Understanding Gestalt Therapy

In this guide we will look at gestalt therapy including: its history, the therapist's role, techniques used, and who it may be a good approach for to explore.

The history of gestalt

Gestalt therapy was developed in the 1940s by German psychiatrist Fritz Pearls. The term 'gestalt' means 'whole' or 'complete' in German.

Pearls believed instead of looking at just one aspect of a person, such as their mental well-being, individuals should be viewed as 'whole beings' encompassing body, mind, and emotions.

What is gestalt therapy?

Gestalt therapy is a type of humanistic therapy approach which emphasises the here and now, focusing on how you feel and experience life in the present moment.

When exploring the past or looking to the future, gestalt therapy focuses on what emotions, thoughts & physical experiences you are having in the present moment. This builds on your awareness of how past or future experiences are impacting you currently.

The idea is that by understanding yourself better and accepting your experiences, you can make positive changes in your life.

Karla, emote Care integrative & humanistic therapist:

"As a therapist with a holistic background, I find gestalt techniques are useful in helping a client focus present feelings they have in their body and mind to help them build more awareness and get in touch with other aspects of themselves."

What is the therapist's role in gestalt therapy?

As gestalt is a humanistic approach it will be non-directive, meaning that the therapist will act as a guide giving you the space to lead the conversation and focus on what's most important to you.

Like other humanistic therapy approaches such as person-centred therapy, it also encompasses the following key components:

Anna, emote Care integrative therapist:

"As an integrative psychotherapist with a core focus on gestalt, I believe you are the expert of your own life. My aim is to support you in raising your self-awareness in the present moment, empowering you to make choices that align with your authentic self."

What techniques are used for gestalt therapy?

Gestalt therapists may use more creative techniques within the therapy session for deeper self-exploration and developing a greater sense of self-awareness.

The empty chair technique:

This particular technique involves role playing where you imagine a specific person you may be in conflict with, or even yourself, sitting in the chair across from you. You will be encouraged by your therapist to have a conversation with the empty chair, to express emotions freely that you may otherwise struggle with uncovering.

You may also be asked to take on the other role of the empty chair, to help understand an alternative perspective in a situation that may be challenging.

Exaggeration:

As gestalt therapy derives from encompassing the mind and body as a whole, therapists may also use the exaggeration technique. A therapist may notice a particular physical movement such as frowning, touching the face, avoiding eye contact.

The therapist will then ask you to repeat and exaggerate this movement. By doing so you can become more aware of connecting the particular movement to the emotion behind it. Empowering you to become more self aware in the present moment of what physical reactions may be attributed to a current emotion you are experiencing.

Who is gestalt therapy for?

Gestalt therapy may be ideal for you if you are:

If you think gestalt therapy may be the right approach for you, head to our platform to find support today.