WHAT IS PSYCHOTHERAPY

Psychotherapy is the comprehensive and intentional engagement between therapist and client for the healing, growth or transformation of emotional, physical, relationship, existential and behavioural issues, or of chronic suffering, through well-founded relational processes. The aim of psychotherapy is to support increased awareness and choice, and facilitate the development, maturation, efficacy and well-being of a client (PACFA, https://www.pacfa.org.au/definition-of-psychotherapy/)

WHAT IS GESTALT THERAPY

Gestalt is defined as ‘an organized whole that is perceived as more than the sum of its parts.’ What this really means, is that we are more than just words, thoughts and behaviour. Gestalt is a humanistic therapy where the self is considered as an embodied whole. It is shaped by our past and our hopes of the future, however, emphasis is placed on what is occurring in the here and now for the individual, in the broader environment. It is like considering a plant from a holistic ecological viewpoint, rather than a biological one. Through the process of paying conscious attention to ourselves, we aim to encourage acceptance and foster a sense of genuine curious enquiry, which will unfold through the relationship between client and therapist. This process allows a greater sense of awareness, choicefullness and flexibility to emerge, which is at the core of a gestalt approach.

IS THERAPY FOR ME

There is no single reason individuals come to therapy. Many people simply want to explore their life experience or seek support to understand something that is causing distress. My approach emphasizes curiosity, warmth and the importance of the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist. I will focus on understanding the complexity of each client and we will work together to better make sense of your experience, whatever it may be.

We are all born into relationships and live our lives interacting, being influenced by others, and influencing others. We all come from families (made of different shapes and constellations) that have their own complex histories and we must negotiate a myriad of relationships in our day-to-day lives. It stands to reason, that this can be overwhelming at times and that making sense of this complexity can require some support. This is where relational psychotherapy can be a highly beneficial support.