Health professionals for Obesity in the Northern suburbs of Athens

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.

Oikonomopoulou Eudokia - Evina is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains a private practice in Kifisia. She completed her studies in dietetics at the University of Hertfordshire and Biology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Additionally, she holds a Master Nutritionist in Autoimmune Disorders (EL.D.E.) from the Hellenic Nutrition Society. She has been trained in Genetic Counseling at the Center for Training and Lifelong Learning of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, as well as in Health Coaching for healthcare professionals, and in Contemporary Applications of Sports Nutrition from Academy Life. Furthermore, she completed her internship at IASO. She is specialized in diet and nutrition and addresses a wide range of issues related to breastfeeding, sports nutrition, diabetes mellitus, nutritional counseling, obesity, metabolism, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Kalatzopoulou Garyfalia Liana MD, MSc is a Specialist in Internal Medicine and maintains a private practice in Neo Psychiko. She is a graduate of the Athens College and holds a medical degree from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She completed a postgraduate program in Immunology and Infectious Diseases at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, specialized in Internal Medicine at the General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas," and has extensive experience in the management of obesity, having handled hundreds of cases to date. Dr. Kalatzopoulou is an external associate of Metropolitan General Hospital and serves as the attending Internist at the Outpatient Clinics of the same hospital.

Keydiet - Katerina Vamvouka and Associates are based in Chalandri. Katerina Vamvouka is a Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist, graduate of Harokopio University and holder of a postgraduate degree in Public Health and Health Services Administration from the Medical School of the University of Crete. Since 2006, she has maintained a private dietetic office in Chalandri, while in the early years of her career, she served as the scientific head of the dietetic unit at the private hospital "Hygeia" and later at the rehabilitation and recovery center "Filoktitis," gaining extensive experience in predominantly clinical cases with specific nutritional needs. Subsequently, she decided to focus exclusively on managing obesity cases in both adults and children at her private practice, as well as providing counseling and proper guidance for balanced nutrition and exercise, thereby helping many people change their relationship with food and adopt healthier habits and lifestyles. In recent years, she established the Keydiet dietetic unit, where, together with a highly qualified team, she continues to provide dietetic services to an even broader range of cases. Together with her team and always prioritizing the individuality of people and their needs, she personalizes dietary and exercise instructions and strives, through proper guidance, to educate them to adopt a healthier dietary approach that they will maintain over a longer period.

Foteini Nika graduated from the Department of Science of Dietetics - Nutrition at Harokopio University in 2016. She continued her academic path by completing the postgraduate program in Applied Dietetics-Nutrition at Harokopio University, specializing in Clinical Nutrition, where she graduated with distinction. Her master's thesis focused on the development and validation of a predictive index for assessing the likelihood of vitamin D deficiency in a pediatric school-aged population. Interested in continuous education and training, she has completed additional postgraduate courses in the following areas: "Stress Management & Health," National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), "Eating Disorders," NKUA, “Advanced Dietary Management and the low FODMAP Diet in IBS,” King's College London, and “Online Introduction to Paediatric Nutrition for Health Professionals,” Monash University. She has attended numerous conferences related to her field over time and has also served as a speaker at conferences, seminars, and workshops. She maintains her dietetic practice in Nea Erythraia. Within the framework of her professional experience, she has managed numerous clinical and sports nutrition cases in both adults and children. Finally, she is a member of the Hellenic Dietitians-Nutritionists Association. 

Panagiotou Maria - Anna is a Psychologist (BSc) and Psychotherapist specializing in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy. She graduated from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a professional practice license valid nationwide (License No: 1401991). She has worked as a Psychologist at the Elderly Care Unit "Rodi" in Filothei, as well as an external collaborator in a Medical Clinic and an English tutoring center to support employees and students. Additionally, she has volunteered in various settings, including public elderly care units and telephone support platforms. She has been trained in the Behavioral-Cognitive approach (higher education) at KEPSYSY in areas such as anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, psychosomatic disorders, depression, traumatic experiences, relationship issues, and has specialized in the non-pharmacological management of geriatric issues and caregivers, including dementia, grief, and anxiety at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She works with both adults and adolescents on family matters, crisis management, school performance, and violence-related issues. Her approach is based, among others, on the Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy model by Ellis, Beck's Cognitive Therapy model, as well as Meichenbaum's Cognitive-Behavioral Modification. Finally, the specialist is a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society (SEPS). Guided by empathy, authenticity, and scientific practices, individuals will progressively be able to manage life situations effectively. For optimal service provision, she is supervised and participates in personal psychotherapy.

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.

Valia Xristopoulou - Theranous is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist based at the private TheraNous office in Drosia. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Ioannina and is a postgraduate student at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in the "Early Intervention in Psychosis" program. She specializes in stress management, with a particular focus on early intervention in forms of psychopathology, mental, and emotional disorders. She has completed the Clinical Psychopathology Postgraduate Seminar "Panagiotis Oulis" of the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of NKUA and the Interdepartmental Training Program of the Hellenic Society of Group Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, focusing on group dynamics. She has worked as a Psychologist at KETHEA Epirus and the Psychiatric Clinic of the General Hospital of Argolida, where she gained valuable experience supporting individuals with addictions as well as managing severe mental disorders in a hospital setting. Simultaneously, she is training in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy through the five-year program of the Hellenic Society of Group Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (HSGPP), strengthening her theoretical knowledge and clinical practice. Her goal is to provide meaningful psychological support, both through individual and group sessions, tailored to the needs of each person seeking help and change in their life.

Diamantopoulos Aristeidis Aris is a graduate physician of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and obtained his professional license in 2015. He was a trainee in Internal Medicine at the General Hospital of Nea Ionia - Patision from 2016 to 2018, and from 2018 to 2023 he specialized in "Endocrinology – Diabetes – Metabolism" at the Endocrinology Department – Diabetes Center of the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos," which has also been certified as a National and European Reference Center for "Pituitary - Adrenal - Thyroid Cancer." Concurrently, since 2021, he has been pursuing a PhD at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. As an endocrinologist – diabetologist, he has contributed to numerous publications in reputable Greek and international medical journals. He has also received awards at conferences, including the "Young ESE Investigator Award 2022" from the European Society of Endocrinology. In addition to clinical and research studies, he has participated in multiple conferences in Greece and abroad, presenting lectures, oral communications, and posters. In his private practice, he manages cases spanning the entire spectrum of Endocrinology and Diabetes Mellitus, with the primary concern being the benefit of the patient.

Mousiolis Dimitris MD, MSc, cPhD is a General Surgeon with a private clinic in Ilion. He graduated from the Medical School of Plovdiv University and obtained his specialty in General Surgery from the General Hospital of Athens "Elpis". He holds a postgraduate diploma in Liver - Biliary - Pancreatic Surgery from the Medical Department of Democritus University of Thrace and a Diploma from the Hellenic School of Mastology. Additionally, he has received specialized training in adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation, bariatric surgery, vascular access, sentinel lymph node biopsy, as well as in Laparoscopic & Robotic General Surgery. He specializes in the modern management of perianal diseases and has received specialized training in the minimally invasive treatment of perianal conditions (hemorrhoids, pilonidal cyst, perianal fistulas, anal fissures, condylomas) using specific surgical lasers (LHP, SiLAC, FiLaC) as well as in the treatment of hemorrhoidal disease with the use of ultrasound. To date, he is a collaborating General Surgeon at the Medical Center of Athens, the Bioclinic of Athens, and the Affidea - Euromedical Group. He has published scientific articles in reputable international medical journals and participates in specialized medical events in Greece and abroad. Finally, the doctor is a member of the Medical Association of Athens, the Hellenic Surgical Society, the Hellenic Scientific Society of Robotic Surgery, the Clinical Robotic Surgery Association, as well as the European Resuscitation Council.

Η Ηλιοπούλου Τέτα είναι Σύμβουλος Ψυχικής Υγείας με πολυετή κλινική εμπειρία, η οποία ξεπερνά τα είκοσι έτη. Παρέχει υπηρεσίες συμβουλευτικής και ψυχοθεραπείας, πραγματοποιώντας συνεδρίες δια ζώσης και διαδικτυακά. Οι σπουδές της περιλαμβάνουν την επιτυχή ολοκλήρωση προγραμμάτων στην Kοινωνική Εργασία από το Chette College και στη Συνθετική Συμβουλευτική Ψυχοθεραπεία από το Athens Synthesis Centre, ενώ βρίσκεται σε διαδικασία αναβάθμισης των ακαδημαϊκών προσόντων της στην ψυχολογία από το 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 βοήθεια παρέχεται στις περιπτώσεις που κάποιος επιθυμεί να διαχειριστεί ένα θέμα που τον προβληματίζει, είτε σε σχέση με τον εαυτό του είτε με άλλους, να αντιμετωπίσει μια ψυχική δυσκολία ή να διευρύνει την αυτογνωσία και την προσωπική του ανάπτυξη. Η θεωρητική προσέγγιση που ακολουθεί είναι συνθετική και περιλαμβάνονται: Η Γνωσιακή - Συμπεριφορική για αναγνώριση και τροποποίηση του σκεπτικού και της συμπεριφοράς που δείχνουν αδιέξοδα. Η Ψυχοδυναμική για ιχνηλάτηση του παρελθόντος (πρώιμες παιδικές εμπειρίες) που έχουν διαμορφώσει ένα μοντέλο λειτουργίας του ατόμου. Η Υπαρξιακή στην οποία η έμφαση δίνεται σε αυτό που επιλέγει να κάνει το άτομο στο παρόν, το νόημα που του αποδίδει και η επίδραση στις σχέσεις του (στις ομάδες ακολουθείται μόνο 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.

Η Αρετή Δήμητρα Παινέση είναι Διαιτολόγος – Διατροφολόγος και εδρεύει στο Χαλάνδρι, πτυχιούχος του Τμήματος Διατροφής και Επιστήμης Τροφίμων από το Πανεπιστήμιο του Reading του Ηνωμένου Βασιλείου, και κάτοχος δύο μεταπτυχιακών τίτλων (MSc Med Sci): στην Κλινική Διατροφή από το Πανεπιστήμιο της Γλασκώβης και στον Σακχαρώδη Διαβήτη & την Παχυσαρκία από την Ιατρική Σχολή Αθηνών.

Είναι επί σειρά ετών επιστημονική συνεργάτιδα στο ΙΑΣΩ Παίδων, όπου ασχολείται με τη διατροφική υποστήριξη παιδιών και εφήβων, τόσο για την απώλεια βάρους, όσο και για τη διαχείριση κλινικών περιστατικών, όπως αλλεργίες, δυστροφία και άλλες διατροφικές ή ιατρικές καταστάσεις που απαιτούν εξειδικευμένη υποστήριξη. Παράλληλα, διαθέτει πολύχρονη εμπειρία στη διαχείριση ατόμων με νοσογόνο παχυσαρκία που έχουν υποβληθεί σε βαριατρική επέμβαση καθώς συνεργάζεται με ομάδα εξειδικευμένων χειρουργών, όπως ο Καθηγητής Χειρουργικής Λέανδρος Εμμανουήλ και η Χειρουργός Μαρία Νατούδη, συμβάλλοντας ουσιαστικά στη διατροφική τους αποκατάσταση και στη μακροχρόνια διατήρηση της απώλειας βάρους τους. 

Επίσης έχει ασχοληθεί εκτενώς με άτομα με Σακχαρώδη Διαβήτη Τύπου 1 και Τύπου 2, εγκυμονούσες με διαβήτη κύησης, καθώς και άτομα με μεταβολικές και ενδοκρινικές διαταραχές (δυσλιπιδαιμίες, παθολογικές καταστάσεις του θυρεοειδούς).

Η φιλοσοφία της βασίζεται στην εξατομικευμένη, ρεαλιστική και επιστημονικά τεκμηριωμένη προσέγγιση, με στόχο τη δημιουργία βιώσιμων συνηθειών και τη βελτίωση της σχέσης του ατόμου με τη διατροφή.

Οι συνεδρίες πραγματοποιούνται δια ζώσης ή online, με πλήρη αξιολόγηση και καθοδήγηση, πάντα με σεβασμό στις ανάγκες, το ιατρικό ιστορικό και τον τρόπο ζωής κάθε ατόμου.

Στο πλαίσιο των δια ζώσης συνεδριών, γίνεται χρήση σύγχρονου λιπομετρητή, για ακριβή ανάλυση της σύστασης σώματος (λιπώδης μάζα, μυϊκή μάζα, σωματικά υγρά), που επιτρέπει πιο στοχευμένη και αντικειμενική παρακολούθηση της προόδου.

Synetos Dionysios is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Chalandri. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of East London, and has specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling in Kallithea. He has completed an internship at the Alzheimer Day Center in Maroussi and has managed cases at the Psychogeriatric Society "Nestor" as part of his CBT internship and continues to volunteer there to this day. Additionally, he has worked privately with individuals with autism and currently works at the Day Center of PESOPSY in Vyronas.

Maria Mantzourani is a Dietitian - Nutritionist with private practices in Nea Ionia and Nea Erythrea. She holds a degree from the Department of Dietetics - Nutrition at Harokopio University and a degree from the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has over 10 years of experience as a Dietitian - Nutritionist, as well as an exercise and fitness consultant, having managed thousands of cases. She possesses expertise in body weight management for adults and children, offering personalized nutrition programs and specialized services for clinical cases (such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, and others). Additionally, she has significant experience in regulating and improving metabolic rate and provides specifically tailored programs for pregnant and breastfeeding women, along with appropriate education and thorough information on their nutritional needs. Moreover, she designs programs tailored to the nutritional requirements of athletes, students, adolescents, and the elderly, offers individualized monitoring for cases of eating disorders, and monitors body composition through detailed anthropometric and body fat measurements. Finally, she is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians-Nutritionists and other associations in Greece and abroad, and consistently attends conferences organized by the Medical and Pharmaceutical Association.

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

Maggana Efi is a Psychologist - Clinical Hypnotherapist and operates her private practice in Kolonaki, where she addresses a wide range of psychological issues including anxiety disorders, depression, interpersonal relationship challenges, and personality disorders. She holds a degree in Psychology from Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences. Additionally, she earned a Master's degree in Occupational Psychology from the University of East London and a second Master's degree in Health and Occupational Psychology from the University of Paris, Université Paris 8.

Furthermore, she completed a one-year training program and internship in Clinical Hypnotherapy at the Institut Français d’Hypnose in Paris. She has professional experience as a Mental Health Counselor and HR consultant, having worked in France at the "Hôpital Kremlin-Bicêtre" in Paris and in Greece at the “EANP METAΞA” hospital.

She is currently undertaking further training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at the DDEEΨY (Department of Psychological Education and Clinical Training) and regularly participates in various professional seminars in Psychology.

Grivea Ifigeneia - Nourish Lab is a clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains a private practice in Metamorfosi, Attica. She is a graduate of Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh. She holds certified training in genomic nutrition from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Additionally, she has received training from the Hellenic Nutrition Society in pediatric nutrition. She has attended numerous nutrition conferences both in-person and virtually. She has many years of experience in chronic, metabolic, and autoimmune diseases, having served as the scientific director of the nutrition department in a private clinic in Attica. Since 2025, she has been a regular member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians-Nutritionists.

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.