David Forrest: Gestaltuk

Background:

I trained as a therapist relatively late in life and had previously worked in the IT sector installing computer systems and training staff; developing support systems and integrating workflows; developing IT systems to allow small business to migrate to the technology; installation and management of IT infrastruture; and offering IT management services.  This followed 10 years working as a teacher in Secondary schools, and two years previously as an insurance underwriter.

I have been working as a therapist since 2002 and have complemented this work with associated activities that have included support work of university students with emotional/psychological issues; working with health professionals to enhance their communication/counselling skills; taught on UKCP accredited Post Graduate Master Integrative Psychotherapy programmes for over 7 years; and I have facilitated CPD workshops engaged in promoting therapeutic skills and development since 2006

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My psychotherapy qualification is an MA in Gestalt Psychotherapy from Birmingham University having trained with the Sherwood Training Institute in Nottingham.  I am a registered Gestalt Psychotherapist with UKCP, and I am a member of the UK Association for Gestalt Practitioners (UKAGP).  I was also a member of the UK Association for Psychotherapy Integration (UKAPI) during its active period.

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I work as a therapist in private practice, with both adults and young adults.

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I am qualified as a Clinical Supervisor, with a Certificate in Supervision from the  Centre for Supervision and Team Development (CSTD) in Bath; and this is accredited with UKCP

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The trainer element in me stems from my earlier career as a (Maths) teacher working in secondary school in Leicester.  In fact, although I was not aware of it at the time, my teaching approach was supportive of the Gestalt way of working.  I imagine had I known and learnt Gestalt theory back then I may have remained a teacher.  That said, I am so glad and happy to be able to do the work I now do; it is a privilege and honour to be allowed to share in a persons journey of discovery and growth.

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Clinical Experience:

I have gained valuable experience and learning through my work with individuals, and couples, dealing with a wide range of difficulties.

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• Working within a medical practice.

• Brief and focal therapy.

• I work in private practice with adults and adolescents; individuals and couples.

• Working for WEA (Workers Educational Association) to deliver adult evening classes with a Listening/Self Development theme.

• Working within Primary and Secondary Education as a therapist with Nottingham students 10 - 16, for three years.

• Delivered CPD courses for health professionals on Counselling Skills and Skills Consolidation, Communication Skills and Bereavement courses for three years.

• I worked as a Safe Speak (part of Derby Relate) counsellor working with adolescents for three years

• Lecturer in psychotherapy for Postgraduate Masters Integrative Psychotherapy programme for six years

• Mental Health Support worker with university students through their Wellbeing Service, for seven years. 

• Delivered many Professional Development workshops for counsellors and psychotherapists in Birmingham for five years. 

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Clinical Qualification: MA (B'ham) Gestalt Psychotherapy

Supervisor Qualification: Certificate in Supervision (CSTD, Bath)

Clinical Practice: Nottingham and Lichfield

Supervisory Practice: Lichfield