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Gestalt therapy is an exploratory treatment method in psychotherapy. It can be helpful in a variety of problem areas and has inspired the development of newer forms of therapy. Here we look at what Gestalt therapy is and how it can help.
What is Gestalt therapy?
Gestalt therapy, created in the 1940s by psychotherapists Fritz and Laura Perls and writer Paul Goodman, is a psychotherapeutic approach that combines elements from different approaches such as psychoanalysis, existentialism and phenomenology.
The creation of Gestalt therapy was in response to psychoanalysis’ focus on the unconscious and the past. Instead, this therapy emphasizes the individual’s holistic experience in the present. Additionally, Gestalt therapy emphasizes the importance of the individual’s freedom, choice and responsibility. It also uses dialogue and experimental methods to raise awareness and promote change. This form of therapy integrates insights from psychology, philosophy and art to create a rich and multifaceted therapeutic approach.
It is an exploratory approach that can be helpful for different conditions and problem areas, and has also inspired later methodological developments in different fields.
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What is the focus of Gestalt therapy?
Gestalt therapy focuses on the individual’s experience in the present moment and the relationship between therapist and client within their social and environmental setting. This form of therapy stresses the importance of being present in the moment and sees the individual as a whole, including thoughts, feelings and behaviours. By increasing self-awareness and self-understanding, it helps clients explore their experiences and relationships.
Gestalt therapy uses experimental techniques such as role play to promote learning and personal development. The relationship between therapist and client is central, and the therapy places a strong emphasis on personal responsibility and conscious choice. It is effective in treating a variety of psychological concerns.
What can Gestalt therapy help with?
Gestalt therapy can be effective for a variety of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, self-esteem and relationship issues. Its unique focus on the present moment and holistic view of the individual offers a distinctive perspective in psychotherapeutic treatment. Gestalt therapy has also inspired more recent forms of therapy such as schema therapy, taking principles and developing them for more comprehensive treatment.
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Techniques in Gestalt therapy
Gestalt therapy uses a variety of techniques to promote self-awareness, personal growth and improved relationships. Here are some of the most common techniques:
- Here and Now: Focus on the client’s current experiences and feelings. The therapist helps the client become aware of what is happening within them and in their environment in the moment.
- Awareness experiments: Using experimental exercises to explore the client’s thoughts, feelings and behaviours. This can include role play, imagination work or movement exercises.
- Empty chair technique: A technique where the client speaks to an empty chair as if it represents another person, a part of themselves, or an object. This helps to explore relationships and inner conflicts.
- Dialogue and communication: Active dialogue between the therapist and client to explore feelings and reactions that arise during the session.
- Body awareness: Attention to body language, posture and physical sensations to increase awareness of unconscious emotional states.
- Confrontation: The therapist may use confrontation (in a supportive way) to challenge the client’s avoidance or defense mechanisms.
- Imagination and visualization: Use of visualization and imagination to explore dreams, fantasies and unconscious desires.
- Use of ‘I’ messages: Encouraging the use of ‘I’ messages to promote ownership of feelings and experiences, strengthening self-awareness and authenticity.
The therapist adapts these techniques to each client’s unique needs and situation. The goal is to help clients become more aware of their thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and to discover new ways of approaching their life issues and relationships.
How long is a treatment with Gestalt therapy?
The length of treatment varies depending on the individual’s needs and goals. Some people experience improvement in a few weeks or months and others may need longer, sometimes several years. The therapist adapts the frequency of sessions to the client’s situation and can be weekly or less frequent. The flexibility of Gestalt therapy means that the length of treatment and strategy can adjust to suit the client’s development in therapy, making each treatment plan unique and tailored.
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The influence of Gestalt therapy in psychotherapy
Gestalt therapy has been an influence and a component of many forms and methods of therapy. Integrative therapy uses components of Gestalt therapy, where its focus on the present moment and awareness is combined with other psychotherapeutic techniques. Additionally, organizational and leadership development applies gestalt principles to improve communication and relational dynamics.
Art and creative therapies use Gestalt methods to promote personal expression and exploration through art forms. Body-based therapies have embraced Gestalt’s emphasis on bodily experiences for emotional awareness and healing. Additionally, in relationship therapy, Gestalt techniques help improve communication between couples or family members.
Personal development and coaching also use Gestalt methods to achieve self-awareness and personal goals, and in group therapy and workshops to improve group dynamics and interpersonal patterns. Although Gestalt therapy is from the 1940s, it continues to contribute to a broader understanding of human behaviour and development in several areas.
Criticism of Gestalt therapy
Gestalt therapy has faced criticism, mainly for the lack of extensive empirical research supporting its effectiveness. This is in contrast to more research-based therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy. The subjective nature of therapy can lead to a lack of structure and objectivity. The active role of the therapist has also been questioned for potential imbalance in the therapist-client relationship, which can reduce client autonomy.
The intensity of the method and focus on emotional explorations can be overwhelming for some clients. In addition, Gestalt therapy approaches have sometimes been criticized for a lack of cultural sensitivity and a limited focus on the client’s past and future considerations. Despite this, Gestalt therapy continues to be popular for its ability to promote self-awareness and personal growth.
12 common questions and answers about gestalt therapy
What is Gestalt therapy?
Gestalt therapy is an experiential approach that emphasizes the importance of current feelings and experiences, individual freedom, choice and responsibility, and uses dialogue and experimental methods to raise awareness and promote change.
How does a Gestalt therapy treatment work?
By increasing self-awareness and self-understanding, it helps clients explore their experiences and relationships in the present moment.
What can be treated with Gestalt therapy?
There are many issues that can be treated with Gestalt therapy. It is often used to explore relational issues. but can also be useful in other areas.
How long does a treatment with Gestalt therapy take?
Treatment time depends but can range from a few months to several years.
What methods and techniques are used in Gestalt therapy?
Gestalt therapy uses experimental techniques such as role play to promote learning and personal development. The relationship between therapist and client is central, and the therapy places a strong emphasis on personal responsibility and conscious choice.
What is the basis of Gestalt therapy?
Gestalt therapy was developed in the 1940s and combines elements from different approaches such as psychoanalysis, existentialism and phenomenology.
Can Gestalt therapy be provided online?
It is possible to receive treatment digitally via video, however it may be better to meet in person.
Are there any disadvantages to Gestalt therapy?
Gestalt therapy can be an effective treatment method for exploring various issues and relationships but there may be more effective treatment for specific issues that are more grounded in research.
What is schema therapy?
Schema therapy is a newer method of treatment inspired by Gestalt therapy.
How does psychoanalysis differ from Gestalt therapy?
Gestalt therapy was developed in response to psychoanalysis’ focus on the unconscious and the past, with a new emphasis on the individual’s holistic experience in the present.
What is a gestalt therapist?
A Gestalt therapist is a professional who has undergone further training in the method, usually lasting four years.
Where can I turn if I need help?
At Lavendla, we have experienced psychologists and therapists who can help you feel better. If you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, contact 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
What does gestalt therapy treatment involve?
Gestalt therapy is an interactive and experiential process where the therapist and client work together to increase the client’s awareness and understanding of themselves and their relationships. Here is an overview of how such a treatment usually works:
1. Creating a safe environment
The therapist begins by creating a safe and supportive environment where the client feels comfortable exploring their feelings and experiences.
2. Focusing on present experiences
Gestalt therapy concentrates on the “here and now.” This means that the client pays attention to what they are experiencing in the moment, both emotionally and physically.
3. Self-awareness and self-exploration
The therapist encourages the client to become aware of their thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and behaviours. The therapist helps the client to understand how this affects well-being and relationships.
4. Dialogue and experimental learning
The therapist uses dialogue and various experimental techniques, such as role play, imagination and movement exercises. This helps the client explore different aspects of themselves and their relationships.
5. Processing unfinished business
Treatment often includes an exploration of unfinished relationships or unexpressed feelings from the past that are affecting the client’s current life.
6. Accountability and choice
The therapist encourages the client to take responsibility for their actions and recognize their own influence over their life circumstances. This in turn promotes a sense of control over their lives.
7. Evaluation and reflection
Sessions include time for reflection and evaluation of what the client has learned and experienced, and how this can be applied in their daily life.
8. Closure and follow-up
At the end of the treatment, the therapist and client can evaluate progress together and discuss possible future steps or further support.
Each Gestalt therapy session is unique and tailored to the client’s specific needs and goals. The therapist’s role is to support and guide the client through this process in a way that promotes healing and personal growth.
