Meet the Therapist: Paulette Goff
Paulette Goff is an online Gestalt counsellor
What attracted you to become a therapist?
I experienced growth and change through a counselling process. Now feels like a gift when witnessing it in others.
Where did you train?
Gestalt Centre London/Birkbeck University London
Can you tell us about the type of therapy you practise?
I practice Gestalt counselling. I feel it complements my style as a person who is neurodiverse. It allows me to process and engage creatively.
Gestalt also supports what may be occurring within the relationship between the client and myself.
How does Gestalt therapy help with relationship problems?
Gestalt therapy can support a client with attachment and intimacy issues.
For example, exploring and processing the relationship between the client and myself can be powerful and revealing. Enabling the client to explore and understand the interruptions that may have occurred in their life, will inform the client where they can become their own inner counsellor and work towards growth and change. All this takes place within the relationship in the therapy room.
What sort of people do you usually see?
I tend to work with individuals from 18 upwards.
Have you noticed any recent mental health trends or wider changes in attitude?
I feel people are more in tune with understanding behavioural difficulties within relationships, such as narcissism, toxic dynamics and trauma bonding, and how addiction can contribute to these factors.
What do you like about being a therapist?
Seeing growth and change. Meeting such a wide range of diverse people, building intimate bonds and sharing laughter.
What is less pleasant?
People in pain, people not being able to access support due to financial difficulty.
How long have you been with Welldoing and what you think of us?
I have just joined, so far I am grateful for the support, fast responses and the growing community.
Do you ever suggest books or apps to clients?
Yes I do. One example is Codependent No More by Melody Beattie.
Headspace is great for younger clients and Instant Timer for meditation and daily routine practices.
Watch Welldoing's interview with Melody Beattie here
What you do for your own mental health?
I like to explore and travel. Being out and about really supports my mental health. I also love delving into a good film. I have a walking buddy where I get to practice my Spanish. I like to be around people who make me laugh.
You are an online therapist. What can you share with us about seeing clients in this way?
Working online means I get to meet so any different people from across Europe. I mainly have a UK-based practice.
What do you wish people knew about therapy?
That therapy is a safe place to explore and learn so much about one self.
What did you learn about yourself in therapy?
How to practice self-love, self-forgiveness and compassion.
