Who is therapy/counselling for?

People of all ages and in many situations may feel the need for this sort of extra help in addition to that provided by family and friends. You may come for counselling because you are facing a crisis or have reached a point in your life where you want to make some changes. You may want to focus on specific aspects of your life such as relationship problems or bereavement. Or you may have lived with fears or unhappiness for many years and you want to spend more time working on yourself in therapy.

What is Gestalt Therapy?

Gestalt is one of the humanistic approaches to therapy. Gestalt comes from a German word roughly translated as meaning whole or complete. The therapy is holistic, paying attention to body, mind, emotions and spiritual dimensions. The aim is to increase awareness in all these areas, freeing up new possibilities for living more fully and creatively in the present. As people become aware of fixed patterns of behaving or relating to others and themselves, they may expand their choices.

The gestalt approach is effective in the treatment of many conditions, including depression, anxiety, grief, fear and in working through painful memories towards resolution. Some people experiencing a sense of dissatisfaction with themselves and their lives find this approach useful in promoting growth and releasing energy and spontaneity.

How do humanistic counsellors work?

Humanistic counsellors work with the whole person. They have an optimistic view of human potential and inner wisdom and they work with their clients offering acceptance, genuineness and respect, facilitating people to become more fully themselves. They encourage authenticity, imagination, personal responsibility and love. The client is in charge of how much is shared with the counsellor and in making decisions about change. As people begin to integrate their experiences, they are more able to take charge of their own lives, to feel a sense of fulfilment, and to make more satisfying life decisions.

 Sam Williams MSc, Dip Gestalt Psychotherapy, Dip Couns C.Q.S.W.

After working as a social worker in mental health and learning disabilities settings for many years, I trained at Exeter College and The Metanoia Institute, London and have been practising as a therapist since 1993.

I abide by the Codes of Ethics of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and the Gestalt Psychotherapy Training Institute.
I have UKCP registration.

Individuals per session (1hr) £36
Couples per session (1hr) £45