Byron Bay Gestalt, Psychotherapy, Counselling, Suicide Prevention

DEBORAH LILLY

is a Gestalt Therapist living and working in Mullumbimby, Byron Shire, which is in the hinterland of Byron Bay. She has gained a Masters Degree in Gestalt Therapy at GTB, Brisbane.

WHAT IS GESTALT?

Gestalt is a form of psychotherapy, the goal of which is awareness. Awareness is the spontaneous sensing of what arises in you in the moment, of what you are feeling or experiencing. Gestalt therapy encourages your development of self-awareness, thus fostering self-support and personal evolution. "Awareness is the way in which we understand ourselves and what we need and also the way in which we organise our field and make meaning of our experience" (Mackewn 1997 p. 113).

Founded by Fritz and Laura Perls in the 1940's, Gestalt grew along with the humanistic movement in America and is one of the earliest forms of psychotherapy. In Gestalt, it is the client's experience; what she/he is thinking, feeling and perceiving which is the basis of the interaction called 'the therapeutic dialogue'. This dialogue illuminates awareness of what is going on in the body; our tension, our breathing and our feelings all provide us with useful information. How we inhabit our bodies affects our energy levels, our physical vitality as well as our mental health. Old traumas leave their impact and affect how we relate to the world. A therapist creates a safe space in which to explore and heighten awareness of ways that we relate to the world.

When a therapist is non-judgmental and willing to see the client's world through their eyes, light is shed on the client's attitudes, beliefs and 'creative adjustments'; and a door can be opened to new possibilities. Unique solutions emerge from the co-created field of creativity and spontaneity. In Gestalt, it is the dialogic relationship between the therapist and the client, with its emphasis on caring and support, that is the source of healing, awareness and change.

"One of the most important tasks of the Gestalt therapist is that of raising the awareness of the client - awareness of what he feels and thinks, how he behaves, what is going on in his body and the information of his senses; awareness of how he makes contact - of his relationships with other people, of his impact on his environment and its impact on him. (Skills in Gestalt Counselling & Psychotherapy: Joyce, P. & Sills, C., Sage Publications, 2001).

We see, therefore, that in Gestalt we are dealing with what is; this is explored in a mutual way with the client finding his/her own solutions. That being said, traumas arose in relationship, and it is in a supportive relationship, such as the therapeutic relationship, that healing can occur. A more detailed introduction to Gestalt is at http://www.gestalt.org/yontef.htm

STYLE OF WORK

Deborah has a warm and empathic approach. Creatively drawing from a range of psychotherapeutic approaches, she tailors the therapy to suit the individual needs and personalities of her clients. In order to enhance a client's self-expression and self-awareness, these approaches may include (if the client is willing) drawing, cards, music, movement and the use of symbols which can enrich creative communication. Gestalt has been inspirational to Deborah in "finding her voice". She loves connecting with people and her passion is supporting clients to find their own self-acceptance, authenticity and responsibility.

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BACKGROUND

Born in New Zealand, Deborah grew up in the UK, has lived in Australia since 1980, moving to Mullumbimby in 1984. She has also trained in various massage techniques including shiatsu and Ka Huna Bodywork; 'Assessing and Responding to Individuals at Risk of Suicide' (Community Health) Mental Health First Aid, Fitness Instruction, Vipassana meditation, and clowning. Besides facilitating the Mullum Gestalt Group (see next page), she co-ordinates the Mullumbimby Community Action Network whose emphasis is on social justice and support of community wellbeing. Deborah has senior First Aid qualifications, is a TMCC member of Mullum Magic Toastmasters, teaches Ethics in a local Primary School and was Stage Manager for Hot Shorts (10 short plays) at the Drill Hall, October 2011.

FEES

Introductory Offer: First 3 sessions $120

Individual sessions: $100 - $50 (sliding scale negotiable according to income).

Groups -: suggested donation $20