From the very beginning, Gregory’s focus will be on safety in the room as a base for building trust and a good rapport. This is a priority for Gregory in working with his clients. Creating a secure foundation for people in a client–therapist relationship was a subject of Gregory’s literature review.

The Gestalt modality is the foundation of the ‘Growing Heart’ therapy practice.

Research shows that Gestalt Therapy is an effective treatment for working with anxiety and depression and has a larger life-enhancing effect in the treatment of depression compared to some other modalities (Watson et al., 2003)

Psychotherapy sessions happen weekly, as this provides a good balance between relational consistency and the opportunity to assimilate and integrate the work.

Gregory suggests an initial short-term contract of 4 sessions to build a secure ground for future work and enable his clients to have a sense of what it is like to work with his therapeutic style and personality.

These four initial sessions also give Gregory and his client a chance to have a better understanding of their situation and, based on that, make some predictions as to how long the client may need to be in therapy.

The psychotherapy ends at any time when the client feels they no longer require Gregory’s support. However, Gregory always encourages the client to undertake a final closing session together so the therapeutic relationship can reach a sense of completion.

Counselling generally refers to short-term consultation and is more concerned with practical or immediate issues and outcomes.

Psychotherapy is a longer-term, evolutionary process focused on helping a person to understand their life in a profound and reflective manner.

The name Growing Heart reflects the deep importance of feelings and emotions in building nurturing, supportive relationships. The heart plays a vital role in how we connect with others and in every part of our own personal transformation.

Gregory leads with his heart, using it to attune to and resonate with his clients. He believes that by offering a warm, safe, and fully accepting space, true healing and growth can unfold.

One of Gregory’s favourite quotes is:
“Healing is an art. It takes time, it takes practice, and it takes love.” — Maza Dohta