What is Gestalt Therapy?
Gestalt Therapy is a type of psychotherapy founded by Fritz Perls in 1940s. The German word Gestalt means “organized whole”. The central ideas of gestalt therapy are holistic approach, which means viewing the person's difficulties within his/her current environment, focus on the here and now, awareness, and responsibility.
Gestalt therapist works with a client on developing awareness of feelings, reactions, and thoughts in a present moment. When we are aware of what is happening, we are able to solve our own issues and bring some positive changes in our lives. Awareness of one’s feelings is essential in recognizing one’s needs as they are the signals which help effectively manage the environments.
Gestalt therapist also helps the clients to identify, accept and value who they really are. According the paradoxical theory of change, people change when they become aware and accept what they are instead of trying to become someone else.
The goal of Gestalt Therapy is not only to overcome symptoms, but to become more creative in live, congruent and integrated persons through resolving inner conflicts and unfinished issues. Gestalt therapy supports the idea that everyone has a freedom of choice how to live. When we accept responsibility for our choices, we become in charge of our growth and self-support. Clients are responsible for their own changes and when those changes occur.
Gestalt therapy focuses more on process of what is happening now than content of what is being said. It is important to be aware of one’s thoughts, feeling, and perceptions at this present moment rather than on what happened, might be, could be, or should be. Being here and now helps to stay grounded in the reality, and thus be more creative and make better choices in life.
The other important aspect of gestalt therapy is relationship between a therapist and a client. By understanding and changing the dysfunctional patterns manifested in the relationship between the client and the therapist, we are able to develop a real and authentic contact. Such contact becomes healing for a person as it is based on experiencing and accepting the true self.
Maryana Harrelson, MA, LPC