MGestTherapy, PhD, BA Hons.
Counselling & Psychotherapy Services
Individual therapy
Therapy with individuals flows from safe, empathetic and respectful dialogue. Together, emotional and behavioural patterns are explored in the context of clients’ specific relational experiences, whether at work, with partners, in families, with friends or the broader environment. These patterns may have become fixed or unresponsive in new circumstances. They may be understood as reasonable ‘creative adjustments’ that clients have made throughout life to demanding or impairing situations, and which are unhelpful now. A collaborative and creative approach to building awareness and experimenting with new, alternative and spontaneous ways of being is supported in each session. Enhanced awareness and sense of self, and a greater capacity for meeting and dealing with challenges are made possible. Grounded in Gestalt therapy, sessions may also draw upon Voice Dialogue, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), contemporary attachment theory, arts, meditation/mindfulness and somatic practices.
Couples therapy
Couples therapy is a powerful and supportive way for clients who are partnered or married to explore the full range of complex dynamics in their relationship. Working together in a contained, caring therapeutic environment that regards and attends to each person, couples have the opportunity to develop awareness of each other’s experience. Couples are encouraged to face each other, practice renewed listening, and through emerging awareness begin to understand each other's needs and aspirations for the relationship. Couples may wish to enhance the existing health of their relationship with clearer communication and greater sensitivity. Couples may also be seeking repair, or ways forward after challenge, hurt or confusion. Potential conflict, disconnection, and repeating patterns that may hinder emotional wellbeing and satisfaction in the relationship can then be addressed. Alternatively, couples may need support for safe and respectful separation. In each case, a careful, collaborative approach to creating shared awareness and potential subsequent change underpins all sessions. Grounded in Gestalt therapy, sessions may also draw upon Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), the Gottman Method, contemporary attachment theory, arts, mindfulness and somatic practices.