FAQs
Starting therapy or counselling often comes with questions: about how it works, what to expect, and whether it’s right for you.
This page brings together some of the most common questions I’m asked about Gestalt therapy and my approach. I hope it helps you get a sense of how we might work together and what therapy could offer you.
If your question isn’t answered here, you’re very welcome to get in touch, I’d be happy to talk things through.
What is gestalt therapy and what should I expect in a session?
Gestalt therapy is a relational, here-and-now approach to psychotherapy. Rather than focusing mainly on analysing the past, it pays close attention to what's happening between us in the room: your thoughts, feelings, body sensations, and the way you relate to yourself and to me as we work together.
The word "gestalt" is German for a shape or whole pattern, and the approach is built on the idea that we can only really understand a person or an experience by looking at the whole of it, not just isolated symptoms or events. Gestalt therapy is curious about how you make sense of your world, how patterns from earlier in your life show up in the present, and how awareness itself can be quietly transformative.
In practice, this might mean noticing what happens in your mind or body as you speak, exploring a feeling as it arises rather than just talking about it, or gently experimenting with new ways of being in the session. The aim isn't to fix or diagnose you, but to support you in developing a clearer, more embodied awareness of yourself, which often opens up new choices in how you live.
How can gestalt therapy help me?
Gestalt therapy can help you become more aware of your patterns, needs, and emotions so you can respond to life with more clarity and self-support. Clients often notice greater grounding, confidence, and connection in relationships and daily life.
Do you offer online therapy and is it as effective as in-person therapy?
Yes. I offer online Gestalt therapy. Working online can be just as effective as in-person sessions and allows you to connect from your own familiar space. All sessions are held via secure, encrypted video calls.
Is gestalt therapy suitable for neurodivergent people?
Absolutely. My practice is neurodivergent-affirming and adapts to your individual way of processing, communicating, and being. Gestalt therapy doesn’t rely on a particular way of expressing emotion, together we find what supports your nervous system to feel safe and connected.
Is your practice accessible?
Yes, accessibility is important to me, and I want everyone to feel welcome and accommodated.
In-person sessions: My building is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible unisex toilet located next to the therapy room. I aim to keep the space sensory-friendly – the lighting is kept calm and the environment is quiet. Fidget and stim toys are available in the room, and you are very welcome to bring your own, including plushies or anything else that helps you feel comfortable.
If you would prefer not to wait in the reception area (which is a shared, public space) please let me know in advance and I can arrange for you to use a separate entrance directly to the therapy room. If you have any other sensory or access needs, please get in touch before your first appointment so I can make sure everything is in place for you.
Online sessions: Online therapy can itself be a more accessible option for many people. I use Zoom, which supports live captioning and is compatible with accessibility tools. If you have specific needs around how we work together online, please let me know.
A few things worth knowing:
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Eye contact is optional – you're welcome to look away, use a different camera angle, or whatever feels most comfortable.
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I welcome clients with invisible disabilities. If you have access needs that aren't immediately obvious, please don't hesitate to mention them – you won't need to justify or over-explain yourself.
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Extended sessions (e.g.: 75 minutes) are available, which can be helpful if you need more time to process or prefer a pace more comfortable for you. Please get in touch to discuss what might work for you.
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If there are any accommodations you'd find helpful, please feel free to ask – I'd rather know so I can do my best to support you.
How long will therapy take?
Everyone’s process is different. Some people come for short-term work around a specific issue, while others choose longer-term therapy for deeper exploration and integration. We’ll regularly review how the work feels for you, and you’re always free to pause or end therapy whenever you choose.
How much does therapy cost?
Weekly sessions are offered on a sliding scale of £60-£80.
Extended sessions are available for those who need more time to process or prefer to work at a slower pace.
I offer a number of lower cost places. If cost is a barrier, please feel free to ask – we can explore options together.
How do I book a session or start therapy?
You can get in touch here to arrange an initial session. This first meeting is a chance for you to get a feel for how I work, and to see whether we might be a good fit.
I've heard about the "empty chair experiment", will I have to do this?
The “empty chair” technique is a classic gestalt exercise where a person imagines speaking to someone (or a part of themselves) in an empty chair. While it can be a powerful tool, you won’t be forced to do it: gestalt therapy is always collaborative and tailored to you. Experiments like this may be offered as possibilities to help explore feelings, thoughts, or unresolved situations, but you are in control of what feels safe and useful for you.
If I come to therapy, do we dig up past traumas?
I understand that it might feel daunting to think about digging into the past. In gestalt therapy this is not necessary unless you want to. Our focus on the present moment means that we can usually work with your current experience, without needing to go into details and narratives about the past. Feel free to talk about this with me if it is a concern.
What training and experience do you have?
I gained my Postgraduate Diploma in Gestalt Psychotherapy with distinction from SCPTI in Scarborough. This course is accredited by UKCP, one of the UK's leading professional bodies that sets standards for psychotherapy. I have been working in clinical practice since 2021.
I continue to learn and widen my perspective through attending workshops in a wide range of areas. You can find a selected list of recent trainings on my "About" page.
Can I combine online and face-to-face therapy sessions?
This is usually possible, yes. I understand that some people need this flexibility. However, there are some days when I don't work in-person, so please mention this need in your enquiry, so I can be sure to book an appointment on a day when I have access to the therapy room.