Q: What is Counselling?

A: Counselling does not give you answers to your problems but provides a place for you to develop an awareness of what you are doing and why, it is a place you can explore how you change while at the same time learning to value and accept yourself. It can enhance your flexibility in being able to deal with life's problems.

Q: What is Gestalt Therapy?

A: Gestalt therapy is a Humanistic / Existentialist Therapy. In Gestalt therapy we believe that we have within ourselves all that we need to form meaningful relationships and to live fulfilling lives. Sometimes events happen which may lead us to seek extra support to help restore a sense of well-being.

By working in a Gestalt framework, I hope to help you understand yourself and your situation better, and to find new and creative ways to resolve the crisis or problems you are facing.

Q: Philosophy of Gestalt.

A: The gestalt approach is much more than a psychotherapy which enables people to cope with their daily lives. It is a deep philosophy that also provides a practical method of transformation, leading progressively to the realisation of the evolving authentic self. The aim is the awakening of a person's full potential, supporting what is most alive and energising. Gestalt Therapy is based on the philosophy of trusting the human potential for a growing relationship with the particular environment. Gestalt is based on a core belief that the desired outcome of psychotherapy is achieved through heightened awareness within the therapeutic relationship in conjunction with creative and active experimentation.

Q: How long will Counselling last?

A: This will depend on the needs of each individual. Some may only need a few sessions to find a way forward, others may decide to continue for longer. The decision about this arises through discussion between the client and the counsellor.

‘To be at peace with ourselves, we need to know ourselves’ - Caitlin Matthews