisor for the National Public Health Organization (EODY) for the Argolis Prefecture (KOMY) during the pandemic. She has attended numerous conferences and has produced a significant number of papers related to the broader field of primary health care.

Η Σταυρουλάκη Γεωργία - Μαρία είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια με ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Κολωνάκι. Είναι κάτοχος διδακτορικού τίτλου (PsychD) στη Συμβουλευτική Ψυχολογία από το University of Roehampton στο Λονδίνο, αναγνωρισμένο από τη British Psychological Society. Η διδακτορική της διατριβή επικεντρώθηκε στον ρόλο του ναρκισσισμού στον τρόπο με τον οποίο οι συμβουλευτικοί ψυχολόγοι διαχειρίζονται τον εαυτό τους στη θεραπευτική σχέση, ακολουθώντας μια συνθετική προσέγγιση που ενσωματώνει στοιχεία γνωσιακής - συμπεριφορικής και ψυχοδυναμικής θεωρίας. Έχει επίσης αποκτήσει Professional Certificate στις δεξιότητες Συμβουλευτικής από το The Hellenic Association of Continuing Education (THACE)), ενώ είναι απόφοιτος του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Παντείου Πανεπιστημίου Κοινωνικών και Πολιτικών Επιστημών.

Από το 2016 έως σήμερα εργάζεται ως Ψυχολόγος στο Υπουργείο Παιδείας, παρέχοντας κλινική αξιολόγηση και ψυχο-συναισθηματική υποστήριξη σε μαθητές ηλικίας 4 έως 21 ετών, καθώς και ψυχοπαιδαγωγικές παρεμβάσεις στο σχολικό πλαίσιο. Παράλληλα, υποστηρίζει εκπαιδευτικούς, υλοποιεί σεμινάρια ευαισθητοποίησης και πρόληψης σε θέματα ψυχικής υγείας και διαφορετικότητας, συμβουλεύει γονείς και συνεργάζεται με φορείς όπως νοσοκομεία και κέντρα ψυχικής υγείας. Έχει εργαστεί ως ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και εισηγήτρια ψυχοεκπαιδευτικών σεμιναρίων στο ΠΑΙ.ΚΕ.ΨΥ, παρέχοντας αξιολόγηση και θεραπευτική παρέμβαση σε παιδιά με μαθησιακές και συμπεριφορικές δυσκολίες, καθώς και υποστήριξη σε γονείς. Στο Συμβουλευτικό Κέντρο του Πανεπιστημίου Κρήτης προσέφερε ατομικές συνεδρίες συμβουλευτικής σε φοιτητές, αντιμετωπίζοντας ζητήματα όπως άγχος, διαπροσωπικές δυσκολίες και μαθησιακές προκλήσεις.

Η επαγγελματική της εμπειρία στο Ηνωμένο Βασίλειο περιλαμβάνει τη συνεργασία με το Macmillan Bereavement Service στο Ealing Hospital, όπου παρείχε υποστήριξη πένθους σε ενήλικες, εφήβους και παιδιά, καθώς και με το Wandsworth Association of Psychotherapists και το Kid’s Company, προσφέροντας συμβουλευτική σε άτομα με άγχος, κατάθλιψη, διατροφικές διαταραχές και προβλήματα συμπεριφοράς. Επιπλέον, πραγματοποίησε την πρακτική της άσκηση στον ΟΚΑΝΑ Πειραιά, στο πρόγραμμα υποκατάστασης μεθαδόνης.

Στον ακαδημαϊκό τομέα, διδάσκει ως Καθηγήτρια Ψυχολογίας στο Aegean College από το 2022 έως σήμερα, σε προπτυχιακά και μεταπτυχιακά προγράμματα, ενώ στο παρελθόν διετέλεσε καθηγήτρια και υπεύθυνη προγράμματος Ψυχολογίας στο MBS Κολλέγιο Κρήτης, όπου δίδαξε πλήθος μαθημάτων και είχε ενεργό ρόλο στον συντονισμό και την ανάπτυξη του προγράμματος σπουδών.

Έχει συμμετάσχει ενεργά σε επιστημονικά συνέδρια και εκπαιδευτικά σεμινάρια, με εισηγήσεις σε θέματα όπως η ενίσχυση κινήτρων μάθησης, η διαφορετικότητα, ο σχολικός εκφοβισμός και οι ψυχοδυναμικές προσεγγίσεις στην αντιμετώπιση ψυχολογικών επιπτώσεων της πανδημίας COVID-19 σε παιδιά και εφήβους. Τέλος, έχει παρακολουθήσει πληθώρα εκπαιδευτικών προγραμμάτων και σεμιναρίων σε τομείς όπως η ψύχωση, η δραματοθεραπεία, η υποστήριξη ευάλωτων ομάδων και ο αυτισμός.

Aggelopoulou Tzeni & Associates are Dietitian - Nutritionists specializing in Eating Disorders and maintain private offices in Alimos, Piraeus, and Galatsi. She is a graduate of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki and completed her internship at the General Hospital of Athens "Laiko". The Dietetic office provides high-level monitoring and management services for eating disorders and excess body weight. Specifically, it offers services for the development of personalized dietary plans for the treatment of obesity as well as pathological conditions such as high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, endocrine disorders (thyroid, polycystic ovary syndrome), gastrointestinal and renal diseases. Additionally, it provides nutritional support for individuals with special needs such as pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, elderly individuals, athletes, and children. Finally, specialized assessments are offered, including body fat measurement, body composition analysis, and basal metabolic rate measurement.

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.

Anna Gavrieli is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and operates a dietetic office, the Nutrition Studio, in Ampelokipi (Athens Tower / Hippocrates) in Athens. She is a graduate and PhD holder from Harokopio University, with postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School/BIDMC. Additionally, she is a former research lead for Compass (BAMCO) at Google. She provides a wide range of nutritional support services for health, various conditions, and different life stages, but focuses on habit change for weight loss and weight loss maintenance. She firmly believes that lifestyle habit changes are the key for individuals to take control of their weight and health. Her philosophy is that in order for someone to achieve long-lasting results, they must change the habits that lead to problematic behaviors and consequently weight gain. Her goal is to investigate problematic habits and pleasantly restructure new ones based on existing behaviors. In this way, long-term maintenance of results can be achieved, allowing the individual to enjoy a healthy weight and an improved lifestyle.

Dr. Kiortsis Dimitrios, Endocrinologist - Diabetologist, is a Professor at the Medical School of the University of Ioannina. He maintains private clinics in Athens and Ioannina. He specialized in Paris at the university hospitals Pitie-Salpetriere, Saint Louis, Hotel Dieu, Trousseau, and Cochin. He holds a three-year diploma in Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases (DU Paris V). He earned his PhD through collaboration between the Universities of Paris (Paris VI) and Athens. He has 35 years of experience across the full spectrum of endocrinological disorders, with particular expertise in obesity and metabolic diseases. He is a European-certified specialist and trainer of new physicians in obesity (European Scope). He has served as President of the Hellenic Medical Society for Obesity and is currently President of the Hellenic Society of Metabolism, Nutrition, and Well-being. His original research work includes over 200 publications in international journals, and he has authored numerous chapters in international and Greek books. His work has received multiple awards. He continues his research in collaboration with leading institutions in Europe and the USA. His clinic offers a fully personalized approach to all endocrinological disorders, with an emphasis on the contemporary therapeutic management of metabolic diseases and obesity. Combining academic research with extensive clinical experience, his goal is to improve patient quality of life through scientifically substantiated knowledge.

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.