Irene Valis - Gestalt therapist & coach

27/03/2026

We’re so conditioned as women to confuse being selfless for self-sacrifice; and putting the needs of others above our own.

The notion “Treating others the way we want to be treated” somehow translated into “we can never treat ourselves”.

Or that if we did, it meant that we were selfish.

What is that about?

Curiosity led me to challenge this myth.

I began to experiment in small and simple ways where I allowed myself a new experience of being seen and supported - ways in which I never hesitated to see and support others.

Eventually I was able to break the pattern of over-functioning by including my own needs and preferences into the mix - not above than, but equal to.

By practicing more discernment: what's mine; what´s not; where and how I can help; and where and how I need help.

This has become a major turning point in my life.

Now when things come up like having a cold last week, I do not hesitate to focus on priorities and drop the rest; so that I can actually rest!

That way I can repair and re-emerge a lot sooner rather than re-inviting total burnout back into my body.

We´re simply not meant to do everything for everyone, everyday!

So my friend, how are YOU looking after yourself to look after others? Where can you practice a little more discernment in your life? X

27/03/2026

We’ve been so conditioned as women to confuse selflessness for self-sacrifice.

It’s like the notion “Treat others the way we want to be treated” somehow got translated into “we can never treat ourselves”.

Or that if we did, it meant that we were selfish.

What is that about?

Curiosity led me to challenge this myth.

I began to experiment in small and simple ways where I allowed myself a new experience of being seen and supported - ways in which I never hesitated to see and support others.

Eventually I was able to break the pattern of over-functioning by including my own needs and preferences into the mix - not above than, but equal to.

By practicing more discernment: what’s mine; what´s not; where and how I can help; and where and how I need help.

This has become a major turning point in my life.

Now when things come up like having a cold or a season of insomnia, I do not hesitate to focus on priorities and drop the rest; so that I can actually rest!

That way I can repair and re-emerge a lot sooner rather than re-inviting total burnout back into my body.

We´re simply not meant to do everything for everyone, everyday!

So my friend, how are YOU looking after yourself to look after others? Where can you practice a little more discernment in your life? X

11/03/2026

This one's for all the amazing women, mothers, wives, daughters out there who already give so much!

Your time, your energy, your headspace; all in support of others in your life and your community.

In light of International Women´s Day’s theme GivetoGain and emphasis on the power of reciprocity and support - my invitation for you is to consider the reciprocity part.

If we only give to gain yet refuse to receive; that imbalance can lead us to disappointment and depletion.

It also prevents the person trying to give to us, the opportunity to gain from giving.

True reciprocity of giving to gain is in gaining to give.

Getting comfortable with the discomfort of gaining without the guilt has helped me to break the pattern of over-functioning and to experience what it's like to feel seen and supported - without having to earn it or return it immediately.

It´s also helped me trust that an opportunity eventually presents itself where I can then reciprocate the gesture or pay it forward some other way.

And it feels so much better for me inside when I give intentionally rather than reactively, or from an empty cup.

These are just some of the gifts to be gained from true reciprocity.

What are some ways you can begin to balance giving with some receiving? X

06/03/2026

A little background story about how I arrived here to serve, nurture and empower women who are experiencing overwhelm, stuckness or burnout; guiding them on a path towards their own healing, growth and change.

Looking to go deep with therapy?
or
Wanting to go far through coaching?

Discover more about my holistic and sustainable approach to change by visiting my website, or DM to book a free connection call to discuss the service that meets your needs and to see if we make a good match.

04/03/2026

Tired of feeling tired? It’s time to take self-care, literally

25/02/2026

For years I carried beliefs that I was behind, or too late; or I would berate myself for ¨not getting it right¨ the first time.

I was trying so hard and doing good things, yet I wasn´t making any traction on my long term goals.

It was super frustrating! Like being on a rocking chair; constantly moving but not getting anywhere.

I kept looking ¨out there¨ - for guidance, instructions, validation, reassurance whether it was through more research, more downloads, and more bookmarked weblinks that I rarely revisited.

Once I noticed what I was doing, I began to interrupt the pattern and play with the idea of turning within and applying myself more instead of consuming more…

That's when everything shifted.

I learned to both listen to and provide for my needs, my values, my desires.

I responded by setting my own terms and conditions and following my own timeline and rhythms.

I harmonised the receptive creativity of my feminine with the directive stability of my masculine.

The result? Greater ease and flow than I´ve ever experienced, even with life being more demanding than ever, because I now trust myself fully.

That's how real shifts happen. Not by shaking things up - but by stretching ourselves gently.

My story of ¨I´m behind¨ became ¨I am right where I´m meant to be¨.

Next time you´re feeling stuck or whatever else you´re identifying with, ask yourself…

¨What story am I telling myself?¨
¨Where did I learn it from?¨
¨Is it even really true?¨
¨What else is possible?¨

Let me know if this resonates or share it with someone who might

19/02/2026

Transitions are not an overnight thing or a set date…

Growth and change happen with intention and commitment; a decision each day to choose new over old, to choose different instead of default.
Again and again and again.

The Snake taught us about shedding.
The Horse invites us into momentum.

However, we don't have to choose one over the other; both releasing and moving forward can co-exist.

That's been my process over this past year.

I´ve taken time out for some deep reflection and recalibration.

Shining a light on where I was functioning from conditioning instead of truth - and finally releasing some of the old beliefs and stories that were running on autopilot in my head, in my body and in my life.

As I embodied more and more of my truth, alternative routes became clearer.

Intentions and ideas turned into aligned action.

One included the decision to cultivate a more conscious way of showing up here on socials.

A way in which I can be present without perfection and go at my own pace without pressure.

Sometimes the most courageous thing we can do is to slow down enough to follow what we´re pulled towards, rather than react from all that pushes us.

What I'm pulled towards is heart-led sharing, serving and supporting that is not bound by calendars or comparisons.

Every seed has its own gestation period and we too, have our own experiences and environments therefore our own process and duration for growing and blooming.

So if you ever find yourself feeling the weight and ¨shoulds¨ of New Year messaging, or your resolutions tend to fizzle out by February…

Let this be the year you stay focused on your path and what really matters to you - and stop comparisons from diluting your peace and full potential.

Save this to return to whenever you need a reminder to lean into your truth and to trust that you are a beautiful work in progress.

15/12/2025

I know how disheartening it can feel to have a vision or desire, yet find yourself moving one step forward and two steps back.

Not because you don’t care or don't have will — but because something inside is quietly holding the brakes.

For me, it was the belief of “I can’t” — as though I wasn’t capable or didn’t know how. At times it also felt like I was waiting for someone else to tell me what to do, or to do it for me.

These beliefs felt very real, even though they weren’t true.

So then the cycle would begin with analysis-paralysis, looping thoughts, trying to ¨figure it all out¨ and end with frustration and fear of “falling behind.”

Everything shifted when I softened self-criticism into curiosity and began asking myself, “How can I?...”

More options appeared. My next steps became clearer.

And I remembered my truth: I do know — and only I can take that step for myself.

When we learn to understand and embrace all parts of ourselves, even the stuck parts, we can make more conscious choices and take aligned action — even if the path isn’t linear.

Two steps forward, one step back still moves you closer.

Sharing this in case it meets someone where they are at today.

11/12/2025

I’ve been quietly growing a new space for women who are ready to move beyond old patterns of pushing, perfecting, procastinating and pleasing and step into the next chapter of their lives with clarity, calm and confidence.

After walking alongside so many women in therapy and witnessing the profound change that happens when awareness meets embodied experimentation, I began to notice a theme where there was more of a need for guidance and support as they grow into who they are becoming - their most aligned, authentic self.

In response, I created The Conscious Creator Program —
a 3-month, Gestalt-informed coaching container for individual women navigating life transitions, identity shifts, or the tender “in-betweens” where something new is calling to them.

It’s not therapy and not mindset coaching — it’s a relational, embodied space that holds you in your season of change; moving you from awareness → integration → action where you are guided in your vision and grounded by your values.

If you’re feeling the pull toward expansion (or know someone who is), you’re welcome to learn more or book a clarity call here: https://www.irenevalis.com/gestalt-coaching

I’m so excited to co-create this new chapter with you! ✨🔥🌈

08/12/2025

It’s been a long time since I’ve shared my voice here - and so I wish to take a moment to re-introduce myself.

My name is Irene Valis, a gestalt practitioner who is passionate about nurturing and empowering women who want to stretch beyond old patterns and step into the next chapter of their lives with clarity and confidence.

This past year has been a season of quiet transformation for me personally — the kind that doesn´t always show on the surface.

A period of stepping back and softening; of listening to those whispers and letting myself be reshaped from the inside out.

Life invited me to slow down enough to hear what was true for me.

To release the pressure to perform or perfect.
To revisit the Gestalt foundations of presence, awareness and contact that I love.
To re-emerge in a more grounded and authentic way.

In that cocooning, something meaningful began to unfold —
a clearer sense of direction,
a deeper trust in my own wisdom,
and a new way of supporting women who feel the weight or stuckness of external expectations or internal false-beliefs.

With that, I am now also offering gestalt-informed coaching; a space for women who know they are capable of more and yet remain stuck in cycles of overthinking, self-doubt, procastination and perfectionism.

This relational coaching work weaves together curiosity, awareness, embodiment - where we co-create a bridge that moves you from insightful information into aligned action.

I´ll be sharing more details about my new program soon - for now I just wanted to say thank you for being here! X

24/12/2024

22/12/2024

…And I have a special offering just for you….

Sometimes you may feel like you’re too much for people around you or that you’re not doing enough for others.
Or you may even feel a sense of guilt or betrayal, like it’s too soon to enjoy yourself or that others can't have a good time.

Whatever it may be for you, having the right kind of support at the right time can help - to honour your experience; to feel less alone; to be more than enough.

For this week only, on Monday 23rd & Friday 28th December, I am converting my free consults into complimentary connection calls for a duration of 20 minutes (limited to 2 people per day).

This is an opportunity for a curious someone amongst my Instagram followers who is:
- open to having a little time with me to feel met and understood, just as you are
- not wanting to be rescued, fixed or cajoled out of their grief or loss
- yearning for some space and grace to have their experience safely held and supported.

I also have a few spaces available in my private practice for those who are seeking ongoing 1:1 support with me in Sydney or online throughout January.

To be considered for this special offering, contact me via PM.

To book ongoing 1:1 support, visit my website: www.irenevalis.com.

From my heart to yours,
Irene x