Gestalt Therapy
What is Gestalt Therapy?
Gestalt therapy is a humanistic psychotherapy approach that emphasizes personal responsibility and focuses on the present moment.
It helps individuals gain awareness of their thoughts, feelings, and actions to achieve personal growth and self-acceptance.
This therapeutic approach is widely used to address various mental health issues and improve overall well-being.
Key Concepts of Gestalt Therapy
Focus on the Present Moment:
- Gestalt therapy emphasizes the importance of experiencing the present moment.
- Therapists encourage clients to become aware of their current thoughts, feelings, and behaviours to foster greater self-awareness and personal insight.
- Wholistic Approach:
This therapy recognizes the interconnectedness of mind and body, addressing emotional, cognitive, and physical aspects of a person’s experience.
- Integration: Clients are encouraged to integrate their fragmented parts of self and experience a more cohesive sense of identity.
- Awareness and Insight:
The goal of Gestalt therapy is to increase self-awareness by helping clients recognize and understand their internal experiences and behaviours.
- Personal Insight: Through this increased awareness, individuals gain personal insight, which can lead to more effective decision-making and emotional regulation.
Experiential Techniques:
Parts Work: Therapists use Parts Work to help clients to explore different aspects of their personalities and interpersonal relationships.
Empty Chair Technique: This technique involves clients engaging in a dialogue with an imagined person or part of themselves using an empty chair, facilitating emotional expression and resolution.
Aims and Benefits of Gestalt Therapy:
- Enhanced Self-Awareness:
- Improved Relationships:
- Personal Growth and Transformation:
- Techniques Used in Gestalt Therapy
Applied Mindfulness
What is Applied Mindfulness ?
Applied Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without judgment. By practicing mindfulness, you cultivate a sense of calm, awareness, and focus. Applied Mindfulness techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and body scans are commonly used to help reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and enhance emotional well-being.
Would you like to learn more about mindfulness practices or explore the benefits of mindfulness for mental health and wellness?
EMDR Therapy
What is EMDR? (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a highly effective psychotherapy approach designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences.
Developed by Robin Shapiro’ in the late 1980s, EMDR is widely used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and phobias.
What Conditions Can EMDR Treat?
While EMDR is most commonly used for PTSD treatment, it has been shown to be effective for a variety of other mental health conditions, including:
- Anxiety Disorders
- Depression
- Phobias
- Panic Attacks
Depth Enquiry™
Depth Enquiry™: A Transformative Approach to Trauma and Shame Resolution
Depth Enquiry™ is an innovative and effective therapeutic method designed to resolve trauma and underlying shame. Developed by Amanda Gruhn, this approach emerged from her extensive work with clients experiencing PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and various trauma-related symptoms.
What is Depth Enquiry™?
Depth Enquiry™ addresses resistant traumas and negative beliefs through a gentle and supportive process.
It is built upon the principles of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and is informed by somatic theories and approaches from renowned experts such as Bessel van der Kolk, Pat Ogden, and Peter Levine.
Since 2011, Amanda Gruhn has refined this methodology to create a deep, safe, and wholistic therapeutic experience, grounded in the principles of Gestalt psychotherapy.
Why Choose Depth Enquiry™?
- Effective Trauma Resolution:
- Unblocks resistant traumas and negative beliefs.
- Gentle and Supportive Process: Ensures a safe therapeutic environment.
- Holistic Approach: Combines EMDR with somatic theories and Gestalt psychotherapy.
Careena Cook at Central Spark Psychotherapy was one of the first therapists trained in Depth Depth Enquiry™ by Amanda Gruhn.
Careena is available to help you explore this transformative approach.
To learn more or schedule an appointment call 0435760451.
What is Trauma?
When the nervous system is overwhelmed by traumatic experiences, it can result in persistent stress responses and difficulties in processing emotions, affecting overall mental health.
Understanding trauma involves recognizing how these experiences disrupt the nervous system and influence long-term physical and psychological well-being.
Traumatic memories are stored in a fragmented and sensory-driven form, making them feel vivid and challenging to integrate with an individual’s overall life experience.
The fragmented nature of traumatic memories explains why trauma can have a persistent impact on individuals. The inability to integrate these memories cohesively with daily experiences can lead to ongoing distress and emotional difficulties.
Eye-Movement De-Sensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Depth Enquiry (DE) are two specialist approaches that Careena uses to help people with trauma histories, addictions and core negative self-beliefs live fuller and easier lives.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural response to stress or perceived danger, often characterized by feelings of worry, fear, or unease.
While occasional anxiety is normal, it becomes a concern when it is persistent, overwhelming, or disproportionate to the situation, negatively affecting daily life and functioning.
Common Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety can manifest through a variety of physical, emotional, and behavioural symptoms, including:
1. Physical Symptoms:
- Increased heart rate
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea or stomach pain
2. Emotional Symptoms:
- Persistent feelings of apprehension or dread
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Difficulty concentrating
3. Behavioural Symptoms:
- Avoidance of certain situations or activities
- Excessive caution
- Constantly seeking reassurance
Would you like more information on anxiety treatment options, therapy approaches, or ways to manage anxiety?
What is Depression?
Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects a person’s mood, thoughts, and overall functioning. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. Depression can impact daily life, relationships, and overall well-being, making it crucial to understand its symptoms and seek effective treatment.
Common Symptoms of Depression
Depression manifests in various ways, and symptoms can vary in severity. Common symptoms include:
Emotional Symptoms:
- Persistent sadness or emptiness
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Irritability and mood swings
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
Physical Symptoms:
- Fatigue and decreased energy
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Physical aches and pains without a clear cause
Cognitive Symptoms:
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Negative thinking patterns and self-criticism
- Memory problems
Behavioural Symptoms:
- Withdrawal from social activities and relationships
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Decline in work or academic performance
Seeking Help for Depression
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, it’s important to seek help from a qualified mental health professional. Early intervention and appropriate treatment can significantly improve quality of life and promote recovery.
If you would like more information on treatment options for Depression contact Careena