Martin Cassar
B.A. (Hons) (Melit.); P.G.Dip. ESD (Melit.); P.G.Cert. (IFT); M.A.Gest.Psy. (EAPTI-GPTIM)
Profile
First and foremost, I am an explorer of the human soul, in all its different manifestations. To this end, my studies have taken me into Anthropology, Sustainable Development Education, and now, Psychotherapy.
Along my life I have realised that, as much as we try to make things better for ourselves, something will nonetheless come up that will put a stick in the wheel. It is all too easy to give up or retreat into our shell. All too easy to indulge into the comfort of our own routines, despite knowing that these, whatever they may be, will not help us to find the happiness we seek.
How often have you felt alone, misunderstood, lost in a world that does not make sense? I am here to tell you, it does not need to be this way. And, yes, the upward spiral is not an easy one – but you do not have to do this on your own.
This is where therapy comes in. It can be as short or as long as you wish it to be. What matters is the wellbeing of my clients, of your own complete wellbeing. Some clients might wish to explore what troubles them at depth. Others might wish to find a listening ear, a supportive shoulder that does not judge, but is here, with them. You are not alone.
Life and the streets have been as great teachers to me as have been lecturers and books. In this field as therapists we are often confronted with sadness and melancholy. I am here to tell you that this is your time to grow. As Rumi, an ancient mystic, writes, light enters through the cracks. Along this journey, you are the guide, and I am holding the light, so together we come out of the darkness and into a new life, wherever and whatever this might be.
Qualifications and Memberships
The end-game for my studies is to understand better how people relate with the world, themselves, and spirit (in whatever form this is understood). To this end, I took my first degree in Anthropology, where I focused on sub-Saharan asylum seekers from the Horn of Africa. My research, focused primarily on storytelling, sought to understand how identity and community are created in one of the most difficult times in a person’s life.
After working with young people in a non-formal holistic educational programme, I chose to study Education of Sustainable Development. This presents an integrative approach to the human being within the environment, where deep ecology and unity of purpose towards a common goal were, and remain, driving forces within my development as a researcher, educator, and psychotherapist.
The pursuit of a Masters in Gestalt Psychotherapy stemmed from the understanding that, to heal the world, one needs to start from within – while being supported by someone who understands. Gestalt focuses on the here-and-now while emphasises that we are formed by, and forming, the social and natural environment around us. Therefore, there is no diagnosis, but instead it is a co-creation that can be helped. There is no ‘hopeless’ situation, or ‘damaged goods’: with presence of mind, body and soul, a new reality can come into being.
Family is an integral part of how our lives unfold. To better understand how dysfunctions can affect development, I took a specialization in Parental Alienation, where children are weaponized in the parental conflict. This gave me additional tools to support clients, while helping me to understand, in a much better way, my own biographical background.
Other interests
I find that playing ambient, surreal instruments – harmonium, flute, and singing bowls – is very enriching especially when needing to focus in Vipassana mediation. Other interests include philosophy, diving, and cooking foods from other cultures. Over the past 12 years I have had three rescued dogs which no one would adopt due to being too aggressive or hopeless. Brings me joy seeing each one of them living a peaceful, fulfilling life.
Whether you wish to contact me or my colleagues, remember – you are not alone in this. Hold on tight, the winds are there to make you stronger.