European Association for Psychotherapy (EAP): A valuable ally for the promotion of mental health in Cyprus
At a time when mental health is emerging as a key priority for European healthcare systems, collaboration among scientific bodies is more essential than ever. The exchange of expertise, the strengthening of scientific research, and the promotion of evidence-based best practices play a decisive role in continuously enhancing the quality of psychotherapy services and ensuring a high standard of care for citizens.
The Pancyprian Association for Psychotherapists actively participates in this European cooperation network as a member of the European Association for Psychotherapy (EAP)—one of the most significant European organizations in the field of psychotherapy.
Who is EAP;
The European Association for Psychotherapy (EAP) was founded in 1991 and is one of the most important European bodies representing the field of psychotherapy. Grounded in the principles of the Strasbourg Declaration on Psychotherapy (1990), it works to promote psychotherapy as an independent scientific discipline and as an independent, free profession, while ensuring high standards of training, professional competence, and ethics.
EAP constitutes a broad European network connecting psychotherapy organizations and professionals from countries across Europe. Its membership includes national and European organizations as well as recognized training institutes, creating a robust network for collaboration, the exchange of expertise, and scientific dialogue.
The membership of the Pancyprian Association for Psychotherapists in EAP confirms its alignment with the European quality framework for psychotherapy and enables it to actively participate in developments concerning the profession at a European level. At the same time, it offers its members access to international cooperation networks, scientific knowledge, and opportunities for continuous professional development
The role of EAP in Europe
EAP plays a significant role in promoting high quality standards in psychotherapy, contributing to the continuous advancement of the profession and the enhanced protection of the public.
At the same time, it participates in the European dialogue on mental health, promotes the development and regulation of psychotherapy standards across European countries and within the European Union, and fosters cooperation and the exchange of ideas among psychotherapy organizations.
Through its specialized committees and working groups, the EAP addresses issues concerning the training and certification of psychotherapists, professional ethics, scientific research, continuing education, and cooperation among European organizations.
EAP has also established the European Certificate of Psychotherapy (ECP)—a European standard for education and training in psychotherapy—aimed at fostering common standards of quality and professional competence at the European level. For citizens, the existence of common European standards can contribute to ensuring the quality of psychotherapy services, enhancing the professional competence and ethical standards of practitioners, and, by extension, strengthening trust in the psychotherapy profession.
A valuable ally
The close and enduring collaboration between the Pancyprian Association for Psychotherapists and EAP strengthens Cyprus's voice within the European psychotherapy community and offers the opportunity to actively participate in developments shaping the future of the profession.
At the same time, it supports the Association’s efforts to institutionalize and regulate psychotherapy in Cyprus through a framework aligned with European standards—one that ensures the quality of services provided, the professional competence of psychotherapists, and, above all, the protection of the public.
Through its participation in EAP, the Pancyprian Association of Psychotherapists strengthens its connection to contemporary European scientific standards and best practices in the field of psychotherapy.
The active presence of the Pancyprian Association for Psychotherapists within the EAP serves as tangible proof of its commitment to continue working based on scientific evidence, the continuous advancement of psychotherapy, and the strengthening of mental health in Cyprus, leveraging the knowledge, experience, and best practices of the European community for the benefit of Cypriot society.
Maria L. Kassinou
Psychologist - Systemic Family Psychotherapist
EAP Delegate
Vivian Demetriou
Psychologist - Systemic Family Psychotherapist
Chairman of the EAP Working Group
