Gestalt therapy

"I allow myself to look for what I consider necessary of the world and not to wait for someone to give me permission to obtain it." Jorge Bucay

Gestalt therapy is a humanistic psychological therapy that seeks to develop human potential and personal growth. It was developed in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s by Fritz and Lore Perls (German psychoanalysts) and Paul Goodman (American sociologist).

Gestalt Therapy is primarily focused on what you are thinking and feeling in the now, not on what could have been or how it should have been. It is a therapy that changes the way you look at yourself, at who you have in front of you, it empowers you to be in the present. It helps you to assume more responsibility and restores the ability to choose the option you want to take to face/live your life. 

Broadly speaking, the Gestalt therapist is not concerned with having to inquire into the origin of suffering, like psychoanalysis (why?, past), nor does he or she recommend behaviours to escape suffering, like behavioural therapy (how can I achieve the desired goal?, future).

Gestalt therapy sees the human being as a unity of body, soul and spirit. The person gains self-awareness and learns to deal with himself/herself in a better way.

How does it work?

Dialogue between client and therapist is the basis. The therapist sees himself as a fellow traveller who, through dialogue and emphasis on the "here and now", sensitises the client's perception and encourages a greater awareness of his sensations, feelings, needs and wishes.

This will raise the client's awareness of their automated or unconscious patterns of behaviour and therefore increase their ability to make more conscious decisions.

During the session, mindfulness and body awareness exercises, experiments (e.g. testing what a new attitude or behaviour would be like), role-playing, inner dialogues, dialogues with absent persons and sometimes creative expression techniques are used together with the client. 

Gestalt therapy approach: Working on concrete, actual situations (in the here and now); the relationship between client and therapist (contact). 

“I do my thing and you do your thing.
I am not in this world to live up to your expectations,
And you are not in this world to live up to mine.
You are you, and I am I, and if by chance we find each other, it's beautiful.
If not, it can't be helped.”
Fritz Perls