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 principles stem from 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.

The counselling or psychotherapy relationship is a working partnership between you and your therapist which aims to help you develop the skills and awareness you need to live a more fulfilling life by offering greater insight and understanding of yourself, leading to an enhanced sense of personal choice and empowerment.

It is an opportunity to express your feelings, unravel your thoughts, assess past experience and gather what is helpful and learn how to let go of what is not. It cannot remove the external pressures in your life and is not a ‘magic wand’ guaranteed to make you feel better. Counselling is not about giving advice or telling you what to do.

Counselling can help you increase your understanding of your feelings and reactions to various situations and help you find better strategies for coping with difficulties in everyday life or major life events.

To learn more about Gestalt you may wish to visit www.gestalt.org and www.aagt.org