Dr Elena Manafi

Skepticism and apprehension when seeking for professional help on private issues are healthy responses given the enormity of the task, the courage it requires, and the practical considerations that it entails. In my view theories and clinical experience are important but the fact remains that in essence therapeutic work can only be successful if the relationship between the two of us is one of trust, care, openness, and honesty. This has nothing to do with theories; it is all about who we are and how we relate to one another. The therapeutic relationship and our confidential space are the vehicles to change.

My style of working is dialogical and interactive in nature; the aim is to tailor therapy around your individual needs and difficulties. Through dialogue, active engagement, and collaboration we will assess and examine the issue(s) that concern you in a holistic way taking into account your past experiences, current circumstances, and desires for the future.

As a practitioner I espouse an integrative approach that includes existential and psychodynamic approaches to theory and practice which I utilised in such a way to promote understanding and resolution of issues. The focus of our work will be on your subjective experience, relational and emotional patterns, as well as understanding of human limitations and paradoxes. Depending on the issue that concerns you and your own needs, we will decide the length of therapy (e.g., long term, short term or solution focused approach) as well as its style (i.e., explorative, solution focused, management).

As shown on my profile I have experience in working with a number of issues including anxiety, trauma and PTSD, depression, meaninglessness and life crises, (sexual) identity crisis, difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships, divorce, cultural identity dilemmas and the ways in which these human conditions manifest themselves in every day life.

I am also a certified Level 1 Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist and keen to offer this way of working with you if of interest. For further information regarding IFS I highly recommend Richard Schwartz's introductory book.

This is more of a personal statement (continuation from my ways of working above):

My way of working focuses on understanding distress before attempting to eliminate it. This is because I firmly believe that distress - no matter how severe - is trying to 'voice' something meaningful, which deserves attention and respect. Through exploration and clarification of the ways we are feeling we can come to a point where a different navigation of our modes of being and relating becomes possible. Becoming aware of how we relate to ourselves, other people and our life in general is part and parcel of change.

Ticking the boxes above are therefore a communication activity rather than an unquestioned belief in labels and categories. Such labels can initially provide a focus and a sense of containment however in themselves that are not a solution.

• Initial Consultation 50min: Free of Charge (online)
• Individual Psychotherapy Session - 50 min: £140
• Couple Therapy Session - 1 Hour: £180

Please note that I have 1 Week Cancellation Policy.

My face to face practice is in London W1K on Fridays ONLY.

Rest of the week I offer online consultations.

Individual and Couple Therapy

Depending on the Issues and Individual Needs I Offer Long and Short Term Work

Languages: English and Greek