Health professionals for Συμβουλευτική γονέων και παιδιών

Papamargariti Vasiliki is a Psychologist - Systemic Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Kypseli. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Crete, followed by postgraduate studies in "Liaison Psychiatry: Integrated Care of Physical and Mental Health" at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), in "Clinical Interventions in Addictions" at the University of Crete, as well as in "Special Education and Training" at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Concurrently, she gained valuable experience in the field of mental health by working in significant institutions as a Psychologist, such as the Therapy Center for Dependent Individuals (KETHEA), in the Dual Diagnosis Unit, and in Counseling for Parents and Adolescents, having collaborated with a Youth Counseling Station for several years. Currently, she also works in Secondary Education alongside her private practice. The specialist is also certified in Systemic Psychotherapy - Family Therapy, having received the relevant certification from the Systemic Center for Training and Psychological Support (S.K.E.PSY), and in Couple Therapy (Institute for Training and Research in Systemic Psychotherapy).

Dr. Katsamas Dionysis is a Psychologist with a private practice located in the Ampelokipoi area. He graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Psychology and holds a postgraduate MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of East London. Concurrently, he practiced professionally at the Petroupoli Counseling Center and with Médecins Sans Frontières. He has been actively working in the field for the past 10 years, with a particular focus on the challenging period of lockdown through online and home-based sessions. Additionally, he is an active volunteer in the Municipality of Athens. His further training in an integrative theoretical model—covering 1) person-centered, 2) cognitive-behavioral, and 3) psychodynamic therapy—and his professional development since 2013 through workshops and clinical sessions have enabled him to adapt to the individual needs of each client, establishing a therapeutic environment of trust and intimacy. He is also continuing his postgraduate studies, further expanding his expertise into new areas. The office is conveniently located within a short distance from the Panormou Metro station, where in this welcoming space, you will have the opportunity to receive his services characterized by unconditional acceptance, hope, empathy, the establishment of dialogue, and scientific rigor.

Kapetaniou Eirini is a Cognitive & Behavioral Psychotherapist - Neuro Mental Health Counselor and maintains a private practice in Aigaleo. She studied Psychology at The American University of Athens and subsequently completed postgraduate studies in Cognitive Neuropsychology - Cognitive Neuroscience (MSc in Cognitive Neuropsychology - Cognitive Neuroscience) at University College London (UCL). Additionally, she has been trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling. She has worked at the UCL Institute of Child Health - Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, and voluntarily, under the supervision of neurology professors, with patients with neurological disorders at UCL Hospital Trust and the Royal Hospital for Neurodisability in London. Furthermore, she has volunteered as a research assistant in the study "Hypoxia/ischaemia during development: Patterns of neuropathology and associated cognitive impairment" at the UCL Institute of Child Health - Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Unit and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London. Finally, she specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy and Cognitive Neuroscience.

Zouka Olga is a Psychologist - Systemic Psychotherapist, licensed to practice, and maintains a private practice in Athens. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and has received postgraduate training in Systemic Psychotherapy (Systemic – Family Therapy and Couple Therapy) at the Society of Systemic Therapy and Intervention for Individuals, Families, and Broader Systems (ESYTHEPAS). She has attended training seminars on administering Projective Tests (RORSCHACH, T.A.T., C.A.T., Children's Drawing Test) at DI.K.E.PS.Y., as well as seminars related to addictions at ITACA – Greek Section and the Training Center of the 18 Ano Addiction Treatment Unit. Additionally, she completed practical training in the Family Department of the Therapeutic Center for Dependent Individuals (KETHEA) "Diavasi" and at the Psychiatric Clinic of the 251 General Air Force Hospital. She has worked as a psychologist in K.D.A.P. MEA (Municipality of Acharnes "AROGI"), in prisons (Detoxification Center for Drug-Addicted Prisoners Eleonas Thebes (KATKETH)), in a shelter for unaccompanied minor refugees (AMKE SUNYPARXIS Ecumenical Refugee Program), and provided psychosocial support to the Municipality of Haidari through an ESPA program. Currently, she provides counseling to unemployed individuals through an ESPA program. In her private practice, she focuses on creating a supportive and collaborative therapeutic relationship, tailoring her approach to the uniqueness and specific needs of each client, aiming at the effective management of any issues they face. She conducts in-person and online sessions with adults, adolescents (15 years and older), families, couples, as well as counseling sessions for couples and parents.

Koniari Xristina MSc, BSc is a Psychologist with a postgraduate degree in Cognitive Neuropsychology. Her work focuses on understanding how cognitive functions, emotions, and life experiences influence behavior, mood, and interpersonal relationships.

Simultaneously, she undergoes continuous training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and is currently receiving education in the CBT approach at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling. Her approach is structured, collaborative, and tailored to the needs of each individual, aiming for practical tools and measurable progress in daily life.

She works with adults, as well as with parents and children, supporting difficulties such as anxiety and panic attacks, mood disorders, challenges in emotion/anger regulation, grief issues, self-esteem and relationship concerns, as well as challenges related to parenting and family dynamics. Particular emphasis is placed on creating a safe therapeutic environment, characterized by respect, empathy, and clear objectives.

Vasileiadis Ilias is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Argyroupoli. He holds a degree in Psychology from the European University Cyprus and is licensed to practice as a Psychologist. He completed his internship as a Psycho-educational Counselor at the Medico-Pedagogical Center of G.N.G. Papanikolaou. Additionally, he holds a master's degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Thessaly. He has specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy as well as Brief Intensive Dynamic Psychotherapy, while concurrently being trained in Sexual Therapy and Sexual Education for children and adolescents. In the past, he has worked as an Educational Psychologist in Public Education and as a Clinical Psychologist at the Institute of Mental and Sexual Health. Furthermore, he is specialized and experienced in personality disorders, sexual disorders, and panic attacks - phobias. Finally, he has participated in scientific conferences with lectures, oral presentations, and posters, and beyond this, he is a member of both the Hellenic and European Counseling Societies.

Pantelis Vranas is a Mental Health Counselor with a integrative approach, holder of a diploma in integrative counselling from COSCA (Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland), and maintains a private practice in Ano Patisia. He provides individual and group support using a comprehensive therapeutic method that integrates various approaches, emphasizing counseling for individuals facing difficulties, as well as supporting couples wishing to strengthen their relationship or resolve conflicts. He focuses particularly on counseling individuals from the LGBTQ+ community and addressing issues of loneliness and interpersonal relationships. He is a graduate of the Athens Synthesis Center and has attended educational programs at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) on "Psychology of Religion" and "Interpersonal Relationships: The Phenomenon of Loneliness in the Modern Era," as well as workshops on LGBTQ+ counseling (Psychopedia). He is a regular member of the Hellenic Society of Integrative Counseling and Psychotherapy (EESTP).

Rasoulis Giorgos is a Clinical Psychologist and maintains a private practice in Heraklion, Crete, where he provides psychotherapeutic services to adults. He is a graduate of the University of East London. His professional approach is based on scientific knowledge, empathy, and respect for the individual, aiming to enhance self-awareness, manage emotional difficulties, and improve mental well-being. He utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and counseling psychotherapy, tailoring methods to the specific needs of each case. Sessions are conducted both in person and online, allowing individuals from all over Greece and abroad to receive support in a manner adapted to their needs.

Theodoritsi Io Kai Synergates are based in Agia Paraskevi. Theodoritsi Io is a Psychologist who studied Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and continued her studies with a Master's degree at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens on the topic "The Science of Stress and Health Promotion." Additionally, at the same academic institution, she completed a second Master's degree in "Special Education" in the Department of Primary Education. Furthermore, she has been trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy at the Institute for Research and Therapy of Behavior. She possesses considerable experience as a Psychologist, having worked in various facilities and Centers for Special Therapies. Finally, she specializes in Panic Attacks - Phobias and Anxiety and Mood Disorders. The scientific team of Ms. Theodoritsi consists of Psychologists licensed to practice and trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Η Ιωαννίδου Λίνα είναι Κλινική Ψυχολόγος - Συστημική Οικογενειακή Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια. Η εκπαίδευσή της ξεκίνησε το 2009, στο Τμήμα Ψυχολογίας του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης και συνεχίστηκε στο Τμήμα Ιατρικής με το μεταπτυχιακό πρόγραμμα “Κλινική Ψυχική Υγεία”. Έχει ολοκληρώσει την τετραετή εκπαίδευσή της στη Συστημική Οικογενειακή Ψυχοθεραπεία στο Κέντρο Συστημικής Μελέτης και Θεραπείας Θεσσαλονίκης, πιστοποιημένο από την Ευρωπαϊκή Εταιρεία Οικογενειακής Θεραπείας (EFTA). Η κλινική της εκπαίδευση ξεκίνησε σε προπτυχιακό επίπεδο μέσω της πρακτικής της άσκησης στο Τμήμα Οικογενειακής Θεραπείας του Ψυχιατρικού Νοσοκομείου Θεσσαλονίκης, καθώς και με εθελοντική εργασία στο Συμβουλευτικό Κέντρο του ΚΕΘΕΑ “Ιθάκη” και στο Πρόγραμμα Προαγωγής Αυτοβοήθειας. Τα τελευταία δέκα χρόνια, έχει εργαστεί με ευάλωτες προσφυγικές ομάδες στην Ελλάδα και στο εξωτερικό, συνεργαζόμενη με την ΑΡΣΙΣ και τον Διεθνή Οργανισμό Μετανάστευσης, παρέχοντας υπηρεσίες ψυχοκοινωνικής υποστήριξης και συμβουλευτικής σε ασυνόδευτα ανήλικα και οικογένειες, καθώς και συντονίζοντας ομάδες γονέων και ενδυνάμωσης γυναικών. Από το 2023 έως το 2025, υπήρξε μέλος επείγουσας ανθρωπιστικής αποστολής, προσφέροντας ψυχολογική υποστήριξη σε ομάδες υψηλού κινδύνου, καθώς και εποπτεία και εκπαίδευση ομάδας επαγγελματιών ψυχικής υγείας στον σχεδιασμό πλάνου άμεσης παρέμβασης σε κρίση. Στο παρόν, παρέχει ψυχολογική υποστήριξη σε επιζώσες έμφυλης βίας. Από το 2017, εργάζεται ιδιωτικά ως ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και είναι μέλος της Συστημικής Εταιρείας Βόρειας Ελλάδας (Σ.Ε.Β.Ε.). Προσεγγίζει την ψυχοθεραπεία ως έναν ασφαλή χώρο συνάντησης και αυθεντικής σύνδεσης. Πιστεύει ότι κάθε άνθρωπος είναι πολύ περισσότερα από τις δυσκολίες που φέρει και διαθέτει τη φυσική ικανότητα να αλλάξει, να αναπτυχθεί και να επαναπροσδιορίσει τον εαυτό του. Στο επίκεντρο της δουλειάς της βρίσκεται η κατανόηση της εμπειρίας του ατόμου μέσα στο δίκτυο των σχέσεών του, η μελέτη των κοινωνικών ταυτοτήτων και του πώς αυτές διαμορφώνουν το βίωμα, καθώς και η ενσωμάτωση του σώματος στην ψυχοθεραπευτική διαδικασία, ως φορέα νοητικών και συναισθηματικών εμπειριών.

Miliordou Kristi MBA, MSc, MBPsS is a Psychologist, Psychotherapist - Sports Psychologist - Psychotherapy for Adolescents and Adults and maintains a private practice in Marousi. She is a Psychology graduate of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens with further training in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy at Aiginiteio Hospital and in Health Psychology, holds a Certificate in Psychology for High Performance Sports, and a Professional Diploma in Neurobiology and Psychology in Team Sports from Barca Innovation Hub, Universitas. Additionally, she has specialized in Health Unit Management, Sports Management, and Marketing. Currently, she works as an independent professional psychologist at her office in Marousi, as a Sports Psychologist at the Olympiacos BC Academy, and as an external collaborator-psychologist for employees through the company Hellas EAP. Furthermore, she participates in conferences related to Mental Health and has created the asynchronous seminar "Small Movements - Big Changes, The Beginning of a New Life," focusing on integrating exercise and movement into daily life.

Together with her colleagues at the office, they operate as a Team with continuous collaboration and supervision, offering scientifically substantiated and high-quality care.

Maria Mpogdanou is a counseling psychologist based in Athens, licensed to practice professionally. She offers face-to-face and online sessions at her private office in Kareas.

She graduated with honors from Cardiff Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom. She has three years of clinical experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She has also been trained in the application of counseling techniques through her practice at the Alzheimer Center of Athens.

Additionally, she has completed specialized programs in Counseling and couples and family therapy at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She is also certified in positive psychology counseling.

She regularly participates in continuing education and is under consistent professional supervision. This ensures the continuous updating of her knowledge and the provision of high-quality services. She places particular emphasis on mental health, empathy, and scientific evidence-based practice.

The Kentro Psyxopaidagogikis Ypostiriksis Psyxagogein is a modern, fully equipped, and specially designed center to meet the needs of children, adolescents, and adults. The Director of the Center is Kentro Psyxopaidagogikis Ypostiriksis Psyxagogein, Psychologist - Child Psychologist - Special Systemic Therapist for Couples and Families. She holds a degree in Psychology from the Faculty of Philosophy of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. The Center's goal is to provide specialized support to children and their families by offering comprehensive services in the field of diagnosis, assessment, therapy, and rehabilitation of developmental and learning difficulties in children and adolescents. Finally, it covers a wide range of therapeutic programs for adults.

Η Ζαρκάδα Σιμόνη MSc είναι Συμβουλευτική Ψυχολόγος - Εκπ. Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και πραγματοποιεί συνεδρίες ψυχοθεραπείας δια ζώσης και διαδικτυακά. Η επιθυμία της να βοηθήσει ουσιαστικά άλλους ανθρώπους να ζήσουν μια πιο ολοκληρωμένη και ευτυχισμένη ζωή την οδήγησε να σπουδάσει Ψυχολογία. Ολοκλήρωσε τις προπτυχιακές σπουδές Ψυχολογίας στο Εθνικό και Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών και κατέχει άδεια ασκήσεως επαγγέλματος ψυχολόγου. Στη συνέχεια, έζησε 3 χρόνια στην Αμερική, όπου ολοκλήρωσε το τριετές μεταπτυχιακό της στη Συμβουλευτική Ψυχολογία στο University of Illinois, όπου διδάχτηκε από κορυφαίους ψυχολόγους στον κόσμο. Επίσης, είναι Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια, εκπαιδευόμενη στη Συστημική Υπαρξιακή ψυχοθεραπευτική προσέγγιση στο Ινστιτούτο "Αντίστιξη", πιστοποιημένο από την Εθνική Εταιρεία Ψυχοθεραπείας (ΕΕΨΕ) και την Ευρωπαϊκή Εταιρεία Ψυχοθεραπείας (EFTA). Κατά τη διάρκεια των προπτυχιακών και μεταπτυχιακών της σπουδών είχε την ευκαιρία να αποκτήσει πλούσια κλινική εμπειρία τόσο σε δημόσια, όσο και σε ιδιωτικά κέντρα Συμβουλευτικής και Ψυχοθεραπείας, όπως η Εταιρεία Κοινωνικής Ψυχιατρικής Παναγιώτης Σακελλαρόπουλος, το Κέντρο Συμβουλευτικής φοιτητών του Πανεπιστημίου του Illinois και το Κέντρο Συμβουλευτικής και ψυχοθεραπείας Evergreen στο Illinois.⁠ Παράλληλα, έχει κάνει ατομική ψυχοθεραπεία πολλά χρόνια ως θεραπευόμενη. Προσφέρει ατομικές συνεδρίες Συμβουλευτικής και Ψυχοθεραπείας. Στόχος της είναι μέσω αυτών των συνεδριών να δημιουργήσει με τον θεραπευόμενο μια ασφαλή θεραπευτική σχέση που θα δώσει την ευκαιρία να ο τελευταίος να εμβαθύνει την αυτογνωσία του.⁠ Δεν έχει όλες τις απαντήσεις για τα ζητήματα που σας απασχολούν. Είναι όμως εδώ για να σταθεί συνοδοιπόρος δίπλα σας και να σας βοηθήσει να ανακαλύψετε μέσα σας τις δικές σας απαντήσεις και να ζήσετε μια ζωή με περισσότερο νόημα.

Vaitsou Dimitra is a Mental Health Counselor - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Neo Irakleio. She holds a degree in Psychology from Athens Metropolitan College and the University of Preston in the United States. During her studies, she attended the HND Edexcel Success through qualifications BTEC Higher National Diploma program, European Educational Organization care practice. Simultaneously, she received additional training in Systemic - Family Psychotherapy through the four-year program at the "Laboratory of Human Relationships Exploration." In her professional career, she has collaborated with "The Smile of the Child," providing psychological and moral support to children; continued as a scientific associate at the "Bioanelixi" Center, heading the Counseling Psychology department by conducting individual sessions and group workshops on self-awareness, self-image, and self-esteem. Additionally, she worked as a coordinator for self-awareness groups and educational seminars at the Alternative Wellness Center "Sharmilla," provided individual counseling and family therapy at the Municipal Polyclinics of Lykovrysi, and at the Day Care and Daytime Care Center for people with disabilities in the Prefecture of Fthiotida. To date, she delivers educational lectures and seminars in schools, addressing parents, children, and educators.

Kazakou Elli is a Clinical Psychologist. She studied Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and pursued postgraduate studies in Clinical Psychopathology and Psychoanalysis at Université Paris Cité (Paris Descartes) in Paris, completing a two-year program focused on the Clinical Psychopathology of children and adolescents.

She has worked in clinical settings in Athens and Paris, with children, adolescents, and adults. In Paris, she had the opportunity to work as an intern in reception centers for parents, infants, toddlers, and their caregivers, at medico-pedagogical centers, as well as at Necker Hospital (Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital), providing psychological support to expectant and new mothers, and/or couples experiencing perinatal grief.

In recent years, she has been working in Athens as a collaborator of the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Unit for Children "Spyros Doxiadis," providing therapeutic work with children, adolescents, and parents under psychoanalytic supervision. She has also collaborated with kindergartens, coordinating "parent groups," and for the past four years, she has worked as a psychologist at a private school, thus maintaining active contact with the school environment and the daily challenges faced by children.

She is a member of the team and a reception representative of the association "Our Big Home," a space catering to children aged 0-4 years and their caregivers, inspired by the philosophy of the "Green House" (Maison Verte) of the French psychoanalyst Françoise Dolto. 

Η Γιολάντα Παραλή είναι Σύμβουλος Ψυχικής Υγείας - Ειδική Παιδαγωγός - Θεραπεύτρια μέσω Τέχνης - Κοινωνιολόγος. Από το 2016 εργάζεται με παιδιά, εφήβους, ενήλικες και οικογένειες, παρέχοντας υπηρεσίες ψυχικής υγείας, συμβουλευτικής και ψυχοεκπαιδευτικής υποστήριξης με στόχο την ενίσχυση της λειτουργικότητας, της συναισθηματικής ανάπτυξης και της ποιότητας ζωής.

Είναι υπεύθυνη του κέντρου «Ευνόη – Ανάπτυξη | Παρέμβαση | Ψυχική Υγεία» στην Κάλυμνο, όπου σχεδιάζει και υλοποιεί εξατομικευμένες παρεμβάσεις για παιδιά, εφήβους, ενήλικες και οικογένειες. Παράλληλα, συνεργάζεται με δομές δημιουργικής απασχόλησης παιδιών (ΚΔΑΠ) και συμμετέχει σε διεπιστημονικά δίκτυα συνεργασίας με επαγγελματίες ψυχικής υγείας, ειδικής αγωγής και παιδοψυχιατρικής.

Σπούδασε Κοινωνιολογία στο Πάντειο Πανεπιστήμιο και συνέχισε την επαγγελματική της εκπαίδευση στην Εφαρμοσμένη Ανάλυση Συμπεριφοράς (ABA) μέσω του ΚΕΔΙΒΙΜ του Παντείου Πανεπιστημίου, με κατεύθυνση την Ειδική Αγωγή. Έχει επίσης ολοκληρώσει πρόγραμμα Ειδικής Αγωγής και Εκπαίδευσης του Πανεπιστημίου Αιγαίου.

Έχει εκπαιδευτεί στη Θεραπεία μέσω Τέχνης (Art Therapy), στο αισθητηριακό και μη κατευθυνόμενο παιχνίδι ως εργαλείο ανάπτυξης και συναισθηματικής ρύθμισης, ενώ διαθέτει πιστοποίηση στην «Autism Spectrum Disorder and Art Therapy», με έμφαση στην αξιοποίηση της τέχνης ως μέσου έκφρασης, επικοινωνίας και ενδυνάμωσης ατόμων στο φάσμα του αυτισμού.

Διατηρεί ιδιαίτερο ενδιαφέρον για την ψυχοεκπαίδευση και τις ομαδικές παρεμβάσεις, έχοντας εκπαιδευτεί στον σχεδιασμό και τη διαχείριση ψυχοεκπαιδευτικών ομαδικών προγραμμάτων. Στο πλαίσιο αυτό συντονίζει ομάδες γονέων, ομάδες παιδιών για την ανάπτυξη κοινωνικών δεξιοτήτων και ομάδες δημιουργικής έκφρασης και ενδυνάμωσης.

Η επαγγελματική της προσέγγιση βασίζεται στη δημιουργία μιας ασφαλούς και υποστηρικτικής θεραπευτικής σχέσης. Συνδυάζει στοιχεία συμβουλευτικής ψυχικής υγείας, Ανάλυσης Συμπεριφοράς (ABA), ψυχοεκπαίδευσης, δημιουργικής έκφρασης και θεραπείας μέσω τέχνης, προσαρμόζοντας κάθε παρέμβαση στις ανάγκες και τις δυνατότητες του κάθε ανθρώπου.

Είναι μέλος της Ένωσης Θεραπευτών μέσω Τέχνης Ελλάδας και της Ελληνικής Κοινότητας Ανάλυσης Συμπεριφοράς, συμμετέχοντας ενεργά σε κοινότητες επιστημονικού διαλόγου, εποπτείας και επαγγελματικής δεοντολογίας.

Elisavet Karavokyri is a Clinical Psychologist-Psychotherapist, graduate of the University Paris 8-Lumières. She has completed postgraduate studies in Clinical Psychology-Psychotherapies (Master 2) at the same University and holds a specialization in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) from the Society of Cognitive-Behavioral Studies, recognized by the European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT), as well as in Special Education and Speech Therapy. Her experience in psychiatric institutions and psychotherapeutic centers in Greece and France has enabled her to gain an in-depth understanding and to support individuals experiencing various forms of psychological distress, whether related to deeper personal difficulties or developmental and emotional challenges, using a holistic approach. She has attended seminars and conferences on mental health and continues to enrich her knowledge of contemporary developments in the field of psychotherapy. Concurrently, she provides therapeutic support to children and adolescents, focusing on issues such as anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, and interpersonal relationships.

Elisavet Karavokyri follows a person-centered approach, demonstrating understanding and respect for the individual's psychological pace and unique needs. Her goal is to contribute meaningfully to empowering the individual and developing more effective adaptive mechanisms and emotional regulation, thereby enhancing their quality of life.