Creating Connections: The Story Behind The Chester Psychology Clinic
Written by Dr Marilena Hadjittofi
Hi there, and thank you for stopping by! Since this is my first blog post, I thought it made sense to share a bit about myself and the journey that led to the creation of the clinic. In a very short summary, I’m a clinical psychologist, a dog mum, and an amateur dancer that loves travelling!
My Story
I grew up in Cyprus, a small island in the Mediterranean Sea. I moved to the UK in 2011 to pursue my undergraduate degree in Psychology, transitioning from the small, bustling city of Nicosia to the vast and vibrant life of London. I've been living in the UK ever since, moving around to complete my degrees and exploring the world of psychology within the NHS. I miss home daily, especially my family, the blue skies, and the sea. Growing up in Cyprus instilled in me a deep love of food, which is central to our celebrations, remembrance, and hospitality. Some of my values come from how I grew up, including a strong sense of family connection, the importance of community as well as an appreciation for a slower pace of life…which characterises a lot of Mediterranean cultures!
A few years ago, I met my soon-to-be husband in the south of England, and we eventually made our way to the North West, drawn by the green hills and beautiful nature. It’s been a tumultuous few years, with some health scares and house moves thrown into the mix, all for good measure! Given our love for nature and hiking, we knew we needed a dog to complete our little family. Enter Fin (or Finley when he’s naughty), our goofy cockapoo. Pictured here doing his best “sit” in exchange for cheese (the ultimate treat).
These days, much of our free time is spent turning a house into a home. We’re in the midst of working on our bungalow, taking wallpaper down and adding our own touch. It’s been a therapeutic process, albeit stressful, but there’s so much excitement in making a space your own. When we’re not fixing the house, we enjoy walking, cooking, spending time with friends and family, and more recently, discovering the joy of dancing.
What About the Clinic?
The Chester Psychology Clinic has truly been a labour of love. Our mission is to advocate for children’s mental health—not just through talking therapy, but by connecting with communities and bringing people together. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in demand pressures on local services such as CAMHS and schools. Unfortunately, this has meant that many families who do not meet the high thresholds for these services slip through the net, leaving them without much needed support. I believe it is crucial that families have timely access to the care they need to prevent further challenges and ensure their wellbeing is properly addressed.
The clinic is still in its early stages, but we’re incredibly proud of the services we’ve been able to offer and the families we’ve worked with. There’s a lot happening behind the scenes as we work to bring new approaches on board. Working within paediatric settings in the NHS has taught me a lot and one of the most important lessons is that sustainable change is achieved through bringing people and services together, not working in isolation. Our goal therefore is not only to improve the services we deliver but also to positively influence the wider community to improve how families experience and cope with the everyday stressors.
Get Involved
If you’re interested in becoming part of our mission, or if you’re a parent or carer who wants to learn more about how we work, please reach out. We’d love to hear from you!
