Health professionals for Smoking cessation

Sapardanis Iordanis is a Pulmonologist - Tuberculosis Specialist with over 20 years of clinical experience in clinics and hospitals. He maintains a private practice in Pefka, Thessaloniki. He has an extensive range of publications as well as many years of experience in: interventional pulmonology, lung oncology, management of cancer patients, thoracic puncture, ascitic fluid analysis, chemotherapy regimens for lung cancer, diagnostic and therapeutic examinations, bronchoscopy (diagnostic - therapeutic), endoscopic swallowing evaluation, transthoracic ultrasound, pleural effusion drainage, smoking cessation clinic, management of ulcers and pressure sores (surgical debridement, application of V.A.C, use of growth factors for ulcer treatment, application of hyaluronic acid, selective surgical cleaning using ultrasound (25KHz) and normal saline hydrojet), etc. He is characterized by persistence, patience, resourcefulness, cooperativeness, excellent communication skills with patients and their companions, and above all, a genuine care for people. The clinic offers free parking and emergency parking spaces directly outside, as well as an additional open parking lot nearby. It is easily accessible for individuals with mobility issues, elderly patients, and others. Finally, the clinic is also easily accessible by public transportation.

Η Χατζηχρήστου Άννα είναι Πιστοποιημένη Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και Σύμβουλος Ψυχικής Υγείας με ειδίκευση στην Προσωποκεντρική και Focusing Βιωματική Ψυχοθεραπεία και την Σύγχρονη Κλινική Ύπνωση. Ως πολύτιμα εφόδια διαθέτει τις συστηματικές σπουδές της σε Πανεπιστήμια της Αγγλίας και των Η.Π.Α., την εμπειρία που αποκόμισε από την μακροχρόνια εργασία της στο πεδίο, μα πάνω απ’ όλα τη συνέπεια και την αδιαπραγμάτευτη αγάπη της για το αντικείμενο. Γεννημένη το 1962 στην Αθήνα, απέκτησε Bachelor Degree στην Ψυχολογία ολοκληρώνοντας με επιτυχία τις σπουδές της στο Southeastern College της Πολιτείας Delaware των ΗΠΑ, ενώ μερικά χρόνια αργότερα της απονεμήθηκε από το University of East Anglia του Norwich Μεταπτυχιακός Τίτλος Σπουδών (Master) στην Προσωποκεντρική και Focusing Βιωματική Ψυχοθεραπεία. Θέλοντας να εμβαθύνει ακόμη περισσότερο, απέκτησε Πτυχίο Πιστοποιημένου Επαγγελματία στην Focusing Βιωματική Ψυχοθεραπεία από το Focusing Institute της Νέας Υόρκης, ενώ πρόσφατα εξειδικεύτηκε επίσης στην Σύγχρονη Βιοθυμική Κλινική Ύπνωση, λαμβάνοντας Πιστοποίηση Υπνοθεραπεύτριας από τον επίσημο επαγγελματικό φορέα Κλινικής Ύπνωσης στη Βρετανία (General Hypnotherapy Standards Council). Είτε ως μαθητευόμενη, είτε αργότερα ως εκπαιδεύτρια και επόπτρια, συνέχισε να έχει σταθερή παρουσία στο χώρο της κατάρτισης Επαγγελματιών Ψυχικής Υγείας. Ταυτόχρονα, συμμετείχε σε δεκάδες Συνέδρια, Διεθνή Συμπόσια και Ημερίδες σε Ελλάδα και εξωτερικό. Ωστόσο, γνωρίζοντας πως κανένας τίτλος δεν μπορεί να υποκαταστήσει την γνήσια εμπειρία φρόντισε από νωρίς να υπηρετήσει την επιστήμη της στην πράξη, εργαζόμενη σε εθελοντική βάση επί 15 χρόνια (2005-2020) στο Ιατρείο Περιοχικής Αναισθησίας, Θεραπείας Πόνου και Παρηγορικής Αγωγής του Αρεταίειου Πανεπιστημιακού Νοσοκομείου Αθηνών, στον τομέα Συμβουλευτικής και Ψυχοθεραπείας. Παράλληλα, από το 1990 έως σήμερα διενεργεί ατομικές και ομαδικές συνεδρίες και βιωματικά εργαστήρια σε συνεργασία με Κέντρα Ψυχικής Υγείας, έχοντας ακόμα συμμετάσχει εθελοντικά σε Εκστρατείες Προληπτικής Ιατρικής για Παιδιά και Ενηλίκους υπό το Γενικό Νοσοκομείο Παίδων "Π. & Α.Κυριακού". Είναι ιδρυτικό μέλος της Ελληνικής Προσωποκεντρικής - Βιωματικής Εταιρείας (ΕΠΒΕ), μέλος της Εθνικής Εταιρείας Ψυχοθεραπείας Ελλάδος (ΕΕΨΕ), της Ευρωπαϊκής Εταιρείαs Ψυχοθεραπείας (EAP), της Ελληνικής Εταιρείας Συμβουλευτικής (ΕΕΣ), της Ευρωπαϊκής Εταιρείας Συμβουλευτικής (EAC), της Παγκόσμιας Εταιρείας Προσωποκεντρικής και Βιωματικής Συμβουλευτικής και Ψυχοθεραπείας (WAPCEPC) και Πιστοποιημένη Επόπτρια Προσωποκεντρικής και Focusing Ψυχοθεραπείας από το Υπουργείο Παιδείας (ΕΟΠΕΠ).

Agapitou Varvara is a Pulmonologist - Phthisiologist and maintains a private practice in Haidari. She holds a degree from the Medical School of the University of Athens. She worked at the Evgenideio Hospital in ergospirometry and rehabilitation of the University Intensive Care Clinic of the University of Athens, where she also completed her doctoral dissertation and was awarded a PhD from the University of Athens with distinction. She specialized in the University Intensive Care Clinic of Evangelismos Hospital in the Pulmonology Department (Obstructive diseases, COPD-asthma, interstitial diseases, lung and mediastinal neoplasms, pleural diseases, as well as diseases affecting the lung parenchyma and/or respiratory muscles causing respiratory failure), a clinic that is notably a referral center for chronic respiratory failure. In the field of pathology, she worked at the 5th Medical Clinic of Evangelismos Hospital and received additional training in the Intensive Care Unit of the same hospital. It would be remiss not to mention that she has received a Research Fellowship from the Hellenic Thoracic Society. She has completed the Smoking Cessation Seminar and, approaching science as a dynamic and continuously evolving process, she has attended and continues to attend numerous accredited seminars from both the Hellenic and European Respiratory Societies.

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.

Aliki Korkontzelou, MD, MSc, is a Pulmonologist-Tuberculosis Specialist who maintains a private practice in Athens (Ampelokipoi) and concurrently serves as a consultant at the 1st Pulmonology Clinic of IASO. She holds a medical degree from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and a master's degree in Biomedical Studies from Lancaster University, UK. She specialized in Pulmonology - Tuberculosis at the General Hospital for Thoracic Diseases "Sotiria" and at the General Hospital "Evangelismos." She is a doctoral candidate at NKUA focusing on smoking cessation and an Early Career Member of the "Smoking Cessation, Health Promotion, and Climate Change" working group of the Hellenic Thoracic Society. She has original research publications in international journals on topics related to asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and smoking cessation, and has participated in national and international conferences with lectures and presentations. In her private practice, she offers services covering a wide range of pulmonary cases (asthma, COPD, respiratory infections, and others).

Tatsi Athina is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Nea Ionia, Attica. She holds a degree in Applied Psychology from the University of Derby and a Master's degree (MSc) in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy from the same university. Subsequently, she completed postgraduate training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at Aeginiteio Hospital. She has worked in significant public and private institutions as a Psychotherapist, as well as in public agencies, psychological support helplines, and private practices. Additionally, her volunteer work, from which she gained valuable experience in the field of Psychology, is noteworthy. She has volunteered as a Psychologist - Psychotherapist in public hospitals and mental health centers. Currently, she offers private sessions to adults, providing psychological support either in person or remotely.

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.

Nomikou Maria is a Psychologist-Psychotherapist based in Thessaloniki. She studied Psychology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and completed postgraduate studies in the field of Cognitive Psychology (MSc in Cognitive Psychology and Applications, AUTH). As a Psychotherapist, she has received training in various forms of psychotherapy. She has undergone extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and is a certified member of the EACBT. Additionally, she trained in Bioenergetic Psychotherapy - Clinical Hypnosis and is currently a trainee in Schema Therapy. Furthermore, she has specialized in the administration of the MMPI-2 (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) through ISON Psychometrica and has attended numerous professional development seminars. Psychotherapeutically, she works with adults, families, couples, and adolescents in face-to-face sessions or via Skype. Her clinical experience was acquired through employment and volunteer roles in mental health facilities in both the public and private sectors, with additional specialization in dementia and developmental disorders, providing psychological support to children, the elderly, and their family networks.

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.

Specialist Pulmonologist, Dr Mixailopoulos Paulos, holds a PhD from the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, possesses the European Diploma in Respiratory Medicine (HERMES), and is specialized in sleep-related breathing disorders with certification from the European Sleep Research Society (ESRS). In his clinic, located in the center of Thessaloniki, he welcomes patients suffering from all types of pulmonary conditions, which he investigates methodically and thoroughly, based on the most recent advancements in medicine.

Η Mύτη Ευαγγελία είναι Σύμβουλος Ψυχικής Υγείας και εκπαιδευόμενη στη Συστημική Συνθετική Ψυχοθεραπεία στο Συνθετικό Κέντρο Σιδηρόπουλος και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στην Θεσσαλονίκη. Παράλληλα, έχει ολοκληρώσει την εκπαίδευσή της ως Σύμβουλος Ψυχικής Υγείας (HND) στο Mediterranean College, ενώ διαθέτει ακαδημαϊκό υπόβαθρο στη Νομική από το Αριστοτέλειο Πανεπιστήμιο Θεσσαλονίκης και στη Δημοσιογραφία.

Η επαγγελματική της πορεία περιλαμβάνει την άσκηση της δικηγορίας σε ιδιωτικό γραφείο, εμπειρία που συνέβαλε στην ανάπτυξη δεξιοτήτων ενεργητικής ακρόασης, επικοινωνίας και κατανόησης της ανθρώπινης συμπεριφοράς. Σήμερα δραστηριοποιείται στον χώρο της ψυχοθεραπείας, παρέχοντας υποστήριξη σε ενήλικες μέσα από τη Συστημική Συνθετική προσέγγιση, με στόχο την καλύτερη κατανόηση του εαυτού, των σχέσεων και των προσωπικών δυσκολιών κάθε θεραπευόμενου. Η θεραπευτική διαδικασία βασίζεται στη δημιουργία ενός ασφαλούς και εμπιστευτικού πλαισίου, όπου κάθε άνθρωπος μπορεί να εξερευνήσει τις εμπειρίες, τα συναισθήματα και τις ανάγκες του, με σεβασμό στη μοναδικότητα της προσωπικής του διαδρομής.

Frimas Apostolos is a Pulmonologist - Tuberculosis Specialist with private practices in Patras and Aigio. He holds a degree from the Medical School of Democritus University of Thrace. He initially specialized in Switzerland at Hôpital du Valais and later at the General Hospital for Thoracic Diseases of Athens "Sotiria" and the Naval Hospital of Athens. From 2022 to 2023, he served as a medical auditor at Accurate Health Auditing & Consulting. In his private clinics, he manages a wide range of cases, with particular expertise in ergospirometry and smoking cessation.

Dr. Xatzinaki Kalliopi, MD, MSc, is a Specialist in General - Family Medicine and maintains her private practice within the "Mesogeios-Diagnostic Centers," located at Chryssostomou 74 and Knosou Avenue 69 in Heraklion, Crete. She graduated from the Medical School of the University of Patras and completed her specialization in General - Family Medicine at Venizeleio - Pananio Regional Hospital of Heraklion. She holds a postgraduate diploma specializing in "Vaccinations and Infection Prevention" and has extensive clinical experience in managing emergency and chronic cases. In her private practice, she provides high-level medical services, focusing on prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of primary healthcare conditions affecting the entire family: management of infections, injuries, surgical and pathological cases, prevention and management of Diabetes Mellitus, Arterial Hypertension, Dyslipidemia, Osteoporosis, Obesity, Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Depression, Anxiety Disorder, and other chronic diseases, smoking cessation, issuance of medical certificates and attestations, and a holistic approach to the geriatric patient. Additionally, she conducts home visits when deemed necessary. Finally, she actively participates in scientific conferences and educational programs, aiming at her continuous professional development and provision of optimal care to her patients.

Mixa Foteini is a Pulmonologist - Tuberculosis Specialist and maintains private practices in Petroupoli and Ilion. She holds a degree from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and specialized in Pulmonology - Tuberculosis at the 4th Pulmonology Clinic of the General Chest Diseases Hospital of Athens "Sotiria". She completed a postgraduate specialization program in Thoracic Oncology entitled "The Significance of Superior Vena Cava Syndrome Development in the Symptomatology and Clinical Outcome of Patients with Lung Cancer". Additionally, she is a Scientific Collaborator at the Oncology Unit of the 3rd University Clinic of the General Chest Diseases Hospital of Athens "Sotiria" and regularly attends numerous seminars and conferences in Greece and abroad as part of her ongoing professional development.

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!

Aivazidou Kalliopi is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist specializing in Systemic Family Therapy. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of East London and a master's diploma in Clinical and Community Psychology from the same university. Previously, she has also worked as a Kindergarten Teacher, as her first cycle of studies was in the Department of Early Childhood Education at the University of Thessaly. Both of her professional focuses center on children. Having attended relevant postgraduate programs and conferences, as well as having worked with children, she undertakes the conduct of counseling sessions for children and adolescents, as well as parent counseling and Family Psychotherapy.

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.