Paul Adams Counselling & Psychotherapy in Galway
Counselling and Psychotherapy Services in Galway
Psychotherapy Services in Galway
What is Gestalt Therapy?
Gestalt therapy is a holistic approach where the mind, body and soul of an individual, as well as their experiences and emotions are considered as a whole and works on the basis that we are best understood by the way we experience our present situation. Gestalt focuses on the present, using self-awareness to identify emotions and experiences within the current moment.
This self-awareness is a fundamental mechanism for self-development. Re-building self-awareness where it may have become blocked by negative patterns of thoughts or behaviour often feeds into a feeling of dissatisfaction and unhappiness. Each individual works to achieve personal growth and balance.
The Concept of Gestalt Therapy
The word ‘gestalt’ is a German word with no direct translation. It generally means ‘whole’ or ‘form’. It is an idea that views every individual as a blend of mind, emotions, body, and soul with unique experiences and reality. In practice, psychology professionals apply this concept by helping people concentrate on what’s happening in their lives - now, rather than focus on their past experiences.
Counselling and Psychotherapy Services in Galway
How can Gestalt Therapy help?
Gestalt therapy can help with most issues, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and relationship problems. You can develop fresh and new perspectives to bring about positive change your life.
Anxiety
Helps people focus on the present, so you can discover what immediate thoughts, feelings or behaviours may make you feel anxious.
Behavioural Health Issues
Helps people with behavioural conditions such as bipolar disorder. It’s also an effective therapeutic method for treating substance abuse and PTSD.
Depression
Focuses on self-awareness, it helps people with depression become aware of possible stressful situations that trigger that depression.
Relationship difficulties
Helps couples recognise underlying destructive behaviours that may be negatively impacting their relationship enabling them to work towards making positive changes in their relationship and individual lifestyles.
Self-esteem Issues
Help people with low self-esteem identify and overcome underlying factors that contribute to their low self-esteem.
Couples Counselling
A Gestalt Perspective
Gestalt couples therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on helping couples improve their communication, deepen their emotional connection, and work through conflict in a healthy and productive way. It emphasises the importance of the present moment and encourages you to take responsibility for your own experiences and actions. This approach is based on the belief that couples can achieve greater intimacy and satisfaction in their relationship by learning to communicate more openly and authentically with each other.
Couples tend to come to counselling together after being repeatedly faced with the same issues which are proving to be extremely challenging to resolve or feel as though they ran out of options, so they seek out a counsellor to present these issues to and get professional support. When the couple starts counselling, they are both entering another relationship with the counsellor. It is essential for the couple and counsellor to establish a safe and trusting relationship.
What Happens During Couples Counselling?
Everyone has their own complex way of being in the world, due to influences from their childhood, race, gender and education among others. So, two people with their complex selves have created the couple-unit, with its own context and history. Within the couple-unit, a narrative has been created which includes each person’s role or ‘way of being’ in the relationship.
As a Gestalt couple counsellor, I help bring parts of the relationship into awareness for the couple to explore what comes next naturally with new awareness. When individuals in a couple meet in conversation, while being brave enough to be vulnerable in front of each other, rather than trying to change one another, then more effective communication is possible. For partners experiencing high stress levels, this can be extremely challenging, especially after a long period of hurtful fights and not feeling cared for by the other. In this case counselling would start by accepting how things are in the relationship - at that moment - and acknowledging what is.
As your counsellor I value each partner’s subjective experience and works towards the couple’s perspective to ‘make sense together. While this process inspires individuals to appreciate the differences between themselves and their partners, it also serves as a model of cooperation in communication. Change can happen when every partner’s perspective is understood and respected.
How Does The Gestalt Therapy Help Couples?
Gestalt therapy can help couples in several ways:
Increasing awareness
Gestalt therapy emphasises the importance of self-awareness and awareness of the present moment. This can help couples become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, as well as how they interact with each other. Increased awareness can lead to more effective communication, deeper emotional connection, and a greater understanding of each other’s needs and desires.
Improving communication
This therapy helps couples improve their communication skills by encouraging open and honest dialogue. Couples learn to express themselves more clearly and listen to each other more effectively, which can help prevent misunderstandings and conflicts.
Resolving conflicts
It provides couples with tools and strategies for resolving conflicts in a healthy and productive way. By exploring their patterns of behaviour and communication, couples can identify areas of conflict and work together to find mutually satisfying solutions.
Deepening emotional connection
Gestalt therapy helps couples deepen their emotional connection by increasing their capacity for empathy and understanding. By becoming more aware of their own emotions and those of their partner, couples can develop a stronger emotional bond and greater intimacy.
Promoting personal growth
Gestalt therapy is a holistic approach that emphasizes personal growth and development. By exploring their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, couples can gain insight into themselves and their relationship, which can lead to personal growth and a more fulfilling relationship.
Book your appointment
To book an appointment for psychotherapy services in Galway, reach out via email at pauladamspsychotherapist@gmail.com, call 0873835545, or simply fill out the contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
Both counselling and psychotherapy aim to help people to lead more satisfying and fulfilling lives. Both look to support people who are struggling to cope with a wide range of emotional issues. I am a Gestalt therapist and embrace a holistic understanding of individuals and their unique circumstances. I work in partnership with you to help you overcome your challenges in an empathetic and compassionate way.
How do I know if I need counselling or psychotherapy?
Only you can decide whether you wish to try counselling or psychotherapy. By talking to an objective fully trained professional can make all the difference. Therapy provides a regular time for you to explore your feelings which helps you to understand and accept yourself, find better ways of coping and allow you to live in a more vital way.
How long does each counselling sessions last?
Each session usually lasts 1 hour for individuals and couples.
How regularly will I need counselling?
Usually, clients book an appointment weekly, but some find that other time scales are more suitable. I encourage a standard block of six sessions, but we can review what your needs are.
How do I pay for counselling sessions?
Payment for in person sessions is by cash or card at the end of the session. Payment for online sessions is by bank transfer.
What if I need to cancel a session or decide to end therapy?
Yes, you can cancel a session. Please allow for 48 hours’ notice otherwise you will be charged 100% of the session fee.
How are you monitored professionally?
I am an accredited member of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP), a Certified Associate member of the Irish Association of Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy (IAHIP) and member of the Board of the International Association for the Advancement of Gestalt Therapy (IAAGT). I am also Co-Chair of the Organisation Development committee of that organisation and abide by the high standard of values and principles within these organisations ethical framework.