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What is Gestalt Therapy?
Gestalt Therapy could be viewed as one of the first holistic styles of therapy. The German word “Gestalt” translates to English as form, shape or figure. Gestalt Therapy refers to the concept of wholeness (of a form) and implies that the whole is much more than the sum of its parts. Just like each of us is much more than the individual parts of our personality.
Gestalt's Paradoxical Theory of Change
"Change occurs when one becomes what he is, not when he tries to become what he is not." ~ Arnold Beisser
Gestalt therapy can help clients become aware of what they are doing, how they are doing it and how they can effect change in their lives, while simultaneously learning to accept and value themselves as they are. A Gestalt Therapist might focus more on the process of therapy rather than on its content (although content is not ignored). What the client directly perceives, feels and experiences in the present is considered more relevant than explanations and interpretations as a change process that supports the client in the here and now.
What is a Typical Gestalt Therapy Session Like?
A typical Gestalt Therapy session will often focus on a person’s moment to moment awareness of their thoughts, physical sensations, feelings, and fantasies. The Gestalt therapist’s job is to accompany their clients on this journey and to reflect what they notice. Sessions are sometimes very active and the therapist might invite clients to become directly involved in activities, experiments and movements all designed to increase self-awareness.
By focusing on self-awareness in the here and now, a client will often form new insights into their behavior and they can engage in lasting empowered change and healing.
