Katie Gelbart - Integrative Psychotherapist
My approach
As a therapist, I aim to create a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore your experiences and expand your self-awareness. This will enable us to identify patterns in behaviour, perhaps developed as a response to past events, which may no longer serve you. By increasing your self-awareness, you will gain greater opportunities to make choices and take responsibility for your actions, becoming empowered and understanding the reasons for your thoughts and behaviours. I see the therapeutic relationship as the vessel in which this process takes place. You must feel safe and comfortable in order to explore complex emotions such as shame, grief and guilt, and to be vulnerable in therapy. As a counsellor, I bring myself: my experiences at work and in my personal life have given me faith in the process of therapy and enabled me to value individuality and embrace diversity.
In addition to my work as a counsellor, I have over 5 years’ experience working in frontline services supporting individuals who have experienced a range of difficulties including homelessness, substance and alcohol addiction, eating disorders, adverse childhood experiences, care experience, survivors of domestic abuse, sexual assault, suicidal ideation and severe and enduring mental illness. I have a natural curiosity and I believe that everyone should be able to overcome the issues holding them back. I will respond in a trauma-informed, person-centred way, meeting you where you are on your journey and patiently walking beside you.
Qualifications and Theories
I hold an Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling and have several years of counselling experience. In my studies, I focused on Person-Centred Theory, Gestalt, Transactional Analysis and Existential Therapy, all of which I integrate into my practice. I am open to using creative interventions, dream work and exploring somatic experiencing.
I am a member of the BACP and I work within the guidelines of the BACP Ethical Framework.
I am also a certified yoga instructor and massage therapist.