What Is Gestalt Therapy?
Gestalt therapy represents a distinctive method employed by psychotherapists to assist individuals in achieving a state of balanced and integrated wholeness. Through the therapeutic process utilized in Gestalt sessions, clients gain awareness of their inner emotions as well as their perceptions of those around them. This approach promotes the recognition of gaps in self-awareness, including emotions or physical sensations, ultimately facilitating the introduction of peace into their lives that was previously absent.
Some of the techniques used in this form of therapy include Body Awareness, Experimentation, Role Playing, The Empty Chair Technique where you speak to an empty chair as if it were another person or a part of yourself. This helps externalize internal conflicts and provides a space for resolution, Dream work, Psychodrama, Group Work (Group Settings), and Language Modification. These methods are tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual. Research indicates that these methods are particularly effective for individuals who are excessively socialized and perceived as rigid. Nevertheless, this therapeutic approach can be applied to a diverse range of individuals. Additionally, other groups that commonly gain from this form of therapy include those who find it challenging to understand their own needs and emotions, who may experience a lack in self-awareness, and who struggle to articulate their feelings appropriately.
It is essential to recognize that not all individuals have identical experiences with this type of therapy, as each person's journey may vary based on their specific needs, objectives, and other factors. The key aspect to remember is that this process is intended to be a path of self-exploration and personal development. While this can be an immensely fulfilling experience for the individual, it requires a degree of patience.
Who developed Gestalt Therapy?
Gestalt therapy was developed by Fritz and Laura Perls in the 1950s, is a humanistic psychotherapy approach that emphasizes awareness, contact, and the acceptance of polarities. Its aim is to offer individuals a sense of support, enabling them to improve their capacity for self-awareness and personal development.
Gestalt therapy is a therapeutic approach in which therapists assist clients by enhancing activities, including inquiry and facilitating self-observation. These methods enable individuals in counseling to examine restrictive beliefs or behaviors that prevent them from living authentically, thereby fostering self-awareness. By investigating personal boundaries without judgment or preconceived notions, practitioners can utilize the therapeutic setting to cultivate a deeper awareness of their present circumstances. The primary objectives of gestalt therapy are fundamentally focused on enhancing self-acceptance by granting access to significant experiences that empower an individual's truth.​The therapeutic journey in Gestalt therapy extends beyond mere conversation; it emphasizes the importance of experiencing. You may participate in role-playing activities, utilize artistic expression or movement, or explore various methods of self-expression. These approaches aim to enhance your awareness of your emotions and their impact on your actions. For instance, during a session, you might be prompted to enact a dialogue with a part of yourself that you typically keep hidden. This process can yield profound insights and a greater comprehension of your internal struggles.In Gestalt therapy, the therapist assumes a crucial and proactive role, setting it apart from numerous other therapeutic approaches.
The Gestalt therapist is not merely a passive listener; rather, they embody an engaged and genuine presence within the therapeutic alliance. They serve as a mirror, reflecting your experiences back to you and assisting you in identifying patterns and behaviors that may lie beyond your conscious awareness.
A primary responsibility of the therapist is to establish a safe and nurturing environment where you can comfortably delve into your thoughts and emotions. They may employ various techniques to aid this exploration, such as the "empty chair" technique, which involves conversing with an empty chair as if it were another individual or a facet of yourself. This method helps to externalize internal conflicts and creates a space for resolution. ​
Gestalt therapists also highlight the significance of personal responsibility. They assist you in recognizing how your decisions influence your current circumstances, fostering self-empowerment and personal growth.
By concentrating on the present moment and your immediate experiences, they facilitate the development of enhanced self-awareness and insight into your emotional landscape.
"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." - Fritz Perls
This philosophy underscores the therapist's role in helping you find your path, free from societal or relational expectations.
Who can benefit from Gestalt Therapy?
​Gestalt therapy is versatile and may benefit a wide range of people. It's particularly effective for individuals who experience issues such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, and interpersonal conflicts. Because it emphasizes accountability and self-awareness, it can be a transformational tool for anyone looking to understand themselves better and make meaningful and lasting changes in their lives.
This therapeutic approach is also beneficial for people experiencing major life transitions or facing difficult decisions. Whether you're dealing with a career change, a relationship conflict, or a significant loss, Gestalt therapy can help you navigate these challenges with greater clarity and emotional resilience. It encourages you to stay grounded in the present and focus on what you can do now to improve your situation.
Gestalt therapy is suitable for those who want to enhance their personal growth, creativity and even spiritual connection.
By exploring different aspects of your personality and embracing all parts of yourself, you can unlock new levels of self-expression, innovation and connection. This can be especially valuable for artists, writers, people in the creative fields and spiritual seekers as Gestalt Therapy was founded with many of principles and schools of thought from the eastern religions and philosophies, such as Zen Buddhism.
As Dr. Claudio Naranjo, a notable Gestalt therapist, said, "Gestalt therapy is not about gaining control over life, but about being able to let go and trust the process of life itself." This philosophy resonates with many people, making Gestalt therapy an appealing option for those seeking a holistic and experiential approach to mental health.
The fundamental elements of this therapy include awareness, contact, polarities, boundaries and support as well as interference in psychological issues.
The therapeutic process aims for clients to understand that they possess all the inner support they require within themselves.
Gestalt therapists also maintain that the therapist should display feelings of boredom, irritation, or impatience towards the client.
This approach is intended to intentionally frustrate the client when necessary.
Polster, a notable figure in the client-counselor relationship, stated “It is enough for the therapist in this extraordinary context to exercise ordinary kindness, simplicity, clear-mindedness, good language, recognition of implication, and enduring fascination.”
With an optimal exercise of these qualities by the therapist, the patient’s connection with the therapist develops considerable magnitude.
The relationship is then in a position to compete for influence with the patients life long adherence to anachronistic selves,” (Day, 2007).
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Awareness
Awareness is considered the key to positive change and growth in an individual’s life. Clarkson and Machewn, 1993, say awareness is; “The capacity to be in touch with your own existence, to notice what is happening around or inside you. To connect with the environment, other people and yourself and to know what you are feeling, sensing or thinking. How you are reacting at this very moment” (Day, 2007).
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Contact
Contact is the ability to understand and accept your own feelings, reactions, thoughts and sensations. It is about allowing yourself to just “be” without judgement. Allowing yourself to be mindful of what you are feeling and experiencing in that very moment in order to gain insight into how you react or respond to situations.
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Polarities​
Polarities refer to the division of experience into two contrasting or opposite parts. It is an ability to be able to recognize and accept both sides of a situation. This is done in order to gain an understanding of your own personal values and beliefs. Also you will gain the motivations behind other people’s behavior.
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Boundaries and Support
Boundaries and support represent the ability to maintain psychological, physical and emotional distance while in relationships with others. It is also about understanding your own needs and limits, as well as how to ask for help or support when needed.
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Interference in Health Tendencies
Refer to the ability to identify and stop unhealthy patterns of thinking or behavior which interfere with your well-being. These unhealthy patterns can be due to external situations, relationships, or internal processes such as self-criticism or overthinking. It is important to develop strategies for dealing with these tendencies so that they do not become a problem.