Interview with the president of the Pancyprian Association for Psychotherapists on the institutionalization of psychotherapy

Interview with Julia Soupouri, from YgeiaWatch, on the 29th of May, 2026. We thank her.

1.      Ms. Vassiliou, you recently assumed the presidency of the Pancyprian Association for Psychotherapists. What are your main vision and priorities and what is the timetable for the actions of the new Board of Directors?

Our vision is to establish a modern, reliable and institutionally guaranteed framework for psychotherapy in Cyprus, which ensures the quality of services and the protection of citizens.

In this context, our priority is to promote the institutionalization and regulation of the profession, strengthen cooperation with the Ministry of Health and other involved bodies, as well as highlight the importance of mental health in the public debate.

At the same time, we place particular emphasis on the development of scientific actions, educational initiatives and collaborations with mental health professionals and other relevant bodies, both in Cyprus and abroad. We believe that strengthening interdisciplinary cooperation and scientific dialogue is a basic prerequisite for the upgrading of mental health services and the substantial support of citizens.

As for the timetable, we are already in the process of updating the draft law that the Association had prepared in 2017, with the aim of harmonizing it with modern scientific developments, European practices and the growing needs of society. At the same time, we are implementing targeted information and dialogue actions with institutional and social partners, seeking gradual but substantial progress in our effort.

2.      Why do you consider that the institutionalization of psychotherapy is currently an urgent public health issue in Cyprus?

The institutionalization of psychotherapy is currently an important public health issue, as it is directly linked to the quality and reliability of the services that citizens receive. In such a sensitive area as mental health, the absence of an institutionalized framework creates ambiguities regarding professional criteria, training and unified supervision of the field.

At the same time, there is still no unified mechanism for evaluating and recognizing the professional competence of psychotherapists, which can create confusion among citizens seeking mental health services.

For this reason, our Association considers that the institutionalization of psychotherapy is a necessary and essential reform. A reform that will enhance transparency, ensure clear professional criteria and contribute to the provision of quality, safe and reliable mental health services for all citizens.

3.      You have referred in the past to “protection gaps” and a lack of control. How widespread is the phenomenon of uncertified practices and how can effective supervision and accountability in the sector be ensured?

The gaps and deficiencies that we have highlighted are precisely related to the absence of a clear institutional framework. Today, there are no regulations that determine in a uniform manner who is entitled to practice psychotherapy, nor a comprehensive system of control and supervision. This creates scope for the emergence of uncertified practices, which are an existing and worrying phenomenon.

The answer to this observed problem is the institutionalization of a clear and functional framework for psychotherapy. This includes the creation of a Registry of Registered Psychotherapists, the definition of strict training and certification criteria, as well as the establishment of a competent supervisory body. At the same time, the existence of transparent procedures for submitting and examining complaints is necessary in order to ensure effective accountability and protection of citizens.

4.      How do you assess the current framework for the education and professional recognition of psychotherapists in Cyprus?

In Cyprus, there are notable educational psychotherapy institutes that offer training in different psychotherapeutic approaches, such as systemic, cognitive-behavioral, person-centered and other recognized psychotherapy directions. Four of these institutes are members of the Pancyprian Association for Psychotherapists and operate based on the European standards of the European Association of Psychotherapy (EAP). These specific training programs provide for a comprehensive four-year education, theoretical training, clinical practice, supervision and personal therapy. These elements are considered fundamental for the safe and scientifically documented practice of psychotherapy and constitute the basis of the professional competence of the psychotherapist.

We consider it particularly important that in Cyprus there is already a strong scientific base and a community of professionals and educational institutions who work with seriousness and professionalism, contributing substantially to the development of psychotherapy and mental health in our country.

5. Do you consider it necessary to create an official Register of Psychotherapists and if so, how could it work?

The creation of an official Register of Psychotherapists is a basic prerequisite for ensuring the credibility of mental health services in Cyprus.

In practice, the Register could operate under the supervision of a competent regulatory body or council, which would be responsible for the evaluation and registration of professionals, based on clearly defined criteria. Registration should be a prerequisite for practicing the profession, while a renewal process for the license would be provided, with an emphasis on continuous professional development and training.

Furthermore, the Register should be accessible to the public, so that every citizen can easily verify the status and qualifications of a psychotherapist. At the same time, it is important to have a clear framework of supervision and disciplinary procedures, so that cases of violation of ethics or unprofessional behavior are addressed.

Overall, the establishment of such a Registry will strengthen public confidence, upgrade the level of services provided and contribute substantially to the protection of mental health in Cyprus.

6. In this context, what role is the Ministry of Health called upon to play and why, in your opinion, is the promotion of legislation concerning the mental health sector being delayed?

The Ministry of Health is called upon to play a leading role in the institutionalization and regulation of the mental health sector. As the pre-eminent competent body, it has the responsibility to promote a comprehensive legislative framework that clearly defines the professional criteria, supervisory mechanisms and licensing procedures for psychotherapists, while ensuring the protection of citizens and the quality of the services provided.

In addition to legislation, the Ministry must act as a bridge between the stakeholders – professional associations, the scientific community and civil society – in order to create a framework that responds to the real needs of society.

As for delays, these are usually due to a combination of factors. Mental health is a complex field, requiring consultation with many stakeholders and balancing different approaches and schools of thought. At the same time, the absence of a clear regulatory framework to date makes the planning process from scratch more demanding.

However, this delay cannot continue. The need to regulate the sector is now imperative, as it is directly linked to public health, the safety of citizens and the strengthening of trust in mental health services in Cyprus.

7. What message do you send to citizens who hesitate to consult a psychotherapist for any reason, including lack of trust?

I would like to tell citizens that seeking support is not a sign of weakness, but an act of self-care. Psychotherapy offers a safe space where one can express oneself freely, without fear and without criticism, and process what is on one’s mind.

I understand that lack of trust or uncertainty can act as a deterrent. That is why it is important for citizens to turn to qualified professionals and to be properly informed before choosing the right psychotherapist for their needs. On the website of the Cyprus Association of Psychotherapists, interested parties can find the registered members of the Association and make a choice with greater safety and confidence.

Trust is something that is built gradually. The important thing is to take the first step. Psychotherapy is not only about dealing with difficulties, but also about personal development, empowerment, and improving the quality of life.