Dr. Maria Livanou, PhD, MSc, Senior Lecturer, is a Psychologist and Psychotherapist specializing in child and adolescent therapy, with a particular emphasis on the psychodynamic approach. She has an academic background in the United States and the United Kingdom and holds an academic post at King’s College London (KCL). Her research focuses on child and adolescent mental health.
Her therapeutic approach is primarily grounded in psychodynamic therapy, aiming to understand deeper emotional processes and relationship patterns. At the same time, it remains individualized and holistic, responding to the unique needs of each child, adolescent, adult, and family.
During sessions, parental counselling and parent therapy are offered—from pregnancy through the early years of the child—along with support for families during early parenthood. Discussions may include topics related to early child development and the parent–infant relationship. She places particular emphasis on addressing communication difficulties, enhancing psychological well-being, building self-confidence, and improving social relationships.
She works with a wide range of issues concerning childhood and adolescence, including:
- Anxiety and anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, panic attacks)
- Phobias, separation anxiety, and attachment issues
- Depressive mood, depression, social withdrawal
- Adjustment difficulties and emotional distress
- Psychosomatic symptom
- Low self-esteem
- Difficulties in communication and social relationships, family conflicts, and adaptation to change (e.g., divorce)
- Grief and loss management
- Eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image concerns
- School-related difficulties, academic stress, and performance anxiety
- Issues of identity, self-image, and adolescent development
- Conduct problems, anger management difficulties, delinquent behavior
- Family counselling and therapy
- Neurodevelopmental difficulties (e.g., autism, ADHD)
- Trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), developmental trauma, and adverse childhood experiences