About Maria Papadima

I am an experienced Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, working for many years with adolescents, young adults, and their parents.

After studying psychology in Greece, I moved to London where I studied for an MSc and then PhD in psychoanalytic and psychosocial studies. Following that, I trained as a psychoanalytic child and adolescent psychotherapist at IPCAPA, part of the British Psychotherapy Foundation.

I’ve worked within the NHS and charity sectors, and I continue to work in a CAMHS adolescent team in London, which specialises in work with adolescents and their families facing urgent and acute challenges, including issues like self-harm, suicidality, and severe mental health crises.

I run a private practice in Golders Green, North London, where I work with adolescents, young adults and parents seeking both short-term and longer-term help. Beyond my core practice in psychotherapy, I have an interest in helping adolescents and their parents/carers during times of crisis and upheaval, when communication can feel stuck.

Alongside my clinical practice, I’m involved in writing, teaching, supervising, and presenting within my field. My overarching goal is to help create a clear and accessible understanding of psychoanalytic concepts on the challenges of adolescence, making them relatable for both young people and parents.

I teach and supervise in IPCAPA’s child and adolescent psychotherapy training, and have been supervising students at the Tavistock pre-clinical psychoanalytic observational course. Previously, I taught and supervised at UCL’s MSC in theoretical psychoanalytic studies. For many years I have worked as an Editor for the Journal of Child Psychotherapy, where I oversee the clinical commentary section. I have published several peer-reviewed articles to Journals within my field.

While mainly working in person, I also offer online consultations when suitable. I’m part of the Harbour Psychotherapy collective, collaborating with fellow child and adolescent psychotherapists when needed.

I work both in English and Greek.

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Qualifications and Accreditation:
BSc Psychology Degree
MSc in Theoretical Psychoanalytic Studies
PhD in psychosocial studies, with a focus on trauma
DPsych in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy (IPCAPA / BPF)
Full member of the Association of Child Psychotherapists (ACP)
Fully insured and DBS checked