Frequently asked questions
I’m new to therapy, what can I expect?
Therapy takes place on a weekly, 50 minute, basis. It is designed to be safe, non-judgemental and confidential. It can be face to face in a private room, or via Zoom or telephone. It is a chance for you to bring anything that is troubling you and to explore this within a supportive relationship and environment.
Its unique configuration with a focus on your experience and awareness, can take some getting used to. Talking openly about your deepest feelings can be liberating and it can also be painful. This is why we will go at a pace that is right for you. Confronting and processing what has brought you to therapy, can help you make sense of your life, find self-acceptance, new awarenesses and choices.
As a BACP registered counsellor I commit to its high standards of professionalism and ethics.
How do I begin?
We can speak on the phone to get an idea of what you are looking for and whether therapy is a good fit. Or we can book in an initial 50 minute face to face (or Zoom) consultation (session) to do this in more depth. We can then agree a way forward.
If we decide to work together, I will offer a contract that sets out the agreement and what we can expect from each other.
How long does therapy last for?
The length of therapy will depend on the nature of the issues that you bring, and how you feel you are progressing. Therapy can be ongoing, until you feel ready to complete.
Alternatively, for a specific issue we can agree a set number of sessions, and then review where we are at this time.
As in life, endings are an important part of the therapeutic process. The ending is something we can discuss and plan for.
What is Gestalt therapy?
Gestalt is known as one of the well-established Humanistic and Existential therapies. As such, it takes the positive view that we are responsible for our choices in life, and that humans have within them the resources to move towards health and fulfilment. Therapy can help mobilise these resources when we feel stuck.
The approach is to work with the whole person, the whole system: feelings, sensations, emotions, gestures as well as thoughts.
The approach is firmly rooted in the present moment, the ‘here and now’. If we can master the felt sense of the moment, the world opens up to us.
Gestalt offers creative working that can bring new energy to situations that feel stale or hopeless. It also has its own theory about how change comes about.
All the theory, however, is only useful as it applies to you and your unique situation. Your experience, needs and choice is the heart of the therapy.