What is Gestalt Therapy?

It's not just a tool bag of techniques. Key Gestalt Therapy concepts to help us understand the approach.

Gestalt Book Cover

Ever heard of the word “gestalt” before? Unless you speak German, I’m guessing you probably haven’t! When literally translated, the term means shape or form. In the mental world, Gestalt refers to a set of therapeutic philosophies used to promote awareness and self-direction – in other words, Gestalt therapy helps people become their authentic, whole selves.

Developed in the 1940s by Frederick Perls, Laura Perls, and Paul Goodman, Gestalt therapy offers an alternative to traditional psychoanalysis. It’s still used today to address a number of mental illnesses, disorders, and addictions.

Key Gestalt Concepts

Traditional therapy often positions the therapist as an expert on distress. Clients frequently take the role of a student, listening and learning how to heal. With Gestalt, client and therapist work together as collaborators, increasing awareness and challenging roadblocks that may prevent growth. Some of the guiding principles used to navigate Gestalt sessions include:

• Context – Nothing exists in a vacuum. Gestalt therapy considers the past, present and future of each client. Current social and demographic shifts are also factored into each session.

• Curiosity – Curiosity is innate to the human experience. Gestalt builds on our very natural inclination to explore beyond our preexisting thoughts and beliefs.

• Playing No Favorites – Some forms of therapy place more emphasis on one aspect over a person’s experience over another. With Gestalt, our feelings, thoughts, relationships, and spirituality are all held in equal regard.

• Power of Process – What we think and how we process our thoughts are of equal importance in Gestalt therapy. For instance, you might find yourself biting your fingernails while recounting an especially frustrating conversation to your therapist. Observing such behaviors can help us become more aware of our emotions and how we process them.

• Going Beyond Empathy – Gestalt therapists don’t just imagine themselves in the shoes of their clients. Instead, they go beyond empathy to understand what it’s truly like for the client to be in their own shoes. While the difference may seem negligible, it’s what separates Gestalt from other forms of therapy.

• Paradoxical Theory of Change – Many people seek out therapy because they wish to change some aspect of their lives. Gestalt pushes clients to sit with the present experience and focus on what is versus what isn’t.

• Co-creation – Gestalt therapy honors each client’s values and expectations without pushing them to meet the expectations of the larger culture. Rather than forcing individuals to assimilate to one specific worldview, Gestalt therapists prioritize co-creating a new reality that’s inclusive and respectful of all cultures.

Benefits of Gestalt Therapy

There are a number of therapeutic techniques and modalities to try, but Gestalt is especially effective in connecting people with their thoughts, emotions, and perceptions. By understanding the impact our internal dialogues have on our actions, we can begin making lasting change. Gestalt therapy can help you:

• Stay present and in the moment

• Become more conscious and thoughtful about your actions

• Discover suppressed feelings

• Trust yourself

• Gain a sense of peace and self-awareness

Learn More Now

If Gestalt therapy sounds intriguing, I’d love to tell you more – and give you the opportunity to try it for yourself. Regardless of your background or experience with various therapeutic techniques, Gestalt therapy offers a unique way to invest in yourself. If you’re ready to give it a try, schedule your appointment today!