Eleftheria Kazamia replies. B.Sc., M.Sc. Psychologist, Clinical Integrative Psychotherapist, Addiction Counsellor
Tell us about the Institute of Psychology and Psychotherapy Greece – Cyprus. What is its philosophy and what services does it offer?
IPPGC is an educational centre with the mission to disseminate to the Greek scientific community the modern approach to psychotherapy, i.e. Integration. It was created through the partnership of HELLENIC SEPI, which is the Greek Network of the World Organization of Integrative Psychotherapists SEPI and KESYPSY, which is a scientific company based in Cyprus and since 2009 has been providing services in the field of integrative psychotherapy. Briefly, I mention that KESYPSY currently operates nine therapy centres in Cyprus, while in terms of training, apart from IPPGC, there is another training centre, the Cyprus Institute of Psychotherapy, which is approved by the Human Resources Development Authority as a Professional Training Centre and in recent years has specialised in short training courses.
What are the educational programs you offer? Who are they aimed at?
IPPGC provides an innovative professional training program in Clinical Integrative Psychotherapy. It is of four-year duration and operates in a hybrid format, i.e. it is a combination of synchronous and asynchronous distance and face-to-face training. The strengths of this program are threefold: first, it offers practical knowledge drawn from the most renowned models of contemporary psychotherapy; second, it focuses on psychopathology, preparing graduates excellently to work even in structures serving clinical populations; and third, it provides direct access to clinical structures for the development of the internship. It is worth noting that the content of the program, offered at IPPGC, exceeds the standards set by various local and international associations of psychotherapists for membership. Therefore, our graduates have the option, in addition to membership in the SEPI World Organization of Integrative Psychotherapists, to apply for membership in any other scientific psychotherapy organization they wish.
How can someone use your programme professionally?
Many of our graduates in Cyprus and elsewhere have secured positions in various organisations that provide therapeutic services, while those who have opened their own offices we hear are doing very well. After all, my own personal background is testimony to this. I initially secured a position as a professional in a treatment centre of the KESYPSY and over the years I have managed to rise to the honorary position I hold today, that of General Manager of the KESYPSY Treatment Centres.
What makes your programme stand out?
As I mentioned earlier, the Clinical Integrative Psychotherapy programme provides clinical knowledge, up-to-date psychotherapeutic knowledge and substantial practical training focused on centres that provide care for the mentally ill.
Tell us a nice memory from your work that you would like to share with our readers.
I am still touched today by the first memories I had with patients in the oncology clinic of the Nicosia General Hospital when I took charge of the psychotherapy office supporting cancer patients and their relatives, as well as my participation in a specialized program of psycho-emotional support for Greek children living with their families trapped in occupied Karpasia.
How can one find out more information about your centre and the training programmes? Detailed information about the Clinical Integrative Psychotherapy program is posted on the Hellenic SEPI website at the following link: https://hellenicsepi.gr and on the website of KESYPSY http://psychotherapycyprus.com