Gestalt theory is an existential method created by Fritz Perls based on the idea that in order to mature, individuals must choose their own path in life and accept personal responsibility. Gestalt is a term that denotes form, shape, pattern, and configuration. A single entity that can only exist in an environment is the human person. Due to its emphasis on the client's views of reality, the technique is phenomenological. The methodology is existential in that it is based on the present. The method is experiential in that individuals become aware of their thoughts, feelings, and actions while they engage in social interaction.
Gestalt therapy was created in the 1940s by Fritz and Laura Perls, who were later influenced by people like Kurt Lewin and Kurt Goldstein. It was created as a revision of psychoanalysis and emphasizes an experiential and humanistic approach rather than the examination of the unconscious, which was one of the primary therapeutic methods at the time Gestalt therapy was used.
The dualisms of thinking and feeling, feeling and action, body and soul, and mind and body are all rejected in gestalt therapy. Perls contends that persons are not divided into different parts—mind, body, and soul—but rather exist as a totality. By choosing which reactions to having to external interactions, one defines who they are (their sense of self) (boundaries). Germanic in origin, the word "Gestalt" means "whole, configuration, integration, pattern, or shape" (Patterson, 1986).
Today's Gestalt therapy incorporates concepts, information, and treatments from a variety of sources along with some of the classic methods referred to as "Gestalt therapy methods." It should be emphasized that Gestalt therapy has a history of being an approach that develops or appropriates particular strategies aimed at helping the client advance in their own personal development.
Gestalt therapy is based on a number of fundamental ideas, many of which are shared by person-centered and existential therapies. However, some of the concepts provided by Perls and associates as well as various treatment strategies that will be explored later separate Gestalt therapy from these therapies (Seligman, 2006). Gestalt therapy's core ideas are as follows −
Wholeness − According to Perls, you can comprehend a person's behavior by considering them as a whole. You shouldn't condemn someone based on a single incident, but we should be mindful of all of our human qualities, which include the client's full engagement in treatment on all levels—physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. Essentially, this implies that throughout counselling, no part of the client is overlooked. The counsellor must pay close attention to the client's demeanor, tone of voice, and appearance (Latner 2000).
Awareness − Awareness is seen as a "hallmark of the healthy individual and a goal of treatment," it is one of the most crucial components of Gestalt therapy (Seligman, 2006). People that are "conscious" are able to self-regulate in their surroundings. Lack of knowledge is mostly caused by two factors −
Being so preoccupied with one's history, dreams, shortcomings, and strengths that one loses sight of the bigger picture.
Self-esteem issues
There are three ways people may achieve awareness through therapy −
Contact with the environment − This may be achieved by gazing, hearing, touching, talking, moving, exhaling, and even tasting. As a result, the person is able to adapt and change in their surroundings, which helps them grow.
Here and Now − Instead of dwelling on the past or the future, the individual should live in the present and be mindful of it.
Responsibility − By doing this, the person stops blaming others and starts to take ownership of his or her life.
Human Nature − Fritz Perls believed that people are capable of making their own decisions, choosing their own paths in life, and being helped to become aware of the barriers impeding their psychological development. He also believed that the integration of different aspects of an individual brought about by the gestalt theory did not constitute role-playing or being fake. Instead, he encouraged people to become real and aware.
Unfinished Business − Unfinished business refers to those who do not complete tasks in their lives and is frequently associated with those who suffer from "growth disorders" (Seligman, 2006). People who have unfinished business frequently have grudges towards the past and find it difficult to concentrate on the present. Gestalt therapy places a strong emphasis on assisting clients in completing unfinished business and achieving closure.
Growth Disorders − Growth disorders are emotional issues brought on by persons who lack awareness and do not fully engage with their surroundings. By doing this, people are unable to adequately adapt to the changes in their life and instead choose to approach the issues in a defensive manner (Seligman, 2006).
The main principle of Gestalt therapy is that practitioners do not wish to alter their patients. It is the therapist's responsibility to help clients become more self-aware of how they are right now. Thus, they will be able to address problems that have an impact on their life.
Gestalt therapy also aims to help therapists and their patients develop a "I-thou" connection in which both parties are focused on the present moment rather than the past or the future (Seligman, 2006). In light of the fact that body language is seen to be a reflection of what the client is experiencing at that particular time, it is crucial for the Gestalt therapist to pay attention to the client's posture, movements, gestures, voice, and hesitations.
Some therapeutic philosophies frequently highlight the therapist as an authority on symptoms and discomfort. As the therapist imparts knowledge about what the client is going through and how to get better, the client plays more of a learning role.
Use of Language − Gestalt treatment emphasizes the importance of language and tone. Clients who embrace responsibility learn to speak in a way that emphasizes their own ownership rather than putting others' needs first. For instance, a client could be urged to state, "I feel upset when he does that because it makes me feel unimportant and I don't like that," as opposed to, "If he didn't do that, I wouldn't be so mad!"
In gestalt therapy, "I" statements are frequently used.
Empty Chair − A client can envision and take part in a discussion with another person or a different aspect of themselves through this role-playing activity. The client strikes up a conversation while seated across from the vacant chair, acting as though they were conversing with that other person or that other aspect of themselves.
The empty chair exercise may be highly beneficial in eliciting significant impressions, meanings, and other information that can assist clients in better understanding their emotional experiences and how to begin healing.
Experiments − With their patients, gestalt therapists employ the method of experiments or learning experiences. The experiments are created specifically for each person and take the shape of a role-play, assignment, or other self-awareness-enhancing activity (Seligman, 2006).
Top-dog – Underdog − The top-dog-underdog conversation is a Gestalt approach that is frequently used. This method is applied when a client exhibits two conflicting viewpoints or attitudes, according to the therapist. In order to discern between these two components and act out each one in a dialogue between them, the therapist urges the client (Patterson, 1986).
Dreams − Dreams are employed by the client to promote integration. In a client's dream, projections or features of the dreamer rather than the unconscious are the main subjects (Seligman, 2006). Clients are able to take ownership of their dreams and develop a greater awareness of their thoughts and feelings when their therapist asks them to discuss their dream(s) in terms of the significance of each role in the dream.
The integration of the "whole" individual and his or her surroundings is a key component of gestalt therapy. According to this treatment, a healthy person is one who is conscious of their existence and focuses on the present moment rather than the past or the future. There are many effective approaches from gestalt therapy that may be used in treatment today and can be applied to a wide range of emotional problems.
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