Dr Elena Manafi areas of expertise:
Professional statement
Dr Elena Manafi is a chartered psychologist who has experience working with a number of issues, including trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, lack of meaning and purpose, (sexual) identity crisis, difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships, divorce, cultural identity dilemmas and how these human conditions manifest themselves in everyday life.
She is a firm believer that past experiences shape our sense of identity and ways of being and understanding of the world and others and that change necessitates an understanding of how the past exerts its power in the present and attitudes towards the future. This does not necessarily mean long term and/or intensive treatment, but it does mean a focus on a holistic understanding of difficulties that takes into account all dimensions in living (i.e., physical, personal, social, and spiritual).
She is a chartered Counselling Psychologist registered with the BPS and HCPC and an Existential Psychotherapist registered with the UKCP. Dr Manafi has worked within the NHS and organisational settings, she is currently running her private practice in North London which she is using exclusively for e-Consultation appointments during the pandemic.
Dr Manafi's style of working is dialogical and interactive in nature. Her aim is to tailor therapy around her clients' individual needs and difficulties. Through discussion, active engagement, and collaboration, she assesses and examines issues that concern her clients in a holistic way. She takes into account past experiences, current circumstances, and desires for the future.
As a practitioner, Dr Elena Manafi uses an integrative method that includes existential, psychodynamic, and psychoanalytic approaches to theory and practice, which she uses in a way to encourage understanding and resolution of issues. Depending on the issue that concerns her clients, together they decide the length and style of therapy.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr Manafi has 15 years of experience in the higher education sector which includes programme leadership of doctoral trainings in counselling psychology and psychotherapy, clinical supervision and research. She is passionate about existential and postmodern philosophies and holds certificates in Group Analysis and Coaching.