Ms Carolyn Choy
Psychotherapist, Gestalt Therapist
MSc. (Gestalt Psych), Clin. Dip. (Gestalt Psych)
Umina Beach, NSW 2257
In Person + Telehealth
Philosophy & Vision
Carolyn is a Gestalt psychotherapist who provides a non-judgmental and supportive relationship. With the right level of warmth, humour and challenge - whether you can find the words easily or not, she will help you explore all that you bring.
With a Masters in psychotherapy from the highly respected Metanoia Institute in London, Carolyn is also a clinical member of PACFA (#23201).
Background
I completed a Clinical Diploma and Masters Degree in Gestalt psychotherapy at the highly respected Metanoia Institute in London, UK. Working as a therapist in London exposed me to a wide range of cultures, backgrounds and perspectives. I work on the NSW Central Coast at Umina Beach as well as online.
Services
I provide Gestalt based psychotherapy to adult individuals (18+) online and in Umina Beach.
Quality Provision
As a member of PACFA (PACFA Reg. Clinical 23201), I am committed to a high standard of practice. On-going continued professional development ensures I continue to keep up-to-date with industry practices and ethical standards.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Master of Science in Gestalt Psychotherapy - 2014 - Middlesex University / Metanoia Institute, London
- Clinical Diploma in Gestalt Psychotherapy - 2013 - Metanoia Institute, London
- Certificate in Basic Skills in Counselling - 2007 - Thames Valley University, London
- Bachelor of Science in Computing Science - 1999 - University of Technology Sydney
Modalities
Dream Work - Existential - Experiential - Gestalt - Mindfulness - Person Centred - Somatic Psychotherapy
Therapy Approach
My predominate approach is Gestalt with an integration of existential and somatic practices. What this involves is paying attention to the here-and-now, noticing sensations in the body (yours and mine) and inviting collaborative and creative experience when relevant.
Professional Associations
- Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia - Clinical
Practice Locations
Ryans Road
Umina Beach NSW 2257
Street parking is available at my Umina Beach location.
Appointments
Appointments are available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays from 8am until 4:30pm (finishing 5:30pm).
Fees & Insurance
My fee is $140 for a 50 minute session.
I offer rebates for relevant private health funds (BUPA, Medibank Private, AHM) and Australian Regional Health Group (ARHG) health funds.
Payment Options
Cash or electronic bank transfer/PAYID.
Contact Carolyn
Please contact me to make an appointment
A conversation with Carolyn Choy
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I've always been interested in listening to different people's life stories: how they've endured and overcome challenging times, what drives them, what their passion is and what it is that they love about their life.
My initial field of IT was just a job; one I knew I wasn't going to stay in forever. I'm so grateful to have taken this other path which is significantly more fulfilling. -
I hold a respect and appreciation for difference and always try to look at the world with a loving heart. I feel life wouldn't be as rich an experience if everything were always smooth-going - even when I wish it were just that little bit easier at times!
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I find all aspects of the human journey interesting. Our resilience, our fight for life, our want to make things better for ourselves and for others - I've seen all of these qualities in each of my clients, no matter what specific issue(s) they bring or who they are. In so many ways we're different and yet also the same. We want better relationships, better lives and better senses of ourselves.
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My predominant training is in the Gestalt approach, however that in itself encompasses a great deal (dialogic, phenomenological, here-and-now, creative experimentation)! I have a real passion for collaboration, body work, and the dynamic between me and a client. I work holistically - working with the whole of who you are (mind, body and environment/context), not just with what/how you think! Integrated influences that I work with include existential, systemic, attachment and somatic.
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'Progress' is a difficult measure as self-learning/awareness can come quickly or take a bit more time depending on each person. I'd say that if you're not feeling positive towards your therapeutic experience within 4-6 sessions, discuss what you're unhappy about with your therapist (just blurt it out!). If you're still don't feel any change in how you feel within the next few sessions, you may find a better fit with someone else. Not all therapists are going to suit everyone, so don't be scared to talk about it with them or try someone else.
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I get to know myself better: my strengths and my weaknesses. Together we grow.
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Therapy is a very personal and intimate experience. Being able to offer a respectful, non-judgemental and supportive space to a client where they can really get to know themselves and grow is a wonderful experience. It's a very unique relationship.
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Of course! It's the love and support of family and good friends that gets me through them.
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The pressure and expectations we put on ourselves and onto others.
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A poem that inspires me is Desiderata by Max Erhmann [https://www.cchoy.com.au/desiderata/] and the poem Wild Geese by Mary Oliver [https://www.cchoy.com.au/mary-oliver-poetry/]