Menu
Gestalt therapy is a therapeutic modality developed in the mid-twentieth century by Laura Perls, Fritz Perls and Paul Goodman. It is based on existential philosophy and the theories of perception of Gestalt psychology, a school of thought was originated in Germany at the beginning of the 20th century.
Gestalt therapy was born in the 1940s and 1950s. Together, Laura and Fritz Perls laid the foundations for this therapy based on their own experiences and their training in psychoanalysis, phenomenology and existential philosophy. They founded the Gestalt Institute in New York, where they developed and began to teach this new form of therapy.
Gestalt therapy focuses on present experience and personal awareness. It promotes awareness of the here and the now, encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their thoughts, emotions, and actions. This therapy considers that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and that human perception and experience are a global phenomena that cannot be broken down into smaller components without losing its essence.
Today, Gestalt therapy is widely recognized and practiced throughout the world. Its popularity is due, in part, to its practical application and ability to address a wide range of psychological and emotional problems. In addition to individual work in the field of clinical psychotherapy, it promotes group sessions that foster understanding and mutual support.
It is a creative and organic approach that adjusts itself at every moment, allowing a fluid and dynamic adaptation to the needs of each person.
Gestalt therapy uses a variety of techniques to help people become aware of the present moment and integrate their experiences. Some of the most common techniques include:
It seeks to encourage attention to internal and external experiences in the present moment and observe how they relate to each other.
This helps people to be aware of their thoughts, emotions and physical sensations without judgment.
Through imaginary dialogues between different aspects of the self, clients can explore conflicts within themselves and with other people.
The therapist may suggest activities or experiences to help clients explore unconscious feelings or behaviors.
These may include role-plays, breathing exercises, or body movements to unlock stored emotions.
The empty chair serves as a representative of any person or situation with which it is favorable to dialogue in order to visualize the elements of the conflict.
Gestalt therapy can draw on Jung’s work on the collective unconscious and the healing power of symbols to deepen the understanding of the human experience. Dream work is of great value in therapy, as it allows access to deep unconscious content, facilitating the integration of repressed or unknown aspects of the personality. In addition, the power of imagination is fundamental in the reformulation of destructive thoughts because it allows the creation of new narratives and meanings, which can promote emotional and psychological healing.
The therapist notices the discrepancies between what the person says and what he or she actually experiences or feels. By bringing this into awareness, the person can integrate his or her experiences more fully. Authenticity and congruence promote emotional well-being. In this way, the therapist helps to detect the ignored aspects that need to be integrated, recognized and accepted.
