Health professionals for Smoking cessation in Attica

Despoina Zagka is a Psychologist with a private practice in Agioi Anargyroi. She has experience in private practice as well as in public and private institutions, where she has worked with adults, adolescents, and the elderly through psychotherapy and counseling sessions. She has also coordinated and facilitated experiential group sessions, both psychoeducational and therapeutic in nature, emphasizing the power of the group and interaction. She is completing the Master's Degree Program at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, titled "Psychotherapy: Theoretical Frameworks, Clinical Applications, and Comparative Approaches," and has specialized in MI Therapy (Music Therapy Technique). Additionally, she has completed the postgraduate seminar at the University of West Attica titled "Mental Health and Wellbeing of Children and Adolescents," as well as an online course from Yale University titled "The Science Of Well-Being." Her therapeutic approach is based on elements of integrative and person-centered approaches, emphasizing the relationship, authenticity, and individualization: each person is unique, and her goal is to create a safe space where they can express themselves, better understand themselves, and find new ways to cope with their difficulties.

Krikeli Eleni is a Psychologist and Author. Her academic studies began in the Department of History, Archaeology, and Social Anthropology at the University of Thessaly and were completed at the University of Crete, where she graduated from the Department of Psychology. Since then, she has continued her studies at the Center for Systemic Study and Therapy (ΚΕ.Σ.ΜΕ.Θ), where she is training in Systemic Psychotherapy. During her professional career, she has collaborated as a volunteer Psychologist with the General Hospital of Rethymno in the Psychiatry Department and has worked for several years as a Psychologist at the private Neuropsychiatric Clinic "KASTALIA." Currently, her professional activity continues with online sessions, while she also serves as the lead Psychologist at the Elderly Care Unit "Leonia" in Kallithea, Attica. Additionally, organizing seminars related to her professional interests and the knowledge she acquires each time enriches an ever-expanding portfolio, which is a priority for her. Finally, writing articles and authoring books are significant facets of her life, playing an important role. Having already published a book titled "The Comfort of the Lion," she regularly presents the fascination and admiration inspired in her by human existence, diversity, flexibility, anxiety, and fear. As a Psychologist, she admires the truth revealed by the client during their sessions, takes pride in their courage and strength to focus on their real challenges, and equally rejoices in the changes they achieve! With all these perspectives she has had and continues to encounter, it is clear that the central theme of her articles and books is... the human being!

Nektarios Oikonomou is a Psychologist with private practice offices in Markopoulo and Porto Rafti. He graduated from the Department of Psychology at UCLAN University (2017-2021) and has enhanced his knowledge with specialized studies at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT, Social Clinical Psychology of Addictions, Sports Psychology, and Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families), strengthening his ability to approach psychological issues from multiple dimensions.

Professionally, he maintains private practice offices in Markopoulo and Porto Rafti, offering psychotherapy services, addiction treatment, psychological support, and counseling.

He is also active as a sports psychologist with PAO Kalyvia (2024-present), where, combined with his status as a final-year student at the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science (TEFAA), he employs a comprehensive scientific approach that links mental empowerment with physical performance, supporting athletes in enhancing mental resilience and competitive performance.

Additionally, he has collaborated as an addiction counselor at KETHEA DIAVASI (2020-2021). In the field of addictions, he integrates his scientific training with profound experiential understanding of addiction and recovery mechanisms, which enhances empathy and the effectiveness of the therapeutic approach.

Periferakis Konstantinos is a Pathologist - Acupuncture Specialist and maintains a private practice in Kolonos. He holds a degree from the Faculty of Medicine at Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie "Victor Babes" Timisoara and has specialized at the 401 General Military Hospital of Athens and the Metaxa Hospital. Additionally, he has been trained in Acupuncture, Phytotherapy, Reiki Energy Healing, and Iridology, and has completed further training in Acupuncture at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Chinese Phytotherapy at the International Postgraduate Acupuncture Science Center, and in the Abdominal Acupuncture System. To date, he remains a member of the Teaching Team at the Academy of Ancient Greek and Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as a member of the Medical Association of Athens, the Hellenic Microbiological Society, the Hellenic Medical Society of Acupuncture, and the Hellenic Medical Society of Iridology. Finally, he has participated in the 8th and 15th Panhellenic Acupuncture Congresses and speaks English, Romanian, and Italian.

Grigoriadou Katerina is a licensed Psychologist and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Psychotherapist. She graduated from the Psychology Department of Panteion University and completed a four-year postgraduate training in Adult Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, according to the criteria of the European Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT), at the Society for Research and Behavioral Therapy. Simultaneously, she has attended various training programs and seminars in the cognitive-behavioral approach. She gained clinical experience through internships and volunteering at the child psychiatry department of Tzaneio Hospital, the neuropsychiatric clinic "Kastalia," and the Institute for Research and Behavioral Therapy. Additionally, she has worked in private psychotherapy and counseling centers. In these settings, she was trained in the use of psychometric tools such as the WISC, RORSCHACH, SCL-90 Self-Assessment Questionnaire of 90 Symptoms, PDQ-4, BAI, and BDI. Concurrently, she acquired experience in the management and treatment of anxiety disorders (such as panic attacks, phobias, health anxiety), personality disorders, mood disorders (such as depression), sleep disorders, eating disorders, interpersonal relationship issues, and anger management. During the completion of her thesis, she focused on topics in sports psychology, such as performance maximization, acquisition and improvement of skills and competencies (e.g., concentration, goal-setting, decision-making), and the management of emotions (e.g., anxiety, anger, low self-confidence). She is a member of the Greek Psychological Society, the Hellenic Society for Behavioral Research, and the European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies.

Kosmas Epameinondas MD, PhD, FCCP is a Pulmonologist - Tuberculosis Specialist and maintains a private practice in the Ampelokipoi area. He holds a Doctorate from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and is a Visiting Clinical Professor at the Autonomous University at Coyoacan, Mexico City. Furthermore, he has served as Director of the Pulmonology Clinic "PNOΗ" at Metropolitan Hospital from 2011 to the present, and has previously held the position of Director of the Pulmonology Clinic at the Athens Chest Diseases Hospital "Sotiria." At the Athens Pulmonology Institute, he treats patients with all types of pulmonary conditions, applying his 35 years of expertise and advanced cutting-edge medical technology to deliver a personalized diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Beyond diagnosis and treatment, significant emphasis is placed on the prevention of respiratory diseases through a smoking cessation program. Various pulmonary function tests are performed on-site by specialized personnel.

Το Harmonylife είναι ένα φιλόξενο και σύγχρονο κέντρο αυτογνωσίας και ψυχικής υγείας στον Άλιμο, αφιερωμένο στην προσωπική εξέλιξη και την ολιστική θεραπεία. Προσφέρει ένα ευρύ φάσμα υπηρεσιών για ενήλικες, εφήβους, ζευγάρια και γονείς, συνδυάζοντας επιστημονικές μεθόδους ψυχοθεραπείας με σύγχρονες εναλλακτικές θεραπευτικές πρακτικές. Η θεραπευτική προσέγγιση του Harmonylife βασίζεται στη συνθετική ψυχοθεραπεία, με στοιχεία από τη γνωσιακή-συμπεριφορική, την ψυχοδυναμική και τη συστημική θεωρία. Παράλληλα, ενσωματώνονται τεχνικές όπως η κλινική ύπνωση, το breathwork, ο διαλογισμός mindfulness, το sound healing και η θετική ψυχολογία, δημιουργώντας ένα πραγματικά ολιστικό μοντέλο θεραπείας που αγγίζει το νου, το σώμα, τα συναισθήματα και το πνεύμα. Η επιστημονική ομάδα του κέντρου απαρτίζεται από έμπειρους επαγγελματίες ψυχικής υγείας, όπως ο Ψυχολόγος Ζαχαριάς Λουκάς-Ίαν, και εξειδικευμένους συνεργάτες που εργάζονται με συνέπεια και ευαισθησία για τη δημιουργία εξατομικευμένων θεραπευτικών πλάνων. Κοινός στόχος είναι η ουσιαστική υποστήριξη του κάθε ανθρώπου στο ταξίδι της αυτογνωσίας και της εσωτερικής μεταμόρφωσης. Στο Harmonylife προσφέρονται υπηρεσίες όπως Ατομικές συνεδρίες ψυχοθεραπείας και συμβουλευτικής, Συνεδρίες υπνοθεραπείας & κλινικής ύπνωσης, Συμβουλευτική γονέων και θεραπεία ζευγαριών, Ομάδες προσωπικής ανάπτυξης και αυτογνωσίας, Βιωματικά εργαστήρια και retreats, καθώς και Ομάδες χαλάρωσης και ψυχικής ενδυνάμωσης με διαλογισμό, ήχο, αναπνοή και σωματική έκφραση. Ιδιαίτερη έμφαση δίνεται στη συνεργατική προσέγγιση, όπου διαφορετικές ειδικότητες συνυπάρχουν αρμονικά, προσφέροντας μια ολοκληρωμένη εμπειρία θεραπείας και προσωπικής ενδυνάμωσης. Το Harmonylife αξιοποιεί επίσης θεραπευτικό υλικό και βιβλία που έχουν σχεδιαστεί ειδικά για ομάδες αυτογνωσίας και βιωματικής μάθησης. Το κέντρο έχει αναπτύξει και εταιρικά προγράμματα ψυχικής ενδυνάμωσης, συμβάλλοντας στην ενίσχυση της ευεξίας και της παραγωγικότητας των εργαζομένων, εντός ενός πιο ισορροπημένου και υγιούς εργασιακού περιβάλλοντος. Με βαθιά πίστη στη δια βίου μάθηση και τη συνεχή εξέλιξη, η ομάδα του Harmonylife παρακολουθεί συστηματικά εκπαιδεύσεις, συνέδρια και διεθνή σεμινάρια, φροντίζοντας να παραμένει στην αιχμή της επιστήμης και της θεραπείας. Στο Harmonylife, κάθε άνθρωπος είναι μοναδικός. Και για κάθε άνθρωπο, αξίζει μια πορεία θεραπείας που να του ταιριάζει πραγματικά.

Glynos Konstantinos is Pulmonologist - Tuberculosis specialist in the private sector running his pulmonological office since 2015 in Nea Smyrne. He works as a medical advisor/manager and currently as Real-World Evidence (RWE) lead in GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). Since 2015, he has been working as medical advisor in the Respi department, for the Ellipta products (Relvar, Incruse, Anoro) and Nucala. Also he has been challenged in managing and couching MSL. His work has been recognized in GSK for the high accountability and teamwork in designing and executing customer centric solutions to overcome challenges and create new opportunities, especially in the era of Evidence Generation, conducting ISSs in Greece and designed, initiated and reviewed a GSK sponsored study titled “RElight” in collaboration with Greek the Hellenic Thoracic Society and also designed and initiated a European collaboration in evidence generation for patients with nasal polyps and asthma (“RESPONSE” and “MEPOLYP”). Previously, he has been working as a clinical consultant in the Intensive Care Unit of "Evangelismos" hospital, and as a post doc-research associate at the University Hospital of Ghent-Belgium and in the laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology of the University of Patras Pharmaceutical Division. His research work, focused on pathophysiology/molecular biology in obstructive airways disease (asthma and COPD), lung injury and sepsis, published in international peer-reviewed journals and awarded by the Greek and European Respiratory Society.

Giannopoulou Dimitra is a Pulmonologist - Tuberculosis Specialist and maintains a private pulmonology clinic in Peristeri. She holds a Medical Degree from the Institute of Pharmacy and Medicine in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, with an international diploma in Medical Acupuncture. The physician is specialized in medical acupuncture for smoking cessation, asthma, COPD, pain, chemotherapy side effects, weight loss, allergies, and electroacupuncture. Additionally, her research interests include small cell and non-small cell lung cancer, bronchial asthma - COPD, and chemotherapy regimens for the lung. Alongside her private practice, Giannopoulou Dimitra serves as a Senior Registrar in the 1st Oncology Clinic at "Hygeia" Hospital. Finally, she is a member of the Medical Acupuncture Society of Greece, the European Society for Medical Oncology, the European Respiratory Society, the Delphic Society, and the Hellenic Respiratory Society.

Meropi Panagiotarakou MD, MSc is a Pulmonologist - Intensivist and holds the position of Consultant at the "Errikos Dynan" Hospital Center, while also maintaining a private practice in Petralona. She graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a master's degree in "Thoracic Oncology" from the Medical School of the same institution. Additionally, she is a PhD candidate at the Medical School of the University of Crete, with a dissertation topic: "Frequency of expiratory muscle contraction in the Intensive Care Unit, its causes, and impact on the management of critically ill intubated patients." She provides specialized services for the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases. She performs respiratory function testing with spirometry and collaborates with the Physiology Laboratory of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens for comprehensive respiratory assessment. She also monitors cases for smoking cessation. She has specialized in Intensive Care and has held a Consultant position at the University General Hospital of Heraklion. Finally, she has worked as a scientific collaborator in the Oncology Unit of the 3rd University Internal Medicine Clinic at the General Hospital for Thoracic Diseases of Athens "Sotiria".

Zampouni Vasiliki - Ioanna is a Mental Health Counselor - Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Neo Psychiko. She has completed studies in Biothymic Psychotherapy, Clinical Hypnosis, and counseling at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy & Counseling, as well as in Synthetic Counseling at the Tree of Therapy. Additionally, she has undertaken studies in Human Loss - Grief and in Anxiety - Depression, Psychoeducation, and Management at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She is a member of the Hellenic Counseling Association and the British Association for Counseling and Psychotherapy. As a Mental Health Counselor and Hypnosis Psychotherapist, she provides specialized services that assist individuals in overcoming personal and emotional challenges, thereby improving their quality of life. With numerous studies and certifications in the field of mental health, she offers a comprehensive approach that integrates techniques such as biothymic psychotherapy, clinical hypnosis, and synthetic counseling.

Petsinis Georgios is a Pulmonologist - Phthisiologist who maintains a private practice in Marousi. In parallel, he serves as a Scientific Collaborator at the Oncology Clinic of the Athens Medical Center. He holds a Medical Degree from the University of Patras and completed postgraduate studies in Thoracic Oncology (M.Sc) at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He specialized at the First Pulmonology Clinic of G.N. Sismanoglio, where he also served as an Assistant Pulmonology - Phthisiology Consultant. He has extensive clinical experience and has participated in the safety teams of EKEPY (National Health Operations Center). Finally, he has presented numerous scientific papers at conferences in Greece and abroad.

Η Κέζιου Αγάθη είναι Σύμβουλος Ψυχικής Υγείας, Συνθετική Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια, Βιοθυμική Υπνοθεραπεύτρια και NLP Master Practitioner και διατηρεί το ιδιωτικό της γραφείο στη Γλυφάδα. Διαθέτει εξειδικευμένη επιμόρφωση στις Διαταραχές Προσωπικότητας Cluster B από το Εθνικό και Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών, ενώ έχει αποκτήσει πιστοποιήσεις στο Modeling Strategies από τη META International, στο NLP Master Practitioner και στο NLP Coaching από την INLPTA, καθώς και στο Time Line Therapy από την TLTA. Παράλληλα, έχει πιστοποιηθεί στα προγράμματα Stress Management και Persuading Others της Harvard ManageMentor. Η εκπαίδευσή της στη Συμβουλευτική Ψυχικής Υγείας και στη Βιοθυμική Κλινική Ύπνωση πραγματοποιήθηκε στο Κέντρο Εφαρμοσμένης Ψυχοθεραπείας και Συμβουλευτικής. Μέσα από το ιδιωτικό της γραφείο παρέχει υπηρεσίες συμβουλευτικής και ψυχοθεραπευτικής υποστήριξης, αξιοποιώντας συνθετικές ψυχοθεραπευτικές προσεγγίσεις, τη βιοθυμική υπνοθεραπεία και σύγχρονες τεχνικές προσωπικής ανάπτυξης. Είναι πιστοποιημένο μέλος της Ελληνικής Εταιρείας Συμβουλευτικής.

Loukogiannaki Souzana - Human Kinetics is a Physiotherapist specializing in acupuncture and operates a private physiotherapy and biomedical acupuncture center in Pefki. She holds a physiotherapy degree from the Technological Educational Institute of Athens and completed a research postgraduate program in Exercise and Quality of Life at the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science of Democritus University of Thrace. Furthermore, she was trained in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy using the McKenzie method at the Hellenic McKenzie Institute and has obtained certification in the Scenar - Cosmodic method from LET Medical Research Lab in the United Kingdom. Subsequently, she specialized in Biomedical Acupuncture at the Laboratory of Musculoskeletal and Respiratory Physiotherapy of the University of West Attica. She further completed advanced training in Traditional Chinese Acupuncture at the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China. In addition, she has received certification in Therapeutic Exercise Health Qigong Ba Duan Jin and Taiji Eight Routines & Five Steps through a training program held at the Tai Ji Health Center of the Laboratory of Musculoskeletal and Respiratory Physiotherapy of the University of West Attica, in collaboration with the Shanghai Qiging Research Institute at Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as in the Humantecar - Synergistic Healthcare Methodology. Previously, she worked as a Physiotherapist at the Creative Adult Employment Laboratory in Korydallos and as a lecturer in pedagogy and coaching at the Omega Vocational Training Institute. At the center, she manages cases encompassing the entire spectrum of acupuncture; it is noteworthy that she specializes in medical acupuncture, sports injuries, and musculoskeletal rehabilitation.

Anastasiou Veneti Faidra is a Psychologist - certified Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Nikaia. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Panteion University, with postgraduate studies in Clinical Interventions in Addictions from the University of Crete and in Gender Studies: Methodologies, Theories, Policies from the Hellenic Open University. She is continuing her training in Drama Therapy. She has participated in numerous seminars and specialized programs focusing on child and adolescent mental health, addictions, and contemporary psychotherapeutic approaches. She has worked as a psychologist in public and private mental health institutions, such as Special Therapy Centers, the National Organization for the Prevention and Treatment of Addictions (EOPAE), and the Self-Help Promotion Program. Additionally, she has experience in psychological support for children and adolescents, psychoeducation, as well as research on mental health and artistic expression. In her practice, she combines theoretical training with a human-centered approach, creatively utilizing tools such as art and play. She has participated in research projects and scientific publications, while maintaining an active interest in issues of social gender, rights, and the empowerment of vulnerable populations.

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.