Ian Newman

I have a Post Graduate Diploma with Merit in Gestalt Therapy Theory from London Metropolitan University and the Gestalt Centre.  I also hold a Certificate in Humanistic Counselling and an Advanced Diploma in Professional Development. Following two years of working with the East London Out Project (ELOP) based in London, I set-up my private counselling practice based in Kings Hill, Kent. Counselling comes in different shapes and forms, often referred to as modalities. I trained in the Gestalt approach and hope that this brief explanation will help you understand what you might experience when working with me. The best way I can explain what Gestalt is, is that it is a way of exploring your here and now experience in the context of the issue you are bringing to the counselling session. Whilst this may be something to do with a past experience; what I am curious about as a Gestalt counsellor is finding-out what it is like for you to explore that issue, with me, in the present moment. Gestalt is relational, so as a gestalt counsellor, I would play an active role in the counselling sessions. This may be in the form of providing feedback about what I experience as an active listener; it may be to ask you to say more and focus on a particular aspect of what has been shared in order to go into more depth; it could even be to challenge you, so you can be certain about something that has been shared. This way of working can be quite creative and dynamic and differs from other forms of humanistic therapy where the counsellor can have a more passive involvement/role. What is crucial to Gestalt counselling and all forms of talking therapy is the importance of you-the client and your experience. Nothing is ever imposed on you during the counselling sessions and you will never be made to talk about or do anything you do not agree to. Working in this way – with a focus in the here and now experience - offers an approach to counselling that can be rewarding and liberating. A short explanation, such as this, does not do it justice – therefore if you would like to know more and arrange an initial consultation to see if we could work together, please contact me I will be delighted to hear from you.