Dawn Kingston

Welcome to my profile.   I wonder what it is you are looking for in a therapist?  I can offer a warm, safe and experiential space, so you can explore your thoughts and feelings.  As a Gestalt Psychotherapist some of the focus of our work is to notice what happens in the moment, increasing this awareness helps to untangle and free ourselves from limiting patterns of behaviour.  Developing a way of reflecting and nurturing kindness and curiosity, can help support the work. 

My training and experience. 

My most recent training has been as a Gestalt Psychotherapist for six years with the Gestalt Centre Wales.  My initial training was in Humanistic and Integrative Counselling with The University of Bristol. We covered a range of theories and approaches enabling me to work in a way that meets individual need.   Following my counselling training which I started in 2007, I became accredited and a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) in 2010.  I have been working in private practice since then.  

Over the years I worked within the voluntary sector and have a vast range of counselling experience, including working with LBGTQI+ people.  Whilst at The Terrence Higgins Trust, I worked with people diagnosed and living with HIV.  I welcome clients from diverse backgrounds and cultures and different age groups. I have an interest in working with the process of loss and grief.  At The University of Bristol, I saw clients via the generic community counselling service.  As well as working with counsellors undertaking their training.

Gestalt Approach 

Gestalt places the emphasis on the present and what happens for you in the moment.  This in turn is informed by your past life experiences.  What this approach offers is learning through paying attention to your embodied experience.  Building greater embodied awareness through experimenting and reflecting on your responses, we can find out what holds you back and what nourishes you. This helps to gain deeper insight and healing. Different choices can be made with greater awareness, which in turn helps to enhance our way of living in the world.  

It is easy for us to be self-critical; this approach places the emphasis on developing a sense of curiosity and compassion towards ourselves.  Gestalt places importance on building self and environmental support, so we can better face the challenges that life throws at us.  

Creative writing

I can offer creative writing ideas for you, if this is an area of interest.  Flow writing and journaling are great ways to explore process or follow themes as they emerge in therapy.  Poetry is a form of writing that can get to the heart of something and cuts out detail.  Working creatively helps to tap into what is on the edge of your awareness.  Often what is needed is ideas to get you writing.  Everyone is different. You may find structure gets in the way; equally it may be needed to hold the work.  

Starting therapy and the fee 

Finding the right therapist is an important thing. It’s hard to judge from a photo and profile.  Please feel free to call or come and meet me.  We can talk about what it is you want to achieve and see if we are a good fit.  Sometimes it’s hard to know what you need from therapy before you start. We can work this out together; what feels right for you. 

My fee is for a 50-minute session. Sliding scale is available for those on low income. I work from Chepstow on a Monday pm and Bristol on Wednesday & Thursday.

Location and availability

Wed & Thurs - Frenchay, BS16.  Parking on drive.

Mon pm –  Chepstow.