Christopher Bestwick

I am a qualified and accredited UKCP gestalt psychotherapist and accredited BACP Counsellor with over twenty three years experience of working in therapeutic services. I have worked in public sector Mental Health Services for over 16 years and I have now managed a private practice which is available to members of the public and organisations for 14 years. I offer Gestalt Counselling and Psychotherapy in the West Midlands in an area which is easily accessible from Birmingham, Worcestershire and surrounding areas. I am an associate Psychotherapist to The Professional Footballers Association (The PFA) in Partnership with Sporting Chance Clinic, also to ‘Retail Trust’ , National Adoption services, The Practitioner Network and ‘Towards Healing’.

I have experience from working with a wide range of difficulties some of which I have listed below along with my relevant credentials achieved before May 2015;

Qualifications-

2011 – Masters in Gestalt Psychotherapy.

2010 – Post graduate Diploma in Gestalt Psychotherapy.

2009 – Post graduate Certificate in Gestalt Psychotherapy.

2007 – Diploma in Counselling (Level 4).

2005 – Certificate in Counselling (Level 3).

1996 – Higher National Diploma in Play Specialism.

1993 – Btec National Diploma in Caring Services.

I am interested in enabling those who may feel that they are lacking in direction, to explore how they might create a better way of being in the world.

As well as my interest in facilitating personal development, I also have considerable experience of counselling and psychotherapy in mental health and educational settings. I accept referrals from a wide range of people, professionals and organisations such as; G.P’s, Psychiatrists, Teachers, Retail Trust, Sporting Chance Clinic, Self referrals, Parents and Peers to name but a few.

I have completed over 9 years counselling and psychotherapy training and I regard my own personal development as a crucial element in my work with clients. In addition I have a significant commitment to continuing professional development. My professional interests include Attachment Theory and Trauma Therapy and their incorporation within a Gestalt framework.

I draw on Gestalt as both my philosophy for living and personal growth.

How I work-

I make the assumption that we are each experts on ourselves and given the right environment we are able to make use of our expertise. I invite people to become aware of their strengths, limitations and personal resources, and to pay attention to emotional and physical responses, sometimes suggesting further exploration aimed at heightening awareness.

During sessions you will notice the importance I place on building an authentic, warm and trusting relationship. I am keen to understand how you are impacted by your experiences and will usually share my own response to what you share. Gestalt sessions are often lively, creative, challenging and can be profoundly enlightening. Imagine having someone genuinely interested in YOU and committed to helping you live the life that you choose.