Health professionals for Psychogenic Bulimia - Psychogenic Anorexia in Prefecture of Thessaloniki

Η Μαρία Σαββίδου είναι Ψυχολόγος, Κλινικής - Κοινωνικής κατεύθυνσης και κάτοχος Άδειας Ασκήσεως Επαγγέλματος Ψυχολόγου. Αποφοίτησε από το Αριστοτέλειο Πανεπιστήμιο Θεσσαλονίκης (2009), ενώ έλαβε υποτροφία από το University of Groningen της Ολλανδίας. Από το 2016, διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο κέντρο της Θεσσαλονίκης, όπου παρέχει υπηρεσίες ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης σε ενήλικες, εφήβους και παιδιά.

Εξειδικεύτηκε στην Μουσικοθεραπεία (ΜΑ) στο τμήμα Μουσικής και Κοινωνίας του Πανεπιστημίου Μακεδονίας και η θεραπευτική της προσέγγιση βασίζεται στο ανθρωπιστικό μοντέλο, με κεντρικούς άξονες την αποδοχή, την ενσυναίσθηση και την αυθεντική θεραπευτική σχέση. Παράλληλα, αξιοποιεί και στοιχεία από διαφορετικές θεωρητικές προσεγγίσεις, όπως είναι η Ψυχανάλυση, η Γνωστική - συμπεριφορική θεραπεία (CBT) και η Νευροψυχολογία, ανάλογα με το εξατομικευμένο πλάνο και το θεραπευτικό αίτημα. Ακόμη, μέσα από την κλινική της εμπειρία, εξειδικεύτηκε στις μαθησιακές δυσκολίες, την κατάθλιψη και τις διαταραχές άγχους.

Σημαντικό σταθμό στην πορεία της αποτελεί η κλινική της άσκηση στην Παιδοψυχιατρική Κλινική του Νοσοκομείου Παπανικολάου Θεσσαλονίκης, όπου εργάστηκε ως Μουσικοθεραπεύτρια και συνέβαλε στη διαμόρφωση και εφαρμογή καινοτόμων θεραπευτικών παρεμβάσεων σε πανελλήνιο επίπεδο.

Επέλεξε επίσης να εξειδικευτεί και στη Συμβουλευτική Σταδιοδρομίας, καθώς πιστεύει ότι η επαγγελματική ζωή είναι πολύ σημαντική και δύναται να επηρεάσει την ψυχικής μας υγεία. Η δυνατότητα να υποστηρίζει εφήβους και ενήλικες σε κρίσιμες αποφάσεις ζωής και να τους βοηθάει να ενισχύσουν την αυτογνωσία τους, αλλά και να ευθυγραμμίσουν τις επιλογές με τις αξίες τους και τις δυνατότητές τους, αποτέλεσε για εκείνη μια προέκταση του θεραπευτικού της έργου.

Επιπλέον, έχει εργαστεί στο Συμβουλευτικό Σταθμό Νέων Ν. Κοζάνης, στο Πρόγραμμα Προαγωγής Αυτοβοήθειας (ΑΠΘ), στο Κέντρο Πρόληψης και Συμβουλευτικής Θεσσαλονίκης και σε άλλες εθελοντικές, δημόσιες και ιδιωτικές δομές.

Η επιλογή της επιστήμης της Ψυχολογίας ήταν μια συνειδητή απόφαση από νεαρή ηλικία, καθώς είχε έντονο ενδιαφέρον για την ανθρώπινη επικοινωνία, τη συναισθηματική κατανόηση και τις διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις. Μέχρι και σήμερα, συνεχίζει να επιμορφώνεται και να είναι ενεργή στο ερευνητικό πεδίο, με σκοπό να κατανοεί σε μεγαλύτερο βάθος τον άνθρωπο - τις σκέψεις, τα συναισθήματα και τις σχέσεις του, αλλά και το πως αυτά επηρεάζονται από το εκάστοτε κοινωνικό και πολιτισμικό πλαίσιο.

Για εκείνη, η ψυχολογία δεν είναι απλά μια επαγγελματική επιλογή, αλλά μια διαρκής πορεία γνώσης και ουσιαστικής ανθρώπινης σύνδεσης. Αντιλαμβάνεται τη θεραπευτική διαδικασία ως ένα ζωντανό χώρο συνάντησης, όπου η δυσκολία μπορεί να ειπωθεί με ασφάλεια και ο άνθρωπος να ξαναβρεί τη σχέση με τον εαυτό του σε ένα πλαίσιο αποδοχής, σεβασμού και ουσιαστικής παρουσίας.

Pinelopi Kitsou is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains her private practice in Thessaloniki. She holds a degree in Psychology from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She has specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy and has completed the Postgraduate Program in Adolescent Medicine and Adolescent Health Care at the School of Medicine of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. In her private practice, she handles a wide range of cases, always focusing on providing the best possible service tailored to the individualized needs of each person she undertakes.

Vagena Xristina is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Thessaloniki. She holds a degree in Psychology from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and completed a postgraduate program in Counseling Psychology at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Subsequently, she underwent a 4-year training program at the Hellenic Society for Behavioral Research, specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Additionally, she is certified in the administration of the MMPI-2 (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) by ISON Psychometrica. She has worked as a trainer at the public IEK of Aridea and Sindos and at the Mental Health Vocational Training Center, providing training to caregivers of individuals with dementia, autism, and Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, she has served as a Psychologist at the American College of Anatolia in Thessaloniki, as a School Psychologist at the 12th Vocational High School (EPAL) of Thessaloniki, and as a Forensic Psychologist Expert at the Thessaloniki Court of First Instance. Finally, she was a collaborator for 6 years at the Speech Therapy Center "Playlearning" in Thessaloniki.

Ntourou Iliana MSc is a graduate of Psychology from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, with a master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Erasmus University of Rotterdam, Netherlands. She specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) through the Hellenic Association of Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy (HACBP) according to the criteria of the European Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT), and since 2021 she has been a doctoral candidate in the Medical Department of the University of Ioannina. In recent years, she has been providing psychotherapy sessions in the center of Thessaloniki. Simultaneously, since 2022, she holds a position as a Collaborating Researcher at the National Center for Research (CERTH), where among her duties are conducting research studies and providing training to healthcare professionals. Finally, she is under continuous supervision for the management of her cases.

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.

Stauraki Nikoleta is a Dietitian-Nutritionist with a private practice in Kalamaria. She holds a degree from the Department of Nutrition & Dietetics at the Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki (A.T.E.I.TH.). She obtained her Master's Degree specializing in Clinical Dietetics. She has specialized in the nutritional management of various diseases related to cancer. Additionally, she has expertise in Cardiovascular Diseases and the Mediterranean Diet (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens), as well as in sports nutrition (Specialist in sports nutrition under the auspices of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, ISSN). The dietitian has received further training in the management of eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia, emotional overeating, etc.) and obesity, as well as in the nutritional management and treatment of patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome through the FODMAP diet. In her private practice, she provides individualized nutrition programs and is specialized in sports nutrition, clinical dietetics, obesity, and metabolism.

Anastopoulou Filippa is a Psychologist (MSc) offering online sessions. She holds a degree from the Department of Applied Psychology at the University of Derby and a postgraduate qualification in Clinical Psychology and Counseling. She continually enhances her knowledge through specialized seminars on mental health and psychotherapy topics, while also undergoing training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She is a member of the Cyprus Association of Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapists (S.G.S.P.K.) and the EABCT. She possesses significant clinical experience, having worked in mental health facilities, including a Psychiatry department, providing support to individuals with various psychological difficulties. Her work focuses on the management of anxiety, somatoform and depressive disorders, grief, addictions, and other mental health issues. With scientific training and a person-centered approach, she delivers high-quality psychological support and therapy services.

Isaakidis Akritas - NutriOn is a Dietitian - Nutritionist with a private practice in Neapoli, Thessaloniki. He holds a degree from the International Hellenic University in Thessaloniki, specializing in Sports Nutritional Guidance from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Through concurrent practical training abroad and in hospitals, as well as attending seminars and conferences, he has gained extensive experience and education as a nutrition professional. We focus on a Healthy Lifestyle, and therefore, we invite you to become a member of the "NutriOn" family! Let us start with the goal of changing dietary habits, taking into account your individual needs and analyzing your body composition (fat, muscle mass)! We will develop a personalized nutrition program tailored to your specific needs, fully covering you and providing all the nutrients necessary for your body to function properly! Whatever your nutritional goal is, we have the solution and tools to achieve it!

Loizos Nikos is a Clinical Psychologist who maintains a private practice in the center of Thessaloniki. He is a graduate of the Psychology Department of Panteion University. He completed his postgraduate studies in medicine at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki with a specialization in "Clinical Mental Health," through which he has acquired extensive knowledge and understanding of the complexity of the human mind and mental functions. Additionally, he is in the process of completing his training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), aiming to obtain official certification as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. His knowledge of psychopathology and mental disorders qualifies him as a competent therapist capable of providing reliable and valid diagnoses. This is exceptionally important for the implementation of effective treatment. As a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, he possesses all necessary knowledge, research-backed techniques, and management strategies for comprehensive and effective intervention across a wide range of mental disorders. Research has shown that CBT is the most effective therapeutic method compared to other therapeutic approaches. It is a short-term therapy, typically lasting 3 to 4 months on average, depending on the nature of the difficulties and the needs of the client. His goal is to help those who trust him find functional ways to manage their difficulties. A key concern of his is to develop a strong therapeutic relationship with his clients, based on understanding, empathy, and compassion. He strives to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where individuals can openly express their concerns and collaborate towards improving their mental health and overall quality of life.

Mpoumpa Apostolia is a Clinical Dietitian Nutritionist who operates her dietetic practice in the center of Thessaloniki, just steps away from Aristotelous Square. She completed her postgraduate studies in Clinical Nutrition at the International Hellenic University. She manages cases aimed at weight loss as well as the management of pathological diseases. She is trained by the Eating Disorders Treatment Center in the management of Eating Disorders such as Bulimia Nervosa, Anorexia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder. She offers an "Online Dietitian" service, which has effectively made the sessions feel as if conducted face-to-face in an interactive manner. Her motto is "Even small changes are great progress. Everyone has their own pace!"

Chrysa Nikoli holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and is a graduate of the Hellenic Military Academy of Corps Officers (SSAS). She holds a Master’s degree in Child and Adolescent Mental Health from the European University of Cyprus (EUC). In addition, she has specialized in Cognitive Analytic Psychotherapy at the Psychiatric Clinic of the 424 General Military Hospital and at the Medical Psychotherapeutic Centre in Thessaloniki, while she is currently undergoing training in Systemic Therapy and Counselling at the Centre for Systemic Study and Therapy of Thessaloniki (KESMETH).Since 2011, she has served in primary and secondary mental health care units within the Hellenic Armed Forces, working at the Psychiatric Clinic of the 251 General Air Force Hospital, the Aeromedical Centre, the SSAS, as well as in various units of the Hellenic Air Force. She also participates in the administration and evaluation of psychometric tests as part of the preliminary examinations for the selection of candidates to military academies (ASEI, ASSY). She currently serves as Head of the Psychosocial Welfare Office at the 350 Guided Missile Wing in Thermi.In her private practice, Chrysa Nikoli provides individual psychotherapy sessions for adults and adolescents, either in person or online. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in the principles of Cognitive Analytic Therapy and Systemic Therapy: the former focuses on identifying and changing patterns of thought, emotion, and behaviour, while the latter views the individual within the context of their relationships and social environment. Through a collaborative therapist–client relationship, the aim is to identify and modify dysfunctional patterns so that the individual can develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.Her goal is to create a safe, supportive, and strictly confidential environment where each person can freely express their thoughts and emotions. With respect for the personality and needs of each client, she supports individuals facing anxiety, panic attacks, mood disorders, psychotic symptoms, or post-traumatic stress, helping them find balance and stability through tailored therapeutic methods.As part of her ongoing professional development and commitment to staying informed about the latest advancements in her field, she regularly participates in scientific conferences and training seminars, ensuring she provides modern, reliable, and high-quality psychotherapeutic support to her clients.

Antigoni Karamvalasi is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Thessaloniki. She studied Psychology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, from which she graduated with excellent grades (8.52). During her studies, she completed her internship at the "Self-Help Promotion Program" of Thessaloniki, in the field of addictions. Following her studies, she enrolled in the four-year specialization program in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Hellenic Society for Behavioural Research - Macedonia Branch (HSBR-MB), which is certified by the European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT). She undertakes individual Cognitive Behavioral therapy cases at the "Stirixis" Center. As part of her continuous education, she has attended numerous seminars related to mental health. She holds a Certificate of Specialized Training from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) for completing the programs "Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology" (9 months) and "Sexual Education for Children and Adolescents" (7 months). Since 2023, she has been volunteering at the Social Service of YWCA Thessaloniki, through which she conducts interventions in secondary schools of the city to provide information and raise awareness about issues of bullying and gender-based violence. She holds a professional license to practice psychology with registration number DDYKM/M.E.TH.533579(17678) and maintains a private office in Thessaloniki, offering psychotherapeutic services to adults and adolescents.

Η Αναστασία Βαρβάρα είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια με εξειδίκευση στις αγχώδεις διαταραχές σε ενήλικες, εφήβους και παιδιά. Διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στη Θεσσαλονίκη παρέχοντας υπηρεσίες ψυχοθεραπείας και συμβουλευτικής δια-ζώσης και διαδικτυακά. Είναι απόφοιτος Ψυχολογίας του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης και κάτοχος μεταπτυχιακού τίτλου στην Ψυχολογία Παιδιού και Εφήβου από το Πανεπιστήμιο Greenwich του Λονδίνου. Ειδικεύεται στη Γνωστική- Συμπεριφορική Ψυχοθεραπεία (CBT), μια επιστημονικά τεκμηριωμένη προσέγγιση με υψηλή αποτελεσματικότητα στην αντιμετώπιση αγχωδών διαταραχών, όπως κρίσεις πανικού, γενικευμένο άγχος, φοβίες, ψυχαναγκαστική-καταναγκαστική διαταραχή και κοινωνικό άγχος. Παράλληλα, υποστηρίζει θεραπευόμενους σε ένα ευρύ φάσμα δυσκολιών, όπως διαταραχές διάθεσης, διατροφικές δυσκολίες, νευροαναπτυξιακές διαταραχές (όπως ΔΕΠΥ και αυτισμός) και δυσκολίες στις διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις. Βρίσκεται σε συνεχιζόμενη εκπαίδευση στο τετραετές πρόγραμμα της Ελληνικής Εταιρείας Γνωστικής Συμπεριφορικής Ψυχοθεραπείας, πιστοποιημένο από την Ευρωπαϊκή Εταιρεία Συμπεριφορικών και Γνωστικών Θεραπειών (EABCT). Έχει σημαντική επαγγελματική εμπειρία στο Λονδίνο, όπου εργάστηκε σε μη κυβερνητικές οργανώσεις και στο Εθνικό Σύστημα Υγείας της Αγγλίας (NHS), παρέχοντας ατομική και ομαδική ψυχοθεραπεία, καθώς και συμβουλευτική υποστήριξη σε ενήλικες και παιδιά, με βάση τα πλέον σύγχρονα θεραπευτικά μοντέλα της CBT(Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy). Στο πλαίσιο αυτό, έχει εξειδικευτεί στην αξιολόγηση και διαχείριση συναισθηματικών κρίσεων, διαπροσωπικών δυσκολιών και περιστατικών βίας σε παιδιατρικό και εφηβικό πληθυσμό, λαμβάνοντας εντατική κλινική εποπτεία. Κατά τη διάρκεια της επαγγελματικής της πορείας, έχει συνεργαστεί με Κέντρα Ειδικών Θεραπειών στη Θεσσαλονίκη, υποστηρίζοντας παιδιά με νευρο-αναπτυξιακές διαταραχές όπως ΔΕΠΥ και φάσμα του αυτισμού και τις οικογένειες τους. Δίνει ιδιαίτερη έμφαση στη δημιουργία ενός ασφαλούς, εμπιστευτικού και υποστηρικτικού θεραπευτικού πλαισίου, ενώ παράλληλα διασφαλίζει την ποιότητα των υπηρεσιών της μέσω συνεχούς επιμόρφωσης, συμμετέχοντας σε διεθνή επιστημονικά συνέδρια του Ευρωπαϊκού φορέα Γνωστικών-Συμπεριφορικών θεραπειών.

Giourga Filanthi BSc is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains a private practice in Thessaloniki. She graduated from the Department of Nutrition Science and Dietetics at the International Hellenic University. She has attended numerous seminars related to nutrition and has completed specializations in Clinical Nutrition and Eating Disorders at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Her goal is to provide personalized nutritional solutions, tailored to the needs, lifestyle, and objectives of each individual. She focuses on weight management, improving health in chronic conditions, supporting cases of eating disorders, as well as nutritional education across all age groups. She believes that nutrition is not merely a diet but a lifestyle that can bring balance, well-being, and long-term health. Her purpose is to support every individual with guidance, encouragement, and positive energy, enabling them to develop healthy habits that will accompany them throughout their lives.

Thomas Palikrousis is a Psychologist (UEL), certified Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapist (EEGSPS), Dietitian-Nutritionist (ATEITH), and Food Technologist (ATEITH), twice awarded scholarships by the State Scholarship Foundation (IKY). He holds four postgraduate degrees (MSc) in Aging and Chronic Disease Management (HOU), Quality Management and Food Industry Production Organization (ATEITH), Quality Assurance (HOU), and Food Chemistry (AUTH). He is a doctoral candidate at the Department of Food Science and Technology (DIPE), a student in the Department of Agriculture at the University of Western Macedonia, and a postgraduate student in Applied Developmental Psychology (HOU).

His professional work focuses on bridging theory and practice through an interdisciplinary approach. Specifically, he practices privately as a Psychologist, having provided mental health services at the Student Counseling and Support Center (KSSF) of the University of Macedonia (PAMAK). As a Dietitian-Nutritionist, alongside operating a private practice, he has collaborated with professional and amateur sports clubs. As a Food Technologist, he has worked with numerous food industries, contributing to the design of products that have received significant awards at the International Taste Awards and Healthy Diet Awards. Additionally, he is a researcher at the International Hellenic University (DIPE) and has served as a faculty member at a private university college in collaboration with the state University of Essex (United Kingdom), independently teaching courses in the BSc (Hons) Dietetics (Applied) program. Finally, he is a member of the Sports Nutrition Working Group and the Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Committee of the Pan-Hellenic Association of Dietitians-Nutritionists, as well as the association's representative for the Florina Prefecture.