Question 1

What is Gestalt Therapy?

Accepted Answer

Gestalt Therapy was formulated in the early 1950s. "Gestalt" is a German word that does not have a direct translation into English. Instead, it is commonly translated as "a whole that is perceived as more than the sum of its parts."

Gestalt is a humanistic/existential therapy that believes that people are born with the resources and ability to be in rewarding contact with other human beings and lead a satisfying life. However, often during childhood and sometimes later on, something interrupts this process, and a person can become stuck in fixed patterns and beliefs about themselves and the world. Gestalt aims to explore and uncover how these patterns are still active and affecting a person’s present life.

Question 2

What are the first steps?

Accepted Answer

To begin, please reach out to me by using the Contact Me form. This will allow us to connect and start the process.

Next, we can have a brief 15-minute conversation over the phone or online.

Once we've had this initial conversation, we can schedule an initial session. This session can be either in person or online, depending on your preference. It's an opportunity for you to experience firsthand what it's like to work with me and see if I am the right fit for you. Importantly, there are no obligations or commitments at this stage.

If, during our interactions, it becomes evident that I may not be the best match for your specific needs, I am open to refer you to a colleague or local service that might be better suited to help you, if you would like.

Question 3

How often will we meet?

Accepted Answer

Individual counselling sessions last 50 minutes and usually take place at the same time each week.

Question 4

What are your fees?

Accepted Answer

• My regular fee for a 50-minute session is £70.
 • Concessionary Places: I offer a limited number of lower-cost sessions based on a sliding scale. This means that the fee for these sessions will be adjusted according to your financial circumstances.

Please note that the exact details and availability of concessionary places may vary, so it would be best to discuss this directly with me to determine if you qualify and to obtain further information on the sliding scale.

Question 5

What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Counselling and psychotherapy are both forms of mental health support, but they differ in terms of their focus, duration, and approach.

Counselling, primarily attends to immediate and specific issues that clients bring to the therapeutic process. It is oriented towards providing guidance, support, and practical solutions for the challenges clients face, such as relationship difficulties or stress management. Counsellors assist clients in exploring their emotions, gaining insights, and developing strategies to cope with their current life complexities. The emphasis is on the present moment and helping clients increase their awareness of how they are experiencing and responding to their immediate circumstances.

Psychotherapy takes a more comprehensive and long-term approach. It aims to delve into underlying psychological issues and patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that may be causing distress or affecting a person's overall well-being. Psychotherapy recognises the importance of exploring past experiences, including childhood influences, to gain a deeper understanding of oneself. By attending to self-awareness and the integration of different aspects of one's experience, clients can develop a more holistic understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Psychotherapy focuses on the individual as a whole, considering their relationship with themselves and others in the world.

Both approaches, within the Gestalt framework, value self-awareness and the cultivation of practices to enhance well-being and personal growth.

Beata Kruszelnicka

GESTALT PSYCHOTHERAPY AND COUNSELLING
IN OXFORD AND ONLINE