About me
My name is Chauncey Sjostedt (she/her) and I am a PACFA certified Gestalt Therapist who offers a warm, compassionate space where you can feel truly seen, supported and safe to explore life’s challenges.
Reaching out for support takes courage and I’m heartened every time someone chooses to take this step with me. As a proud queer woman of the LGBTQIA+ community, I hold a strong commitment to inclusivity. I welcome people of all gender identities and orientations into a safe, celebratory, and affirming space.
My style is trauma-informed, person-centered, and body-focused. As both a therapist and as a person, I value compassion, creativity and authenticity in the work I do and relationships I build. I aim to bring a gentle and curious presence to supporting clients as they navigate what is feeling difficult, unclear or stuck.
With experience both in private practice at Open Dialogue Psychotherapy in Darlington, and volunteer as counselling at ACON in Surry Hills, I bring a broad perspective to my work. An educational background in anthropology and gender studies further allows me to tailor my approach from a macro/big-picture lens.
In addition to my training as a psychotherapist, I have 15 years of experience as a midwife. This uniquely positions me to offer specialised support for the psychosocial challenges associated with fertility, pregnancy, birth, and parenthood. This is not only applicable to the birthing person, but also to support people and others involved in a multitude of family dynamics.
My Services
Gestalt therapy is a present-focused and relational style of therapy, meaning the connection between you and I matter. This style of psychotherapy is not about me analysing you from a distance, it’s about us working together, in the moment, to explore what’s happening in your life.
Using Gestalt therapy as a foundation, I am passionate about helping clients develop the tools and capacity to lead fuller lives and gain a deeper understanding of themselves. In sessions, this will involve noticing patterns and feelings, and tracking experiences within the body as they arise. This approach allows space for fresh awareness and the ability to make different choices. Many people find this both a grounding and energising experience, which can lead to lasting and meaningful changes happening in their life.
My therapeutic approach is further influenced by a multitude of modalities and knowledge, including Internal Family Systems, Somatic Experiencing, Mindfulness and Polyvagal Theory.
I welcome individuals with a range of concerns and have experience working with:
- Anxiety, stress, and burnout
- Managing overwhelming emotions
- Gender diversity and transition support.
- Grief, loss, and life changes
- Relationship concerns / interpersonal challenges
- Gender identity and sexuality
- Personal growth and self-understanding
- Birth trauma and parenting transitions
- Complex family dynamics
- Self esteem, body dissatisfaction and identity