Gestalt Therapists in 61701
Joan Gjesfjeld
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bloomington, IL 61701
Along with 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I am trained in Gestalt therapy and certified in Brainspotting.
Are you wondering if you can find an experienced therapist who “gets you,” someone who you can trust and will be in your corner? You’ll find that I’m the kind of therapist who really listens, is reliable and supportive. My commitment is to provide you with a safe, nonjudgmental relationship that allows you to solve problems at your own pace. Our work together will help you deepen self awareness, increase compassion for yourself, and resolve old patterns that no longer serve you.
Along with 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I am trained in Gestalt therapy and certified in Brainspotting.
Are you wondering if you can find an experienced therapist who “gets you,” someone who you can trust and will be in your corner? You’ll find that I’m the kind of therapist who really listens, is reliable and supportive. My commitment is to provide you with a safe, nonjudgmental relationship that allows you to solve problems at your own pace. Our work together will help you deepen self awareness, increase compassion for yourself, and resolve old patterns that no longer serve you.
As life unfolds, we often find ourselves in need of caring and trustworthy assistance when facilitating change or adjusting to the obstacles we face. As a therapist, I will accompany you through this process. I use a variety of therapeutic techniques and strive to address your needs as an individual. During our time together, I will provide a unique balance of empathy and emotional support along with effective strategies that can help you move toward a more fulfilling lifestyle.
As life unfolds, we often find ourselves in need of caring and trustworthy assistance when facilitating change or adjusting to the obstacles we face. As a therapist, I will accompany you through this process. I use a variety of therapeutic techniques and strive to address your needs as an individual. During our time together, I will provide a unique balance of empathy and emotional support along with effective strategies that can help you move toward a more fulfilling lifestyle.
Sometimes life brings about intense challenges, pain and loss that can affect our ability to function and even maintain healthy relationships. We can feel stuck in the struggle and the difficult emotions that often come with it. Therapy provides a safe space to explore these challenges, gain control over our emotions and learn how to move forward, towards overall balance and wellbeing.
Sometimes life brings about intense challenges, pain and loss that can affect our ability to function and even maintain healthy relationships. We can feel stuck in the struggle and the difficult emotions that often come with it. Therapy provides a safe space to explore these challenges, gain control over our emotions and learn how to move forward, towards overall balance and wellbeing.
Luis Figueroa Jr.
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Bloomington, IL 61701 (Online Only)
First, I want to genuinely thank you for taking the first step in bettering your life: Even if you don't email me, you still stopped at my page in hopes of finding a phrase that captures your attention, and decreases your anxiety when you think about what therapy with me would be like. I have worked hard on understanding this experience, and I imagine how frustrating it is when all of these profiles start to sound the same. What I can tell you is that with me, you will not be judged, you will not feel rushed, and you will not feel dismissed. Clients who want to be heard, seen, and understood often tell me my style works for them.
First, I want to genuinely thank you for taking the first step in bettering your life: Even if you don't email me, you still stopped at my page in hopes of finding a phrase that captures your attention, and decreases your anxiety when you think about what therapy with me would be like. I have worked hard on understanding this experience, and I imagine how frustrating it is when all of these profiles start to sound the same. What I can tell you is that with me, you will not be judged, you will not feel rushed, and you will not feel dismissed. Clients who want to be heard, seen, and understood often tell me my style works for them.
Are you wandering in the dark of depression alone? Do you feel anxious and lost? Are you struggling with childhood trauma? I am a licensed therapist with over 30 years of clinical experience. I focus my work with compassion, empathy, and growth. I help individuals understand feelings of exclusion and loneliness, difficulties with attachment, depression, anxiety, and complex trauma. I work particularly well with helping-professionals, queer-identified individuals, trauma survivors, neurodivergence, and anxiety/depression. With my unique clinical perspective, we can help you heal so you don't have to be in the dark anymore.
Are you wandering in the dark of depression alone? Do you feel anxious and lost? Are you struggling with childhood trauma? I am a licensed therapist with over 30 years of clinical experience. I focus my work with compassion, empathy, and growth. I help individuals understand feelings of exclusion and loneliness, difficulties with attachment, depression, anxiety, and complex trauma. I work particularly well with helping-professionals, queer-identified individuals, trauma survivors, neurodivergence, and anxiety/depression. With my unique clinical perspective, we can help you heal so you don't have to be in the dark anymore.
Lou Reyes is a dedicated Licensed Social Worker with over a decade of experience in mental health and addiction counseling. Since earning her Bachelor of Science in Human Services Counseling with a Minor in Addictions Treatment from the University of Nevada at Las Vegas, Lou has been committed to making a positive impact on the lives of her clients. In 2020, Lou achieved her Master of Social Work with a focus on the Social Work Practice of Hispanic Children and Families from Our Lady of The Lake University.
Lou Reyes is a dedicated Licensed Social Worker with over a decade of experience in mental health and addiction counseling. Since earning her Bachelor of Science in Human Services Counseling with a Minor in Addictions Treatment from the University of Nevada at Las Vegas, Lou has been committed to making a positive impact on the lives of her clients. In 2020, Lou achieved her Master of Social Work with a focus on the Social Work Practice of Hispanic Children and Families from Our Lady of The Lake University.
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Gestalt Therapists
What is gestalt therapy?
Gestalt therapy is based on the idea that to address unresolved negative feelings, emotions must be not only discussed but also actively expressed in the present moment. The term is from a German word meaning “whole,” and gestalt therapists believe that people should be considered whole entities made up of mind, body, and emotions. Gestalt sessions are rooted in the notion that a client’s total self must be discovered, explored, and confronted, so that they can take greater responsibility for themselves and their behavior, learn to satisfy their own needs while still respecting the needs of others, and reconnect with feelings they might otherwise deny.
How does gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy sessions do not just involve talking with a therapist. Clients may take part in role-playing, re-enactment, or artistic exercises like drawing and painting, with the goal of becoming more aware of negative thought patterns that limit happiness. One common gestalt exercise is “the empty chair,” in which a client sits across from an empty chair representing a partner, relative, boss, or a part of themselves—and, with the therapist’s encouragement, improvises a dialog with it. The intention is to bring the emotions raised by past conflicts into the present and work through them in the moment.
How long does gestalt therapy last?
As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for gestalt therapy; people who believe that they are making progress typically continue until they feel they’ve addressed the issues that had been holding them back. New patients should understand that it may take some time to become comfortable with gestalt exercises but once they do, they should expect sessions to extend for a number of months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions.
Does gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy has generally been found to be as effective as other forms of talk therapy in helping people living with anxiety, depression, phobias, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders, as well as helping individuals reduce conflict in relationships. Gestalt techniques, on their own or in combination with other therapies, can also be effective in managing physical ailments including ulcerative colitis, migraines, and back spasms. It should be noted that some people may have trouble adapting to gestalt therapy’s lack of formal structure or to a therapist’s close observations of their body language and emotions; others may struggle to commit to techniques that feel unnatural, like the empty chair exercise.