Curriculum vitae

I was born and grew up in Limassol. I graduated from Saint Mary’s School and then I started studying in the field of Psychology in Aix-en-Provence, France. In 2004, I obtained a Master degree in Developmental Psychology from the University Aix-Marseille I.

During my stay in France, I provided my services as a trained psychologist to the Treatment Center for Teens with addictions, as well as to the pre-school Kindergarten, where I was following the emotional development of infants and maintaining weekly meetings with parents.

When returned to Cyprus, I worked in various educational and psychological centers, gaining years of experience in the mental health of children and teens. Then, from 2009 to 2012, I worked in the Public Sector, in particular in the Larnaca Social Services, in the field of Family Counseling.

At the same time, by finding practical use and the need to broaden my knowledge in the field of the treatment of children and teenagers, I decided to continue my education in Play therapy, this is a form of psychotherapy that is scientifically documented and effective for most disorders that occur in children. My specialization was also obtained in France, in Toulouse, in a professional program by Canterbury University of London.

Cyprus was the last station where I continued my studies in Clinical Psychology, studying a 3 years postgraduate course at the University of Nicosia, where I got the title of Special Clinical Psychologist. During these years, I provided my services as a trained psychologist at the Department of Psychiatric Clinics in Nicosia, at a Special School for People with Disabilities, as well as at the Research and Consulting Center.

In recent years, I have an office in Limassol where I provide diagnostic and psychotherapeutic services to children, teenagers and young adults, as well as counseling services to parents. My stay in the specialty of children and teenagers deals with both my long experience in the age range and the recognition of my personal interests as well as skills of an expert.

Considering an obligation and a precise delight in lifelong learning, I continue to constantly update my science developments and to study new areas by attending conferences and seminars in Cyprus and abroad. At this very stage, I am in the 3rd year of my education in Systemic Therapy. Frequent contact with families and the constant recognition of the seriousness of my work have prompted me to continue my psychotherapeutic training.

The fields of my clinical interest are mainly anxiety disorders (e.g. Selective Mutism, Separation Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder), sleep problems, behavioral problems and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). My philosophy is mainly based on the fact that each person is unique, with unique abilities and needs. The difficulties that a child may have is a result of his or her unsuccessful attempts to cope with the demands of life.

Finally, I speak Greek as my mother tongue, as well as French, English and Italian.

FOTIA PANAGIDOU
Clinical Psychologist for Children & Teenagers
M.Ps.Dev., MSc, RPT