At the heart of my work is Relational Gestalt Therapy—an experiential, relationship-centered approach that emphasizes awareness, authenticity, and meaningful connection. Rather than focusing solely on symptom reduction, Gestalt therapy helps people better understand how they relate to themselves, others, and the world around them, creating opportunities for lasting change.
One of the most common misconceptions about Gestalt therapy is that it is simply the “empty chair” technique. While experiential exercises can be valuable when clinically appropriate, contemporary Relational Gestalt Therapy is much broader. My work emphasizes the therapeutic relationship itself as a catalyst for healing, drawing on principles such as dialogue, presence, curiosity, and awareness of what is happening in the present moment.
As a Certified Gestalt Therapist through the Pacific Gestalt Institute. (PGI), a training institute affiliated with the Gestalt Therapy Institute of Los Angeles (GTILA), I have advanced training in contemporary Relational Gestalt Therapy. This approach emphasizes dialogue, presence, existential phenomenology, field theory, inclusion, and the therapist’s authentic use of self. These principles shape the therapeutic relationship and guide the way I work with clients, helping us bring awareness to longstanding patterns while remaining attentive to what is unfolding in the present moment.
Rather than trying to “fix” clients, Gestalt therapy recognizes that meaningful change often emerges through increased awareness, self-compassion, and new relational experiences. This perspective aligns naturally with my integrative approach, which also incorporates EMDR, Somatic Experiencing®, attachment-focused psychotherapy, and Yoga Therapy when appropriate.
In addition to my clinical practice, I facilitate consultation and study groups for clinicians pursuing certification in Gestalt Therapy through the Pacific Gestalt Institute.
To learn more about contemporary Relational Gestalt Therapy, including scholarly articles and educational resources, please visit the Pacific Gestalt Institute. Please refer to PGI (Pacific Gestalt Institute’s) website: http://www.gestalttherapy.org for scholarly articles, and information about relational gestalt therapy.
