Health professionals for Obesity

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kyriaki Sapalidou is a physician specialized in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation with extensive experience in the treatment of patients with musculoskeletal, rheumatological, neurological conditions, and chronic pain. She graduated from the Medical School of the University of Ioannina and is a member of the Hellenic Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (EEFIAP) and the European Board of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, recognized by the UEMS (Union Européenne des Médecins Spécialistes).

She has been practicing as a physiatrist since 2003 as an independent professional at her private clinic in Peristeri, where she is the scientific head of the physiotherapy department. Additionally, she practices medical acupuncture, having been trained and certified by the International Acupuncture Medical Association (ICMART).

She has served as the scientific director of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department in major private healthcare facilities, such as Metropolitan General and the "Lefkos Stavros" Clinic, while also gaining valuable experience in the public sector with training at prominent hospitals including the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos" - Polyclinic, the General Hospital of Attica "Sismanogleio," and the General Hospital of Attica KAT.

As part of her continuous professional development, she has attended over 30 educational seminars and training programs in Greece and abroad, and has published multiple scientific studies, actively contributing to research and the scientific community in her field.

Katerina Voultsidou is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Thessaloniki. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Psychology, as well as in anxiety and stress management. She possesses a master's degree in Clinical and Community Psychology from the University of East London. She acquired her specialized knowledge by participating in the four-year training program of the Hellenic Society for Behavioral Research in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy, as well as at the "Stiriksi" Psychotherapeutic Center. Additionally, during her career, she worked with the Self-Help Group of Alcoholics Anonymous. Currently, in her private practice, she can assist in the treatment of a range of conditions such as anxiety disorders, anorexia - bulimia, insomnia, various phobias, panic attacks, and sleep disorders. Finally, she has participated in various conferences on psychology-related topics and is a member of the Hellenic Society for Behavioral Research and the Association of Greek Psychologists.

Doksastaki Anna is a Psychotherapist specializing in Psychoanalytic Art Therapy and runs the private practice "Art Can Talk Dramatherapy and Wellness Centre" in Heraklion, Crete. She completed postgraduate studies in Applied Theatre "Applied Drama: Theatre in Education, Community and Society" at the University of London, as well as in Psychoanalytic Dramatherapy at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge. Her training is based on a psychodynamic approach, and consequently, her clinical practice is rooted in psychoanalytic theory. During her stay in the United Kingdom until 2015, she worked in numerous organizations, theatres, counseling centers, and schools as a Theatre Facilitator, Dramatherapist, and Director. The main focus of her studies, academic research, and professional experience is depression and anxiety disorders in children and adults. Additionally, she has conducted research on the beneficial effects of art and play in health crisis situations and has led workshops in Greece and the UK on managing anxiety and grief through creative activities.

Meletiou Thaleia is a specialized Endocrinologist-Diabetologist with a private practice in Pagkrati. She has extensive clinical and research experience in Greece and Germany. She specialized in Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism at the University Hospital of Tübingen - Bad Cannstatt Hospital in Stuttgart, the University Hospital of Giessen, and the Endocrinology and Gestational Diabetes departments at the "Alexandra" University General Hospital in Athens. She actively participates in numerous endocrinology and diabetology conferences for continuous education and updates in her field. Additionally, she is a member of the Hellenic Endocrine Society and the Athens Medical Association.

Panopoulos Panagiotis is a Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist and head of the Dietetic and Counseling Center in Ilioupoli, a facility that also operates a Mental Health Counselor. Mr. Panopoulos specializes in diabetes mellitus, clinical nutrition, pediatric and adolescent nutrition, eating disorders, nutritional counseling, life coaching, as well as the management of morbid obesity and metabolic inactivity. He has extensive professional experience since 1995 in hospitals, sports, education, aesthetic and weight loss centers, intolerance centers, kindergartens, pregnancy and postpartum centers, and has delivered numerous lectures in primary and secondary education and nursing homes. Additionally, through specialized nutrition programs, he addresses issues of sluggish metabolism, overeating, picky appetite, psychological binge eating, food intolerance - allergies, menopause, cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, kidney function, cardiological cases, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and gastric disorders.

Η Δρ. Μαριδάκη Χρυσούλα - Διδάκτωρ Ιατρικής Σχολής Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών MD, PhD είναι Παθολόγος - Διαβητολόγος - Διαιτολόγος - Διατροφολόγος με ιδιωτικό ιατρείο στα Βριλήσσια. Είναι Επιστημονικός συνεργάτης του Διαβητολογικού Κέντρου του Γενικού Νοσοκομείου Αθηνών "Λαϊκό". Διατηρεί ιατρείο παχυσαρκίας, στο οποίο γίνεται διερεύνηση μεταβολικού συνδρόμου, ρύθμιση βάρους, λιπομέτρηση, μέτρηση βασικού μεταβολισμού, ρύθμιση λιπιδίων και δίδεται εξατομικευμένη διατροφή. Στο ιατρείο της γίνεται διερεύνηση και ρύθμιση υπερτασιακού ασθενούς, 24ωρη παρακολούθηση υπέρτασης (holter πιέσεως) και ηλεκτροκαρδιογράφημα. H Δρ. Μαριδάκη Χρυσούλα είναι Διδάκτωρ της Ιατρικής Σχολής του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών και έλαβε τον τίτλο της Ιατρικής Ειδικότητας της Παθολογίας το 2000. Εκπαιδεύτηκε στο γνωστικό αντικείμενο του σακχαρώδη διαβήτη, της παχυσαρκίας και του διαβητικού ποδιού στο Διαβητολογικό κέντρο της Α’ Προπαιδευτικής Παθολογικής Κλινικής του Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών και επί 7 έτη συμμετείχε στην εξέταση και παρακολούθηση ασθενών του Τακτικού Εξωτερικού Διαβητολογικού Ιατρείου, ασθενών του Ιατρείου Παχυσαρκίας , ασθενών του Ιατρείου Διαβητικού Ποδιού καθώς και Χειρουργηθέντων διαβητικών ατόμων. Παρακολούθησε και συμμετείχε στα μαθήματα και στις τακτικές βιβλιογραφικές ενημερώσεις του Διαβητολογικού Κέντρου και για 5 έτη είχε ενεργό συμμετοχή στις εργασίες του Τακτικού Εξωτερικού Ιατρείου Υπέρτασης, στην εξέταση και παρακολούθηση ασθενών του Εξωτερικού Υπερτασικού Ιατρείου, υπό την εποπτεία του Αναπληρωτή καθηγητή κ. Δ. Παπαδόγιαννη. Από το 2012 έως και σήμερα, παρακολούθησε και συμμετείχε στις εργασίες του Ιατρείου Διαβητικού Ποδιού της Α’ Προπαιδευτικής Κλινικής και Ειδικής Νοσολογίας του Διαβητολογικού Ιατρείου και του Ιατρείου Παχυσαρκίας. Το 2020 έλαβε τον τίτλο της Ιατρικής Εξειδίκευσης στον Σακχαρώδη Διαβήτη κατόπιν εξετάσεων που διενεργήθηκαν από το Υπουργείο Υγείας στο Λαϊκό Νοσοκομείο. Έχει συμμετάσχει σε πολλά σεμινάρια, συνέδρια ελληνικά και παγκόσμια με γνωστικό αντικείμενο τον Σακχαρώδη Διαβήτη και την Παχυσαρκία και στο γνωστικό αντικείμενο της Παθολογίας και της Υπέρτασης και έχει συμμετάσχει σε επιστημονικές ανακοινώσεις σε συνέδρια. Είναι συγγραφέας του βιβλίου με γνωστικό αντικείμενο την Υπέρταση "Η επιρροή της αρτηριακής υπέρτασης και της φαρμακευτικής αγωγής στην ποιότητα ζωής σε ασθενείς άνω των 65 ετών", που ανακοινώθηκε στο 21ο Πανευρωπαϊκό Συνέδριο στο Μιλάνο Ιούνιο 2011.Οι εξετάσεις που γίνονται στο ιατρείο είναι τεστ ανίχνευσης καλπροτεκτίνης στα κόπρανα για τη διάγνωση φλεγμονής εντέρου, τεστ ανίχνευσης αίματος (μη ορατού) στα κόπρανα για πρόληψη του καρκίνου του εντέρου, τεστ ανίχνευσης του ελικοβακτηριδίου του πυλωρού σε αίμα και κόπρανα, τεστ για λοιμώδη μονοπυρήνωση, καθώς και strep test για διάγνωση στρεπτόκοκκου σε πονόλαιμο. Παρέχεται γραμματειακή υποστήριξη για κλείσιμο ραντεβού και η δυνατότητα εξυπηρέτησης μέσω τηλεϊατρικής (μέσω Skype, Messenger, Viber, Face time, κλπ.). Τέλος, στο ιατρείο υπάρχει σύστημα συνεχούς καταγραφής του σακχάρου για μια βδομάδα (holter σακχάρου) και γίνεται επίσης εκμάθηση υπολογισμού των υδατανθράκων της τροφής.

Anagnostou Elli is an Endocrinologist with a private practice located at Mavili Square. She holds a PhD from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, specializing in infertility and assisted reproduction. She specialized in Endocrinology at university hospitals in Paris: "Bichat - Claude Bernard," focusing on diabetes mellitus; "Necker - Enfants Malades," focusing on calcium-phosphorus metabolism; and "Bicêtre," with an emphasis on pituitary and adrenal gland disorders. Subsequently, she completed her specialty training at the Athens General Children's Hospital "P. & A. Kyriakou" and at the Athens General Hospital "Alexandra," with specializations in pediatric endocrinology and thyroid and gestational diabetes disorders, respectively. Currently, she deals with health issues related to endocrine glands such as the thyroid, pituitary, adrenals, and gonads, as well as diseases including type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Finally, alongside her doctoral research experience, her scientific work includes publications in reputable international medical journals focusing on infertility and thyroid diseases, as well as participation as a speaker in Greek and international conferences.

Mpooules Katri Tereza is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Ilioupoli. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Nicosia in Cyprus and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and Health Psychology from the Autonomous University of Barcelona. She specializes in a four-year training program in Systemic - Family Psychotherapy at the Institute for Education and Research in Systemic Psychotherapy "Logo Psychis." She has attended numerous educational seminars, and currently, in addition to her private practice, she serves as a Psychologist at the Athens Therapy Center. Previously, she has worked as a Psychologist for the Municipality of Ilioupoli and has completed her internship at the Institute of Mental Health & Personal Development "Galinos" as well as at ALMA (Panhellenic Association for Adaptive Activities). In her private practice, she manages a variety of cases, utilizing her scientific expertise and always prioritizing the best possible service to meet the individualized needs of each client she undertakes.

Zourmpakis Tzon Kai Synergates is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Rethymno. He holds a degree in Psychology from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a postgraduate degree in Psycholinguistics. He is a certified psychologist by the Greek state, an established hypnotherapist, and a Master Hypnotist. He is a regular member of the Hellenic Psychological Society, a senior member of the Accredited Counsellors, Coaches, Psychotherapists and Hypnotherapists Association, as well as a member of the International Institute of Complementary Therapists. Through his work, he places special emphasis on resolving deeply rooted emotional beliefs and behaviors. He also focuses on the treatment and management of chronic pain, applying Cognitive Behavioral Therapy practices combined with Regression Hypnotherapy and Counseling. Additionally, he teaches meditation and Tai Chi practices, as well as guidance on the application of mindfulness in daily life. These practices serve as tools both for those already on a journey of spiritual exploration and for those seeking simple and practical tools to improve their everyday life. The Psychologist, deeply valuing the importance of the therapeutic relationship, establishes relationships of trust and collaboration with his clients. Thanks to his extensive experience, he is able to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment where individuals can feel accepted, heard, and supported.

Anastasopoulos Vasilis is an Internist at the General Hospital of Attica KAT with the rank of Senior Registrar and maintains a private practice in Nea Filadelfeia. He holds a Medical Degree and specialized in Internal Medicine at the General Hospital of Attica KAT and the General Oncology Hospital "Agioi Anargyroi," as well as in Diabetes Mellitus at the University General Hospital "Attikon." He holds a postgraduate diploma in Occupational and Environmental Health from the National School of Public Health. He has received further training in emergency pre-hospital medicine at the National Center for Emergency Care (EKAB), as well as in the 2nd Propaedeutic Internal Medicine Clinic of the University General Hospital "Attikon," focusing on lipid disorders and cardiovascular disease prevention. He has served as the scientific director at the Local Health Unit in Petroupoli and at the Health Center of Peristeri. He is a member of the Hellenic Society of Internal Medicine, the Society for the Study of Risk Factors for Vascular Diseases, and the Hellenic Lipidology Society. As part of continuous medical education, he has attended numerous scientific conferences and has contributed to the writing of scientific papers.

Makri Marina is a Dietitian - Nutritionist who maintains a private practice in the Ambelokipi area. She is a graduate of the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition Science at Harokopio University and holds a master's degree from the University of Reading, UK (MSc Nutrition and Food Science). Currently, alongside her private practice, she works in a pharmacy as a Food Supplement Specialist, specializing in medical nutrition products, dietary supplements, and vitamins. Throughout her professional career, she has worked at Alexandra Hospital and P. & A. Kyriakou Children's Hospital, and has also volunteered her services as a Dietitian - Nutritionist at the Hellenic Dietetic Association (HDA).

Maria Kolia is an Internist with a private practice in Koropi. She is a graduate of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a doctoral degree with honors from the same institution. She has specialized in diabetes mellitus at the Diabetes Center of the General Hospital of Athens "Laiko" and has since been monitoring patients with diabetic conditions. Through her work at the IKA Koropi and the Municipal Clinics of Koropi, she has gained experience across the full spectrum of internal medicine, including infections, viral illnesses, etc. She has many years of professional experience and regularly attends conferences both in Greece and abroad to stay updated on developments in her field. Finally, Dr. Kolia is a member of the Athens Medical Association and the Hellenic Society of Internal Medicine.

Karagiannaki Stella is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains a private practice in Dafni. She is a graduate of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki. She possesses valuable professional experience, having worked as a Dietitian at Medi Prinos stores in Chalandri. Currently, in her private practice, she specializes in clinical nutrition, addressing dietary needs related to anemia, hypertension, diabetes, uric acid, cardiovascular diseases, and gastrointestinal disorders. Additionally, she has considerable experience in nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding. She also attends conferences and seminars aimed at her continuous training and education and has delivered lectures in schools on the topic of nutrition.

Dara Argyro is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist who maintains private practices in Glyfada and Anavyssos. She graduated from the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and trained as a resident physician at the General Oncology Hospital of Kifissia and in Endocrinology - Diabetology - Metabolism at the General Hospital of Athens "Korgialeneio - Benakeio Hellenic Red Cross". She worked as an associate at the General Clinic of Athens and the private hospital "Hygeia" from 1997 to 2000 and served as a rural doctor at the Karlovassi Health Center in Samos from 1995 to 1996. She specializes with extensive experience in conditions such as gestational diabetes, body weight management, type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, menopause disorders, menstrual irregularities, hypothyroidism, and parathyroid gland diseases. As part of her continuing education, the doctor participates in numerous training programs and conferences both in Greece and abroad.