Overview of Gestalt Therapy

Overview of Gestalt Therapy

  • Submitted By: essem
  • Date Submitted: 10/24/2010 8:19 PM
  • Category: Psychology
  • Words: 2011
  • Page: 9
  • Views: 1

In examining all the different therapies, I found a great interest in Gestalt Therapy. Gestalt therapy is very direct and not as nurturing as other therapies. In the past, I have studied and read about Frederick and Laura Perls and I have found them to be very interesting. It was said that at one point the couple had different points of views with Gestalt therapy. I have seen this therapy practiced on recovering alcoholics. In the session the therapist used the “empty chair” method with the client. The client conversed with an empty chair while imagining his abusive father was in the chair. The client showed emotion and strong character while using this method. I feel that this therapy is very helpful to patients who want to deal with issues that they are presently going through. Gestalt therapy is a diverse therapy that can be used for a wide variety of situations or problems.
I am a very strong minded person that is interested and utilizing methods and techniques that will empower and progress the state of the patient. I am very aware of my environment and of others. Many times the direction of a client or even therapist can change the present environment for either or. I feel very strongly about being aware of the “here and now” or life situations. It is common to experience temporary diversions in life that takes one to the past or even present.
In Gestalt philosophy, the patient is seen as having better direction into himself or herself than the therapist does. The therapist guides the person on a self-directed path to awareness and refrains from interpreting the patient’s behaviors. Awareness includes recognition of one’s responsibility for choices, self-knowledge, and ability to solve problems. The originators, Frederick S. (Fritz) Perls (1893–1970) and Laura Perls (born Lore Posner, 1905–1990), were born in Germany and studied psychology there. They fled Germany during the Nazi regime, moving to South Africa and then to New York City....

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