Mrs Maria Leonidou

Psychotherapist

“I am a Systemic Family Psychotherapist dedicated to creating a safe, respectful, and collaborative therapeutic space for adults, adolescents, couples, and families. My work is grounded in systemic thinking, which means I view challenges not in isolation, but within the broader context of relationships, family dynamics, and social environments. I believe that difficulties often arise within patterns of interaction rather than within individuals alone. In therapy, we explore these patterns together—seeking understanding, strengthening communication, and fostering healthier, more supportive connections. Whether working with individuals navigating personal struggles, adolescents facing developmental challenges, couples experiencing relational strain, or families seeking greater harmony, my approach remains relational, compassionate, and non-judgmental. My practice integrates reflection with practical strategies, helping clients develop new perspectives and more effective ways of relating to themselves and others. I value authenticity and collaboration in the therapeutic relationship and aim to empower clients to discover their own resources, resilience, and capacity for change. Seeking therapy is a meaningful and courageous step. I am committed to walking alongside you, supporting growth, understanding, and lasting relational change within the systems that shape your life.”

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About Me

I am Maria Leonidou, a Systemic Family Psychotherapist and founder of Anakoufisis Psychotherapy & Counseling , where I work with adults, adolescents, couples, and families in a respectful, collaborative, and holistic way. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Social Sciences from the Open University of England, an MA in Online and Distance Education, and completed my four-year advanced training in Systemic Psychotherapy at the Systemic Institute of Cyprus. My education also includes specialized training in Solution-Focused Therapy through the BRIEF Institute in London and advanced training in Non-Violent Resistance at the School of Non-Violent Resistance in Israel. I am additionally certified in systemic interventions such as the Systemic Sculpting and the Systemic Genogram. My practice integrates systemic theory with complementary therapeutic tools tailored to each person’s unique context and needs. I work extensively with individuals and relationships affected by anxiety, phobias, obsessive-compulsive patterns, depression, psychosis, and dependency, always seeking an approach that is methodical, holistic, and personalized. I also specialize in the systemic psychotherapy of children, adolescents, couples, and families. In 2019 I established Anakoufisis with a vision to support mental wellbeing across the lifespan, from childhood to adulthood, and to build multidisciplinary collaborations that reflect European standards of professional care. I am a proud member of the European Association for Psychotherapy (EAP), the European Family Therapy Association (EFTA), the Pancyprian Association of Psychotherapists, and the Observatory for Mental Health Rights. I am committed to creating therapeutic spaces where people feel genuinely heard and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives and relationships.

Approach

As a Systemic Family Psychotherapist, I see people not as isolated individuals, but as part of important relationships and life stories that shape who they are. Our experiences, families, partnerships, and social environments all influence how we feel, how we cope, and how we relate to others. When something feels overwhelming or painful, it often reflects patterns within these connections rather than a “problem” within a person. In therapy, I gently explore these patterns together with you. We look at how communication, expectations, roles, and past experiences may be affecting your present life. Whether I am working with an adult, an adolescent, a couple, or a whole family, my focus is on understanding relationships and strengthening them in meaningful ways. I believe therapy should feel like a safe and respectful space where you can speak openly, without fear of judgment. My role is to listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and help you see new perspectives. I do not offer ready-made solutions; instead, we work collaboratively to discover your strengths, your resilience, and the changes that feel right for you. Change does not happen in isolation — it happens in connection. My hope is that through our work together, you will feel more understood, more empowered, and more able to build the relationships and life you wish for.

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Basic Information

Nicosia, Cyprus

Services

I offer systemic psychotherapy services to adults, adolescents, couples, and families who are seeking support, clarity, and meaningful change in their lives and relationships. Individual Therapy (Adults & Adolescents) In individual sessions, we explore personal challenges within the broader context of your relationships and life experiences. I support clients facing anxiety, depression, stress, obsessive patterns, phobias, life transitions, identity questions, and emotional difficulties. With adolescents, I work sensitively around developmental changes, family dynamics, school-related stress, and emotional regulation, always in collaboration with the family system when appropriate. Couples Therapy Relationships can become strained when communication breaks down, conflicts repeat, or emotional distance grows. In couples therapy, we work to understand relational patterns, improve communication, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional connection. The goal is not to assign blame, but to foster understanding and create new ways of relating. Family Therapy Family therapy focuses on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and strengthening relationships within the family unit. Whether families are navigating behavioral challenges, parenting difficulties, separation, or major life transitions, we work together to restore balance and promote healthier interaction patterns. Across all services, my work is grounded in systemic thinking and enriched with solution-focused techniques and other complementary approaches. I tailor each therapeutic process to the unique needs of the person or family, creating a safe, respectful, and collaborative space where growth and change can unfold naturally.

Services Offered:

•Counseling
•Group Therapy
•Psychotherapy
•Adolescent Therapy
•Child / Adolescent Therapy
•Divorce Counselling
•Family Therapy
•Individual Psychotherapy
•Online Therapy
•Trauma Counselling

Works With:

•All ages
•Adolescents
•Children
•Couples
•Families
•Groups
•Individuals
•Parents
•Elderly

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

•Adolescent Therapy
•Anxiety
•Behaviour or Conduct Issues
•Mood Disorder
•Eating Disorders
•Family Issues
•OCD
•PTSD
•Psychosis
•Relationship Counseling

Professional Title:

•Psychotherapist

Qualifications

Philips College

Open University

Systemic Family Institute of Cyprus (SFIC)

Registrations

European Association of Psychotherapy

Psychotherapist

Pancyprian Association for Psychotherapists (PAP)

Psychotherapist

Service Area

Anakoufisis Psychotherapy & Counseling

In-person & Online

Engomi

Nicosia, Cyprus

Cyprus