I am a relational gestalt counsellor. This means I believe change and healing can occur in the space between the client and counsellor. What does this look like? At times I will be more active in the counselling sessions and may use my experience of the process to inform our sessions. This is why as a counsellor I have had over twenty years of experience in the clients chair, this is important so I can facilitate the process and not get in the way of healing. I have been in both individual therapy and group therapy.
Not all counsellors are suited to work with all clients, it's important you get the right counsellor for you.
One of my major influences is the Gestalt Prayer
I do my thing and you do your thing.
I am not in this world to live up to your expectations,
And you are not in this world to live up to mine.
You are you, and I am I,
and if by chance we find each other, it's beautiful.
If not, it can't be helped.
(Fritz Perls, "Gestalt Therapy Verbatim", 1969)
To help facilitate change I have been trained and have experience of working creatively. I work with objects, drawing, play dough etc this can be helpful to some clients. These art materials are always available.
I have experience of using meditation/breathing techniques in therapy and supervision sessions where this is helpful. A lot of our work together can be about what is happening in the now. We will agree a way of working which suits you and you are comfortable with.