Gestalt Therapy International

Therapy with me

A 3 minute introduction  

WHAT THERAPY INVOLVES

I am available for online sessions, or in person in Los Angeles, Shanghai, or Hobart.

One

I am happy to talk to you by email, phone, skype, etc. I am available to answer any questions you may have about me or the way I work.

Two

The next step is to read my disclosure statement, which provides a lot of background detail about the parameters of doing therapy with me. Its fairly long because its important to me to be clear about what I offer.

Again, if you have any questions about that, I am available to discuss them with you.

Three

The next step is to fill out a client intake form, where you provide me with your basic details.

Four

After that, we make our first appointment. This goes for 1.5 hours, and covers some of your background - so I can understand more about your larger context, and the current issue that you want to work with.

Five

Subsequent sessions are usually 1 hour in length, though some people prefer longer sessions.

My rate is hourly (and that includes couples). Rates are per country, and you self select what fits according to a scale. Send us an enquiry and we will send you the appropriate links.

Frequency is usually weekly, but that can also vary to suit your needs.

I suggest starting with 6 sessions - in that time, we will be able to get a good sense of how we work together, and you can evaluate whether you want to continue after that point.

How we do it over the internet

The medium of contact is the software form - Skype, FaceTime, Google hangouts, WeChat, or there are other choices as well. I find earphones result in a better sound quality, and prevent any echo, but it can work fine without that.

What we do

Sessions then proceed much as normal therapy sessions would. The main thing that is important from your end is that you are in a place where you feel private, and won’t be interrupted. The subject of what we work with is something that can come from either of us. You may bring a burning issue, or want to deal with something that is much more a long term concern. I might notice something that you had not previous considered or been aware of, and that may interest you to explore.

The therapy process involves some and perhaps all of the following:

• the issue you want to work with
• your feelings
• the bigger picture and wider influences - past, future, family, culture
• the places you get stuck
• your organising beliefs
• your core needs
• who you are - the way you move through life - your personal style
• questions of meaning and purpose
• unfinished business
• experimenting with new ways of being
• dialogue between the two of us
• the exploration of relationship, blind spots, and the need for support

More?

Let me know if there is any area you would like to hear more about.

Contact me with questions.

The Gestalt Approach

Is grounded in the here and now

When feelings are not fully experienced in the past, they carry over into the present and interfere with experiencing in the present moment. This ‘unfinished business’ is addressed by facing what has been avoided, and bringing it gently into full awareness, in the now.

Emphasises that each person is responsible for his or her own destiny

People are supported to find their own way in life. The acceptance of personal responsibility is seen as key to achieving maturity.

Respects each person as the best expert on themselves

Rather than starting with the therapist’s insight and answers, value is placed on the client’s perception of reality. Awareness is heightened and explored, people are supported to find their own truths.

Supports genuine encounter

Talking about experiences can be interesting, informative, but is once-removed from life. It is not an effective way of working through difficulties.

The vividness and immediacy of direct contact is utilised in Gestalt as a potent force for change. Whatever problems exist outside of the therapy relationship can be examined in the present moment. New and fresh experiments are designed to bring novel perspectives to old problems.

Facilitates the unification (‘re-owning’) process

Accepting all aspects of self without judgement, a person becomes strong enough to carry on with their own personal growth. The more unified a person is, the more authentic and vital their existence will be.

Utilises the paradox of change

Change results not from striving to be different, but from accepting fully what is. Change then becomes inevitable; in harmony with the dynamism of life, rather than effortful work.

Is sensitive to vulnerability

Contemporary Gestalt pays attention to a person’s need for support, both internal and external. ‘As much as is necessary, and as little as possible’ is the suggestion of Laura Perls. This modern approach to Gestalt takes into account the effects of shame and over exposure in life and in therapy, and works to create a solid ground of relationship which underpins the natural momentum of change.

A Note on Multiple Relationships

Dialogue

The current orthodoxy in the world of psychotherapy either strongly discourages, or outright bans having any kind of relationship in addition to the formal therapeutic one.

And then, theres the real world, where one does not always have such absolute control, or even the option of such 'pure' relationships.

In any relationship - therapeutic or otherwise, what is required is authenticity, awareness, and dialogue. These are the values we promote, and try to live by.

If a multiple (otherwise known as 'dual') relationship is a part of our interaction, we invite you to review the following questions, and we can discuss them.

Dual role discussion points - - things to consider (via Cedar Barstow)