Gestalt Therapists in Mount Airy, Philadelphia, PA
![Photo of Alison Gerig, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c3f31300-6cd5-4623-9e08-430fc4db78ae/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alison Gerig
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Mount Airy, Philadelphia, PA 19119
I use IFS (Internal Family Systems), gestalt therapy, and embodiment/mindfulness work to guide our sessions together.
We have points in our lives when having a therapist can help us move through difficult times. You may feel stuck, isolated, or just wanting support. You may hold past experiences from family that feel present or have stress from feeling unsafe in the world. My specialties include working with grief, trauma, shame, and relationship issues, I work with folks around healing from the impacts of racism and white supremacy. I love working with LGBT communities have a specialty in working with trans/non-binary folks. I specialize in clients considering parenting and becoming parents/single parents.
I use IFS (Internal Family Systems), gestalt therapy, and embodiment/mindfulness work to guide our sessions together.
We have points in our lives when having a therapist can help us move through difficult times. You may feel stuck, isolated, or just wanting support. You may hold past experiences from family that feel present or have stress from feeling unsafe in the world. My specialties include working with grief, trauma, shame, and relationship issues, I work with folks around healing from the impacts of racism and white supremacy. I love working with LGBT communities have a specialty in working with trans/non-binary folks. I specialize in clients considering parenting and becoming parents/single parents.
![Photo of Leslie Stickler, MSS, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/36093d50-5fb3-4b26-896e-94221c8ae851/1/320x400.jpeg)
Leslie Stickler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mount Airy, Philadelphia, PA 19119
My approach integrates Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, an evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy, with Gestalt, an embodied and experiential process of "good contact.
Hello & thanks for stopping by! My name is Leslie and I'm a clinical social worker licensed in PA and DE. The core values that guide my practice are slowing down, prioritizing experience, integrating mind & body, and embracing paradox. I'm passionate about using these values to help you to heal from trauma, reconnect to the wisdom of your body, and cultivate more authentic and fulfilling relationships—with others and, even more importantly—with yourself. The skills you develop along the way will enable you to ground anxiety, get unstuck from harmful patterns, and move towards a life of purpose and joy.
My approach integrates Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, an evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy, with Gestalt, an embodied and experiential process of "good contact.
Hello & thanks for stopping by! My name is Leslie and I'm a clinical social worker licensed in PA and DE. The core values that guide my practice are slowing down, prioritizing experience, integrating mind & body, and embracing paradox. I'm passionate about using these values to help you to heal from trauma, reconnect to the wisdom of your body, and cultivate more authentic and fulfilling relationships—with others and, even more importantly—with yourself. The skills you develop along the way will enable you to ground anxiety, get unstuck from harmful patterns, and move towards a life of purpose and joy.
![Photo of Hannah Lee, MSS, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a92d977-60c5-4f0a-bf76-28d4671d0962/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hannah Lee
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, LCSW
Verified Verified
Mount Airy, Philadelphia, PA 19119
My style of therapy is greatly informed by Gestalt Therapy, Play Therapy, mindfulness, somatic-work, body-mind awareness and Parts work.
Imagine a space where you can express yourself in many different forms as you feel most comfortable; where you can try out new ways of being in your life and in your relationships. I strive to provide a space like this; where your thoughts, feelings and most tender parts can be revealed, nurtured, heard and seen. I enjoy the limitless diversity of brain chemistries, ethnicities, sexualities and gender expressions that exist among us. I also appreciate the diversity of life experience that each of us holds, and believe that there is wisdom and expertise within each of us to enable healing, but we don't always know how to access it.
My style of therapy is greatly informed by Gestalt Therapy, Play Therapy, mindfulness, somatic-work, body-mind awareness and Parts work.
Imagine a space where you can express yourself in many different forms as you feel most comfortable; where you can try out new ways of being in your life and in your relationships. I strive to provide a space like this; where your thoughts, feelings and most tender parts can be revealed, nurtured, heard and seen. I enjoy the limitless diversity of brain chemistries, ethnicities, sexualities and gender expressions that exist among us. I also appreciate the diversity of life experience that each of us holds, and believe that there is wisdom and expertise within each of us to enable healing, but we don't always know how to access it.
![Photo of Randy A Baird, LCSW, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/650819a5-0107-446d-a378-15a860234ebe/1/320x400.jpeg)
Randy A Baird
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Mount Airy, Philadelphia, PA 19119
Waitlist for new clients
I hold certificates in Gestalt Therapy from the Gestalt Therapy Institute of Philadelphia and Interpersonal Neurobiology.
I am a highly experienced Board Certified, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I am EMDR trained to certification level. I am LBGTQI, sex positive and kink friendly. Since 1989 I have assisted people in making important changes in their life. I understand the process necessary for change and how to support the process in others. Many clients feel powerless to change a situation they feel stuck in. I know how to help you be more successful in your efforts. I am a licensed therapist specializing in multiple treatment techniques and am ready to provide you with a method that is best suited to your needs.
I hold certificates in Gestalt Therapy from the Gestalt Therapy Institute of Philadelphia and Interpersonal Neurobiology.
I am a highly experienced Board Certified, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I am EMDR trained to certification level. I am LBGTQI, sex positive and kink friendly. Since 1989 I have assisted people in making important changes in their life. I understand the process necessary for change and how to support the process in others. Many clients feel powerless to change a situation they feel stuck in. I know how to help you be more successful in your efforts. I am a licensed therapist specializing in multiple treatment techniques and am ready to provide you with a method that is best suited to your needs.
![Photo of Deb Callahan, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aa5a312f-0b0d-4157-a73d-350b312503f4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Deb Callahan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mount Airy, Philadelphia, PA 19119
I am a certified Gestalt Therapist and will help you become more present and aware of your body-emotions.
Developing a relationship with a compassionate, skilled therapist who can help you be present with current life stressors or past traumas, can be an important part of healing. In my practice I work with adults and adolescents with a variety of issues but specialize in issues related to sexual trauma (childhood or adult), childhood emotional/physical abuse, domestic violence, lack of parental attunement, and growing up in a home where alcohol and drugs were abused. I also work with couples who are experiencing challenges in communication, connection and how past trauma effects this. I provide clinical supervision to therapists.
I am a certified Gestalt Therapist and will help you become more present and aware of your body-emotions.
Developing a relationship with a compassionate, skilled therapist who can help you be present with current life stressors or past traumas, can be an important part of healing. In my practice I work with adults and adolescents with a variety of issues but specialize in issues related to sexual trauma (childhood or adult), childhood emotional/physical abuse, domestic violence, lack of parental attunement, and growing up in a home where alcohol and drugs were abused. I also work with couples who are experiencing challenges in communication, connection and how past trauma effects this. I provide clinical supervision to therapists.
![Photo of Nate Schlingmann, LPC, MA, MS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/525bdf7a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nate Schlingmann
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, MS
Verified Verified
Mount Airy, Philadelphia, PA 19119
Using Gestalt Therapy I'll help you approach challenges from a different perspective which allows you to make choices and take actions that create possibility.
I enjoy helping clients who want to explore themselves and work towards being more accepting and confident in who they truly are. If you want to gain a broader perspective in how you are approaching your relationships, both personal and professional, I'd love to help you. Growth and change are challenging, and can also be fun and exciting. In our work we'll practice being more aware of what is really there for you in the area(s) you're working on. It might be that devloping a new skillset in your relationship will help it grow, or that you need help ending a relationship and starting a new one.
Using Gestalt Therapy I'll help you approach challenges from a different perspective which allows you to make choices and take actions that create possibility.
I enjoy helping clients who want to explore themselves and work towards being more accepting and confident in who they truly are. If you want to gain a broader perspective in how you are approaching your relationships, both personal and professional, I'd love to help you. Growth and change are challenging, and can also be fun and exciting. In our work we'll practice being more aware of what is really there for you in the area(s) you're working on. It might be that devloping a new skillset in your relationship will help it grow, or that you need help ending a relationship and starting a new one.
![Photo of Molly Kellogg, LCSW, CEDRD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a5d9415-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Molly Kellogg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CEDRD
Verified Verified
Mount Airy, Philadelphia, PA 19119
Puzzled when you do things that you don't like? Struggle with life stressors that get in the way of optimum functioning? Wonder if things that happened long ago are keeping you from being your best self? Life doesn't have to be so hard. Working together in an atmosphere of safety and respect I support you to make life changes, let go of ineffective behaviors and shift relationship patterns. We all have an inner wisdom that guides us to right decisions and health. I help you work with the parts of you that get in the way of this inner wisdom.
Puzzled when you do things that you don't like? Struggle with life stressors that get in the way of optimum functioning? Wonder if things that happened long ago are keeping you from being your best self? Life doesn't have to be so hard. Working together in an atmosphere of safety and respect I support you to make life changes, let go of ineffective behaviors and shift relationship patterns. We all have an inner wisdom that guides us to right decisions and health. I help you work with the parts of you that get in the way of this inner wisdom.
![Photo of Lisa Armstrong, LCSW, MPH, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ecb2249d-6100-438c-9d99-af46ca604b87/7/320x400.jpeg)
Lisa Armstrong
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH
Verified Verified
Mount Airy, Philadelphia, PA 19119
Therapy is a gift you give to yourself as you journey through and face many of life's transitions. Caring for yourself can be challenging, even when your relationships are healthy. So let's collaborate to create a safe and calming space to explore what matters to you most, even if you're unsure or still figuring it all out.
Therapy is a gift you give to yourself as you journey through and face many of life's transitions. Caring for yourself can be challenging, even when your relationships are healthy. So let's collaborate to create a safe and calming space to explore what matters to you most, even if you're unsure or still figuring it all out.
![Photo of Abigail (Abby) Hawkins, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/14ff81ce-d70a-40ab-be8a-0efa5da0666b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Abigail (Abby) Hawkins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Mount Airy, Philadelphia, PA 19119 (Online Only)
Hi, I'm so glad you found my page! When someone starts therapy with me, it's often because they've been having a hard time feeling connected to others or they struggle to be in the moment. Others deal with low self-worth, negative beliefs about themselves, or feeling they cannot get where they want to be in life. In our work together, I want to help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your strengths, feel empowered to manage emotions when life feels overwhelming, and build more fulfilling relationships. I take a warm, collaborative approach to getting to know you as an individual and what helps you.
Hi, I'm so glad you found my page! When someone starts therapy with me, it's often because they've been having a hard time feeling connected to others or they struggle to be in the moment. Others deal with low self-worth, negative beliefs about themselves, or feeling they cannot get where they want to be in life. In our work together, I want to help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your strengths, feel empowered to manage emotions when life feels overwhelming, and build more fulfilling relationships. I take a warm, collaborative approach to getting to know you as an individual and what helps you.
![Photo of Molly Weingrod, MSS, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/497d3150-8d5c-4909-9044-5044ef71e5fe/1/320x400.jpeg)
Molly Weingrod
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, LSW
Verified Verified
Mount Airy, Philadelphia, PA 19119
Life is infinitely dimensional - amazing, and so utterly hard! Negotiating relationships, navigating purpose, moving through predictable and unpredictable life transitions, managing crises, and just contending with the inevitable reality of ongoing change. It can be a frustrating and fulfilling process to really pay attention, integrate experience, and find balance in the midst of it all. How to work with the rich material of life effectively, creatively, and well? Therapy can help: slow things down, make space to pay attention, gather perspective, and shore up support.
Life is infinitely dimensional - amazing, and so utterly hard! Negotiating relationships, navigating purpose, moving through predictable and unpredictable life transitions, managing crises, and just contending with the inevitable reality of ongoing change. It can be a frustrating and fulfilling process to really pay attention, integrate experience, and find balance in the midst of it all. How to work with the rich material of life effectively, creatively, and well? Therapy can help: slow things down, make space to pay attention, gather perspective, and shore up support.
![Photo of Kathleen Taylor, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a4b78e50-4bf8-4ada-9fb8-5b441cad6b8e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kathleen Taylor
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mount Airy, Philadelphia, PA 19119
I offer therapy to unravel the fear of being a burden and embrace a life of simple authenticity. You could think of yourself as a chameleon. In your family, you sort of disappear into the roles people expect of you. In your relationships, you’re kind but sometimes that’s all you are—all there feels space for of you. You have clarity about yourself deep down, but you don’t feel clear on how to be yourself in a way that isn’t a burden on others or that isn’t selfish. So you stay kind. But you also stay unhappy. And you’re not sure if the people close to you notice, or if they notice, you’re not sure if they deep down really care.
I offer therapy to unravel the fear of being a burden and embrace a life of simple authenticity. You could think of yourself as a chameleon. In your family, you sort of disappear into the roles people expect of you. In your relationships, you’re kind but sometimes that’s all you are—all there feels space for of you. You have clarity about yourself deep down, but you don’t feel clear on how to be yourself in a way that isn’t a burden on others or that isn’t selfish. So you stay kind. But you also stay unhappy. And you’re not sure if the people close to you notice, or if they notice, you’re not sure if they deep down really care.
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![Photo of Carrie Askin, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a4fd84e9-962f-4d54-a2b6-e040f6f76883/1/320x400.jpeg)
Carrie Askin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mount Airy, Philadelphia, PA 19119
During therapy consultations, most people say that they want a therapist who won't just sit there and nod at them. That makes a lot of sense to me. Starting with a new therapist takes a lot of courage and most of us wouldn't do it unless we need real help. Most hurt and trauma happens in our relationships with others and in order for therapy to help you need to be able to trust that your therapist is with you. When.you talk with me, you have my full attention. We'll make connections between what's happening now and what happened in your past experiences. We'll also work on feeling less shame and more safety.
During therapy consultations, most people say that they want a therapist who won't just sit there and nod at them. That makes a lot of sense to me. Starting with a new therapist takes a lot of courage and most of us wouldn't do it unless we need real help. Most hurt and trauma happens in our relationships with others and in order for therapy to help you need to be able to trust that your therapist is with you. When.you talk with me, you have my full attention. We'll make connections between what's happening now and what happened in your past experiences. We'll also work on feeling less shame and more safety.
![Photo of Lysa Monique C Jenkins-Hayden - Inspired Therapeutic Solutions, LLC, BBA, MA, CH, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dd8d103-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Inspired Therapeutic Solutions, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, BBA, MA, CH, LPC
Verified Verified
Mount Airy, Philadelphia, PA 19119
Health and healing are journeys. We are always honored when clients ask us along on their journey towards recovery from the trauma or devastation robbing them of the ability to trust themselves or others. If you seek improvements, in any area of your life, let's work together to identify your passions and possibilities, map and monitor your progress, and manage the dynamics that keep you stuck. You, too, can heal from trauma and addictions, manage difficult relationships (see our website for approach to couples & pre-marital counseling), surmount career set-backs & improve your self-esteem with insight and guidance.
Health and healing are journeys. We are always honored when clients ask us along on their journey towards recovery from the trauma or devastation robbing them of the ability to trust themselves or others. If you seek improvements, in any area of your life, let's work together to identify your passions and possibilities, map and monitor your progress, and manage the dynamics that keep you stuck. You, too, can heal from trauma and addictions, manage difficult relationships (see our website for approach to couples & pre-marital counseling), surmount career set-backs & improve your self-esteem with insight and guidance.
![Photo of Samantha Palmisano, MA, NCC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/157f3a15-8b5f-408c-af5f-274293c89135/2/320x400.jpeg)
Samantha Palmisano
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mount Airy, Philadelphia, PA 19119
As a counselor, I remain true to myself in the sense that I am direct, warm, honest, compassionate, and expressive with my reactions. I tend to be casual in my approach, so if something is funny, I will laugh with you, and if something is sad or distressing, I will share those feelings with you as well. While it is important to me that I remain as objective as possible, I firmly believe that the therapist themself serves as a tool that contributes to your therapeutic process. For that reason, I believe our connection must be fostered collaboratively and authentically.
As a counselor, I remain true to myself in the sense that I am direct, warm, honest, compassionate, and expressive with my reactions. I tend to be casual in my approach, so if something is funny, I will laugh with you, and if something is sad or distressing, I will share those feelings with you as well. While it is important to me that I remain as objective as possible, I firmly believe that the therapist themself serves as a tool that contributes to your therapeutic process. For that reason, I believe our connection must be fostered collaboratively and authentically.
![Photo of John Moletress, LPC, MA, MFA, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ba2e5563-549f-43cc-8d7f-6542c364c317/1/320x400.jpeg)
John Moletress
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, MFA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Mount Airy, Philadelphia, PA 19119
Are you experiencing anxiety, depression or stress? Feeling unfulfilled in relationships, career, or other key areas of your life? If you are ready to explore these parts of yourself and interrupt patterns that no longer serve, I can help with that. Therapy is a collaborative process which allows us to look at areas in your life that cause distress, and identify ways to adjust your thoughts and behaviors to create positive change. I provide therapy in a safe, nonjudgmental environment where you can feel comfortable expressing yourself openly and authentically. I work with individuals and couples/partners.
Are you experiencing anxiety, depression or stress? Feeling unfulfilled in relationships, career, or other key areas of your life? If you are ready to explore these parts of yourself and interrupt patterns that no longer serve, I can help with that. Therapy is a collaborative process which allows us to look at areas in your life that cause distress, and identify ways to adjust your thoughts and behaviors to create positive change. I provide therapy in a safe, nonjudgmental environment where you can feel comfortable expressing yourself openly and authentically. I work with individuals and couples/partners.
![Photo of Maria Papacostaki, MA, MFT](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c3555a4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have personally experienced grief or what is sometimes called "the dark night of the soul." This seemingly dark experience could provides a great opportunity for transformation if the appropriate work is done. I know how to lead you from darkness into the light.
I am also very experienced with life transitions. I will guide you to gracefully move from one life state to another.
I am trained to work with couples and families and I lead groups as well.
I have personally experienced grief or what is sometimes called "the dark night of the soul." This seemingly dark experience could provides a great opportunity for transformation if the appropriate work is done. I know how to lead you from darkness into the light.
I am also very experienced with life transitions. I will guide you to gracefully move from one life state to another.
I am trained to work with couples and families and I lead groups as well.
![Photo of Jodi Schwartz-Levy, PhD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/66e10336-a8d8-4954-adf4-e0b694aab2bb/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jodi Schwartz-Levy
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mount Airy, Philadelphia, PA 19119
Now offering virtual and in person therapy. As one of a handful of psychologists worldwide with a doctorate in Somatic (body-oriented) Psychology, I am able to work with the cognitive, emotional, somatic, spiritual, and energetic aspects of a person. I am an ideal therapist for people that have tried traditional therapy and feel that "something was missing".
Now offering virtual and in person therapy. As one of a handful of psychologists worldwide with a doctorate in Somatic (body-oriented) Psychology, I am able to work with the cognitive, emotional, somatic, spiritual, and energetic aspects of a person. I am an ideal therapist for people that have tried traditional therapy and feel that "something was missing".
![Photo of Joe Dowling, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cee9a43-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Joe Dowling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mount Airy, Philadelphia, PA 19119
I am a strength based, future-foused clinician who facilitates therapy as an experiential process. I enable clients to access their own personal history of learnings and achievements while guiding them to create future memories of success. I incorporate mindfullness, hypnnotic zone exercises, and solution-focused/strategic therapies to help clients become smart enough to know when to stop thinking. What-iffing, Why-ing, and Self-Criticizing clients are welcome to experience a peak performance therapy that allows them to access, reconnect with, and be their best self. I also work extensively with athletes, corporate professionals, and performers.
I am a strength based, future-foused clinician who facilitates therapy as an experiential process. I enable clients to access their own personal history of learnings and achievements while guiding them to create future memories of success. I incorporate mindfullness, hypnnotic zone exercises, and solution-focused/strategic therapies to help clients become smart enough to know when to stop thinking. What-iffing, Why-ing, and Self-Criticizing clients are welcome to experience a peak performance therapy that allows them to access, reconnect with, and be their best self. I also work extensively with athletes, corporate professionals, and performers.
![Photo of Andrew Negrey, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/32bffad0-8f57-48a2-ad79-200edd6a0a95/2/320x400.jpeg)
Andrew Negrey
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mount Airy, Philadelphia, PA 19119
I specialize in guiding people through life transitions, moments of reevaluation and readjustment. This may include recovering from trauma, addiction, grief, spiritual crisis, or just the emotional turmoil and sense of upheaval that comes after unexpected events, or when moving between life’s stages. I also focus on relationships and attachment issues, navigating the complex entanglements of family, friendship, and romantic relationships, and on creating more safe, healthy, intimate, and loving relationships.
I specialize in guiding people through life transitions, moments of reevaluation and readjustment. This may include recovering from trauma, addiction, grief, spiritual crisis, or just the emotional turmoil and sense of upheaval that comes after unexpected events, or when moving between life’s stages. I also focus on relationships and attachment issues, navigating the complex entanglements of family, friendship, and romantic relationships, and on creating more safe, healthy, intimate, and loving relationships.
![Photo of John A Mallinen, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b1b61794-32cf-47f3-94f8-ba6e37939158/2/320x400.jpeg)
John A Mallinen
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mount Airy, Philadelphia, PA 19119
If you're struggling with a lack of fulfillment, pervasive feelings of anxiety, depression, sadness, or guilt, you may be a good candidate for therapy. Reaching out for help can be daunting, especially if you've been conditioned not to admit difficulty or hardship (as most of us have!).
If you're struggling with a lack of fulfillment, pervasive feelings of anxiety, depression, sadness, or guilt, you may be a good candidate for therapy. Reaching out for help can be daunting, especially if you've been conditioned not to admit difficulty or hardship (as most of us have!).
See more therapy options for Mount Airy, Philadelphia
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Gestalt Therapists
What is gestalt therapy?
Gestalt therapy is based on the idea that to address unresolved negative feelings, emotions must be not only discussed but also actively expressed in the present moment. The term is from a German word meaning “whole,” and gestalt therapists believe that people should be considered whole entities made up of mind, body, and emotions. Gestalt sessions are rooted in the notion that a client’s total self must be discovered, explored, and confronted, so that they can take greater responsibility for themselves and their behavior, learn to satisfy their own needs while still respecting the needs of others, and reconnect with feelings they might otherwise deny.
How does gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy sessions do not just involve talking with a therapist. Clients may take part in role-playing, re-enactment, or artistic exercises like drawing and painting, with the goal of becoming more aware of negative thought patterns that limit happiness. One common gestalt exercise is “the empty chair,” in which a client sits across from an empty chair representing a partner, relative, boss, or a part of themselves—and, with the therapist’s encouragement, improvises a dialog with it. The intention is to bring the emotions raised by past conflicts into the present and work through them in the moment.
How long does gestalt therapy last?
As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for gestalt therapy; people who believe that they are making progress typically continue until they feel they’ve addressed the issues that had been holding them back. New patients should understand that it may take some time to become comfortable with gestalt exercises but once they do, they should expect sessions to extend for a number of months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions.
Does gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy has generally been found to be as effective as other forms of talk therapy in helping people living with anxiety, depression, phobias, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders, as well as helping individuals reduce conflict in relationships. Gestalt techniques, on their own or in combination with other therapies, can also be effective in managing physical ailments including ulcerative colitis, migraines, and back spasms. It should be noted that some people may have trouble adapting to gestalt therapy’s lack of formal structure or to a therapist’s close observations of their body language and emotions; others may struggle to commit to techniques that feel unnatural, like the empty chair exercise.