Clinical Psychology
About
Receiving a diagnosis of a serious illness, such as cancer, and navigating the treatment process—whether for yourself or a loved one—can be an overwhelming and emotional experience. Throughout every stage of the illness, it is natural to seek support, understanding, and guidance.
Our department is dedicated to being there for both patients and their families. We are here to listen, to support, and to assist you through every step of the journey.
The Department
At our institution, psychologists play a vital and multifaceted role. We are committed to supporting patients and their families as they navigate the emotional and psychological challenges that often accompany serious medical conditions such as cancer and other chronic illnesses.
Our work extends beyond patient care—we also recognize and address the emotional toll that illness and caregiving can take on healthcare professionals. We provide psychological support to our doctors, nurses, and all members of the care team who are dedicated to serving our patients.
In addition, our psychologists contribute to improving institutional functioning. This includes identifying areas of dysfunction or oversight that may affect the quality of care. We help facilitate communication and collaboration among hospital departments, address the needs of staff, evaluate how families are engaged and supported, and consider the broader psychological effects of economic, political, and healthcare-related factors on patient care.
Finally, we work with medical teams to reflect on and analyze their professional practices—across radiotherapy, chemotherapy, intensive care, inpatient wards, and other departments—in order to better understand and address any challenges they may face.
Services
The Department of Clinical Psychology provides a range of services designed to assess, treat, and support both patients and their families throughout their healthcare journey. Our approach includes individualized therapeutic options such as speech therapy and art therapy, with recommendations tailored to the specific needs of each patient.
In addition to patient care, we are dedicated to supporting our staff. This includes the analysis of professional practices, encouragement of ongoing clinical training and research, and participation in international projects and interdisciplinary collaborations. These efforts aim to enhance healthcare systems, strengthen psychosocial dynamics, and improve the quality of patient care.
Equipment
Psychotherapeutic and supportive services provided by our department take place across multiple areas within the hospital. These include dedicated offices as well as clinical settings such as the chemotherapy unit, radiotherapy department, dialysis area, inpatient wards, and other relevant locations.
We are committed to meeting patients where they are—both physically and emotionally. By offering care throughout the hospital, we ensure that support is readily available in the spaces where patients and their families need it most. Our presence is not confined to a single location, but guided by the principle of proximity and responsiveness to individual needs.
Research
The research activities of the Department of Clinical Psychology focus on a wide range of topics aimed at enhancing patient care and advancing psychological knowledge within clinical settings. Our work explores:
1. Understanding Patients' Perceptions of Their Sexuality
This area of care is dedicated to supporting patients who have undergone treatments that may affect sexual function, body image, and personal identity—including perceptions of femininity, masculinity, and sexual selfhood.
We work closely with patients to help them reconnect with their sense of self and sexuality. Our focus includes strengthening their relationships with partners, addressing emotional and psychological challenges, and identifying supportive and practical strategies to navigate any difficulties that may arise.
Our goal is to ensure that each individual receives compassionate, comprehensive care that respects and restores this vital dimension of well-being.
2. The Growth and Recognition of Patient Advocacy as a Scientific Field
Our department is actively engaged in research aimed at safeguarding patients' rights within the hospital setting and ensuring access to high-quality, personalized social and medical services. This effort reflects a pioneering movement in healthcare—one that challenges existing professional frameworks and advocates for systemic change.
In Cyprus, patient advocacy as a formalized profession has yet to be fully institutionalized. As such, our work contributes to laying the foundation for future policy development and recognition, aligning with international standards of patient-centred care and ethical medical practice.
3. Palliative Care for Terminally Ill Patients
Our department is currently exploring three working hypotheses aimed at deepening our understanding of palliative care and improving its delivery across multiple dimensions:
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Patients’ Subjective Experience
We investigate how patients perceive their palliative care, including the clarity and quality of information they receive, the degree of physical and psychological relief provided, and the extent to which their spiritual needs are acknowledged and met. -
Support for Families
Our research examines how families are cared for during this critical time, focusing on the communication of difficult news, emotional support during a loved one’s final moments, involvement in end-of-life rituals, and assistance through the grieving process. -
Support for Healthcare Professionals
We assess the experiences and needs of medical and nursing staff involved in palliative care, with particular attention to supervision, training, and both psychological and institutional support at the organizational level.
Palliative care remains a relatively new and evolving field within the Cypriot healthcare system. As such, this area of study holds great potential for innovation and can benefit from collaborative research with national and international academic and clinical institutions.
Clinical Psychologist
Zoi Mitrouska
Contact Details
ADDRESS
1, Nikis Avenue,
4108, Agios Athanasios,
Limassol, Cyprus
PHONE
(+357) 25 208 000
WORKING HOURS
Mon - Fri: 08:00 - 17:00
