About Me
I’m Chloë - a Gestalt humanistic therapist. I’m passionate about therapy that empowers you to build self-awareness and supports you through life’s difficulties. My practice is based on principles of inclusion, compassion, acceptance and authenticity.
“Each of us secretly and desperately yearns to be met - to be recognised in our uniqueness, our fullness, and our vulnerability. We yearn to be genuinely valued by others as who we are”
-Rich Hycner
What is Gestalt therapy?
Gestalt integrates several different therapeutic approaches. It is a person-centred, holistic therapy - seeing you as a whole person - and aims to raise your self-awareness. While we may talk about your past, Gestalt is focused on the here and now - it isn’t focused on me analysing your childhood to offer you answers (this would be more like a Freudian psychodynamic approach). It’s about understanding what is going on for you right now, and how past patterns and experiences could be shaping your present challenges.
Through building awareness, you can understand yourself at a deeper level, which can ultimately feel liberating, and help you make choices which align with who you authentically are, bringing you closer to live the life you want to be living. I also work with mind-body awareness. The body stores much of our emotional experience, so understanding what is going on not just in your mind, but how it is connected to your body can also be incredibly transformative. We may also work creatively, which can include experiments to deepen awareness, or using objects / drawing.
Ultimately, I tailor my approach to meet you where you are, and what you are seeking for yourself out of therapy.
My experience
I have experience working for a low-cost counselling scheme in North London, and now in private practice, helping clients with a range of different issues and topics including:
Anxiety and stress
Anger
Break ups and divorce
Dating and relationships
Depression
Family challenges
Feelings of stuckness and helplessness
Loneliness
Neurodivergence
Physical health and women’s health
Relationship and marriage difficulties
Self esteem/self worth
Stress
Workplace issues and bullying
My background
Extensive experience in mental health and disability policy and advocacy
Working and volunteering for charities supporting women affected by the criminal justice system, young people, and disabled people
Advancing equality in the workplace
Qualifications
Diploma in Gestalt Counselling (BACP Accred. Course), The Gestalt Centre
Certificate in Humanistic Counselling, The Gestalt Centre
MA in Social Policy and Politics, The University of Edinburgh
Additional professional development
Certificate in Compassion Focused Therapy for Chronic Pain
Access and inclusion
I am committed to offering clients an inclusive practice and undertake ongoing reflection and learning to ensure that my practice is anti-oppressive. For disabled clients, I can offer a range of adjustments including but not limited to: shorter sessions, online work, stim toys, images of the room or building in advance, and appointment reminders. Please note: the rooms are up a flight of stairs and unfortunately there is no lift in the building. If you require a wheelchair accessible building, then I may be able to offer you sessions at the Gestalt Centre in Kings Cross, depending on availability.