School/Educational Psychology
Why do Children need School Psychologists?
School psychologists are uniquely qualified and able to apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior so as to help children and youth build resilience and succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally despite the challenges they may face.
Their role is to help students, families, educators, and members of the community understand and resolve both long-term chronic problems and short-term issues that children and young people may face.
What do School Psychologists do?
School Psychologists work systematically and partner with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community.
Their roles are multifaceted. Apart from the traditional role of a school psychologist regarding assessment and testing they are also specialized in offering consultation and therapeutic support both at an individual and a group basis (prevention and intervention).
School Psychologists Services
• Checklist for potential learning and behavioural difficulties.
• Screening tests (IQ test Assessment (WISC-V, WIPPSI-III, WNV, RAVEN), Academic Screening for Learning Difficulties, Psychometric Essay + Debriefing).
• Consultation student/teacher/caregiver: School Psychologists evaluate any learning or emotional problems that might exist and help families and school staff develop strategies and interventions to help children and youth become more resilient by adapting the academic, social and emotional family and school climate to their specific individual
• Support and guidelines to SEN teachers for differentiated teaching based on every student’s individual needs
• Individual psychotherapy as well as Prevention and Intervention programs (peer mediation, conflict resolution and social skills to adolescents and young adults to encourage alternative behaviors)
What Training Do School Psychologists Receive?
School psychology training requires a Bachelor Degree in Psychology and either a 3-year full time Postgraduate program or a doctoral degree in School Psychology both of which include a 1500-hour supervised clinical training. All school psychologists receive specialised advance graduate preparation based on the current professional demands and trends in both psychology and education. Their training emphasizes the development of professional skills for the practice of psychology while offering a wider theoretical and research background to the graduate trainees.
According to the Cyprus Law, school psychologists must fulfill both academic and clinical qualifications in order to be included in the official registry of the Cyprus Professional Psychologists. School Psychologists can also be accredited by the International School Psychology Association (ISPA).
Eleana Hadjimina & Stephany Naziri
School Psychologists (ISPA Accredited)