What Is Gestalt Therapy?

What is Gestalt Therapy

Gestalt therapy for therapists in Brisbane.

An overview of Gestalt therapy counselling and psychotherapy.

Gestalt therapy was founded and developed by Fritz Perlz , Laura Perlz and Paul Goodman in the 1940’s. It was influenced by the knowledge and disciplines of multiple pre-existing ideas, and theories (Kritchner, 2015).

Gestalt therapy synthesized and assimilated gestalt psychology, psychoanalysis, humanism, existential philosophy, phenomenology, holism and Eastern philosophies to develop its own theoretical perspective and pragmatic applications (Clarkson & Mackewn, 1993; Yontef & Jacobs, 2013).

Gestalt therapy does not rely on a theoretical framework of human functioning nor is it bound to a particular model as are many other therapies (Frew, 1997). This has been considered a limitation by some, due to the limited research to support the application of gestalt psychotherapy in clinical treatment settings (Gold & Zham, 2008). This is largely due to its focus on experiential learning over theoretical discussions and empirical validations (Gold & Zham, 2008).

An opposing view is that gestalt therapy is more eclectic because it borrows from many approaches and disciplines, which enables it to draw from a variety of techniques and interventions with a creative and experimental approach (Joyce and Sills, 2010; Mackewn, 1997). Unlike other approaches, a gestalt approach is able to offer a unique, holistic and individualized approach focused on the therapeutic relationship (Flemming crocker, 2005; Yontef, 2005). “It provides a comprehensive theory and method, based on understanding and observation of healthy human functioning-organismic self-regulation” (Gold & Zham, 2008, p.32).

In the last 15 years the term 'relational gestalt' has become more widely accepted within gestalt literature, training and practice (Joyce & Sills, 2010).  This shift in focus has placed emphasis on the value of the therapeutic relationship and the dialogic process between the client and the therapist. This is consistent with gestalt therapy's history of a solid relational foundation (Bloom, 2008; Hycner, 1988; Hycner & Jacobs, 1995; Jacobs, 1989) that can be seen throughout its evolution of theory and methodology (Yontef, 2002, 2009; Yontef & Bar-Joseph, 2008).

It incorporates a range of experimental and phenomenological methodologies (Gold & Zham, 2008 Yontef & Jacobs, 2013) to facilitate its primary goal of awareness through contact (Bowman, 1998; Kritchner, 2015, Yontef, 1993; Yontef & Jacobs, 2013). Sharf (2014) explained that “the general goal of gestalt therapy is awareness of self, others and the environment that brings about growth and integration of the individual” (p. 248).

The literature supports this theoretical field perspective that recognises the interconnectedness between an individual’s environment and experiences, both phenomenological and ontological (Lewin, 1952; Parlett, 1991; Parlett, 2005; Yontef & Jacobs, 2013). This field-sensitive approach considers the entire experience of the therapist and client, along with all the complexities of the therapist and client (Parlett, 2005; Perls, Hefferline & Goodman, 1951/1994; Shub, 1992). Yontef & Jacobs (2013) stated that “one moves towards wholeness, by identifying with ongoing experience, being in contact with what is actually happening, identifying and trusting what one genuinely feels and wants” (p. 299).

It views the whole organism as comprising more than the sum of its parts, and pays equal regard not only to the whole form, but the parts which form its configuration (Kirchner, 2015). This philosophy underpins the process of phenomenological enquiry and contact through which the client is able to develop self-awareness and understand their way of relating (Latner, 2000; Parlett, 2005). One way gestalt therapy pays attention to the relational aspect within the therapeutic relationship is through dialogue.

Dialogue that is phenomenological and relational enables an experience of contact (Hycner, 1991; Parlett, 2005; Yontef, 1993). Individuals can come to know themselves by becoming aware of what is “me and not me" (Yontef, 1993 p. 126). This experience allows the client to become an active and aware participant in their life (Kritchner, 2015; Spagnuolo Lobb, 2005; Yontef, 1993).

The therapist creates a supportive environment of care, trust and respect (Yontef, 2005), free of preconceptions, judgements or expectations (Yontef, 2003) by allowing the client to be who they are and, in turn, holding their own sense of self, and staying true to who the therapist is (Yontef, 1993). By modelling the therapist’s phenomenological expression, the client can experiment with authentically communicating their own immediate experience (Yontef, 1993). Mcconville (1995) stated that “it is through the physical body that we make contact with the world and experience ourselves” (p. 232). As the client begins to make contact, they re-establish a connection to their body (Blaney& Smythe, 2001; Mcconville, 1995), and the therapist supports this exploration between the individual, environment and 'creative adjustment' (Yontef, 1993; 1995). 

Many of our “disorders” or emotional challenges can be seen as interruptions to this healthy self-regulation process (Angermann, 1998). Gestalt therapy considers many of the behaviours people display as 'creative adjustments' (Angermann, 1998; Gillie, 2000) that provide a way of coping with stress or negative experiences, and controlling ones environment (Angerman1998; Blaney & Smythe 2001; Clarkson, 2000).

Creative adjustment made through conformity or habitual patterns are defined as the opposite of healthy self-regulation (Yontef, 2005).  Gestalt therapy accepts an individual’s perceptions of reality, acknowledging them as a situational response to their current environmental field conditions (Angermann, 1998; Kirchner, 2015; Maurer, 2005). It encourages the exploration of creative adjustments (Bowman, 1998; Maurer, 2005; Sharf, 2014) through its experiential nature, and supports the client to deepen their level of contact (Mackewn, 1997; Parlett, 2005; Yontef, 1993) by bringing awareness to creative adjustments in the present therapeutic relationship. The individual has the opportunity to look at their actions and behaviours (Blaney & Smythe 2001) and co-create new and positive experiences where they can try out new behaviours, thoughts and feelings with choice, awareness and creativity (Wheeler & Axelsson, 2015; Yontef, 2005).  

Gestalt therapy is considered, by its nature, transdiagnostic (Denham-Vaughan, 2005, p14), that is, its approach is unique in its ability to understand disorders beyond the traditional medical model of diagnosis. Gestalt theory and practice views disorders from a behavioural and psychological perspective that does not separate the individual from the diagnosis or disorder (Angermann, 1998; Gillie, 2000).

Its inter-relational nature (Blaney & Smythe, 2001; Kirchner, 2015) supports an effective diagnosis through collaboration between therapist and client (Wollants, 2012). It provides a unique approach tailored to the individual, by acknowledging various elements as contributing to a person experiencing a disorder.

This methodology is considered to be well suited to working with the multi-factorial complexities that are often present with people experiencing mental health challenges.

I hope you have found this blog useful if you are looking to work with a Gestalt Therapist for psychotherapy and counselling in Brisbane, reach out and book a session here.

Natajsa is a Clinical Psychotherapist with a private practice is based in Ashgrove, Brisbane. She provides psychotherapy and counselling to individuals and couples and facilitates fortnightly group therapy focused on interpersonal process. Natajsa believe's that the relationship we have with ourselves and others is the essential ingredient to our emotional health, happiness and wellbeing.

As a Gestalt therapist she is interested in the topics of connection, belonging and the importance of human relationships. Her focus is on helping people develop self-awareness and understanding of their challenges, so they can create long-term, sustainable change that leads to more fulfilling and meaningful lives. Natajsa has been featured as an expert both locally and internationally and has contributed to a number of print and online media outlets including Women's Health and Fitness Magazine, Cosmopolitan Magazine, The Courier Mail & ABC Online.You can find her:

www.natajsawagner.com
www.facebook.com/NatajsaWagnerPsychotherapy

Adapted from my literature review on: The Ecology Of Eating Disorders