Maria Kefalogianni

Verified Professional Verified Professional
Verified Professional

Every professional displayed on Counselling Directory has been independently verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.

Presence Centered Psychotherapist/Supervisor/ Sound healer
Limited availability
Limited availability

This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.

Manchester, Lancashire, M22
Limited availability
Limited availability

This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.

About me

* Currently available for new enquiries by supervisees and clients.

Please check my NEW website for my updated organic developments in the field of psychotherapy .

https://www.presencecenteredpsychotherapy.com/

Psychotherapy in Greek means “therapy for the psyche/ soul”. My work is led by the heart and by my passion to support people holistically and empower them to reconnect with their authentic self and make changes that support this in their lives. My work is strongly informed by a humanistic and transpersonal/ ( psycho- spiritual ) approach. I see you as a holistic being capable to reach healing in numerous ways. My practice aims to bring healing to your mind body and spirit and help you “unearth” what you already know.

I have worked and have extensive experience in working with a wide range of mental health issues such as : relationship difficulties ( self esteem, anxiety , self-harm, depression), existential issues , suicide, bereavement and grief, psycho- spiritual emergence and crisis . Other more day to day difficulties also include struggles in parenting ( current special interest knowledge around neurodiversity – adhd- and parenthood ).

I am a neurodiverse practitioner and parent to ND children - personally diagnosed with ADHD- . I have extensive knowledge through my direct experience and I can confidently support you in finding the nurture your unique expression through your gifted brain .

A persevering theme at the core of people’s difficulties is a belief “ I am not good enough” or "I am broken". Two core stories I hear again and again.

How often are we told encouraged shown how to truly and deeply be compassionate to ourselves? To achieve this goal it does require commitment, loyalty , continuous work to re-write our inner scripts and beliefs and change the neuropathways that create these mental/emotional connections that our brains have been built. For this to happen we need to work on three levels: mind body spirit.

As a therapist i have worked in many settings of the third sector and schools ( Gp Surgeries, schools as a play therapist and school counsellor , Colleges, drug and alcohol services, domestic violece services, in the community. Currently, alongside my private practice I am also a part time lecturer . I have been teaching on Bsc , Msc and Msc Advanced programmes in counselling and psychotherapy in Salford University for the past 10 years. I am also a supervisor trainer and a counselling supervisor- see my supervisor profile for more details-.

I have a good experience in supporting students on their qualifying journey to become counsellors in the community and i am really passionate about delivering training to the best of my abilit

How I work. 

 Every therapeutic relationship is unique as each client is unique. The constellation of the dynamic between us is consequently one of a unique nature. There is no one size fits all in my approach, however what I offer, are aligned to my philosophy, values about human nature and my belief/radical trust in your ability to grow.

My core training has been on  the humanistic /holistic model of psychotherapy with a strong relational and transpersonal focus . I hold the person-centred conditions of acceptance, genuineness and unconditional positive regard at the heart of my intentions and practice.  I have received training and organically draw from other approaches such as (Focusing-Oriented Psychotherapy and tapping into your “felt sense”, Compassion Focused Therapy , and IFS -Internal Family Systems ( Gendlin, Gilbert & Schwartz ) and configurations of self .

 An umbrella thread among those approaches is the cultivation of an embodied self compassionate witness to all of your inner experience and difficulties. In other words , all parts of yourself. My work has brought people I work with, lasting peace and a calm state of mind/consciousness.

I have also received training in psychodynamic approach , in particular group analysis which equips me with a framework and awareness of the potency of our childhood experiences upon our current sense of self. Exploration of trauma and processing it in a space that feels safe is integral part of my work.  I integrate trauma -informed mindfulness/meditation practices in my work. We might find that adopting other ways of processing ,connecting with yourself such as : creative means ( sandtray work, art, working with clay) or sound are supporting your journey deeper. I am led by you and how you learn. 

I work in a very warm and genuine way. Clients have always appreciated my "no-rushing" attitude and have verbally shared their appreciation. Most of our families/ friends rush to 'fix' our problems, which may leave you feeling frustrated and not listened to. Their intentions may be positive but sometimes it is not the listening you may wish to have. I always respect how much you want to share without pushing you to explore any area in yourself that you do not want to go to or visit at the time.

Contemplation and stillness 

I have a long held interest in theories around consciousness and direct experience in methods of self -inquiry and healing for the past 10 years( consciously). We live in a fast paced world that creates an illusion of “needing more”. This leads to disquiet and a chronically unsettled state of mind. Ongoing striving and grasping leaves our bodies and minds tired drained and our souls hungry. I bring moments of what I call “sacred pause” in my work. This will depend a lot on the state of consciousness of the client. This falls into adopting/integrating/being in a therapeutic relationship from a non-dual perspective. Occasionally people have experienced deep transcendental moments where they connect in a nuanced but potent way with their Divine nature. I integrate elements of self-inquiry and healing very carefully and ethically depending on each client’s needs. Moments such as this can be felt as truly liberating and often can become a beginning landmark in someone’s spiritual journey.

I am influenced by Jung’s transpersonal work ,and in transmuting our shadow into light.I believe "the only way out is through" and my work is to empower you to become whole and present in a holistic and embodied manner.  Jung believed that our soul and sense of connectedness plays a huge part in our development. During our childhood, we tend to fragment,. This means we -unintentionally and unconsciously at the time- keep parts of ourselves buried, in an effort to fit in.

The therapy I offer tends to help you re-claim those lost parts. In other traditions, eg shamanism, this type of work is called “soul- retrieval” where you bring back to presence parts of yourself. IFS fits very well with this approach, in which you are guided to bring yourself back to wholeness. I see IFS and configurations of self -in humanistic therapy. In this way I support you to engage in safe dialoguing with parts of yourself  and integrate them slowly and safely into the constellation of your psyche.

I am a mindfulness tutor/teacher in Salford University  on the Bsc of Counselling and Psyhotherapy . I have been a meditator for years, and is a practice that organically gets more and more integrated in my daily life.  Always in response to your needs, I integrate a lot of mindfulness and meditations as well as guided visualisations and dream work in the ways I can support you; all of which lead to nuanced and embodied shifts and changes that ripple effect in various ways in people s lives.

Creative Expression :

Sometimes creative ways of processing/ expressing/ presenting our difficulties is always very illuminating , giving you further insights. Depending on how you work/learn and what you prefer I integrate sandplay therapy, therapeutic imagery cards; journaling, breathwork , bibliotherapy, sound and rituals as ways to support you more holistically. 

SEE more on my website 

https://www.presencecenteredpsychotherapy.com

Here and now therapeutic Relationship :

The relationship we build is vital. It serves as a sacred mirror. It often hides magic treasures in shedding light in the ways you relate to the world around you. I foster a safe space where we can be curious about what is emerging in the space between us. I will ,when appropriate and necessary, share with you how I experience you if that is to facilitate your personal growth. I have full trust in mine and your capacity to build a meaningful therapeutic relationship in which you can grow. This way of working fits congruently with my transpersonal lens in life. I see nothing being "wasted" as such in the therapeutic relationship; even the most random of events can become part of your healing work. Once we open to this magic, therapy journey can be a lot of fun too!

Reiki and sound healing methods : 

I am a qualified Sound Healing with the voice practitioner. . This is a totally different method of healing , however as a psychotherapist, where appropriate I might integrate elements of the healing power of sound in our work together. For eg working with cultivating and finding your inner voice, I might either suggest ways you can support yourself in that journey or engage in mantra singing or expressing/ processing what is happening through voice.

I have found that many ND individuals - including myself- find mantra singing a direct path to soothing your NS - and easier managed than traditional meditation practices-. Reiki has been part of my ongoing journey and though I cannot yet offer it as a separate treatment , I am attuned to the energy in our space between us. Again, I bring awareness to this as and where appropriate for your needs.

Sound healing therapy  with the voice :

I trained in the College of Sound Healing which is a well established educational institution with quality assurance procedures for accountable training.

 The power of the human voice never ceases to amaze me. We don’t just use our voice to tell stories. We can use our voice to calm our nervous system and promote immunity and boost our health.  I will use my voice and my body as a conduit for the sounds for your highest good. This is a very gentle and safe way and people feedback they leave feeling very relaxed alongside having had intuitive messages that guide them for solutions. Sound works on a cellular level and though sometimes people don’t know how things have shifted they notice changes once they leave. Often report a new sense of ease/ relaxation clarity alongside vivid dreams. Sound can often trigger something repressed in your unconscious. IF this happens I trust it s meant to and I hold the skills and trauma awareness to hold and support you in this process. This is where I can combine psychotherapeutic intervention with sound healing; and it is a wonderful marriage!

If you wish to enquire what this treatment involves please do not hesitate to contact me. For more information on this you can find here

https://www.collegeofsoundhealing.co.uk/

 I expect nothing less of my clients I am not prepared to delve into myself. This, in turn, is my investment in my client's work. My investment in You.. as I am deepening in the emptiness of self, so I don't get in the way of your natural beauty, innate wisdom and fathomless potentiality!

LINKS 

https://ifs-institute.com/resources/articles/internal-family-systems-model-outline

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMi7uY83z-U&ab_channel=BertWestern 

https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/types-of-therapy/person-centred-counselling/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA-eeMBhCpARIsAAZfxZBeawoOueRkSZgkYDsDK8p8UgDSeYX-MYIfB2kM1T7FnipZtzUgdIkaAoPJEALw_wcB

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE 

Qualifications:

*Sound Healing practitioner Diploma with the voice : College of Sound Healing, (2yrs)

*BSc Philosophy and Social Studies (1st Honours; 4yrs)
*MSc Counselling Psychology (Distinction; 2yrs) Bacp Accredited course
* Post Graduate Certificate in Counselling Supervision (Keele University)- Qualified supervisor (1yr)
*Post Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice (1yr)
* Foundation Certificate in Group Analysis -Group Analysis North; (1yr)

* Reiki Energy Practice Level II

* Foundation training in Shamanic practice with Shenoah ( http://shenoahtaylor.com/ )

Other training / ongoing CPD 

* Trauma Informed Mindfulness training (2022)

* Level 1 & 2 Compassion Focused Therapy* ( weeks intensive )

*Level 1 & 2 Focusing Oriented Psychotherapy - John Threadgold (2 weekends)
* *PET- Parent Effectiveness Training- as a participant - Parent Effectiveness Training (P.E.T.) - Gordon Training International 

* Breathwork CPD training and ongoing practice.

*  Member of a  group exploring shamanism- ongoing-

* Member of a spiritual supervision group -ongoing-

*8week course on mindfulness and an experienced meditator; mindfulness informed practitioner

* Certificate in Couples & Relationship Counselling   -Macclesfield Training Centre (3mnts)
*Certificate in Gestalt ( day CPD) 
*Certificate in CBT     ( day CPD)
*Certificate in Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) ( day CPD

Professional membership:
BACP - British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy- Registered member: 038198
cMind : Centre for Contemplative Mind In Society http://www.contemplativemind.org

Recent Training 2021 /2022

Ukraine Fundraiser Summit: Counselling and Psychotherapy's contributions to global PEace Justice and Wellbeing.. What difference can we make ? March 2022 

Creating a trellis for spirituality in therapeutic practice , BACP conference, November 2021

4 hour constellation work - Bert Hellinger - November 2021

5 day Grief Conference  -October 2021

7 days Sound Healing Conference - August 2021

Throughout the years of my practice I have engaged in a lot more training

RESEARCH PROFILE/ PUBLICATIONS/ PRESENTATIONS

articles

Parsons, A., Kefalogianni, M., Dubrow-Marshall, L., Turner, R., Ingleton, H., *Omylinska-Thurston, J., Thurston, S., and Karkou, V. (2020). Reflections on Offering a Therapeutic Creative Arts Intervention with Cult Survivors: A Collective Biography. International Journal of Coercion, Abuse and Manipulation.https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r2-LIHBjE0BYWOnaxUAJuhizbOL1I5vu/view

*Parsons, A., Turner, R., Ingleton, H., Dubrow-Marshall, L., Kefalogianni, M., Omylinska-Thurston, J., & Thurston, S. (2020). Flowing towards freedom with multimodal creative therapy: The healing power of therapeutic arts for ex cult-members. The Arts in Psychotherapy. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2020.101743

*Kefalogianni, M (2018). ''Making is connecting… A journey into the making as a means of connection and personal growth: Exploring the feminine in the making'' in Creative Academic Magazine , September 2018, pp. 38- 41.

*Kefalogianni, M 2017 'I am my Pedagogy; my Personal Ecological Pedagogy', in: Creative Academic Magazine, Exploring Creative Pedagogies for Creative Learning Ecologies, , April 2017, pp.20-23. 
http://www.creativeacademic.uk/uploads/1/3/5/4/13542890/cam_7c_march.pdf

*Kefalogianni, M 2017 'The emergence of my creativity through creative HE', in: Creative Academic Magazine, Exploring Creative Pedagogies for Creative Learning Ecologies, , February 2017, pp.68-81. .

http://www.creativeacademic.uk/uploads/1/3/5/4/13542890/cam_7b_february.pdf

*Kefalogianni, M, 2010 "Collective Biography Practices", a creative approach to research, in "Counselling & Psychotherapy Research" Journal.

Book reviews/ book chapters

Self -compassion in the heart of parenting, in Not another parenting book, how to challenge the status quo, break cycles and parent with connection, calm & confidence 2021. InsideOut Publishing - available on amazon -

"Creative supervision across modalities: theory and applications for therapists, counsellors and others helping professionals" (Lia Zografou & Anna Chesner, 2013) -  CPR- Counselling and Psychotherapy Journal .

Conference /Symbosium Presentations :

-An idiosyncratic approach to person centred mindful practice - Minding the Gaps Symbosium, University of Salford , (2018)The ARM annual meeting ( Association of Radical Midwives) self-care: barriers and stepping stones (2016).

-Presentation of research papers at Keele University: Counselling Psychology Conference (2008)

-Presentation at the BACP "Research Impacts", Conference London (2010).

Guest Editor on Creative Academic Magazine, Issue: October 2017 issue " Using our present to explore our past" 
Moderator on a Creative Online Community of 527 members ,currently.

( if you somebody who may be interested in submitting an article in the above communites- or wish to be part of it  do not hesitate to contact me - we celebrate connecting with more people in the community-.

Training, qualifications & experience

Qualifications:

*Comprehensive training in Sound Healing practitioner  with the voice qualifying certificate : College of Sound Healing, (2yrs)

*BSc Philosophy and Social Studies (1st Honours; 4yrs)
*MSc Counselling Psychology (Distinction; 2yrs) Bacp Accredited course
* Post Graduate Certificate in Counselling Supervision (Keele University)- Qualified supervisor (1yr)
*Post Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice (1yr)
* Foundation Certificate in Group Analysis -Group Analysis North; (1yr)

* Reiki Energy Practice Level II

Other

* PET- Parent Effectiveness Training- as a participant - Parent Effectiveness Training (P.E.T.) - Gordon Training International
* Level 1 & 2 Compassion Focused Therapy* ( weeks intensive )

* Level 1 & 2 Focusing Oriented Psychotherapy - John Threadgold (2 weekends)
* Introduction to Shamanism (CPD) -ongoing immersion , part of group

*8week course on mindfulness – ongoing - I am a Mindfulness trainer and trauma informed mindfulness practitioner

* Certificate in Couples & Relationship Counselling   -Macclesfield Training Centre (3mnts)
*Certificate in Gestalt ( day CPD)
*Certificate in CBT     ( day CPD)
*Certificate in Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) ( day CPD)


Professional membership:
BACP - British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy- Registered member: 038198
cMind : Centre for Contemplative Mind In Society http://www.contemplativemind.org

Throughout the years of my practice I have engaged in lots more training . I never stop learning and growing. I am committed to my growth, which in turn is an authentic investment in you and your wellbeing.

Irvin Yalom said once  " the most effective therapist is the most aware client". I aspire to embody this principle.

Since 2012 I have been lecturing on Person Centred Programmes ( Bsc, Msc, Supervision programmes) in a local University. I have a lot of experience supporting students on their qualifying journey. I run personal development groups, group supervision and train therapists to qualify as supervisors

As a therapist i have worked in many settings of the third sector and schools.

RESEARCH PROFILE/ PUBLICATIONS/ PRESENTATIONS

articles

Parsons, A., Kefalogianni, M., Dubrow-Marshall, L., Turner, R., Ingleton, H., *Omylinska-Thurston, J., Thurston, S., and Karkou, V. (2020). Reflections on Offering a Therapeutic Creative Arts Intervention with Cult Survivors: A Collective Biography. International Journal of Coercion, Abuse and Manipulation.https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r2-LIHBjE0BYWOnaxUAJuhizbOL1I5vu/view

*Parsons, A., Turner, R., Ingleton, H., Dubrow-Marshall, L., Kefalogianni, M., Omylinska-Thurston, J., & Thurston, S. (2020). Flowing towards freedom with multimodal creative therapy: The healing power of therapeutic arts for ex cult-members. The Arts in Psychotherapy. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2020.101743

*Kefalogianni, M (2018). ''Making is connecting… A journey into the making as a means of connection and personal growth: Exploring the feminine in the making'' in Creative Academic Magazine , September 2018, pp. 38- 41.

*Kefalogianni, M 2017 'I am my Pedagogy; my Personal Ecological Pedagogy', in: Creative Academic Magazine, Exploring Creative Pedagogies for Creative Learning Ecologies, , April 2017, pp.20-23.
http://www.creativeacademic.uk/uploads/1/3/5/4/13542890/cam_7c_march.pdf

*Kefalogianni, M 2017 'The emergence of my creativity through creative HE', in: Creative Academic Magazine, Exploring Creative Pedagogies for Creative Learning Ecologies, , February 2017, pp.68-81. .

http://www.creativeacademic.uk/uploads/1/3/5/4/13542890/cam_7b_february.pdf

*Kefalogianni, M, 2010 "Collective Biography Practices", a creative approach to research, in "Counselling & Psychotherapy Research" Journal.

Book reviews/ book chapters

Self -compassion in the heart of parenting, in Not another parenting book, how to challenge the status quo, break cycles and parent with connection, calm & confidence 2021. InsideOut Publishing - available on amazon -

"Creative supervision across modalities: theory and applications for therapists, counsellors and others helping professionals" (Lia Zografou & Anna Chesner, 2013) -  CPR- Counselling and Psychotherapy Journal .

Conference /Symbosium Presentations :

-An idiosyncratic approach to person centred mindful practice - Minding the Gaps Symbosium, University of Salford , (2018)The ARM annual meeting ( Association of Radical Midwives) self-care: barriers and stepping stones (2016).

-Presentation of research papers at Keele University: Counselling Psychology Conference (2008)

-Presentation at the BACP "Research Impacts", Conference London (2010).

Guest Editor on Creative Academic Magazine, Issue: October 2017 issue " Using our present to explore our past"
Moderator on a Creative Online Community of 527 members ,currently.

( if you somebody who may be interested in submitting an article in the above communites- or wish to be part of it  do not hesitate to contact me - we celebrate connecting with more people in the community-.

Member organisations

BACP
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred).

Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).

Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision.

Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training.

All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.

Accredited register membership

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
Accredited Register Scheme

The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).

This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

Other areas of counselling I deal with

Non-dual guidance and mentoring is a new way of working to connect you back to your true self

Photos & videos

Fees

£50.00 - £60.00
Free initial telephone session

Concessions offered for

  • Keyworkers
  • Trainee counsellors

Additional information

*Individuals Counselling / psychotherapy  £50-£60

*Individual Supervision £60

* Sound Healing sessions : £50 OR Exchange of services system in place. Please enquire for more details.

* couples counselling £65

* Sound healing treatment currently available; please note this might last longer than an hour and integrated in your talking therapy.I am happy to discuss your needs and the way I work via email or phone conversation, with no further obligation to proceed. 

For an expression of interest you can email me : maria.kefalogianni@gmail.com

*A number of concessionary places available for students and people on low incomes.

The frequency and length of our work together will be discussed during our initial meeting. The decision on how often and frequently you would wish to meet will be based on what you need from therapy but also on your practical circumstances.

GROUP WORK AVAILABLE

* Compassionate parent training  - and heartfelt parent group

- if you are a group of parents who wish to come together and personally grow out of your experiences through a personal development group do get in touch. Affordable accessible way to support each other.

- Group sangha available for deepening in the non-dual inquiry. FREE- Enquire for more details

* GROUP SUPERVISION

If you are a practitioner who wishes to join a group supervision please get in touch. I have run group supervision for over a decade. My style is more and more based on a presence oriented framework.

*Therapy offered in :

English & Greek.

I welcome enquiries from people of all nationalities. As an immigrant myself I have had the privilege to work with people of different ethnic backgrounds:
Greek, British, Spanish, Swedish, German, Canadian, Irish, Portuguese,  Polish, Welsh, Indian, Asian- Pakistani, African-Caribbean, American


VENUES :

*South Manchester (Northenden, 5min drive from Didsbury village) car park space available


                                            

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

Do get in touch for more details. If our schedules do not synch I  am happy to discuss this with you or refer you to a trusted colleague.

Further information

Counselling offers a space where the seed could become a beautiful flower once it received enough water, warmth and sunlight...
Sometimes we all need to talk to someone… I am here to listen to you..to offer you a space to think, a place to grow as an individual and re-connect with your unique potential.

I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Yours,



Manchester, Lancashire, M22

Type of session

In person
Online

Types of client

Young people
Adults
Older Adults
Couples
Groups
Organisations
Employee Assistance Programme

Additional languages

Greek

Online platforms

Skype
Zoom

Supervision

In person
Online

I offer presence centered supervision. I am passionate about working in ways which honour the transpersonal/spiritual dimensions in practice.

View supervision profile

Social