Health professionals for Obesity

Dr. Theodoros Lagarias is a seasoned physician with extensive experience in Primary Health Care and medical education. He began his medical career as a resident physician at the General Hospital of Chania, serving from 2007 to 2011. Subsequently, he held the position of General Practitioner at the Health Center of Agia, Larissa, advancing to the rank of Senior Registrar (Grade A) from 2011 until 2024.​

Between 2017 and 2024, Dr. Lagarias served as the coordinator for the training of resident physicians in General/Family Medicine at the General Hospital of Larissa, playing a pivotal role in their clinical and scientific development. Concurrently, he contributed to undergraduate medical education by participating as an instructor during educational visits of medical students from the School of Medicine at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki to Primary Health Care units.​

Dr. Lagarias holds certifications in emergency pre-hospital care and in the early detection and prevention of mental disorders, the latter obtained through the Vocational Training Center of the Mental Health Center in Chania. He has actively participated in numerous educational activities, both as a trainee and as a lecturer, including seminars, conferences, and training workshops.​

Dr. Koutsaki Maria is an Endocrinologist with a private practice in Kaisariani. She is undertaking postgraduate studies in Female Reproduction at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and specializes in Gynecological Endocrinology, Thyroid Disorders, and Diabetes Mellitus. Additionally, she has extensive experience in conditions such as gestational diabetes, osteoporosis, calcium and vitamin D metabolism, Cushing's syndrome, Addison's disease, menstrual disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome, obesity, metabolism, growth disorders, endocrine hypertension, adrenal diseases, pituitary adenomas, neuroendocrine tumors, and endocrine aspects of pregnancy. Furthermore, she has participated in numerous diabetes and endocrinology conferences both at the European and national levels, presenting clinical research studies and case reports aimed at continuous education and professional development in endocrinology. Finally, she is a member of the Athens Medical Association and the Hellenic Endocrine Society and is proficient in English, Italian, and German.

Kostopoulou Aggeliki MSc is a Psychologist specializing in adolescents and adults with or without psychopathology, maintaining a private practice in Patras and conducting counseling and psychotherapy sessions. She holds a degree in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (N.K.U.A.) and a postgraduate diploma from the Department of Education and Care Sciences in Early Childhood at the University of Patras. She has received further training in significant areas of psychology and psychotherapy, including the fundamental principles of counseling psychotherapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, management of traumatic events and bereavement, high-functioning autism in adolescents & adults (Asperger’s), as well as the application of psychometric tools such as MMPI-2, Rorschach, and TAT. She possesses substantial clinical experience from her collaboration with the General Hospital of Patras "Agios Andreas" and the Mental Health Center, while maintaining a private practice providing psychotherapeutic support to adults and couples. She has an extensive body of work in lectures and conferences covering topics from domestic violence to addictions in adolescence, and has actively participated in scientific psychiatry and psychotherapy conferences in Greece. Finally, she has presented academic research on interdisciplinary teaching of art history in preschool education within the framework of national scientific conferences.

Papigkioti Kleoniki MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Thessaloniki. She graduated from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, specializing in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. From the beginning of her career, she was deeply moved by supporting individuals experiencing difficulties, which led her to work both professionally and through internships in organizations that protect children and women who have suffered abuse. She has focused on clinical training in Mental Health through her participation in postgraduate programs at Papageorgiou Hospital, as well as at Aeginiteio Hospital, while simultaneously enriching her clinical experience through her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health at the School of Medicine of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Throughout her professional career, she has worked therapeutically with children, adolescents, and adults, supporting individuals of all ages and identities in their unique challenges. What she loves most about her work is walking alongside each person on their path of self-awareness and self-management, creating a safe space for meaningful change and development.

Lyra Eleni is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist licensed to practice and maintains a private office in Pangrati. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at the Faculty of Philosophy of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 2012 and has been trained in EMDR Therapy. Since then, she has dedicated herself to the science of psychology as a therapist, initially training in early intervention for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Following this experience, she continued her psychotherapy training and specialized in Clinical Expressive Art Therapy at the Aion Institute under the guidance of Dr. Avi Goren Bar. Since 2015, she has maintained her private practice, where she provides psychotherapy services, specializing in various areas. Ms. Lyra offers a safe and supportive environment (a space where you can explore and express your emotions without fear), individualized therapies (together you will create a therapeutic program tailored to your specific needs and goals), and various techniques (she employs a variety of therapeutic techniques, including art therapy, to help you find new ways to cope with life’s challenges). Additionally, she offers services such as anxiety and stress management, panic attack treatment, depression management, emotional difficulties support, relationship and family problems management, and assistance with self-esteem and personal development issues. She has served as a board member of the Association of Expressive Therapists of Greece and actively participates in numerous conferences and seminars aimed at her ongoing professional development and excellent training. Finally, she has completed studies in acting and is professionally involved in theater and cinema.

Oikonomou Nansy is a Specialist Pathologist and maintains private practices in Peristeri and Neo Psychiko, where she provides high-quality medical care. She has many years of experience and specialization in the field of pathology. She completed her specialty at the General Hospital of Attica "Sismanoglio," has served as a collaborator in the Oncology Clinic at the private clinic 'Iaso,' as well as in the Oncology Clinic of 'Hygeia' Hospital, managing a wide range of medical issues such as the nutrition of oncology patients. Additionally, she has served as a scientific collaborator in the Psychiatric Clinic "Panagia I Grigorousa," handling the management of pathological problems of psychiatric patients. Committed to the quality of healthcare, she is a reliable choice for those seeking meticulous medical care, including home care services, as she also undertakes home hospitalization cases upon request.

Oikonomou Eirini is a Psychologist with a private practice in Panormou. She studied Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and completed postgraduate studies in Health Psychology at the University of Surrey. She has specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at the Center for Research and Therapy of Behavior. She served as a Researcher at the University of Oxford, gaining significant research and teaching experience. Her scientific interests include chronic diseases, eating disorders, and more. In her practice, she handles cases related to interpersonal relationships, trauma recovery, self-improvement, obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment, anxiety disorders, phobias, eating disorders, addictions, and others.

Tsikaki Anastasia specializes in Counseling Psychology, specifically the Integrative Approach, with advanced studies at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling, providing counseling services for adults, parents, adolescents, and couples. With continuous participation in seminars and training, she addresses issues such as interpersonal and family relationships, anxiety, sadness, grief, and loneliness, aiming to enhance self-awareness and mindfulness. 

Η Τσαούση Άννα BSc, MSc είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στα Ιωάννινα. Είναι απόφοιτη του Τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του Πανεπιστημίου Ιωαννίνων και κάτοχος Μεταπτυχιακού Τίτλου (MSc) στην Κλινική Ψυχική Υγεία από την Ιατρική Σχολή του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης. Παράλληλα, εκπαιδεύεται στη Γνωστική Συμπεριφορική Ψυχοθεραπεία μέσω τετραετούς προγράμματος σπουδών της Ελληνικής Εταιρείας Έρευνας της Συμπεριφοράς – Παραρτήματος Μακεδονίας.

Έχει εργαστεί ως Ψυχολόγος σε Δομές υποστήριξης ατόμων με αναπηρία και ασυνόδευτων ανήλικων προσφύγων, αποκτώντας εμπειρία στη διαχείριση ψυχοκοινωνικών δυσκολιών και στην παροχή συμβουλευτικής και ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης. Επιπλέον, πραγματοποίησε την πρακτική της άσκηση στο Κέντρο Πρόληψης "Σχεδία" στα Ιωάννινα, εστιάζοντας στην πρόληψη και την προαγωγή της ψυχοκοινωνικής υγείας.

Στόχος της είναι η δημιουργία ενός ασφαλούς και υποστηρικτικού θεραπευτικού πλαισίου, όπου κάθε άνθρωπος μπορεί να εκφραστεί ελεύθερα, να κατανοήσει βαθύτερα τον εαυτό του και να ενισχύσει την ψυχική του ανθεκτικότητα και ευεξία.

Papadopoulou Elina is a physician specializing in General Family Medicine. She operates her private practice, “FamilyMed Center,” in Argos and Kiveri. She specialized at the General Hospital of Athens “G. Gennimatas.” She has received additional training in emergency prehospital medicine, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and infections. She is also trained in medical acupuncture. She holds a Master of Science degree in Occupational and Environmental Health from the National School of Public Health. She worked for 20 years in the National Health System (ESY), the last 12 years as a Consultant at the Lygourio Health Center, with on-call duties at the Nafplio and Argos Hospitals. She held the positions of coordinator of the 1st Local Health Unit (TOMY) of Argos and supervisor for the National Public Health Organization (EODY) for the Argolis Prefecture (KOMY) during the pandemic. She has attended numerous conferences and has produced a significant number of papers related to the broader field of primary health care.

Prokopiou Maria is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist with private practices located in Mavili Square and Gerakas. She holds a master's degree in healthcare management from the Hellenic Open University and a degree from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She specialized in Endocrinology at the Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes Unit of the First Internal Medicine Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, at the General Hospital "Laiko". Additionally, she has attended Medical Acupuncture seminars at the International Postgraduate Acupuncture Center AcuScience. She possesses valuable professional and clinical experience in the diagnosis, prevention, and therapeutic management of endocrine gland disorders, specifically thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, ovaries, testes, adrenal glands, pituitary, and hypothalamus, as well as diabetes mellitus and obesity. She manages cases such as metabolic bone diseases - osteoporosis, female and male endocrinology, and hypertension. Finally, she is a member of the Athens Medical Association, the Hellenic Diabetology Society, and the European Society of Endocrinology.

Ο Κουραβάνας Κωνσταντίνος είναι Σύμβουλος ψυχικής υγείας και Συνθετικός ψυχοθεραπευτής και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στην Ηλιούπολη. Είναι κάτοχος πτυχίου Συμβουλευτικής και ψυχολογίας(HND) από το Μεσογειακό κολέγιο (Mediterranean college) πιστοποιημένος απο το BTEC με υποτροφία που διατήρησε όλα τα έτη σπουδών του.Ολοκλήρωσε την πρακτική του άσκηση στο Πειραικό Ισνστιτούτο (ΕΨΥΘΕ), εταιρία ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης , θεραπείας και εκπαίδευσης.

Ακολούθησε διετής συμμετοχή σε ομάδα εποπτείας και πρακτικής άσκησης στο κέντρο συμβουλευτικής και ψυχοθεραπείας " ΨΥΧΗΛΑΤΟΝ".Στη συνέχεια παρακολούθησε τετραετές πρόγραμμα Συνθετικής ψυχοθεραπείας μέ έμφαση στη Γνωσιακή- Συμπεριφορική, την Ψυχοδυναμική και τη συστημική -οικογενειακή ψυχοθεραπεία στο Πειραικό Ινστιτούτο (ΕΨΥΘΕ) που αποκόμισε τον τίτλο-εξειδίκευση του Συνθετικού ψυχοθεραπευτή.Είναι μέλος της (ΕΕΣ) Ελληνικής Εταιρίας Συμβουλευτικής και του Βρετανικού ψυχοθεραπευτικού συλλόγου(BACP) που απορέει απο τον τίτλο σπουδών του στη Συνθετική ψυχοθεραπεία.

Ήταν για αρκετά χρόνια ενεργό μέλος της κοινότητας "Ξεναγέτης" που έχει σκοπό την ανάπτυξη των ανθρωπίνων σχέσεων σε μια λειτουργική και ανθρώπινη προοπτική.

Έχει εργαστεί για πολλά χρόνια στο διατροφολογικό κέντρο του κλινικού διαιτολόγου -διατροφολόγου Πανόπουλο Παναγιώτη ώς Σύμβουλος Ψυχικής Υγείας σε διατροφολογικές διαταραχές και συνεργάζεται μέχρι σήμερα.

Επίσης σε ανδρολογική κλινική σε θέματα σεξουαλικών δυσλειτουργιών.

Παρακολουθεί ατομική, ομαδική ψυχοθεραπεία και εποπτεία όπως επιτάσσει ο Βρετανικός σύλλογος Συμβουλευτικής και ψυχοθεραπείας και η Ελληνική Εταιρία Συμβουλευτικής.

Στο γραφείο του ως ψυχοθεραπευτής προσφέρει ατομική ψυχοθεραπεία και Συμβουλευτική ενηλίκων σε διατροφικές διαταραχές(ψυχογενή βουλιμία, νυχτερινή υπερφαγία, παχυσαρκία), αγχώδεις διαταραχές(άγχος, κρίσεις πανικού, φοβίες, ψυχαναγκασμοί), διαταραχές της διάθεσης (κατάθλιψη), αδυναμία λήψης αποφάσεων, βελτίωση διαπροσωπικών σχέσεων, ανάπτυξη -αυτογνωσία, βελτίωση αυτοεικόνας ,διαχείρηση Πένθους και σεξουαλικές δυσλειτουργίες(στυτική δυσλειτουργία, απουσία ερωτικής διάθεσης,πρόωρη εξπερμάτωση.)

Επίσης κάνει συνεδρίες Ζεύγους και συντονίζει θεραπευτικές ομάδες.

Έχει παρακολουθήσει και παρακολουθεί πλήθως ημερίδων και σεμιναρίων που έχουν σκοπό την ανάπτυξη και σωστή επαγγελματική κατάρτιση του λειτουργήματος του.

Τέλος αρθογραφεί για διάφορα θέματα - δυσκολίες του σύγχρονου ανθρώπου στην ηλεκτρονική του σελίδα και σε άλλες και έχει υπάρξει ομιλητής σε δημόσιους και ιδιωτικούς φορείς .

Αν θα μπορούσε να χαρακτηριστεί η ψυχοθεραπευτική εργασία στους πελάτες-ψυχοθεραπευόμενους του θα την ονόμαζε ευθυνοκεντρική με Συνθετικό προσανατολισμό.

"Οι δυσκολίες ,οι κρίσεις και οι ανάγκες είναι τα εργαλεία για να επιτύχουμε μια ζωή με πληρότητα αρκεί να τις προσεγγίσουμε αναπτυξιακά και όχι καταστροφικά και αυτοκαταστροφικά.Είναι εκεί που το τραύμα στη ζωή με συνειδητή επιλογή και ανάλυψη της χαμένης ευθύνης μετουσιώνεται στο θαύμα μια όμορφης λειτουργικής και ευχαριστιακής ζωής."

(Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass

It' s about learning how to dance in the rain).

Mata Eirini BSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Kolonaki. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a professional license to practice. She is currently undertaking postgraduate training in Relational Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy at the Institute of Relational and Group Psychotherapy (ISOP). She has been in personal therapy since 2010 and under supervision since 2023. She is a member of the International Association for Relational Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy (IARPP) and the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA). As part of her personal development and professional training, she participates in conferences, workshops, and educational seminars. Her aim is to enhance psychological resilience, facilitate the patient’s adaptation to new challenges and situations with flexibility and confidence, and ultimately, to promote self-awareness and personal integration.

Tsilipakou Despoina is a Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist and has operated a certified dietetic practice since 2015 in Thessaloniki. She graduated from the Department of Nutrition – Dietetics at the Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki. She is also a final-year student of the postgraduate program "Applied Dietetics and Nutrition, specializing in Clinical Nutrition" at Harokopio University – Department of Dietetics & Nutrition Science. She completed a postgraduate specialization program in Pediatric Nutrition "Master Nutritionist in Pediatric Nutrition" at EL.DE Studies and a training program in "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy" at the University of the Aegean, within the Mental and Community Health Program. During her training, she conducted scientific research on the measurement of basal metabolic rate and its correlation with physical activity and appetite. She has attended specialized conferences in clinical nutrition, nutrition for chronic diseases, pediatric nutrition, nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and sports nutrition. She holds a professional license to practice as a Dietitian - Nutritionist from the General Directorate of Public Health and Social Welfare, Department of Health Services and Professions. Finally, she has many years of experience and is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists.

Ioanna Skrapari MD, PhD is a Diabetologist and maintains a private practice in Argyroupoli. She studied Medicine at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and specialized in Pathology at the General Hospital of Athens Alexandra. She holds a PhD from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens as well as a specialization degree in Diabetes Mellitus. Currently, after many years of experience, she is an NHS Director at the General Hospital of Athens Evangelismos and Head of the Diabetology Clinic of the 3rd Internal Medicine Department of the same hospital. She has participated as a speaker in numerous medical conferences and scientific seminars and possesses a rich body of work with publications in international and Greek scientific journals.

Galazoula Georgia is a Psychologist and a certified Gestalt Psychotherapist, specializing in individual psychotherapy for adults and adolescents. Through the therapeutic relationship, she provides space for individuals to express themselves, gain greater self-awareness, and be empowered to approach their personal choices and challenges with increased clarity and freedom. Throughout her therapeutic practice, she has supported individuals facing anxiety, panic attacks, self-esteem issues, psychosomatic difficulties, relational challenges, as well as periods of existential searching or personal transitions. In her professional journey, she regularly participates in individual and group supervision to ensure the quality and ethical integrity of the therapeutic process. Concurrently, she herself engages in individual and group psychotherapy, viewing continuous personal work as a fundamental pillar for her development and authenticity as a psychotherapist. Her approach is experiential and focused on the here and now, emphasizing authentic contact and respecting the pace of each client. Her goal is to cultivate a therapeutic relationship founded on trust, where the individual can feel acceptance and safety, enabling a deeper connection with the self and fostering new ways of understanding and managing their life.

Mpones Theodoros is a Dietitian - Nutritionist with private offices in Galatsi and Naxos. He has worked in hospitals, private clinics, individual dietetic offices, multidisciplinary nutrition and exercise centers, and sports clubs. Additionally, he has participated in nationwide studies aimed at verifying the nutrition of Greeks and their children and has authored articles on nutrition, featured in daily newspapers and magazines. Furthermore, he has experience in managing obesity by keeping up with medical advancements in the field and specializes in clinical nutrition and eating disorders.

Mastromanoli Paraskeui is a Psychologist with a private practice in Stavroupoli. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 2019. The same year, she began her training in cognitive-behavioral therapy at the Hellenic Society for Behavioral Research (HSBR) - Macedonia Branch, where she continues to train to this day. She has completed her postgraduate studies at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, titled "Mental Health and Psychiatry of Children and Adolescents." Since 2023, she has maintained her private office in Western Thessaloniki, providing counseling and psychotherapy services to adults, children, and adolescents. Her therapeutic scope encompasses a range of disorders (anxiety, panic attacks, depression, difficulties in socialization, eating disorders, etc.), as well as requests such as parental counseling and deeper self-understanding. She is also involved in research programs.