Gosia Garstka

Therapist Directory Listing Category: Psychotherapists and Counsellors

About the Therapist

About the therapist:

About therapy

Therapy can be a way to explore the experiences, patterns and relationships that have shaped you, while opening up new ways of relating to yourself, others and the world around you.

As an integrative therapist, I draw on different therapeutic approaches to understand your experience. Rather than following one particular model, I adapt our work to what feels most relevant to you.

Together, we might explore your past and its influence on the present, reflect on your current relationships and ways of being, or pay attention to your thoughts, emotions and bodily sensations. We might also explore questions of identity, belonging and a sense of home, or experiences that expand your understanding of who you are. At times, there may be space for questions about meaning, purpose, mortality and how you want to live.

I’m also mindful of how power, privilege and marginalisation can shape our experiences, and I bring this awareness into the therapy room.

Practical information

I work with adults in English or Polish. I offer sessions in person in West Hampstead or Queen’s Park (NW6) and online.

Sessions are 50 minutes long and usually take place weekly. The length of therapy can vary from a set number of sessions to longer-term work.

What to expect from the first session?

The first session is a chance to talk about what brings you to therapy and what you might hope to get from it. I’ll ask questions to help us explore what is going on for you, and there will also be space for you to ask questions about how I work.

At its heart, therapy is a conversation, and the first session gives us a chance to see what working together might be like. It allows us both to consider whether my way of working could be helpful to you.

If you’d like to arrange an initial session, or have any questions, you’re welcome to get in touch. I’ll reply with information about availability and the next steps.

Sexual identity:

Queer

Gender identity: Non-binary

Gender history: As assigned at birth

Non-monogamy: No

Intersex: No

Neurodivergent: Unsure

Personal pronouns: she/they

Qualifications - Links to websites:

I hold a Level 7 Diploma in Integrative Counselling from the Minster Centre, one of the UK’s longest-established training institutes for integrative psychotherapy and counselling.

I’m a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and practice in accordance with its Ethical Framework.

I’m also completing an MA and Advanced Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy and Counselling at the Minster Centre and Middlesex University. Alongside this, I’m working towards accreditation with the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP).

Qualifications - Additional:

Award	Awarding body	Year of award

Experience and approach:

I have worked in a range of settings, from university counselling services and a drug and alcohol charity to low-cost therapy services and private practice. I have also volunteered at The Listening Place, supporting people experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings.

People come to therapy for many different reasons, including emotional distress, relationship difficulties, life changes, or questions of identity and belonging. My experience includes working with:

Emotional wellbeing — anxiety, panic, depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and feeling overwhelmed, stuck or unable to cope.
Relationships, loss and life transitions — family, romantic relationships and friendships, estrangement and separation, bereavement and other forms of loss, and periods of change or uncertainty.
Sexuality, gender and intimacy — exploring gender identity, sexuality, intimacy, sex and diverse relationship structures.
Trauma and abuse — experiences of abuse, violence and neglect, including sexual assault, and how these may affect relationships, sense of self and everyday life.
Substance use — drug, alcohol and other substance use, including experiences of dependence or addiction.
Work, class and money — exploring work and career, class and socioeconomic background, and how money and financial security influence the choices available in life.
Neurodivergence and disability — navigating a world that is not always designed with your needs in mind.
Identity, culture and belonging — exploring how race, culture, religion, language and other aspects of identity shape your sense of who you are and where you belong.

Approaches: