GestaltGestalt Psychotherapy is an important branch of humanistic psychology derived from hermeneutics and phenomenology. It deals primarily with problems of perception and endeavours to make people more conscious of them and in turn refines and heightens their skills of perception.
Gestalt – “essence or shape of an entity’s complete form”… (Wikipedia) The fundamental concept of Gestalt Therapy is the gestalt, more specifically the ‘incomplete gestalt’ – meaning that the psyche met with some resistance when trying to adapt to its environment, which prevented it from forming a ‘complete gestalt’. It is known that unresolved relationships or unsettled conflicts can rear their heads again and again (often subconsciously) with troubling effects. We talk about the unfinished business as an ‘open’ or ‘incomplete gestalt’. "From 2005 to 2008 I was counselled by Gestalt Psychotherapist Christina Burki. During this time I learned to deal with my past and choose the goals that I wanted to reach. Before working with Christina I would retreat into my shell. Now I have come out of my shell and am an adventurous person. Thank you Christina for those three years, you gave me the support and guidance I needed.Young Swiss woman (35yrs)“ |
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By reactivating past emotional needs, as well as the perception of them in the here-and-now, the client’s self-healing powers can be revealed. Throughout the process, the therapist/counsellor engages with you on equal terms, entering into a ‘relationship’ with you in which he/she is willing to be (emotionally) affected. This encounter, which demands a high level of authenticity and honesty, is fundamental to Gestalt Psychotherapy.
Gestalt Psychotherapy heals through the acknowledgement of what is, in the here-and-now
For the healing and closure of open gestalts, it is crucial that hidden and forgotten elements should also be examined closely. It is enormously important to pay attention to not-so-prominent aspects. Mindfulness: to be aware! (For a deeper explanation please visit the Philosophy of Mindfulness page). Only when the gestalt is made whole can past problems and conflicts be put to rest – only then is peace and balance restored.
The Jewish philosopher of religion, Martin Buber, summed up the challenge and the mindset of Gestalt Therapy beautifully in this form: “Healing through the interpersonal encounter.”
Gestalt Psychotherapy heals through the acknowledgement of what is, in the here-and-now
For the healing and closure of open gestalts, it is crucial that hidden and forgotten elements should also be examined closely. It is enormously important to pay attention to not-so-prominent aspects. Mindfulness: to be aware! (For a deeper explanation please visit the Philosophy of Mindfulness page). Only when the gestalt is made whole can past problems and conflicts be put to rest – only then is peace and balance restored.
The Jewish philosopher of religion, Martin Buber, summed up the challenge and the mindset of Gestalt Therapy beautifully in this form: “Healing through the interpersonal encounter.”