Gestalt therapy focuses on helping people understand themselves better by paying attention to their present experience and how they relate to their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.
By becoming more aware of our experience (thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations), we can tune into our habitual patterns and make better choices in our life.
gestalt | ɡəˈʃtalt, ɡəˈʃtɑːlt |
The word "gestalt" means "whole" or "pattern" in German. Hence, the therapy aims to help individuals see themselves as complete beings with interconnected thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. In gestalt therapy, the therapist encourages clients to explore their experiences by looking at the whole picture of one's experience rather than focusing on individual parts. This is what the saying 'the whole is greater than the sum of its parts' means..
We also remember that our experience (thoughts, feelings, and behaviour) is always in response to other people in the broader social and environmental world context. In gestalt therapy, we are always interested in how other people and contexts impact us and influence the people around us. Including the context is what we mean by relational.
Gestalt therapy empathises with personal agency. Because it encourages people to take ownership of their thoughts, feelings, and actions and to accept themselves as they are, it is a profoundly compassionate style of therapy. Being more compassionate and taking responsibility in life leads to increased self-acceptance and empowerment, allowing individuals to make healthier choices and develop a greater sense of well-being.
Gestalt therapy can be helpful for a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and self-esteem problems. By exploring one's experiences in a safe and supportive environment, individuals can gain new perspectives, develop coping strategies, and change their lives.
Gestalt therapy is experimental, and your therapist may use various techniques to help you explore and express your experiences, such as role-playing, guided imagery, or focusing on body sensations.
Overall, gestalt therapy is a human-centred approach that focuses on helping individuals understand themselves better by paying attention to their present experiences. It promotes self-awareness, personal responsibility, and positive change, making it a valuable tool for personal growth and emotional well-being.