Health professionals for Obesity in Attica

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.

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 Panagiotidis Ioannis is a Pathologist who maintains a private practice in Nikaia. He is a graduate of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and subsequently specialized in Pathology at the therapeutic clinic of the University of Athens, at the General Hospital of Athens "Alexandra". Finally, the doctor collaborates with Cosmoclinic and in his private practice offers a wide range of services, tailored to the needs of each patient.

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.

Ioanna Lampridou is a Dietitian-Nutritionist based in Kolonaki. She graduated from Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, Scotland, where she obtained a BSc (Hons) degree in Dietetics-Nutrition. As part of her practical training, she worked in the Clinical Dietetics-Nutrition department of the 424 General Military Hospital of Thessaloniki. She holds specialized certifications such as "Health Behavior Change" from Yale University, "Science of Exercise" from the University of Colorado Boulder, and "Mindfulness and Well-being" from Rice University. In 2025, she will also complete her training as a Master Practitioner in the fields of Obesity-Metabolic Syndrome and Eating Disorders.

She maintains a private practice in Kolonaki, providing personalized nutritional support to individuals with conditions such as autoimmune diseases, obesity, and malnutrition. Additionally, she collaborates with the Dementia Counseling Station of the Municipality of Papagou-Cholargos through the LLM CARE program, where she offers nutritional assessment and support to both people with dementia and their caregivers, informing them about appropriate dietary practices that can improve patients' quality of life.

She has also worked with private educational centers, sharing her experience and knowledge with students in the nutrition field. She is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians and the Diatrofi.gr platform, participating in continuous education and knowledge exchange with other health professionals.

With a deep understanding of each individual's needs and extensive experience in the field of nutrition, Ioanna Lampridou supports her clients in improving their health, well-being, and quality of life.

Landis George is a clinical registered dietitian specialist in pedriatic and adolescent obesity and diabetes. After the completion of his basic honors degree on nutrition and dietetics with SRD at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK, he continued his clinical training on diabetes, obesity and liver and pancreatic diseases at the Manchester Royal Infirmary NHS Trust. The last seven years he's a clinical affiliate of the First Department of pedriatic, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes of Athens Medical School where he completed his three year clinical expertise master in adolescent obesity and metabolism and my MSc on Bone Metabolic Diseases. His work experience in the field of pediatric obesity research and practice includes both clinical work and designing of educational interactive platforms for the prevention of childhood obesity and metabolic syndrome of adolescents as well as the implementation of ICT interventions for chronic diseases focused mainly to diabetes mellitus. Working as a part of the team of a university clinic and especially of the Centre of Adolescent Medicine, UNESCO chair of Adolescent Health Care he had the opportunity to be the senior dietitian of the project for the study of metabolic syndrome of Greek adolescents which consisted the basis for the development of the percentiles for waist circumference values of the Greek adolescent population. Additionally, within his cooperation with the First Department of Pedriatic of Athens Medical School he have authored a number of scientific manuscripts and modules for e-learning courses on adolescent medicine and delivered a number of scientific presentations on pedriatic obesity. His scientific interest and research goal is to contribute in the development of more sustainable ICT platforms for the understanding and prevention of pedriatic/adolescent obesity and its complications to human health.

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.

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.

Florou Athina is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains a private practice in the Zografou area. She graduated from the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition Science at Harokopio University of Athens in 2022, successfully completing her undergraduate studies. During her internship at the 251 General Airforce Hospital, she gained valuable knowledge and experience in nutrition support, designing personalized diet plans, nutritional counseling, and assessing patients' nutritional status. She continued her studies at University College London (UCL), where she obtained a master's degree in Eating Disorders and Clinical Nutrition with distinction. As part of her postgraduate education, she worked at St Ann’s Hospital/Eating Disorder Service, making a significant contribution to the rehabilitation of patients with eating disorders. Athina is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians-Nutritionists (PSDΔD), the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN), and the Association for Nutrition (AfN) in the UK. She has experience in managing clinical cases through collaboration with physicians of various specialties in both hospital and private settings. She applies individualized nutritional interventions based on scientific evidence, aiming for the holistic support of health.

As part of her active involvement in international scientific networks, she participates as a member of the Working Group of the European project HEALTH UP! of EFAD (European Federation of the Associations of Dietitians), contributing to the scientifically substantiated evaluation and updating of the Guide on Eating Disorders, aiming to enhance dietetic care practice at the European level.

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.

Karalis Konstantinos is a Pathologist with a private practice in Ilioupoli. He graduated from the Medical School of Democritus University of Thrace and completed his specialty in Pathology at St. Antonius Krankenhaus Hospital in Cologne, as well as at the General University Hospital of Athens "Alexandra." In addition to his private practice, he serves as a Scientific Associate – Attending Physician at the Athens Medical Center in Marousi and is a member of the Athens Medical Association. He provides a wide range of medical services, tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

Iakovou Aleksandra is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist (MSc-CBT) who maintains a private practice in Nea Erythraia and collaborates with a psychotherapy center in downtown Athens. She studied Psychology at the University of Greenwich in England (BSc) and has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Additionally, she completed postgraduate studies in Health Psychology at the University of Lancashire in England. She has also completed the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. She completed her internship at "The Smile of the Child," where she provided psychological support to children up to 8 years old, as well as at "18 and Over," where she conducted sessions with individuals with eating disorders. Her focus is on the treatment of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, pain management, as well as enhancing self-confidence and changing behaviors that lead to the adoption of a balanced diet. Psychotherapy aids in self-recognition, as each person learns more about their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This is when the desired change begins.

Zaxariadis Konstantinos is a General Practitioner who maintains a private practice in Nea Smyrni. He holds a degree in Medicine and Pharmacy from the University of Craiova and has specialized in general medicine at the General State Hospital of Nikaia. Simultaneously, he continuously attends numerous national and international conferences to ensure his ongoing education. He is a member of the Hellenic Diabetes Association, the Hellenic Society of General Medicine, the American Diabetes Association, and the Hellenic Society of Hypertension and Cardiovascular Protection. The doctor has experience in blood pressure regulation, managing obesity and asthma, as well as smoking cessation support. Through his professional experience in major and recognized hospitals in Greece, he is capable of addressing a wide range of conditions in his private practice.

Christina Papageorgiou is a Clinical Psychologist and Sociologist, a graduate of Deree-The American College of Greece and Panteion University. She holds a Professional License and is a Psychotherapist, trained in Systemic Psychotherapy at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling KE.PSY.SY. She has finished the master's program in Clinical Psychology at the Erasmus University of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, as she has also attended the master's program in Special Education and Rehabilitation at the University of Macedonia. Finally, she has a diploma in Applied Counseling from KE.PSY.SY. At present, she works, alongside her private office, as a Psychologist in a Center for Special Treatments and continues to attend educational programs and trainings in her field. Provides individual sessions, couples' counselling, parents' counselling, and LGBTQI+ counselling, live and online, as well as in English.

Marinakis Euaggelos is an Internist - Health Coach, maintaining a private clinic in Chalandri, bordering Psychiko (Agia Varvara area of Chalandri). He studied Medicine at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. With knowledge and extensive experience in internal medicine and ongoing education in health coaching, life coaching, behavioral psychology, and the fundamental principles of the Cognitive-Behavioral approach, Marinakis Euaggelos approaches the individual holistically and guides them with modern methods towards achieving their personal goals and aspirations in broader health and personal development matters. Well-being is an exciting challenge-goal in life, analyzed into physical and non-physical components, which include the individual, family, parenthood, and close or broader human relationships. Whether it concerns chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, bulimia, overeating, emotional eating, uncontrolled food consumption, cognitive restriction, and restrictive diets, psychogenic anorexia, or issues related to relationships and psychosocial aspects within the framework of health and lifestyle coaching, Marinakis Euaggelos possesses extensive training and experience.