Ms Carolyn Choy
Psychotherapist
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 - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
My predominate approach is Gestalt with an integration of existential and body practices. What this involves is paying attention to the here-and-now, and inviting collaborative, creative experiences 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 $150 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.
I find it very fulfilling when clients have a greater understanding about themselves and create lasting change through their openness and hard work in therapy. -
I hold a respect and appreciation for difference and always try to look at the world with an open 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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It really varies depending on what a client brings and what they need. Some issues are easier and others are much more complex. It may take one client quite a while to feel safe enough to really open up while another client can feel they get what they need after just one meeting.
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I get to make a real and meaningful difference to people's lives.
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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/]