Gestalt or CBT: What’s the Difference?


I offer two main approaches to therapy: Gestalt psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). They offer different pathways for growth and support — and we can talk through what feels right for you.
People often ask whether they need to know which approach is right for them, but there is no pressure for you having to know in advance — we can decide together.

Gestalt Therapy

Gestalt is a relational and experiential approach that helps you become more aware of how you experience the world, yourself, and others.

The word Gestalt is a German term that means “whole” or “form” — Gestalt therapy supports you in becoming more aware of your thoughts, emotions, body, and patterns, so you can experience yourself more fully and authentically.

It focuses on what’s happening in the present moment — how you feel, what you sense, and what you need, with particular attention to how these experiences emerge within relationships, including the therapeutic one.


Rather than focusing on “fixing” symptoms, Gestalt therapy gently explores the patterns and protective strategies you’ve developed over time. It can be especially supportive if you’re looking to deepen your relationship with yourself, explore emotions more fully, or feel more connected and authentic in your life and relationships.
Clients often describe becoming more themselves — more authentic, aware, and expressive of their needs — as they progress through this journey.
• Format: In-person only (Bristol)
• Fee: £35 per session (reduced fee while I complete my training)
• Best for: Long-term, exploratory work; emotional expression; relational difficulties; self-awareness and growth

CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)

CBT is a structured, evidence-based approach that focuses on how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours interact. It’s especially helpful for specific difficulties like anxiety, panic, insomnia, trauma, or low mood.
In CBT, we’ll work collaboratively to identify patterns, test out new approaches, and develop practical tools that support change. It’s an active therapy which is structured and with clear goals and strategies, while still being warm and grounded in your lived experience.
• Format: Online (with occasional in-person options)
• Fee: £75 (online) / £85 (in-person)
• Best for: Specific concerns such as:
 ◦ Depression
 ◦ General anxiety
 ◦ Panic attacks
 ◦ Obsessive compulsive Disorder and intrusive thoughts
 ◦ Health anxiety
 ◦ Social anxiety
 ◦ Specific phobias (including emetophobia and blood phobia)
 ◦ Insomnia
 ◦ Bereavement or adjustment
 ◦ Post-traumatic Stress disorder
• Length: Usually 6–18 sessions depending on your goals

We can talk through both options in our first meeting. We’ll talk together about which approach fits best for what you're seeking support with. At the moment, Gestalt therapy is offered as part of my clinical training, and I’m looking to work with clients who are open to exploring themselves more deeply over time. However, while there are benefits from exploring deeper patterns over time, you’re welcome to start with a few sessions to see how it feels. There’s no pressure to commit long term right away—it’s all about what feels right for you. For clients seeking more structured support focused on specific challenges, CBT remains available.

Additional Support Options

Alongside my main therapy offerings in CBT and Gestalt, I provide focused psychoeducational sessions to support specific needs:

  • Communication in Relationships — A 6-session package designed to help you express yourself more authentically, build assertiveness, and improve clarity in your relationships.

  • Insomnia Support — Structured sessions drawing on CBT principles to help you understand and manage sleep difficulties. These are practical, educational sessions, not therapy.