Dr Maria Matiaki

Integrative with predominantly psychodynamic orientation, adaptive to clients' needs, focusing on the therapeutic alliance as an agent of change. Having a psychodynamic basis, I posit that our present thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are often shaped by past experiences and unconscious processes. So, I aim to create a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can freely explore their feelings, thoughts, and early life experiences. By delving into the root causes of emotional difficulties, I help clients gain insight into the underlying factors that contribute to their current challenges. In addition to psychodynamic therapy, I draw from a range of evidence-based therapeutic models, including humanistic approaches, existentialism, and mindfulness techniques. I believe in the importance of integrating these approaches to provide a comprehensive and holistic treatment experience. By combining different interventions, I am helping clients develop new coping skills, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and build healthier relationships.

For the last 10 years, my studies in the field of psychology and my professional psychotherapy training, deeply enhanced my knowledge in the field of counselling psychology. Academic and professional training, as well as ongoing supervision prepared me to provide quality and ethical therapy services to my clients. Over the years I have accumulated over 4500 client hours. I have completed a 3-year supervised training in Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy and a 3-year psychotherapy training programme in Guided Affective Imagery. Furthermore, I have also completed a certification programme in Solution Focused Brief Therapy delivered by the University of Milwaukee and a CBT training for childhood trauma and traumatic separation in children and adolescents delivered by the Medical University of South Carolina. For the last 7 years I work as a lecturer for the International Faculty of the University of Sheffield, and for The University of York, Europe Campus where I teach classes in psychology of counselling and psychotherapy,individual differences, applied psychology, core skills for clinical psychologists and qualitative research methods. Finally, as a certified practice supervisor(BPS) I provide supervision to counselling and psychotherapy trainees as well as novice therapists

PhD University of Sheffield, UK MA Counselling Psychology, University of Sheffield, Uk Post-graduate Diploma in Psychology, University of Derby, UK BSc University of Bridgeport, USA