How I can help you
As a Gestalt counsellor, I believe we are all born with the ability to lead a fulfilling life.
However, sometimes during childhood or later in life, something interrupts the natural flow of things and we become stuck in fixed patterns and beliefs about ourselves.
I can help you see more clearly what your situation is, find out how you are part of it, and experiment with finding new solutions or ways to face the difficulty, whatever it is or has been in the past.
“We are not what happened to us, but what we wish to become” *
* Carl Jung
Addressing a range of issues
I am experienced in helping clients who have difficulties with a range of issues, including:
- Stress
- Relationships
- Panic attacks
- Anxiety
- Bereavement
- Redundancy
- Depression
- Addiction
About Gestalt counselling
Gestalt therapy is a form of psychotherapy counselling that focuses on the individual's experience in the present moment, the environmental and social contexts of their life, and the self-regulating adjustments they make as a result of their situation.“Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit” *
* e. e. cummings
I love this quotation, don’t you?
This is what Gestalt counselling gives you: the support of a trained specialist, the opportunity to reflect and review, an acceptance of change, a deeper sense of being connected to everything and everyone, and the chance to live your life more fully, at peace with yourself and others.
It helps to talk
Generally, people are more aware of counselling and the benefits it can bring than ever before. However, some of us still find it really difficult to talk.
I get this. We’d like to think that we can perhaps talk to a close friend or member of our family. But that’s very difficult, especially when others bring their own prejudices and judgements into the discussion, even without meaning to.
I know I couldn’t talk to my friends when I needed to – I mean, about the really difficult stuff – which is why I sought counselling. It was the best thing I ever did, learning to accept personal responsibility and to live in the present moment. There’s more here about my own journey.
You’re in control
In a safe and calm environment, with a trained and experienced counsellor, you are free to explore your thoughts and ideas without being judged.
I only work with what you bring to our meetings – that’s my role as a Gestalt counsellor: to help you explore and understand life's patterns and to embrace the way that everything in life is interlinked.
It’s an immensely positive and reassuring feeling and something I love seeing people open up to.
Case Study
The subject: JP, 33, male
The issue: Severe anxiety, plus relationship, attachment and cultural issues
How it came about: Separation from parents at a young age
How it affected him: Lack of confidence, feeling insignificant, fearful of others, constantly feeling anxious, indecisive and overwhelmed
Objectives of counselling: To get rid of his anxiety
The goals we set: To create a secure attachment with his parents, face his fears of certain people, acknowledge his own anxiety and separate it from that of others
How I approached the issues and achieved the goals: Firstly, I encouraged a therapeutic, confidential and trusting alliance, enabling him to speak about anything and not be judged – a reliable and authentic relationship which he could use as an example to form meaningful connections in his life. Using Gestalt techniques, we then explored his relationship with himself and others. His needs were satisfied by having a person to talk to and a space in which he could express his feelings, taking what he needed and leaving behind what was not useful. This helped him to grow, address other issues and live a fuller, meaningful life at home, work and with friends and extended family.
Length of counselling: 1 ½ years
The outcome: A reformed and loving relationship with his parents, promotion at work, better work / home balance, healthier eating and exercise, recognising he had options and exploring new work ideas and new relationships.
What JP said: “This is the only place in my life where I could come and speak about everything. Before I spent time with Narinder, I used to feel anxious about everything. After working with her for a short while, I was able to separate my anxiety and leave others to deal with theirs.”
