About | Semyon Poliakovskii

About me and my attitude

Hello, my name is Semyon Polyakovskii. I am a qualified UKCP registered Gestalt Psychotherapist based in Bristol, UK. My first encounter with psychotherapy was 12 years ago, and since then I have learned first-hand how much it can offer. Today I run my own practice and help people find new ways of coping with difficult situations in their lives, when the ways they are familiar with are not sufficient anymore.

I believe that only you as a client hold the key to the most appropriate solutions for situations in your life. My role in psychotherapy is to help you find it. To do this, I rely on such principles of Gestalt Psychotherapy as awareness, authenticity and relational attitude, with a significant emphasis on body processes. I also believe there is always a place for creativity and play in our lives, and try to bring this attitude to my practice.

While it is widely believed that the primary benefit of psychotherapy comes from understanding or gaining insights (those "a-ha" moments), this is far from the truth. Most contemporary psychotherapeutic approaches view the body and mind as a holistic, indivisible system (one might say that "body is the unconscious"). This perspective is strongly supported by a growing body of research suggesting that durable psychotherapeutical outcomes are achieved by gaining new experiences on the bodily level.

Training and Background

Having completed my four-year Diploma in Gestalt Psychotherapy in Moscow Institute of Gestalt and Psychodrama, I am always on the lookout for new ways to develop my skills and keep learning. I am lucky enough to study with and get regular supervision from some of the best psychotherapy professionals in the world, including those at the Manchester Gestalt Center, New York Gestalt Institute, London Gestalt Center and French Gestalt Institute.

I am a full clinical member of the UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy) and a qualified member at GPTI (Gestalt Psychotherapy Training Institute). I am also a member of Stemning Club, Oslo.

This membership reflects that I have completed an extensive training program of at least four years, including hundreds of personal therapy and supervision hours required for accreditation. Additionally, it signifies my commitment to strict ethical guidelines, as both organizations enforce rigorous codes of conduct to ensure quality and integrity in my therapeutic practice. It means, if you ever feel that I have done anything wrong, there is a third regulatory body that can review the situation.

GPTI — Gestalt Psychotherapy and Training Institute

My practice is deeply rooted in philosophical foundations of Phenomenology and Existentialism, alongside modern clinical and scientific research. I try to get deeper into those and share my thoughts and reflection on my blog.

In addition to my psychotherapeutic practice, I am also passionate about creating immersive experiences as both endeavors are about understanding human perception and the transformational power of meaningful experiences obtained through art and contact.

I develop both in-person and digital experiences. One such project is an iOS app called Maginary, which has achieved 1 million downloads worldwide and earned me an Exceptional Talent Visa. This recognition has allowed me to bring my innovative approach and unique projects to the UK, where I continue to explore the intersection of technology and psychotherapy. Maginary ↗