Victoria
Shalet
Humanistic Psychotherapist MBACP (Accred)
& Certified Relational Life Therapist
working with Adult Individuals and Couples
in Chiswick, West London
The space I take in the world externally is a mirror of the space in me internally.
Only by risking to explore those interiors can I realise my full potential.
Humanistic Psychotherapy and Relational Life Therapy
for Adults and Couples
"Let your curiosity be greater than your fear" - Pema Chödrön
What is therapy?
Therapy is about learning to be in charge of your life; it is a conversation within a relationship where you can be witnessed, heard and challenged so you can move towards a more fulfilling future.
Working as a humanistic psychotherapist and relational life practitioner means that I see you as an individual: someone who is made up of a body, emotions, thoughts, sensations and perceptions with your own unique experience of life, one that only you know.
I believe that therapy can help us at many times in our lives. We may start when we are struggling with life and feel stuck in patterns of behaviour that no longer work for us. You may want to bring unresolved issues, current difficulties or hopes for the future. I work with you to explore what you bring and all that you want from life. My relationship with you is particularly important to the work we do and influences the success of the therapy.
Humanistic therapy is based in humanistic psychology that is primarily client-focused. It works on the belief that the relationship between client and therapist is of paramount importance to the work. My practice is informed by the work of Gestalt, Transactional Analysis and Formative Psychology. I am influenced by the work of Stanley Keleman, Fritz Perls, Terry Real, Dr Gabor Maté, Esther Perel and Deb Dana.
I am particularly influenced by Gestalt therapy, the goal of which is awareness not change. With awareness, that may at times be uncomfortable and challenging, we can begin to own and take responsibility for the lives that we lead. We then have choices in the way we live and can affect changes, if we so wish, that can in turn transform the relationship we have with ourselves, with others and with the world around us.
Relational Life Therapy is the work of Terry Real and teaches couples how to be more relational and ultimately more cherishing in their relationships by working through the dynamics that have interrupted that possibility until now. It can be a challenging and yet incredibly effective way of working.
How I work
"It is only when compassion is present that people will allow themselves to see the truth.
Where there is no compassion there is no trust."
A. H. Almaas
I am an accredited humanistic Psychotherapist which means that therapy takes form in a conversation. I see us as equals and work to support you on your exploration to find a more satisfying way of being.
I believe that we all have the potential to take charge of our lives and that the therapeutic relationship can work to harness that power. Celebrating the best parts of ourselves can help us to accept and change or grow the parts we are less confident about.
I work both one-to-one with adult individuals and couples of all ages, races, cultures, religious backgrounds and sexual orientation in a safe and confidential space.
I believe that we are all unique and as a result we require different ways of working. My practice is informed by the work of Gestalt, Transactional Analysis and Formative Psychology and I am influenced by the work of Stanley Keleman, Fritz Perls, Esther Perel, Terry Real, Dr Gabor Maté, Brené Brown and Deb Dana.
If after our initial meeting we decide to work together, we would meet once a week on the same day and at the same time, for as long as the work continues to be effective and beneficial to you. I offer either brief (6-10 sessions) or open-ended therapy where we will review the process periodically to ensure you are getting the most from our time together.
When the time comes to end our work it is important to make sure we have a proper ending, this may be over the course of two sessions but I would always aim that we have at least one so that we can review and complete all that has gone before in order to say goodbye in a satisfying way.
My rates
Please enquire about fees.
Areas I work with:
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Anger
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Anxiety
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Bereavement and Loss
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Childhood issues
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Childhood sexual, physical or emotional abuse
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Communication
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Couples Counselling
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Depression
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Family issues
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Grief
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Identity
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Parenting/step-parenting
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Performance pressure
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Reclaiming interior space after change or loss
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Relationship issues
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Self-esteem
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Shock
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Stress and Overwhelm
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Suicidal feelings
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Transitions and change
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Trauma
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Work/life balance