Health professionals for Obesity in the Northern suburbs of Athens

Karamitros Xristos BSc, MBA is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Neo Irakleio. He holds a degree in Psychology from Cardiff Metropolitan University and has completed postgraduate studies in Clinical Cognitive Neuropsychology at the University of Strasbourg. Concurrently, he continues training in Systemic Psychotherapy at the Institute of Education and Research in Systemic Psychotherapy "Logos Psychis". He has completed practical volunteer work at the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association. In his private practice, he offers a wide range of services, respecting the unique needs of each patient.

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.

Poulis Arsenios is a Specialist in Internal Medicine, a collaborator of the Diagnostic Therapeutic Center of Athens "HYGEIA" for many years, and maintains a private practice in Alsoupoli, Nea Ionia. He is a graduate of the Medical School of the University of Ioannina. He completed his specialty in Internal Medicine and trained in Medical Acupuncture, Chinese Acupuncture, Auricular Neuromodulation (auriculotherapy), and New Cranial Acupuncture according to YAMAMOTO (YNSA). During his professional career, he served for 17 years as a Chief Consultant in the 1st Pathological Oncology Clinic of the "HYGEIA" Hospital. Currently, he is a collaborator at "HYGEIA" Hospital with extensive experience in managing pathological diseases and applying Medical Acupuncture. Finally, he is a member of the Hellenic Institute of Acupuncture Education as well as a founding member of the Academy of Auricular Neuromodulation.

Ms. Mamali Anastasia is a Psychologist, licensed to practice professionally, and maintains a private practice in Kifisia. She holds a second degree in Greek Culture. She has completed postgraduate studies in Human Resource Management (MBA HR) and further training in Systemic and Family Psychotherapy. She has also completed a Continuing Education Program on the "Detection, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Infants, Children, and Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)" from the Hellenic Society for the Study of ADHD. She undergoes personal psychotherapy and supervision with a systemic orientation and has completed a two-year clinical internship in Systemic Family Psychotherapy. She undertakes psychotherapy for adults, adolescents, and families facing difficulties, and also provides counseling sessions for parents and adolescents. Sessions can be conducted in person or online.

Pinelopi Katsiveli is an Endocrinologist with a private practice in Neo Psychiko. She graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and specializes in cases of endocrine hypertension, adrenal, and pituitary diseases. She completed her residency in Endocrinology at the Endocrinology Department of the General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas" and the Pathology Department of the General Hospital of Patision. Furthermore, during her career, she served as an Attending Physician in the Endocrinology Department at "Errikos Dynan" Hospital and attended the Endocrinopathies - Diabetes in Pregnancy Clinic at the Endocrinology Department of the University General Hospital - Maternity "Elena Venizelou." She currently serves as the Deputy Director of the Clinical Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes Department at "Errikos Dynan" Hospital Center. In her practice, she manages cases of both classical endocrinology and diabetology. Additionally, she has published original research articles in international medical journals, presented oral and written abstracts at Greek and international conferences, and has extensive research experience.

Η Φανακίδου Ιωάννα είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στη Νέα Ιωνία. Είναι απόφοιτη του Προγράμματος Ψυχολογίας της Φιλοσοφικής Σχολής του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών και ολοκλήρωσε με άριστα τις μεταπτυχιακές της σπουδές στην Ψυχολογία της Υγείας στο University of Central Lancashire του Preston. Το 2019 ολοκλήρωσε την εκπαίδευσή της στην Κλινική Υπνοθεραπεία (Solution Focused Clinical Hypnotherapy) από το αναγνωρισμένο κέντρο Clifton Practice Hypnotherapy Training της Βορείου Ιρλανδίας. Επιπρόσθετα, έχει εκπαιδευτεί και συνεργαστεί ως Ειδικός σεξουαλικής υγείας στο Ινστιτούτο Ψυχικής και Σεξουαλικής Υγείας. Παράλληλα, έχει ολοκληρώσει το ετήσιο μετεκπαιδευτικό σεμινάριο Κλινικής Ψυχοπαθολογίας «Παναγιώτης Ουλής»από το Ε.Π.Ι.Ψ.Υ. καθώς και το εκπαιδευτικό σεμινάριο στις «Διατροφικές Διαταραχές» στο Εκπαιδευτικό Κέντρο της Μονάδας Απεξάρτησης 18 Άνω. Είναι μέλος του Βρετανικού Συλλόγου Ψυχολόγων και τακτικό μέλος του Συλλόγου Ελλήνων Ψυχολόγων. Τέλος, αρθρογραφεί σε ελληνικά περιοδικά και ιστοσελίδες, με θέματα που αφορούν την ψυχική και σεξουαλική υγεία, ενώ έχει διεξάγει πληθώρα σεμιναρίων σεξουαλικής διαπαιδαγώγησης σε Δημοτικά, Γυμνάσια και Λύκεια τόσο σε γονείς και εκπαιδευτικούς όσο και σε μαθητές, καθώς και σεμινάρια που αφορούν τις σεξουαλικές δυσλειτουργίες και διαταραχές.

Marinakis Euaggelos is an Internal Medicine Specialist and Health Coach maintaining a private practice in Chalandri, bordering Psychiko (area of Agia Varvara, Chalandri). He studied Medicine at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He has extensive experience and certified training in metabolic and nutritional disorders, including Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus, as well as specific conditions such as Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating, and Emotional Eating. He served for many years as an instructor in Advanced Life Support, with certified training and extensive experience in Emergency Medicine, in hospitals in Greece and abroad [The Royal Surrey County Hospital, UK], and holds certified training in Diabetes Mellitus, Obesity, and Gestational Diabetes (General Hospital of Athens "Laiko" and the Endocrinology-Diabetes department in a private clinic). Marinakis Euaggelos applies modern, individualized, comprehensive-holistic methods based on continuous education in areas such as health coaching and life coaching, behavioral psychology, and fundamental principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy, aiming to achieve personal goals in nutrition and body weight management, management of chronic diseases such as obesity, bulimia, binge eating, emotional eating, restrictive eating, anorexia, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia (elevated cholesterol), and lifestyle improvement, with the ultimate goal of achieving substantial health and well-being. With long-term work experience in two university clinics, Marinakis Euaggelos has an extensive educational role in lecture halls, seminars, and conferences, as well as participation in the authorship of scientific texts. Finally, he collaborates with reputable private clinics for emergency cases and situations requiring hospitalization.

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.

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.

Andreas Thomopoulos is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist with a private practice in Marousi. He holds a degree from the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Naples, Italy, and specialized in Internal Medicine at the General Hospital of Attica "Amalia Fleming," in Endocrinology at the Endocrinology Department of the General Hospital "Elena Venizelou," and in Endocrinology and Diabetology at the Endocrinology and Diabetology Department of the Regional General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas." Additionally, he specialized in ultrasound imaging of endocrine glands at the Radiology Department of the Specialized Anti-Cancer Hospital of Piraeus "Metaxas." He is the head of the Endocrinology Department at the Bioclinic of Athens and has served as the head of the Endocrinology - Diabetology Department at IKA Marousi. He regularly attends numerous postgraduate seminars and conferences as part of his continuous education and has published papers in both Greek and international scientific journals. He is a member of European and Greek associations, as well as scientific societies.

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.

Dr. Panagou Maria MD is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist with 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". Alongside her private practices, she currently serves as the Scientific Director of the Endocrinology Department at the Medical Diagnostic Center "Praxis Hygeias," and in the past, she was the Scientific Director of the Endocrinology Department at the South East Aigaion Clinic in Mykonos. Finally, Dr. Panagou has extensive experience in thyroid disorders, diabetes mellitus, and osteoporosis.

Stefanakis Lykourgos is a Dietitian-Nutritionist with a private office in Chalandri. He holds a degree in Applied Dietetics from Canterbury Christ Church University and is an accredited member with ISAK level 1, after completing the educational program of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry, focusing on Anthropometry. He completed his internship at the Metabolic Self-Regulation and Wellness Center "Homeostasis S.A." He has also attended the specialized program "Sports Nutrition Specialist" by the Academy of Sports Nutrition and is a Scientific Collaborator at Exodos Fitness, where he provides dietary services to athletes. At his private office, Mr. Stefanakis offers a holistic approach to nutrition, combining scientific knowledge with personal interaction. By thoroughly studying the needs of each individual, he designs personalized nutrition programs based on the principles of balanced nutrition.

Η Κοκολοπούλου Αλεξάνδρα είναι Διαιτολόγος – Διατροφολόγος, MSc με άδεια ασκήσεως επαγγέλματος και πραγματοποιεί επισκέψεις κατ' οίκον και online . Είναι πτυχιούχος του τμήματος Διατροφής και Διαιτολογίας του Ανώτατου Τεχνολογικού Εκπαιδευτικού Ιδρύματος Καρδίτσας και κάτοχος του μεταπτυχιακού τίτλου «Διατροφή στην υγεία και την νόσο» από το τμήμα Ιατρικής του Πανεπιστημίου  Θεσσαλίας. Έχει πιστοποιημένη επιμόρφωση στην Γνωστική Συμπεριφοριστική Θεραπεία από το Εθνικό & Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών. Στη διάρκεια των σπουδών της πραγματοποίησε την πρακτική της άσκηση σε ιδιωτικό διαιτολογικό γραφείο των Αθηνών όπου απέκτησε εμπειρία πάνω σε φυσιολογικές και παθολογικές καταστάσεις περιστατικών. Ύστερα από την πρακτική της άσκηση συνέχισε να εργάζεται στο ίδιο διαιτολόγιο γραφείο ως διατροφολόγος – διαιτολόγος. Η φιλοσοφία της βασίζεται στην πεποίθηση ότι η ψυχική υγεία παίζει πρωταρχικό ρόλο στην προσπάθεια για σωστή διατροφή και την υιοθέτηση νέων διατροφικών συνηθειών γιαυτό το λόγο δίνει ιδιαίτερη βάση στην ψυχολογική υποστήριξη και ενδυνάμωση των περιστατικών της μέσω της συμβουλευτικής. Στις συνεδρίες της προσφέρει έπειτα από την πλήρη λήψη διατροφικού και ιατρικού ιστορικού, διατροφική  εκπαίδευση, συμβουλευτική διατροφή, ανάλυση σύστασης σώματος, λιπομέτρηση και σωματομετρήσεις  σε  περιστατικά φυσιολογικών (παιδιά, έφηβοι, αθλητές, εγκύους, θηλάζουσες, άτομα τρίτης ηλικία κ.α) και παθολογικών καταστάσεων (παχυσαρκία, δυσλιπιδαιμία, αναιμία, διαβήτη, νόσο εντέρου κ.α). Τα προγράμματα  διατροφής είναι εξατομικευμένα και σχεδιάζονται με γνώμονα την καθημερινότητα και τις συνήθειες του διαιτώμενου. Τέλος αναλαμβάνει οικογενειακές συνεδρίες με στόχο την διατροφική εκπαίδευση για νέες υγιεινές διατροφικές συνήθειες  και διατροφική  παρακολούθηση όλων των μελών της οικογένειας, ιδιαίτερα των πιο μικρών μελών της.

Meladaki Dimitra Kai Synergates is a Dietitian - Nutritionist maintaining a private practice in Nea Ionia. She holds a master's degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Glasgow, Scotland, and a bachelor's degree in Dietetics - Nutrition Science from Harokopio University of Athens. Additionally, she has specialized in Obesity and Weight Management at the University of Glasgow. Throughout her career, she has provided voluntary dietetic services to the municipalities of Cholargos and Papagos, and currently collaborates with Harokopio University on research projects as well as with mednutrition to educate the public on nutrition-related topics. Furthermore, she is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists of Greece and has attended numerous conferences and workshops on Nutrition and Dietetics held in Greece.

Piki Eirini works as a psychologist, psychotherapist, family therapist, lecturer and supervisor. She is a member of the ‘Greek Psychological Association’ as well as the ‘Hellenic Association of Systemic Therapy (HELASYTH). She has also obtained the European Certificate in Psychology (EuroPsy), and a work license as a psychologist (No. 5522/07). She completed her undergraduate degree (BSc) at the University of North London and her postgraduate (MA) and doctoral (PhD) studies at Goldsmiths University of London. Furthermore, she completed a training in individual, group and family psychotherapy at the Laboratory for the Study of Human Relations. She has worked for several years in different contexts in the field of psychology, such as in prisons, nursing homes and orphanages. She has given lectures at Goldsmiths University of London (UK) and at Mediterranean College (Greece). Since 2002, she has taken part in several seminars, with the aim of informing either the laymen or specific groups, such as parents, teachers and/or mental health care professionals. Since 2005, she has been working in private practice at her office in Agia Paraskevi, Athens, as a psychologist-psychotherapist for children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, as a group therapist, and also as a supervisor. Moreover, since 2005, she has been cooperating with a number of nurseries and, since 2012, she is in collaboration with the European Network of Women, which is an NGO dealing with issues of interfamilial violence and racial discrimination.

Dalakoura Stella is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist and maintains a private practice in Chalandri. She holds a degree from the Medical School of Democritus University of Thrace and a Master's Degree in "Molecular & Applied Physiology" from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She specialized in Endocrinology-Diabetology in the Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at the General Hospital of Athens "Korgialenio-Benakeio" E.E.S. During her specialization, she also gained expertise in the management of patients using insulin pumps. In her practice, she handles cases covering the entire spectrum of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism. She is a member of the Hellenic Endocrine Society, the Athens Medical Association, and the General Medical Council of the United Kingdom. In 2022, she obtained the SCOPE certification from the World Obesity Federation, following a scholarship award from the Hellenic Endocrine Society.

Maurandrea Nota is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist, PhD Candidate at the Medical School of the University of Athens, and maintains a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. She works with adults and adolescents facing mental health challenges such as eating disorders, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, addictions, difficulties in interpersonal relationships, low self-esteem, and others. Additionally, she supports parents in strengthening their role. Her approach is based on developing a therapeutic relationship in which the patient can safely and confidently understand and connect with themselves. Regarding her education, she is a graduate of the Psychology Department of the University of Crete with postgraduate studies in Addiction Treatment. She is specialized in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy and concurrently specializes in the Treatment of Eating Disorders at Aeginiteio Hospital, where she also serves as a Scientific Collaborator in the respective Unit.

Zaxarodimos Nikolaos is a Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist, a doctoral candidate at the Laboratory of Dietetics and Quality of Life of the Agricultural University of Athens, and maintains a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. He graduated from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Technological Educational Institute of Crete and holds a master's degree in "Molecular and Applied Physiology" from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with a research specialization in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Simultaneously, he collaborates with medical clinics, hospitals, and fitness centers, offering personalized nutrition programs and body composition analyses. His professional experience includes salaried practice at the General Hospital of Athens "Laiko," participation in research projects and scholarships within the framework of the "Research – Create – Innovate" initiatives, and active involvement with publications in international journals and conferences both in Greece and abroad. He also has experience as a lecturer and trainer for students, as well as extensive volunteer work in nutritional education activities. Furthermore, the specialist is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians and Nutritionists and ACSM Exercise is Medicine Greece. Finally, at his dietetic office in Agia Paraskevi, he provides nutritional guidance for conditions such as diabetes, obesity, autoimmune diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, and muscle strengthening.

Paraskeui Savvari is an Internist and maintains a private practice in Marousi. She holds a medical degree from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She completed her rural service at the General Hospital of Sparta/Regional Clinic "Petrinas" and subsequently worked as a scientific collaborator in the Intensive Care Unit of the Therapeutic Clinic at the General Hospital "Alexandra," gaining valuable experience in managing patients with coronary artery disease and heart failure. She holds a PhD from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She completed her specialty in Internal Medicine at the University Therapeutic Clinic of the General Hospital "Alexandra," where she trained for 1.5 years in managing patients with acute cerebrovascular stroke (A.C.E) in the stroke unit. She worked as a Consultant Physician at the HYGEIA Hospital and as a scientific collaborator at the "Laboratory of Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Medical Statistics" of the University of Athens. Concurrently with her private practice, she serves as a collaborator at the 1st Internal Medicine Clinic of the "Errikos Dyunan" Hospital Center, overseeing clinical and educational activities and participating in the clinic's on-call duties. Additionally, she works as a medical advisor at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, primarily engaged in research and the pharmaceutical management of patients with arterial and venous thromboses. She has contributed to the authorship of 21 scientific articles and 4 textbooks and has been a speaker at numerous scientific conferences. Finally, Dr. Savvari is a Fellow of the European Stroke Organization (FESO), a member of the Hellenic Stroke Organization, and Vice President of the Hellenic Society of Frailty and Sarcopenia.