In conversation with DR PATAPIA TZOTZOLI

The Heart Behind the Healing

From a sun-drenched childhood on the Greek island of Rhodes to leading two pioneering mental health services, Dr. Patapia Tzotzoli’s journey is anything but ordinary. A UK-trained Clinical Psychologist with an impressive string of awards to her name, her work is changing the way we think about mental health. In this inspiring conversation with Relentless, Dr. Tzotzoli reflects on her roots, resilience, and the passion that drives her to help others feel truly seen, heard, and supported.

Growing up in Rhodes

You grew up on a Greek island — what was your childhood like, and how do you think it shaped your outlook on life?

I grew up in Rhodes, surrounded by natural beauty and a simplicity that I only later realised was a true form of luxury: fresh air, crystal-clear waters, the sun, fresh food, and beautiful architecture blending the past with the present. Culture was everywhere — in music, theatre, dances, and festivals.

One of my favourite memories is the neighbourhood buzz after sunset when villages came alive — children playing freely, people gathering on balconies or in tavernas, and a vibrant energy in the air.

As a child, I was a tomboy — climbing trees, playing basketball, cycling until dark. But I also painted, read constantly, kept diaries, and wrote poetry. I often felt alone or unstimulated, which left me wondering what else the world might hold. I wanted to explore.

Those early years shaped me profoundly. They taught me that real richness lies in life’s simple and meaningful moments — something I’ve carried with me ever since.

Influences and Inspirations

Who were the most influential people in your life growing up?

My father was the first. Without even trying, he taught me to truly see those who seem or act “differently.” He often visited a mental health residence near our home, spending a few minutes playing games with the residents. Where others saw hardship, he brought joy. Watching him helped me see their inner light — an early inspiration for my path into psychology.

Later, as an undergraduate, I worked with Professor Tim Crow at Oxford, whose insatiable curiosity for research and constructive debate taught me the value of rigorous, open-minded thinking. Meeting Daniel Kahneman at Cambridge further deepened my understanding of human behaviour and the imperfect ways we make sense of the world.

Each of them shaped not only the psychologist I became, but also the person I am today.

Education Abroad

What motivated you to leave Greece and pursue your studies and career in the UK?

I wanted to face life head-on and discover who I truly was. That journey began at the University of East London, followed by Master’s degrees at Oxford and Cambridge, and finally my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at King’s College London.

What first drew me to the UK was something I read in England: A Travel Journal by Nikos Kazantzakis. He wrote that the English had “method” — and I wanted that for myself.

It hasn’t been easy, but as Cavafy wrote in Ithaca, the road was “full of adventure, full of discovery.” And this has been my marvellous journey.

Pioneering New Models of Care

You’ve founded two pioneering services — My Psychology Clinic and My Triage Network. Was there a specific moment that made you think: this system needs to change?

It wasn’t one defining moment but a deeply held wish: that no one should have to carry their pain alone. That belief became the foundation for both services.

I didn’t just want to improve access to mental health care. I wanted people to feel seen, heard, and supported when it matters most.

Finding the Right Fit

Why is finding the ‘right fit’ between therapist and client so crucial?

Because it’s the foundation of meaningful change. The right fit isn’t just about qualifications — it’s about chemistry, trust, and connection. Preferences matter too: urgency, format, cost, language, cultural or religious background.

In the national system, people often wait too long and are referred to whoever is available. In the private sector, overwhelming choice can leave people confused. My Triage Network bridges the gap by offering free, expert-led consultations that match people with the right professional — ensuring they feel supported from the very beginning.

Challenges and Resilience

What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced — and how did you get through them?

Setting up a UK-based service while living in Canada was a major challenge: different time zones, raising two young children, managing a family health crisis, and building a business from scratch.

The hardest part was communicating the value of My Triage Network to peers used to traditional models. But I met these challenges by accepting circumstances as they were, leaning on emotional honesty, and focusing on who I was becoming — not just fixed outcomes.

Creativity and Healing

Your poetry collection, Seventeen Shots of Life in Five Acts, reflects on healing and growth. How does creativity fit into your life and clinical work?

Creativity isn’t just part of my life — it’s the foundation. From fresh flowers on my table to handmade watercolour illustrations in my book, I believe how I do things matters just as much as what I do.

Writing, like therapy, offers clarity and healing. Honest, precise words can transform complex experiences into growth.

Protecting Her Own Wellbeing

How do you take care of your own mental wellbeing?

Daily rituals — walking barefoot on the ground, burning incense, watching sunsets — keep me grounded. I balance these with forest walks, swimming, and high-intensity workouts. A clean, decluttered home and healthy food also nurture me. And above all: reflection, solitude, and good sleep.

Guidance for Others

What advice would you give to someone struggling to find the right mental health support?

Take one small step. Reach out to someone — a trusted friend, your GP, or a service like My Triage Network. The right support exists. You deserve care that feels personal, timely, and right for you.

Final Reflections

What’s one thing you wish more people understood about therapy and mental health?

That every experience — joy, pain, illness, success, disappointment — shapes our mental health. Therapy helps us unpack those lessons and grow from them.

Mental health is a lifelong journey. Don’t shy away. Stay open. Stay curious. Or, as Nick Cave put it: push the sky away.

???? Get Triaged: www.mytriagenetwork.com/triage