“The cure for the past is in the present encounter; when we are dwelling on the past or fantasizing about the future we are not living fully.” unknown
Gestalt therapy focuses on the here and now including how the past and future is present and how it is being interpreted and integrated by the client. It helps to teach us to slow down and to be present with others and with ourselves. While many therapies look to ‘fix’ the undesirable parts of ourselves, Gestalt Therapy works on awareness and choice surrounding these elements. Developing awareness about ourselves creates the possibility of change and gives us more choice: we can decide whether existing attitudes and behaviours work for us or not, we can affirm and strengthen those that do and explore alternative approaches to those that do not. Gestalt is a dynamic and experiential approach and works with both the mind and the body, looking directly at where we are holding and where we are stuck. The therapist respects the client's ability to be a full partner and to help pace the work.