Gestalt therapy is a humanistic and holistic form of psychotherapy that emphasises the present life and challenges of the individual. It focuses on understanding the context of one's life and situation. The therapy aims to support individuals in moving towards wholeness and wellness by raising awareness of patterns and unfinished aspects. By identifying with their present state of being, individuals can make choices and changes. The therapy is relational, with dialogue, empathy, and care facilitating the exploration of experiences and awareness. Gestalt therapy emphasizes the here and now, understanding how individuals are doing in their current lives. It treats the person as part of a larger whole.
Psychotherapy is a form of therapy that focuses on healing the human mind, soul, or spirit. It combines the art of collaboration between the therapist and client with the science of evidence-based practices and psychological theories. Therapeutic sessions are tailored to the individual, utilising the therapist's empathy, intuition, and skill to foster a safe space for self-expression. A skilled therapist helps bring hidden elements into awareness, guiding individuals in finding new solutions to entrenched problems. This process allows for the emergence of new insights and perspectives. Psychotherapy draws from scientific research, employing well-established principles and techniques. Through dynamic and personalised conversations, psychotherapy draws on empirical knowledge and refined techniques to address psychological issues effectively.
Psychotherapy works by understanding your conscious experiences and bringing unconscious aspects to light. A crucial part of most psychotherapy approaches is the relationship between therapist and client. Through this relationship, clients become aware of their recurring patterns and ways of relating, gaining insight into their needs and finding ways to meet them in their everyday lives. Together, therapist and client explore personal stories, family backgrounds, relationship histories, imagination, illness, as well as aspects related to sexuality, spirituality, ethnicity, and culture. By uncovering hidden elements and processing emotions and physical sensations, psychotherapy helps individuals make sense of their experiences and create a new narrative. It offers tools for change by leveraging the brain's ability to adapt through interpersonal connections. The therapeutic process encourages clients to face what has been hidden, experience what has been denied, and reshape their own lives. Research consistently shows that psychotherapy brings about long-term positive outcomes, with many individuals experiencing lasting improvements even after treatment ends. In a safe and confidential space, psychotherapy allows for open exploration of thoughts, emotions, and experiences, helping individuals gain deep insights, develop effective coping strategies, and grow personally.
I understand that reaching out to a therapist can be daunting. And knowing if you are choosing the right therapist for your needs can also be difficult. I believe the therapeutic relationship to be the essential grounds from which the healing can take place. For new clients I recommend booking a first session and reflecting on whether we are a good for or not. If it feels right, we can then book in more sessions.
