Health professionals for Obesity near Exarcheia

Eftexar Samira-Vasiliki is a Psychologist-Psychotherapist (professional license number 6851/2015) and maintains a private practice in the Ilisia area, near the "Megaro Mousikis" metro station. As a Psychotherapist, she specializes in the Cognitive-Behavioral model, which forms the main axis of her therapeutic practice. In accordance with the individualized needs of each patient, she integrates tools and interventions from approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Compassion-Focused Therapy into this model. These constitute the "third generation" of Cognitive-Behavioral therapies, for which she has received relevant training. She has worked as an external scientific collaborator at the Eating Disorders Unit of the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of Aeginiteio Hospital, as part of her two-year postgraduate training in the treatment of Eating Disorders. She provides specialized therapeutic support to adults experiencing difficulties related to anxiety (generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, agoraphobia, health anxiety, phobias), eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder), depression, as well as life transitions, interpersonal relationship issues, communication challenges, low self-esteem, boundary issues, anger, procrastination, and more.

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.

Konstantoulaki Eleni MSc, MA is a licensed Psychologist - Systemic Psychotherapist specialized in the Systemic - Existential approach, with experience in the treatment of adolescents, young adults, adults, couples (EFT | Emotionally Focused Therapy) and families. She provides psychotherapy both individually and in group settings, with sessions available online. Her goal is to create a safe therapeutic environment where each individual or group can feel acceptance and trust, having the space to explore thoughts, feelings, and relationships, progressing with awareness towards a more conscious, meaningful, and authentic life.

Pop Olympia MSc is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in the center of Athens, specializing in psychological assessment, psychotherapy, and counseling. She obtained her degree from the University of Bucharest, which was subsequently recognized by DOATAP. She pursued further training in Applied Psychology with a specialization in Counseling at the American College of Greece. She has collaborated with and provided psychological services in various private and public institutions, such as the social service of the Agios Eleftherios municipal clinics, the social service of the Municipality of Keratsini - Drapetsona, and the Network for Children's Rights. She has received training and provides supervised psychological services in the following areas: assessment of minors and parental counseling at the Child Mental Health Center, assessment of the elderly and caregiver counseling at the Alzheimer Center of the Nestor Psychogeriatric Society, and group support in the reintegration department for individuals over 18 years old. Since 2009, she has been a member of the Hellenic Association of Psychologists.

Vatalas Ioannis - Anastasios is an Endocrinologist with a private practice in Ampelokipoi, while also serving as an endocrinologist at the National Bank Personnel Health Fund. He holds a PhD in Medicine with distinction from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a medical degree from the same institution. He obtained his specialization in Endocrinology at the "Korgialeneio-Benakeio" Hospital of Athens. He has a significant research portfolio, with original publications in international scientific journals and active participation in numerous endocrinology conferences both in Greece and abroad. Additionally, Dr. Vatalas is a member of the European Society of Endocrinology, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the Hellenic Endocrine Society - Panhellenic Association of Endocrinologists, the Hellenic Diabetes Association, the Hellenic Medical Society for Obesity, and the Hellenic Society for the Study of Bone Metabolism.

Maria Mpergele is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains her private offices in Nea Ionia and in the center of Athens. She holds a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Thessaly and, as part of her continuous professional development, she has attended and continues to attend numerous postgraduate scientific seminars and conferences related to her specialty. She has extensive experience in managing clinical cases (such as Diabetes Mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, thyroid disorders, gut health) and also treats adolescent cases. In the past, she served as a Dietitian - Nutritionist at a Nutrition and Aesthetics Center and completed her internship in the Nutrition and Dietetics Department at the Korgialeneio-Benakio General Hospital (Red Cross). Currently, in addition to her private practice, she collaborates with a Nursery School providing nutritional services as well as with a Wellness and Care Center.

O Θεοδωρόπουλος Αργύρης MSc είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπευτής και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Σύνταγμα. Είναι αριστούχος απόφοιτος του Λυκείου Αμαρουσίου Αναβρύτων και του τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Πανεπιστημίου Κρήτης. Οι μεταπτυχιακές του σπουδές στο Εθνικό και Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών αφορούν την πρόληψη και την προαγωγή της ψυχικής υγείας. Όσον αφορά την ψυχοθεραπεία, έχει εξειδίκευση στη Γνωσιακή – Συμπεριφορική ψυχοθεραπεία (Ινστιτούτο Έρευνας και Θεραπείας της Συμπεριφοράς, πρόεδρος Καλαντζή-Αζίζι Αναστασία, Ομότιμη Καθηγήτρια Κλινικής Ψυχολογίας, Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών) και στη Συστημική – Υπαρξιακή ψυχοθεραπεία (Εκπαιδευτικό Κέντρο Συστημικής και Υπαρξιακής Ψυχοθεραπείας, πρόεδρος Καραγιάννης Δημήτρης, ψυχίατρος – ψυχοθεραπευτής). Η Γνωσιακή – Συμπεριφορική θεραπεία βοηθάει τον άνθρωπο να κατανοήσει και να επιλύσει τα διάφορα συμπτώματα (συμπτώματα κατάθλιψης : άσχημη διάθεση, απώλεια ενεργητικότητας, ανηδονία, αρνητικές σκέψεις κ.ά. και συμπτώματα άγχους : κρίσεις πανικού, ψυχαναγκασμοί, ψυχοσωματικά κ.ά.). Η Συστημική – Υπαρξιακή Θεραπεία συμβάλλει στο να κατανοήσει το άτομο τα προβλήματα σχέσης και οικογένειας που δημιουργούνται καθώς εντοπίζει τα λάθη που το ίδιο κάνει στην αλληλεπίδραση και στο πώς σχετίζεται με τους άλλους ανθρώπους, συνδέοντας παράλληλα πώς ο ίδιος έχει επηρεαστεί από την οικογένεια στην οποία μεγάλωσε. Η Υπαρξιακή Ψυχοθεραπεία κινητοποιεί τον άνθρωπο να αξιοποιήσει τις δυνατότητές του, να τις εξελίξει σε ικανότητες και να βιώσει ολοκλήρωση και ευχαρίστηση στη ζωή του. Οπότε ο συνδυασμός των παραπάνω ψυχοθεραπευτικών προσεγγίσεων βοηθάει με τον καλύτερο τρόπο τον άνθρωπο αγγίζοντας τον εις βάθος. Εκτός από την ψυχοθεραπεία, η οποία είναι η βασική του επαγγελματική δραστηριότητα, ο Αργύρης Θεοδωρόπουλος έχει εργαστεί σε διάφορα δημόσια και ιδιωτικά πλαίσια (σχολεία, νοσοκομεία, κλινικές κ.ά.). Η εκπαιδευτική του εμπειρία περιλαμβάνει τη διδασκαλία σε ιδιωτικές σχολές Ψυχολογίας μαθημάτων σχετικά με τη διάγνωση και τη θεραπεία ψυχικών και σεξουαλικών διαταραχών. Εργασίες του έχουν δημοσιευτεί σε ελληνικά και διεθνή ψυχολογικά και ψυχιατρικά συνέδρια, όπως το Πανελλήνιο Συνέδριο Ψυχιατρικής, το International Psychiatric Conference, το World Congress for Mental Health, το Πανελλήνιο Συνέδριο Ψυχολογίας, το Συνέδριο Εφηβικής Ιατρικής κ.ά. Επίσης, συμμετείχε στη συγγραφή των βιβλίων «Ας μιλήσουμε για τις σχέσεις μας» (εκδόσεις Λιβάνης), «Για σένα έφηβε» (εκδόσεις Μίνωας) και «Σεξουαλική Υγεία» (εκδόσεις Λιβάνης). Τέλος, ο ειδικός αρθρογραφεί σε περιοδικά, εφημερίδες και ηλεκτρονικό τύπο (tovima.gr, in.gr, protothema.gr, iatronet κ.ά).

Papataksiarxis Euaggelos MSc is a Dietitian - Nutritionist with a private practice in Ampelokipoi. He holds a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki and a master's degree (MSc) with distinction in Applied Dietetics - Nutrition from Harokopio University of Athens. He specializes in modifying dietary behaviors through lifestyle habit changes in both adults and children and creates personalized nutrition programs for weight modification, pathological cases, and athletes. He participates in numerous seminars and conferences to stay updated on developments in the field and delivers lectures at conferences, talks at schools and associations, and television interviews on nutrition topics. Lastly, he is a member of the Hellenic Dietitians - Nutritionists Association and the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists.

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.

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.

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.

Apostolakis Mixail MD, MSc, PhD is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist and maintains a private practice in Ampelokipoi. He graduated with honors with a doctorate and holds a degree from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He also holds a postgraduate diploma specializing in "Metabolic Bone Diseases" from the same university, awarded with distinction. Furthermore, he is a Scientific Postdoctoral Associate at the 2nd Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic of the University of Athens at Aretaieio Hospital and an External Associate of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic "Rea," while he has served as a Consultant in the Endocrinology and Diabetes Department at "Hygeia" Hospital. Additionally, he has received training in pediatric endocrinology in Hungary and has participated in international research studies on the safety and efficacy of new drugs for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Finally, the doctor is a member of the Hellenic Endocrine Society, the Hellenic Society of Climacteric and Menopause, as well as the European Menopause and Andropause Society.

Gkioksaris Vasileios is an Endocrinologist and maintains an endocrinology clinic in Ampelokipi. Simultaneously, he serves as the Endocrinologist-Diabetologist scientific director at LIFECHECK Drapetsona. He is a graduate of the Medical School of the University of Ioannina. He served as a rural doctor at the Konitsa Health Center. He completed his internal medicine residency at the General Hospital of Arta and subsequently fulfilled his military service as a Physician. For two years, he was the scientific director of the Medical team of Doctors of the World (Medecins du Monde) in the Epirus region. He completed his specialty in Endocrinology - Diabetes - Metabolism at the endocrinology department of the "Metaxa" Anticancer Hospital of Piraeus, which specializes in thyroid diseases and is a center of expertise in neck ultrasonography. He has participated in numerous Greek and international endocrinology and diabetes conferences and seminars, maintaining continuous updates on scientific advancements in his field. During his specialty training, he obtained a certificate of specialized education in "Human Reproduction" from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He attended an Endocrine Disorders during Pregnancy clinic at the Regional General Hospital - Maternity "Elena Venizelou" and a Growth and Development clinic at the Children's Hospital "Panagiotis and Aglaia Kyriakou." He has successfully completed training in Diabetes at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He holds a license to perform thyroid gland ultrasonography.

Marikou Foteini is a Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist MSc, graduate of the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition at Harokopio University and holder of a Master's Degree from the Medical School of Athens titled "Pathology of Pregnancy - High Risk Pregnancy." As part of her undergraduate program, she completed internships at the 401 General Military Hospital of Athens, a private dietetic office, and a food industry company. Subsequently, she collaborated for several years with NGOs, where she provided voluntary nutritional support to cancer patients during and after anticancer treatments. Simultaneously, she has served as head dietitian - nutritionist in a large gym chain. She has been evaluating private cases since 2018, specializing in nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as in cases of eating disorders and clinical conditions such as hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, gestational diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, and specialized clinical conditions. Moreover, she continuously updates and actively follows the latest developments in the field of Nutrition and Health through educational seminars, conferences, and workshops. Since 2022, she has been operating her dietetic office in Ambelokipi, Attica, equipped with state-of-the-art technological equipment, catering to numerous individuals by personalizing her approach tailored to each person's specific needs.

Drimala Panagiota is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist and maintains a private practice in Ampelokipi. She studied at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She specialized in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at the largest autonomous Endocrinology Clinic and Diabetology Center in the country, located at the "Evangelismos" hospital. There, she gained extensive experience in managing patients with diabetes mellitus. Additionally, she specialized in gestational diabetes and thyroid diseases during pregnancy at the "Alexandra" and "Elena Venizelou" hospitals. As part of her continuous professional development, she has attended postgraduate programs related to Human Reproduction, Childhood Obesity, as well as specialized training in Thyroid Ultrasound at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.