Gestalt Psychotherapy emphasizes the innate dignity of the individual coming to counseling. The individual is the expert on their own experience, not the counselor.
Gestalt Psychotherapy focuses on the present instead of diving into a person’s past experiences. Practitioners of Gestalt Psychotherapy believe that a person’s experiences influence their perception of a given situation and use this idea to help people navigate growth and change.
Your therapist will pay particular attention to your perception of yourself and your current circumstances. Instead of offering ideas about what the counselor thinks might be happening, they will inquire about what you think is going on. The idea is that if you focus too much on the future or the past, you may experience anxiety, but only the present matters.
The environment is vital in Gestalt Psychotherapy, so your counselor will make sure the therapeutic space is safe and welcoming. They will hold space for your difficult emotions and experiences without judging you. They might employ techniques such as encouraging you to make “I” statements, practicing self-awareness, performing role-plays, emphasizing physical sensations in the body, and bringing attention to body language. Your therapist will work with you to make sure you are comfortable, leading to a higher likelihood you will be open to change.
Therapists Who Specialize in Using Gestalt Psychotherapy
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, with a certificate in Animal-Assisted Therapy. I work with individuals 3 years old and up. I am trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Synergetic Play Therapy. Most of my work entails treating symptoms of trauma, depression and anxiety. I also offer parenting consultation and skill building. For...
“Is my life reflecting who I really am?” Adulthood is a barrage of responsibilities. Your career. Your relationship. Family, health, personal satisfaction. Finding the right balance is complicated. Especially when we aren’t really sure what we really want. Society, culture, and family often have their own ideas of the life you “should” be living. But what about YOU? What is the life that YOU wa...
As a graduate of Loyola University Chicago, I am psychodynamically trained but also use a variety of treatment modalities, (CBT, family systems, experiential, narrative, play, music, art therapy). In my 20 years of experience, I have found that the single most important aspect of treatment is the sacred relationship between client and therapist. I’ve created a safe, judgment-free environment fo...
UNABLE TO ACCEPT EAP “Boundaries are the cornerstone of a happy existence.” - Elizabeth Rider, I totally agree and will help you with yours. I think everyone can utilize a crash course in goals, self-respect, coping skills and boundaries in order to live the kind of life that meets your needs and allows you to turn dreams, into reality! I think outside of the box and use creative alternatives l...
I support clients using experiential and somatic approaches to mobilize root emotional content that cannot be accessed or moved through traditional talk therapy. I have substantial experience in working with trauma, grief, and depression. I work with men's issues and facilitate workshops and retreats. I have also worked as a therapist in addiction treatment and recovery. I began working in the...
It is easy to feel stuck, confused, or overwhelmed, when dealing with the many challenges that life throws at you. Often there is not a quick and easy solution when dealing with life's more complex challenges, however having a supportive ally throughout the twists and turns can make all the difference. I am committed to supporting people who have experienced oppression, trauma, or other difficu...
***Accepting new Clients*** I urge all my clients to examine your life objectively and thoroughly. I am direct and I will challenge you to try new things to find the best path to healing for you. I may give you handouts, worksheets or educational information. We will look at your life history, your strengths, areas of needed growth, core beliefs, thoughts and behaviors to assess areas for self...
"The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination." These are wise words from Carl Rogers, one of my biggest influences. My approach with clients comes from years of direct work with children, adolescents, families, and adults. Providing a safe and welcoming atmosphere is what I strive for as we create a therapeutic alliance and work through difficulties th...
Kimberly Beatty is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been working in social services since 2004. Her career began as a psychiatric technician and she has worked at various positions since then gaining experience from all perspectives of the treatment arena from front line staff to program director positions. Kimberly specializes in co-occurring disorders and is passionate about helping...
I want to first acknowledge your decision to pursue therapy services. It takes strength and courage to choose not to go it alone. I was taught the importance of doing my own personal work, and this has given me a much deeper appreciation for what it takes to grow and heal. Therapy can be anxiety provoking, even temporarily painful. However, it can also enable you to tap into your strengths,...
I enjoy providing individual psychotherapy to adolescents and adults. I treat a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, mood disturbance, psychosis, trauma, grief and loss, eating disorders, self-harm, suicidal ideations, and impulse control problems. I provide a therapeutic atmosphere that is compassionate, empathetic and confidential. I utilize an eclectic approach to therapy adaptin...
Since 2004, I have been passionate about helping others. I believe in Unconditional Positive Regard-I respect you, your time, your process, your life. I love helping others resolve personal issues and gain skills to live their best life. I offer a very personalized treatment experience tailored to fit your needs. We could all use a little help sometimes -Because we are human -No matter the issu...
As we move through our lives, we all hit stressors and roadblocks that will require flexibility, skill and compassion to navigate and overcome. While these obstacles may stem from external factors/triggers, they also reflect our inner capacity to understand and manage our thoughts and feelings. Although we all experience ups and downs, many of us have learned that uncomfortable feelings are "ba...
Do you feel sad, lonely, hurt, or feel that your life is missing something? Do you have a child who is struggling with mood dysregulation, self-harming thoughts, or is simply "out-of-control?" Would like someone to talk too, process your thoughts, and help you or your family member feel better? If so, I am here to help you! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who specializes in working...
As your counselor, I will meet you exactly where you are in life. The direction that you want to go is entirely up to you. I will provide you with compassionate counseling that will enable you to rest, heal, and strengthen from the past so you may pursue your future with freedom. Your journey belongs to you. I believe therapy is most effective when it is tailored to each individual client's...
