So what is gestalt therapy anyway?

I get this question a lot! Sometimes folks have heard of gestalt, but the only thing that really comes to mind is the "empty chair". So here is a brief summary for anyone who is curious. Gestalt therapy is a holistic and experiential form of psychotherapy that emphasises personal responsibility and focuses on the individual's experience in the present moment. Developed by Fritz Perls, Laura Perls, and Paul Goodman in the 1940s and 1950s, Gestalt therapy is grounded in the belief that individuals are best understood in the context of their ongoing relationships with their environment.

This is incredibly important given that many of us face very understandable, but nevertheless distressing, challenges as a result of this modern, fast-paced, capitalist, colonialist society. The gestalt approach doesn't seek to label you or your experiences as wrong, and can offer a way into compassionate understanding of the self and our experiences.

Gestalt therapy is built on a collaborative relationship between therapist and client, focusing on developing trust to facilitate healing. Rather than seeking to change the client, the therapist helps them gain awareness of their present experiences and understand their relational patterns. This partnership allows clients to explore their embodied responses, perceptions, feelings, and actions within the safe space of the therapy room.

Through dialogue and active listening, clients experiment with more fulfilling ways of being and relating. By addressing obstacles that hinder their well-being, gestalt therapy aims to dissolve these blocks, enabling clients' authentic selves to emerge and enhancing their ability to make choices, build resilience, and lead more satisfying lives.

Gestalt therapy can be beneficial for a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and self-esteem issues, as well as those simply seeking to understand themselves better. Some of the key benefits include increased self-awareness, enhanced emotional understanding, improved relationships, and deep personal growth.