Gestalt therapy is a type of psychotherapy wherein self-knowledge and self-acceptance are considered key to private development. It emphasizes creativity and collaboration within the interaction between you and your therapist and uses lively techniques similar to role-playing.
The word “Gestalt” is a German term with no direct English translation. It generally means “whole” or “form.” As a psychological concept, it's the concept that all and sundry is a mix of mind, emotions, body and soul with unique experiences and realities. No single life event, personality trait, or psychological diagnosis defines you.
History of Gestalt therapy
Gestalt therapy was developed by German researchers Fritz and Laura Perls and American author Paul Goodman as a substitute for traditional psychoanalysis. It has its roots in Gestalt theory — a way of enthusiastic about human perception that became popular in Europe within the early twentieth century. It assumes that our minds understand what we're experiencing as an entire slightly than as individual parts. For example, as a substitute of seeing individual brush strokes or a series of still images, you see a painting or a movie.
Gestalt therapy emphasizes the entire person and focuses on the current slightly than the past. In contrast, psychoanalysis delves into your subconscious to seek out buried memories which might be driving your psychological problems.
Perls published a book outlining the concept in 1951, and within the Sixties and 70s Gestalt therapy became popular. Gestalt institutes proceed to supply instruction and training worldwide. Many of his concepts and techniques are also utilized in other types of therapy.
Gestalt therapy is taken into account a type of humanistic therapy. That is, it begins with the assumption that individuals are inherently good and have the power and desire to maneuver their lives in a positive direction. Problems arise when you find yourself not your true self.
It can also be a sort of experiential therapy. Experiential therapy goes beyond talking and uses activities similar to art, music, or a nature trip to show you how to recognize and explore the emotions associated along with your experiences.
Gestalt therapy includes several key concepts:
Self-consciousness. According to Gestalt therapy, you might be held back by not understanding yourself, your motivations, and the ways wherein you contribute to your personal unhappiness. There is a whole lot of emphasis on being aware of your emotions, thought patterns, and even physical feelings so that you may learn who you actually are and fully accept yourself.
Here and now. In Gestalt therapy, what matters is who you might be and the way you are feeling in the current moment. The past is very important only to the extent that it influences your present pondering and behavior. You could also be encouraged to “relive” a past event in a therapy session to learn the way you are feeling about it now. It helps you stop worrying in regards to the future or possible problems and just cope with what lies ahead.
Paradoxical change. The theory behind this idea is that the very best approach to change is just not to try. Forcing yourself to be something you're not doesn't just cause stress and anxiety. But understanding and accepting who you actually are opens the best way for natural personal growth.
Take responsibility. This is acknowledging the role your thoughts and behaviors play in your experiences and relationships. You are encouraged to just accept the implications of your actions and stop blaming others in your problems. Taking responsibility can show you how to interact with others more positively. It also helps you understand that you simply are accountable for your life – you possibly can handle your personal needs and don't need to depend on another person to fulfill them.
Closure. Gestalt therapy assumes that problems can arise from unspoken emotions and past experiences that you've got not fully processed. The way you cope with pain can separate you out of your true self. By addressing this “unfinished business,” you possibly can release the emotions you've got been holding on to and grow to be whole again.
Mind-body connection. In Gestalt therapy, your physical reactions can provide you with insight into your emotions, encouraging you to concentrate to what your body could also be telling you. For example, your therapist might ask you where in your body you is perhaps feeling a selected emotion. Additionally, emotional problems can result in physical problems, so addressing one may help the opposite.
Gestalt therapy could be carried out individually or in a gaggle. It can also be sometimes utilized in corporations, schools, or other organizational settings to enhance work relationships.
Therapists are encouraged to improvise and experiment based on the patient's unique experiences and wishes. While this makes the sessions very individual, certain techniques are sometimes used.
Empty chair. This is the exercise that might be most related to Gestalt therapy. It may help with relationship problems and in addition with self-discovery. You sit in front of an empty chair and seek advice from him as if he were someone you had an issue with. The chair can even represent an element of yourself. The idea is that self-dialogue could be simpler than talking to the therapist about your problems.
Exaggeration. This technique uses physical behavior to try and uncover thoughts and emotions that it's possible you'll not concentrate on. The therapist pays close attention to your body language. If you are feeling a physical response to something you speak about, similar to: For example, a frown or a shifting backwards and forwards in your seat will prompt you to repeat it in an exaggerated manner. You then explore the emotions you are feeling and the way they relate to your experience.
Dramatization. Gestalt therapy includes various types of acting. You can role play where you act out each side of a conversation between you and someone you might be in conflict with. This is usually called the two-chair technique. Or, your therapist can have you recreate a painful or traumatic moment out of your past so that you may relive and process the emotions in the current.
“I” statements. This technique helps you give attention to and take responsibility for your personal actions and feelings as a substitute of blaming others. For example, as a substitute of claiming something or making someone upset, your therapist will encourage you to say, “I feel angry when…”
Confrontation. If the therapist discovers something that you must avoid, he or she is going to investigate and challenge you to confront it. This technique can seem too aggressive and is not any longer as much an element of Gestalt therapy because it once was.
Creative or physical activities. Instead of passive speaking, Gestalt therapy emphasizes movement and activity. These include artistic activities similar to drawing, sculpting or dancing that show you how to learn mindfulness and give attention to the current.
Dreams. The therapist can show you how to explore and make sense of your dreams, but is not going to try and interpret them for you.
Top dog/underdog. This is a style of role-playing game wherein you act out two different features of your personality: the critical a part of you that tries to get you to be or behave a certain way, and the a part of You who feels weak and helpless and resists your inner demands for change. The idea is to create a balance.
Gestalt therapy could be used to treat quite a lot of mental and physical health conditions, including:
- Fear
- Behavioral health problems similar to substance abuse or other addictions
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other trauma
- depression
- relationship problems
- Self-esteem issues
- Body image issues and eating disorders
- Physical illnesses which will have a psychological connection, similar to migraines or ulcerative colitis
Gestalt therapy concepts and techniques will also be used together with other kinds of therapy similar to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness and psychodynamic therapy.
There is just not much research that shows how well Gestalt therapy works in comparison with other types of therapy. This is partly because there isn't any standard training for therapists and no set guidelines for conducting sessions.
The advantages of Gestalt therapy may include:
- Increased self-confidence
- Improved self-confidence
- Better understanding of how your past influences your present
- Increased ability to cope with stressful situations
- Better relationships
- Better ability to control your emotions
Gestalt therapy is just not for everybody. You may not profit for those who:
- Not comfortable with exercises similar to acting or close statement by the therapist
- Favor structured therapy sessions
- Would you wish to examine your past?
Gestalt therapy is a type of psychotherapy that promotes self-confidence, personal responsibility and good relationships. It focuses on the entire person slightly than a single aspect of your personality or experience. There isn't much scientific evidence to indicate whether it's simpler than another style of therapy.
What is an example of Gestalt therapy?
An exercise commonly utilized in Gestalt therapy known as the empty chair technique. You imagine that somebody you've got an issue with – or a certain aspect of yourself – is sitting across from you in an empty chair. Then improvise a conversation with them.
What is the primary goal of Gestalt therapy?
The primary goal of Gestalt therapy is to show you how to understand and accept your true self so that you may experience growth and positive change.
Is Gestalt higher than CBT?
There are not any scientific studies showing how well Gestalt therapy works in comparison with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It could be helpful for various psychological problems, but not everyone will probably be comfortable with its methods.