Expert Gestalt Therapist in Seattle

As a Gestalt therapist, I welcome you to take part in a collaborative therapeutic relationship for exploration and growth.

I provide individual and group therapy to women and men who see therapy as an opportunity to expand their self-awareness and engage in a productive process of discovery and profound healing. I specialize in working with individuals who struggle with perfectionism, setting boundaries, codependency, and with making their own needs a priority. Our work together is built on a foundation of trust and openness, in which every part of you is invited to be known.

As a therapist to therapists, I draw on my extensive academic training and experience across clinical settings to counsel other mental health professionals and provide career guidance through clinical supervision.

The Gestalt Prayer

“I do my thing and you do your thing. I am not in this world to live up to your expectations, And you are not in this world to live up to mine. You are you, and I am I, and if by chance we find each other, it’s beautiful. If not, it can’t be helped.”

– Fritz Perls, 1969

This is gestalt therapy

All of You is Welcome Here

Gestalt psychotherapy is a therapeutic approach that promotes healing based on the belief that human beings are self-regulating and have an innate ability to adapt to the environment around them to live a fuller life. The goal of Gestalt therapy is not to change you. Rather, my role as a Gestalt therapist is to help you recognize the patterns you’ve developed in adapting to the world around you, and reveal the inner resources and resilience you already possess.

Many of us have had traumatic emotional experiences and developed ways to cope through separation and fragmentation – shutting down or cutting off parts of ourselves. In therapy, I invite every part of you to be known – those you love, those you don’t, and those you don’t even realize exist.

This form of therapy requires trust and openness, and a safe environment to develop curiosity about your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. From this foundation, I serve as your guide in developing a present-centered awareness, so you can embody an internal shift and experience living as an integrated whole.

Individual + Group therapy

If you're like many of my clients, you're ready for something different.

You may feel as if you’ve spent your life pleasing others at the expense of yourself. Or that you’ve been a chameleon for too long, always adjusting who you are to fit in. You’ve been afraid to speak up, set boundaries, set limits, say no. Like many of my clients, you’re feeling overwhelmed by unexpressed emotions and may experience anxiety, depression, or low self-worth, or you deal with perfectionism, shame, trauma, grief, or PTSD. If you’re a woman, you may be used to quieting your own voice and sacrificing yourself for the needs of others. You might also be dealing with the changes menopause brings – emotionally, physically, and culturally.

Now you’re prepared and willing to sort through the layers and overcome your emotional issues – to identify the outdated narratives taught by your family of origin, culture, and society, and to explore the patterns you’ve created to cope and survive. You’re ready to do what it takes to create a new awareness and relationship with yourself in order to fully experience life.

Group Therapy Services

Areas of Expertise

Therapy for Therapists + Clinical Supervision

Working with other professionals in the field is one of my greatest passions.

Therapists, social workers, and mental health counselors come to me for counseling, career guidance, and clinical supervision. I draw on my rigorous academic training and extensive clinical experience to help you develop and expand your skills, including incorporating the use of specific Gestalt techniques.

"The power of human connection and the healing that takes place when one is truly seen and held is nothing short of miraculous."

– Melissa Bennett-Heinz

About Me

I received my degree in clinical social work from Columbia University, with a concentration in health, mental health, and disabilities.

I completed my residency at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, and I’ve been a practicing therapist since 2002. I was introduced to the Gestalt method by my first clinical supervisor, who used the approach to guide the way she lived her life and our work together. That’s when I consider Gestalt Psychotherapy to have found me.

Testimonials

Melissa was the first person who told me that my opinion was important, she wanted to hear it, and that my voice matters.

Something Melissa taught me in therapy, ‘You have to decide you are sick and fucking tired of being sick and fucking tired.’ If you are, then you must contact this woman! She is extraordinarily skilled, educated and talented. Through my therapy with Melissa, I stopped being a victim, I learned to take responsibility, and I grew up. I was an emotional child in an adult body. Today, that emotional child is a part of me but not running my life.

KLC

Melissa was such a wonderful counselor in my healing journey. She challenged me to look deeper into my strengths when I doubted myself and she taught me how to accept praise for my hard work in mending old wounds. She always displayed exceptional professionalism, helpful guidance, and gentle kindness. I highly recommend Melissa Bennett-Heinz for therapy services.

Melissa Bennett-Heinz is a highly qualified, trained and seasoned psychotherapist with a unique and impactful approach to serving he beloved clients. I got to know Melissa in recent years through a community we were involved in. Her ongoing commitment to her personal growth and development of admirable!

I sought consultation from Melissa for my private therapy practice as I wanted to change the business structure but felt stuck. Melissa is absolutely brilliant! She helped shift my mindset about business by helping me unravel the layers that were preventing me from taking any action. I felt supported and understood the entire time and had gained a clear understanding of what I needed. I cannot say enough good things about her – she is more than worth the cost.

Being able to work with Melissa was truly a blessing. She is very kind, empathetic, insightful, and a great therapist

I was put in therapy as a kid and prescribed medication for years. I was stricken with anxiety when I sought help again from a therapist, expecting more of what I had already received. Melissa singlehandedly demonstrated that a therapist can care, work hard to help you help yourself, and [help you] make some drastic changes in your life for the better.

DMK

One thing I know to be very true of Melissa and her approach: She will always tell you the truth. Too many people lied and told me what I wanted to hear, or didn’t say shit. Her approach is warm, authentic, and genuine. (She also kicked my ass.) I have trust issues with everyone and Melissa did not expect me to trust her. In fact, she told me she didn’t want me to trust her until she earned it. Our relationship has been the most impactful relationship in my life

I have worked with Melissa for years. I walk away from every session feeling confident and empowered to put the tools and suggestions to use. To say she has completely transformed how I process my emotions and handle my interpersonal relationships would be an understatement. I truly feel that I have the skills to work through any adversity in my life.

I appreciate everything Melissa has done to help me process and work through things. I feel like I am in a much better place than I was two years ago and I’m confident that I can continue improving. Now I trust that I know what to do when life gets tough.

As Seen In

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Gestalt therapy look like?

Gestalt therapy is a collaborative, experiential process shaped by your needs and how you show up. We work together to build awareness, explore what’s happening in the present moment, and reconnect you with parts of yourself that may feel stuck or unheard. You’re an active participant in the process, and I support you through experiential “experiments” (like role-play or reflection) that help bring insight and change.

How do I know I’m ready to begin therapy?

There’s no right or wrong time to start therapy. People come for many reasons — anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, or simply wanting more clarity and self-understanding. If you’re here and considering it, that’s often a sign you’re ready to take the next step.

Do you take insurance?

Gestalt Therapy PLLC is not in-network with insurance providers. You may be able to use out-of-network benefits, depending on your plan. Payment is due at the time of session, and I can provide a superbill upon request for possible reimbursement. Please note that I do not communicate directly with insurance companies.

How long does therapy take to be effective?

Some clients feel relief right away simply by being heard and supported. The length of therapy depends on your goals — whether you’re working through a specific issue or exploring deeper patterns and long-term growth. We’ll regularly check in to make sure therapy continues to support what you need.

What are the benefits of virtual therapy?

Virtual therapy offers flexibility, accessibility, and privacy from wherever you are. It eliminates commute time, fits busy lifestyles, and allows continuity of care while traveling or living abroad. Many clients find virtual sessions just as effective — and sometimes even more comfortable — than in-person therapy