Gestalt Therapy

Frederick and Laura Perls are the two principle characters who developed Gestalt therapy. Their work began in Germany, but during the pre-war Nazi era they were blacklisted as left-wing radicals and forced to flee the country. Eventually they settled in America.

Who does gestalt therapy help?

Gestalt therapy seems to be particularly beneficial for people who are reserved when it comes to expressing emotions, but it can be used for a wide range of mental health needs. Gestalt therapy has been used with clients of diverse cultures, races, religions and sexual orientations.

How does it differ from other types of therapy?

During therapy the client is encouraged to bring out hidden feelings. Sometimes the 'open chair' technique is used: the client sits opposite an empty chair, and then mentally places into that chair someone significant who has caused them pain or trouble. The client then tells the 'person' in the empty chair what they have been unable to express before. Sometimes the client is encouraged to swap chairs and to answer his own claims or accusations from the other person's perspective. Whole sessions can be taken up with these conversations that should have happened in real life, but never did. This technique can give rise to very emotional scenes, and the previously buried emotions need to be handled carefully. So if you want to try this type of therapy, be sure to go to someone who has a lot of experience of using it.

An evolving therapy

Two people who are experienced in Gestalt are Brad Larsen, who is studying for a doctorate in clinical psychology at the Pacific University in the US, and accredited counsellor and supervisor Claire Asherson Bartram, who is a psychotherapist in the UK. They say:

"Gestalt therapy... is more an underlying approach than a series of techniques. Exploration of communication and contact between the therapist and client is important. Often people who are experiencing difficulties in their lives carry with them ways of meeting the world that are based on situations in their past and which are no longer useful. The Gestalt therapist will work with the client to recognise how they are relating in the present and explore new possibilities."

During therapy the client is supported in becoming aware of their physical and emotional responses. They add:

"The therapist may slow down the dialogue and pay close attention to what is taking place between them both, bringing in the client's responses. These approaches can lead to insight and change. Ultimately, Gestalt work can bring an increased self-awareness and wellbeing."

Extracted from the netdoctor.co.uk web site

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