What is Gestalt Counselling?
The German term 'gestalt' translates to 'pattern,' 'form,' or 'constellation' and is often rendered in English as 'the whole picture.' Gestalt psychotherapy, therefore, offers a holistic approach to exploring the psyche, considering a person's feelings, body, and mind as an interconnected whole.
In gestalt counseling, the therapist and the client examine both the person's 'verbal dialogue' (expressing thoughts and emotions) and their 'energy dialogue' (sensations experienced in the body and unconscious bodily responses). This process establishes a gestalt, forging a connection between a person's mind, emotions, and body. Through the Gestalt approach, individuals gain awareness of how negative thought patterns and behaviors hinder genuine self-awareness, contributing to unhappiness.
This transformative process involves deep reflection, emotional exploration, and guidance from a counselor, proving effective in various aspects of one's life.
My tailored approach
As an MBACP accredited Gestalt Practitioner with over two decades of experience, I've cultivated a comprehensive and holistic therapeutic approach. I delve into every facet of an individual's identity, exploring their thought processes, self-expression, and the ways emotional wounds and trauma may manifest in the physical body.
My therapeutic methods are adaptable, whether focusing explicitly on the body, incorporating spiritual elements, experimenting with various approaches, or addressing practical aspects. Recognizing each person's uniqueness, I tailor my approach to suit their individual needs. Throughout this process, I deeply respect and honor each individual's values and beliefs.
In my view, therapy involves two individuals engaging with their personal experiences, beliefs, gender, sexuality, age, and cultural backgrounds. Together, we work towards growth, moving forward in pursuit of peace, aliveness, healing, and happiness.
Topics and issues I can help you with include: [Specify the areas or concerns you address in your practice]
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Sexual Abuse
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Crisis/Breakdown
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Emotional Abuse
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Identity issues
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Stress
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Self-sabotage
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Low Self-Confidence
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LGBTQA+
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Sexual life
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Relationships problems
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Anxiety
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Bullying
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Depression
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Spiritual Questioning
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Addictions
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Anger management
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Bereavement (loss of dear ones)
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Adolescence issues
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Couples counselling
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Eating disorders
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Life Transitions
What we'll do
Working together, we will explore the following:
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The essential patterns of your existence
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The main themes of your life
In our therapeutic journey, we will delve into the patterns and themes originating from your childhood and adulthood, examining how they manifest and influence your current life. If necessary, we will explore ways to modify these patterns.
As a Gestalt practitioner, my approach involves fostering continuous awareness. This includes working with body movements, vocal patterns, and styles, engaging in one-to-one interactions, and, when appropriate, utilizing experimentation within a safe, professional, and supportive environment. Beyond enhancing awareness, I emphasize helping you develop emotional self-support and strengthen interpersonal connections.
By increasing your awareness of your body, mind, environment, and spiritual self, you will be empowered to create vivid and meaningful experiences. This heightened awareness can significantly improve the quality of your life, enabling you to make better, more satisfying decisions.
Gestalt Couple Therapy
Gestalt therapy offers a dynamic and experiential approach to couples' work, focusing on present-moment awareness, authentic communication, and personal responsibility. Rather than seeking to "fix" a relationship, the goal is to deepen understanding, foster connection, and empower each partner to engage with honesty and openness.
Key Principles of Gestalt Couple Therapy
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Awareness – Recognizing patterns of interaction and understanding emotions as they arise in the relationship.
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Contact & Connection – Enhancing presence with each other, improving communication, and rebuilding intimacy.
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Personal Responsibility – Encouraging each partner to own their feelings and behaviours rather than blaming the other.
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Experimentation – Using creative techniques such as role-play, empty-chair work, and dialogue exercises to explore new ways of relating.
What to Expect in Sessions
Couples will engage in experiential exercises designed to bring greater clarity to their relationship dynamics. Sessions may involve:
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Exploring unmet needs and recurring conflicts.
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Practicing new ways of expressing feelings and desires.
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Developing a more profound sense of self and others within the relationship.
Who Can Benefit?
Gestalt couple’s therapy is beneficial for partners experiencing communication breakdowns, emotional disconnection, or repeated conflict patterns. It is also valuable for those wanting to enrich their relationship and foster deeper intimacy.
If you're interested in learning more or booking a session, please contact me to discuss how we can work together.
The Benefits of Online Counselling
Online counseling offers flexible, accessible support from the comfort of your own space. Whether through video calls, phone sessions, or secure messaging, it provides the same compassionate, professional care as in-person therapy.
Research shows online therapy is just as effective as traditional sessions—sometimes even more so, as it can feel easier to open up and stay engaged. It’s a great option for managing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, work stress, life transitions, grief, PTSD, or trauma.
For those with busy schedules, mobility concerns, or who simply feel more comfortable connecting online, therapy is just a click away. If you're curious, I’d love to help you explore if it’s the right fit.
Online Counselling
Getting started
Free assessment
For people new to counselling or unsure - I offer an initial chat via email, on the phone, or via Zoom. This way I can get an understanding of your needs so we can see if I am a right person for you.
First session
Here you get to meet me, see where and how I work, and we start analysing your problems and make a plan on how to tackle them, including follow up sessions. Usually it works best to start with weekly sessions though the length of the therapy may vary from a couple of weeks to longer depending on the individual (or on the couple).
Cancellations
If a problem arises for which you are unable to attend, please let me know as soon as possible as other people might benefit from that spot.
To get started you can either:
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contact me on: 07595 979263
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email me at: deanaddams@mac.com
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sessions takes place in London in the Earl's Court (Kensington) area. The area is easily reached by Underground (District, Central and Piccadilly Line), Overground, National Rail and by several buses. I also offer Zoom sessions (including for international clients).
Fees for individuals
A 50-minute session for an individual is £70.
Fees for couples
A 50-minute session for a couple is £90.
Concessions
I have a few slots available for students and people at lower income (usually daytime - from £50 - 60 in-person, £40 - 50 online).
