Welcome to Marina Abbate Counselling
Panta Rhei (Everything Flows)
-Heraclitus
Gestalt Counselling in Clapham, Crystal Palace and Central London
Welcome, and thank you for visiting Marina Abbate Counselling.
My name is Marina, and I am a Gestalt counsellor.
I work with people from all walks of life and backgrounds, coming to me with a diverse range of problems. As a fully qualified counsellor, I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and abide by their code of ethics.
I offer in-person short and long-term therapy and, upon request, online counselling to individuals over 18. My approach focuses on the present moment, informed by past experiences and the expectations for the future. I encourage my clients to take responsibility for their lives, becoming agent of their change. I believe that through relating and connecting we can heal.
I have always been passionate about people’s ability to creatively adjust to their lives situations and I believe in an inner wisdom that can be accessed through listening to our body.
I am originally from Rome, where I have trained and qualified as a psychologist and psychotherapist and worked within the Italian National Health Services.
After leaving my city, I have lived in different Countries and worked in a variety of fields. This array of experiences has sharpened my understanding of diversity and my interest in themes of identity and belonging.
Making the decision to see a counsellor is a big step to take - but it can be a positive one. Please read on to find out more about how I could help you.
Registered Member of The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
What is Gestalt Counselling?
Gestalt therapy focuses on ‘how’ we do things rather than ‘why’ and takes into consideration that the individual does not exist in isolation but immersed in their environment, which affects and impacts our lives.
Raising awareness of our own ways of moving about our contexts is the first step for change, as we can then explore and try new ways of doing things that are more in line with our needs and desires.
The aim of Gestalt counselling is learning or re-learning the fluidity of movement that has been interrupted by ‘something’, giving us a sense of helplessness, being stuck, losing control, falling down, feeling lost…
People come to me for help with a wide range of issues. Here are a few of the more common difficulties that can be supported through counselling:
Feelings of stress or anxiety
Panic attacks
Relationship problems
Grief, loss or bereavement
Life transitions
Trauma and post-traumatic stress
Abuse
Depression
Problems with confidence or self-esteem
Anger management
Identity and belonging
Difficulties at work or in retirement
Problems with family or school life
Safe Emergency
The therapeutic space provides a safe container, where the client can begin to take risks and try something new to see what happens. As your therapist, I am not concerned about succeeding or failing, rather being curious and exploring whatever comes up.
The Process
Co-creation and cooperation are at the heart of the therapeutic encounter. I walk alongside you and respect you as a unique person. Meeting you where you are and following your pace, I will encourage grounding for stability and flowing for expansion of possibilities.
Sprouting
Working together, my responsibility is to facilitate your personal growth to take the direction, colour and shape you are ready to embrace.
CONTACT ME
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
You can also call me on 07900838637 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.
I see clients at different locations in London.
The Awareness Centre in South West London, where I see clients from Clapham and the greater South West London area - including Brixton, Battersea, Camberwell and Streatham.
Foresters Hall in South East London. From Crystal Palace and the greater South East London area - including Dulwich, Sydenham and Forest Hill.
And Central London, at the Gestalt Centre.
FEES & AVAILABILITY
Counselling sessions for individuals last 50 minutes, usually taking place on a weekly basis, and cost £65 per session.
The initial assessment is an opportunity to meet and see if I am the right counsellor for what you need. Standard fee applies.
If you are unsure and have some questions, please contact me via email and if you wish we can arrange a 15 minutes free zoom chat.
YOU MAY NOT KNOW IT, BUT YOU’VE ALREADY TAKEN THE FIRST STEP...
It can be scary and confusing making the decision to contact a therapist and I value the courage to take the first step. Embarking on the therapeutic journey is a commitment that I am willing to share with you and, as Perls writes:
"You are you, and I am I. And if by chance we find each other, it's beautiful."
Privacy Notice
Your privacy is very important to me and you can be confident that your personal information will be kept safe and secure and will only be used for the purpose it was given to me. I adhere to current data protection legislation, including the General Data Protection Regulation (EU/2016/679) (the GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003.
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