My Approach

Gestalt therapy is a form of psychotherapy that can help with a wide range of issues and is suitable for any age, from children to older adults. It can work in either long-term or short-term therapy.

Since originally founded by psychologists, psychotherapists and humanists in the 1940s, Gestalt therapy is now a well established, influential and popular form of therapy with people looking for practical, positive ways to address problems and effect change in their lives. The key concepts behind Gestalt therapy are deeply rooted in European existential philosophy and ancient Eastern philosophy such as Zen Buddhism and Taoism. 

The German word ‘gestalt’ means ‘whole’, ‘pattern’ or ‘form’. In Gestalt therapy it applies to the focus on a person’s whole or complete sensory experience, from which we may find greater meaning than in separate parts. This means therapists can explore a person’s feelings, thoughts and sensations but they also need to consider the whole of the person and their relationships with their family, community and the society they live in. 

Gestalt therapy focuses on the present, and it encourages self-awareness, self-discovery and self-responsibility. It believes each person experiences the world in their own unique way. It also emphasises the integration of people’s mind and body. Creativity is also essential in Gestalt therapy as it believes that human’s unconscious mind can be explored when working creatively using, for example, metaphors, objects, images, stories and mark makings… 

• Gestalt 
• Person Centred 
• CBT - Cognitive  Behavioural Therapy

My main counselling approach is Gestalt. This means that I work with clients in a holistic way – not limiting to the single issue at hand, but also looking into other relevant elements. I work with clients on their present issues, but also explore how their past experiences might have shaped how they are today. 

I focus on helping clients developing self-awareness and encouraging the integration of physical, sensory, emotional and intellectual experience, so that clients can find new viewpoints to problems to bring about positive changes in life. I will help clients to identify and become aware of their unhelpful patterns and habits, whilst recognising how and where they may be stuck in their day to day life. Sometimes, if clients are willing, we can work in creative ways using a variety of media and methods. This can help clients to get in touch with their unconscious mind, which often is influential in people's decision making. Together, we explore options that enable clarity, solution, acceptance, moving on or making peace. 

In addition to Gestalt, I also hold a pluralistic perspective in my approach. This means that I accept and value other therapeutic approaches that might benefit clients’ various needs. For example, I have training in Person Centred Counselling, which helps me to listen to and respect clients’ own preferences and choices, rather than decide what’s ‘best’ for them. I also have training in CBT - Cognitive Behavioural Therapy so I am able to integrate some solution focused CBT techniques in my sessions when appropriate, to help clients identify and challenge their negative thoughts and behaviours, and develop coping skills to manage problems. 

Please go to How I can help you section to see the list of issues I can help you with in detail.