Gestalt Therapy
The client/therapist relationship is at the centre of this therapy.
"This is non-judgemental and promotes self-awareness"
A phrase coined by the German psychiatrist and psychotherapist Friedrich Salomon Perls (known as Fritz). He and his wife, Laura Perls, developed this approach in the 1940, 50s and thereafter. It’s a beautiful blend of the therapies used at the time, systems theory, psychoanalysis, experimental theatre with a twist of anarchy thrown in the mix too.
These therapies that are still used worldwide today and in my own practice. However, there are various fundamental principles at the root of this diverse methodology:
We are all connected.
This is a healthy human necessity and the more self-awareness we have the healthier our relationships will become.
It happens in the moment
The therapist works with what is happening in the room with the client’s experience. The feelings, thoughts and triggers. This is likely an example of what goes on ‘out there’ too. Experiences and feelings that were not resolved in the past have the opportunity to be resolved in the present.
The client is encouraged to take responsibility for their feelings in two different ways. By having an awareness of what is happening to them and by ‘owning up to’ actions, impulses, behaviours and feelings. Having this sense of responsibility helps clients realise their abilities and what they can do for themselves.
The client/therapist relationship
This relationship is at the centre of the therapy. Rapport is built so there can be honest dialogue around the experience of the client and how the therapist experiences the client. This is non-judgemental and promotes self-awareness and growth and encourages more flexible behaviours.
Any individual is caught in a web of relationships. Therefore it is only possible to know ourselves against the backdrop of our relationships with others. We are all connected. This is a healthy human necessity and the more self-awareness we have the healthier our relationships will become.
If you feel I can help you, please get in touch today
Free Consultation
I can offer you a free 20 minute consultation so you can see if working with me is right for you.
You can ask me any questions about this therapy, and other therapies I offer.
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