Who I am

My name is Theodora Volti and I am registered practitioner in contemporary Gestalt therapy. I help my clients become more aware of their everyday way of being which may interrupt, disrupt and undermine their effort to realise a fulfilling life and make small adjustments in their ways of being and doing, which will create big differences in their lives. 

I am a Gestalt therapist, scientist, and counsellor who integrates both top-down and bottom-up approaches in my work. By blending the principles of Gestalt therapy, which emphasises awareness, present-moment experience, and personal responsibility, with scientific insights and evidence-based practices, I provide a holistic and adaptable approach to helping my clients. My work focuses on understanding both cognitive and sensory/experiential processes, allowing me to address the mental, emotional, and physiological aspects of my clients’ challenges. This unique combination allows me to tailor my therapeutic interventions to each individual’s needs, promoting deeper self-awareness, emotional healing, and meaningful change. The combination of scientific and humanitarian experience allows me to hold a truly existential, neurodiverse and holistic approach to my Gestalt practice. 

With many years experience in working with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, existential issues, loss and grief, goal-setting and balanced/integrated life, my areas of expertise are complex trauma (including sexual trauma) , parenting, relationships, work-life balance, self-development and women in science.

I have a Grad Dip in Counselling from the University of Canberra (UC) and an Advanced Training in Contemporary Gestalt Therapy from the Relational Institute (TRIA) in Sydney, an Advanced Certificate in Existential Psychotherapy  based on marking criteria from the PostGraduate Psychology Department of The University of Essex, UK and numerous other training qualifications. I also hold a PhD in Geophysics from the University of Edinburgh, UK. I am PACFA clinical counsellor  and also a member of Canberra Jung Society. 

I have worked in non-for profit organisations such as Parentline, YWCA as a therapeutic counsellor for children and their families and Canberra Rape Crisis Centre (CRCC) and a counsellor, supervisor and coordinator, EAP consultancy to individuals and couples at Converge Int., and group facilitator for survivors of sexual assault as well as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) group therapy to inpatients at Deakin Private Hospital, ACT.

I have lived and worked in Greece, Belgium, the UK, and Japan. I moved to and settled in Australia in the past twenty years.  Having travelled widely around the world, I have cross-cultural awareness, knowledge and experience that foster a deeper connection with my clients and understanding of their issues.