This week’s post will discuss the concepts behind Gestalt Therapy.
Basic Concepts
Gestalt therapists focus on the here and now. They focus on the immediate experiencing of the client, because they believe that it is through this experience that the client grows and learns. When there is “unfinished business,” such as unresolved conflict, the person’s growth is inhibited until they can get closure.
Insight is really not that important. To a Gestalt therapist, “why” questions are irrelevant: the focus is on “what” and “how.” Gestalt therapy is very process driven.
Comparison to Psychoanalysis
Gestalt therapy began as a form of psychoanalysis. It was founded by Fritz Perls, along with Laura Perls and Paul Goodman circa the 1940s and 1950s. Gestalt therapy is humanistic and experiential. So, unlike psychoanalysis, it does not focus on the unconscious. Also unlike psychoanalysis, the therapist remains very engaged with the client.
Basic Concepts
Gestalt theory is holistic; that is built on the premise that humans are inherently self-regulating. It is similar to client centered theory in that it has a positive view of humanity.
The role of the past is not really important. It is only relevant in that the human will hold memories of the past that will evoke certain feelings, and these feelings can affect how a person perceives their world. When this perception becomes altered it may be necessary to do some work in the therapy room to help the person process the memory by re-experiencing the emotions. In this way, the person can practice and improve their ability to self-regulate.
Techniques
Role Play: In this technique, the client will play the role of the therapist and visa versa. In this way, the client can experience themselves from a different vantage point.
Empty Chair: This technique allows the client to experience an interaction with a person they may have unresolved feelings about. The client speaks to an empty chair as if the chair contained the person they are addressing. The client then says whatever they need to say to that person. The focus here is on the emotions and bodily reactions the client is having as they are doing this. As an extension of this technique, the client can then switch chairs and be the person they were just talking to. This can help the client gain additional perspective.
Psychodrama and guided imagery are also based on Gestalt theory.
As a theory of counseling, Gestalt is light on concepts and heavy on techniques. In fact, some may argue that there really isn’t any such thing as Gestalt theory, instead it is a set of techniques. This would likely make Fritz Perls very happy, as he was focused on experimenting and experiencing. However, this also makes Gestalt theory difficult to understand, which can result in inconsistent delivery of services. It also makes Gestalt theory difficult to research.
Yours in the Joy of Knowledge,
Barbara LoFrisco
