I am an accredited, registered and experienced psychotherapeutic counsellor and have been working in the field of physical and mental health and well being for twenty years. I understand the therapeutic dialogue to be one of depth, characterised by respect, compassion and humanity and grounded in relationship. I aim to support people in an exploration of their unique lived experience, and an understanding of themselves from a range of perspectives, cognitive, behavioural, relational, sexual, emotional and spiritual.
I am interested in how the events and circumstances of our lives influence our sense of who we are, our relationships with others and with the world. I have a particular interest in questions of identity and belonging and in the existential givens of human experience, of life and death, love, loss and meaning. Increasing our capacity to tolerate anxiety, ambivalence, disappointment and uncertainty enables us to embrace the life we have (or want) more fully and compassionately.
I have a background in bodywork, having trained and worked for many years as a yoga teacher and remedial massage therapist. I retain a continuing interest in the Eastern wisdom traditions and the mind, body, spirit connection. I seek to integrate this awareness in my practice.
I have an on-going interest in working with couples, at a time when culturally we expect so much of our intimate relationships. Our human need for safety and security is often at odds with a need for novelty and adventure. Herein lies a fundamental paradox to be managed rather than solved. I am currently a member of an international, multi disciplinary community engaged in dynamic dialogue around the complexities of love, sex and power in relationships.
I am committed to my own personal and professional development and consistently seek to resource myself to this end, intellectually, physically, creatively and spiritually in a range of contexts from culture to nature.
I currently work in private practice in Brighton and Hove and would be happy to hear from you with any enquiry you may have regarding individual or couples therapy.
Memberships: IARTA (International association of Relational Transactional Analysis): EATA (European Association of Transactional Analysis): Accredited member of the BACP (British association for counselling and psychotherapy).
Gerry is available at our Brighton and Hove Practice.
Blogs by Gerry Gilmartin
