Farida Lotayef

Farida Lotayef (GMBPsS) is a Child, Adolescent, and Young Adult Therapist at The Wellness Hub. Born and raised in Cairo, Farida grew up in a multicultural environment and is fluent in English, Arabic, and German. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at The American University in Cairo, graduating Magna Cum Laude, before pursuing her Master of Science in Theory and Practice in Clinical Psychology with clinical placement at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom.

Farida works with children, teenagers, and young adults navigating different emotional and life challenges. She has particular experience supporting adolescents and young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, emotional difficulties, overthinking, perfectionism, relationship difficulties, identity exploration, and major life transitions such as university, early adulthood, career uncertainty, and finding their sense of direction.

Farida’s clinical approach is strongly rooted in evidence-based psychological interventions, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Through her clinical training and professional experience, she supports clients in understanding the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, identifying unhelpful patterns, and developing healthier coping strategies. Farida has received additional specialized CBT training, including CBT for ADHD in Youth from the Beck Institute and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder through the Egyptian Association for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She has also received training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), integrating approaches that help clients build emotional flexibility, resilience, and a healthier relationship with their thoughts and emotions.

Farida has experience working with young adults experiencing anxiety and depressive disorders through her clinical work in Egypt and the United Kingdom. During her clinical placement at the University of Reading’s AndY Research Clinic, she received specialized training in childhood and young adult mental health difficulties, psychological assessments, evidence-based interventions, and clinical supervision. She has also worked in clinical settings providing psychological support and interventions for individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, emotional distress, and adjustment difficulties.

Alongside her work with young adults, Farida has extensive experience supporting children and adolescents across clinical and educational settings. As a School Psychologist in an International Baccalaureate (IB) school, she works closely with students facing academic pressure, exam anxiety, ADHD, learning difficulties, bullying, friendship difficulties, emotional regulation challenges, and family-related concerns.

Parents often come to Farida seeking guidance on understanding their child’s emotional needs, improving communication, managing behavioral difficulties, and creating healthier family dynamics. Farida believes in working collaboratively with both the child and their support system to create meaningful and realistic change.

Farida believes therapy is a safe and collaborative space where clients can better understand themselves, recognize their strengths, and develop the tools needed to overcome challenges. She focuses on creating realistic goals with her clients while building emotional awareness, confidence, resilience, and long-term coping skills.

Her therapeutic style combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), play-based interventions for younger clients, and a person-centered approach tailored to each individual.

Degrees & Certifications:

MSc Theory and Practice in Clinical Psychology (with clinical placement) – University of Reading, United Kingdom
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – The American University in Cairo (Magna Cum Laude)
Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GMBPsS) – British Psychological Society
CBT for ADHD in Youth – Beck Institute
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder – Egyptian Association for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Safeguarding Level 3 Children and Adults at Risk – Gateway Training and Consultancy
Risk Assessment – British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
Confidentiality, Consent, Capacity, and Ethics – MindEd

Workshops & Areas of Focus:

Farida has developed and delivered workshops for students, parents, and educators on:

Understanding and managing anxiety
Stress management and burnout prevention
Exam anxiety and academic pressure
Building confidence and self-esteem
Emotional regulation and coping skills
Healthy relationships and boundaries
Friendship challenges and bullying prevention
Supporting children with learning difficulties and ADHD
Parent guidance and improving communication between parents and children
Mental health awareness and emotional well-being.