About me
🌿 The Portal: From Burnout to Homecoming
Presence-Centered Psychotherapy is an invitation to stop running.
Do you feel perpetually "switched on"? Exhausted from managing, performing, and people-pleasing until the internal world feels too loud, too fast, and too much? You may be holding it together for everyone else, yet inside, your soul is silently crying out for space you never grant it.
You’ve tried the coping strategies, from detoxes and conventional therapy to healing modalities, but the deep inner split and the feeling of exile persist. This isn't just stress; it's a deeper wound of separation from your body, your truth, your True Self, and your ancestral roots.
Your wound is actually a portal, im here to mirror you that you dont have to let it define you.
I am here to be your a midwife to deeper dimensions of your authentic self—a guide for your journey home to your inherent wholeness. Through the AncientMother Spiral, my emergent, remembered, and deeply embodied way of working, we transform the pain of disconnection into a profound sense of purpose and belonging.
✨ Specialist Expertise: Neurodivergent, Trauma-Informed, and Psycho-Spiritual Alchemy
My practice is Holistic, Trauma-Informed, and Neurodiversity-Affirming, grounded in deep professional understanding and decades of experience. I blend Western psychological rigour with ancient wisdom to create a unique therapeutic container.
My Core Specialties
My door is open to all who are ready for deep work, but my expertise is particularly attuned to:
Neurodivergent Souls: As a neurodivergent therapist and parent to ND children, I bring unmatched lived and professional experience. I offer a safe space to move beyond conventional frameworks and truly embrace your unique strengths and expression. (See my Mother Alchemy Sangha circles : https://www.presencecenteredpsychotherapy.com/womensacredcircle/beyond-survival-mother-alchemy).
Women Reclaiming Power: Supporting the intense, initiatory journey of motherhood and dismantling lifelong patriarchal conditioning.
Psycho-Spiritual Emergence: Navigating spiritual awakenings, existential questions, and transforming personal healing into collective medicine.
Allied Professionals (Therapists, Coaches, Healers): Offering highly attuned support and Qualified Supervision to nurture your own capacity and practice.
Integrative, Embodied Alchemy- Weaving embodied nonduality and psychotherapy .
I do not follow a formula. The Alchemy we co-create is a dynamic, attuned process shaped by your unique needs, rooted in the Person-Centred Approach—the path of the heart—and informed by an expansive therapeutic toolkit:
below are the pillars of my core work
Trauma & Embodiment
Trauma-Informed Mindfulness, Somatic Movement, Process-Experiential Therapies, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to welcome and heal all inner parts.
Ancient Wisdom
Ancestral Healing (informed by ongoing training with Thomas Hübl), Jungian shadow work, and Shamanic approaches to reconnect you to your lineage and deeper consciousness.
Sound & Sensory Integration
Certified Sound Healing Practitioner (College of Sound Healing). We use sound and voice work on a cellular level to soothe the nervous system and unlock insight—especially effective for neurodivergent individuals
🎓 Academic Rigour Meets Lived Wisdom
My therapeutic practice is fortified by extensive academic teaching for over 15 years of training students to become psychotherapists AND supervisors, ensuring both the safety and the depth of your journey:
Over a thirteen years of Teaching: I have lectured on BSc and MSc Psychotherapy programs at the University of Salford for more than ten years.
Qualified: Holding a Masters in Counselling Psychology (BACP Accredited) and a Post Graduate Certificate in Counselling Supervision (Keele University).
Published Researcher: My work, published in journals like The Arts in Psychotherapy and Counselling & Psychotherapy Research, explores the healing power of creative and relational modalities as well as in "thresholds" spiritual BACP magazine and Routledge on the potency of "self inquiry" in psychotherapy practice and research.
Clients consistently share that they feel unhurried, truly listened to, and never pushed. We move at your pace, honouring what feels ready to emerge, cultivating the sacred pause often missing in modern life.
Working with me, You’ll walk away with:
A deeply rooted sense of Stillness from which to express your unique self.
Profound Relief from anxiety, burnout, and shame.
A reclaimed Sense of Inner Belonging, Power, and Purpose.
Deeper clarity on who you ARE and what you re here to offer.
A Deeper Connection to your intuition and body’s wisdom.
MORE DETAILS ON TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Clinical Experience
MSc Counselling Psychology (Distinction) – Keele University (BACP Accredited)
PG Cert in Counselling Supervision – Keele University
PG Cert in Academic Practice – Salford University
BSc Philosophy and Social Studies (1st Hons) – University of Rethymnon, Crete
Specialized Training
part of ongoing Spiritual Sangha group with -Rashani Rea, Ordained by Thich Nhat Hahn. Rashani has written a foreward to my book "Honey and ash; Mothers's Alchemy of Burn and Bloom".
Ancestral Healing Practitioner – Thomas Hübl (The Ancestral Healing Code, 2025) and ongoing Ancestral Healing
Sound Healing Practitioner Diploma – College of Sound Healing (Voice)
Trauma-Informed Mindfulness Facilitation
Somatic Experiencing (CPD) – Peter Levine
Intergenerational Trauma – Mark Wolynn
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
* Member of a peer supervision arrangement-ongoing-
Professional membership:
BACP - British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy- Registered member: 00619033
RESEARCH PROFILE/ PUBLICATIONS/ PRESENTATIONS
articles
Kefalogianni, M., & Fragakis, G. (2025). Delving into deeper consciousness in person-centred therapy and research: The value of non-dual self-inquiry. In B. Flanagan & K. Clough (Eds.), The Routledge handbook of research methods in spirituality and contemplative studies (pp. 248–258). Routledge.
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
Honey & Ash: Mothers's Alchemy of Burn and Bloom found on Amazon. Prosetry ( combination of Poetry & prose).
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
- Ancestral Healing Training with Thomas Hubhl
- The feminine Spiral to wholeness; in the lineage of Marion Woodman- ongoing
Other
* 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)
Ongoing self inquiry
* PET- Parent Effectiveness Training- as a participant - Parent Effectiveness Training (P.E.T.) - Gordon Training International
Professional membership:
BACP - British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy- Registered member: 038198
Member of Medical and Scientific Network -
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- Books:
Kefalogianni, M (2025) : Honey and Ash: Mothers' Alchemy of Burn and Bloom; Self Publishing through Amazon and KDP. All profit goes to charity
Kefalogianni ( 2025), Cerridwen’s Cauldron: Maternal Transformation through the alchemy of Sacred Rage into Creative expression. in : https://thegirlgod.com/wisdom_of_cerridwen.php
Kefalogianni (2025) The Alchemy of Presence:
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 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
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.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
My special expertise is in supporting people who are navigating deep spiritual transformations and awakenings and as an awakening guide and mentor after having navigated my process and work i am in a place to support you through your journey.
I have ongoing sangha groups to anchor in stillness and share our spiritual paths, find more on my website, and express your interest via my website
for psychotherapists who had shifts in identity i also have a monthly free peer supervision group, meet us here and answer your questions to ensure you are a fit for the purposes of our group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1063578454881505
My other emerging special expertise , is offerings for MOTHERS and WOMEN on a spiritual path, again find more details on my website.
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£85.00 - £100.00
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
UPCOMING GROUP WORK AND OFFERINGS
GROUP WORK AVAILABLE
*MOTHER ALCHEMY GROUP CIRCLE - NEXT INTAKE 20TH APRIL
https://www.presencecenteredpsychotherapy.com/womensacredcircle/beyond-survival-mother-alchemy
RETREAT IN CRETE FOR MOTHERS AND WOMEN 1-6 OCTOBER 2026, FREE SPA GIFTS, LOCAL WINE AND OLIVE OIL GIFTS FROM US
https://www.presencecenteredpsychotherapy.com/retreat-mothers-greece-crete-2026
*Individuals Counselling / psychotherapy £85-£100
*Individual Supervision £75-£85.phr. Check my Supervisor profile for more details!
* Sound Healing sessions : £50 OR Exchange of services system in place. Please enquire for more details.
* couples counselling £90
* 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.
* ONE CASE STUDY FOR ANCIENT MOTHER SPIRAL DEEP JOURNEYS in Exchange of Feedback for Research Purposes.
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 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early morning | |||||||
| Morning | |||||||
| Early afternoon | |||||||
| Late afternoon | |||||||
| Evening |
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,
