Gestalt Therapy

Gestalt therapy offers a powerful framework for personal growth, focusing on the here-and-now experience. One of its most transformative aspects is the paradoxical theory of change, which suggests that change doesn’t happen through striving to be something we're not, but rather by fully embracing who we already are. This approach invites individuals to explore their current feelings, thoughts, and behaviours without judgment, leading them to a deeper understanding of themselves.

When working through a Gestalt therapy lens, clients are encouraged to be present, to experience their emotions and reactions in the moment. Rather than trying to force change or impose ideals, the paradoxical theory reveals that by accepting oneself fully, even the most difficult aspects of our being, transformation can naturally occur. It’s in this acceptance—this genuine, non-judgemental awareness—that true change takes root.

For instance, someone struggling with anxiety might spend years trying to rid themselves of it. Through Gestalt therapy, they can learn to sit with that anxiety, recognising it without the need to push it away. Paradoxically, when they stop fighting the anxiety, it often begins to diminish. By becoming aware of its presence, they may discover new ways of relating to their fear, perhaps seeing it as a signal or an ally rather than an enemy.

The beauty of Gestalt is that it empowers individuals to trust their own experience and intuition. It is not about following a prescribed path of change, but about reconnecting with oneself, accepting where one is, and allowing growth to emerge organically. Through this lens, therapy becomes a process of self-discovery, a journey where change is not something to be forced, but something to be noticed and embraced.