What is Gestalt Therapy?
Gestalt Therapy is a humanistic psychological therapy that seeks to develop human potential and personal growth. It is a form of psychotherapy used to treat various psychological and emotional disorders, which brings us closer to concepts such as awareness, self-realization, personal development and self-esteem.
This therapy seeks to integrate the patient’s behaviors, feelings and thoughts, so that his or her intentions and actions are focused on achieving optimal mental health. The psychologist will help the patient to become more self-aware, to think more in the present and to assume more responsibility for the care of his or her life. Gestalt therapy techniques include:
- Confrontation.
- Dream analysis.
- Role-playing.
Why is it done?
Gestalt Therapy is mainly focused on what is being thought and felt now, not on what could have been or how it should have been. It consists of making the patient live and feel the reality, giving greater prominence to “how”, “why” and “what for”.
The patient must acquire more self-confidence and know the resources available to him/her in order to live more calmly and be more responsible for his/her actions. It is a therapy that changes the way you look at yourself, at who you have in front of you, it empowers the present and the conscience through an understanding and loving attitude.
What does it consist of?
It consists of an experience of personal development that facilitates a series of therapeutic tools that allow the development of the previously mentioned capacities. It is essential to work on the ability to understand others. It is a kind of training that changes the vision of oneself. There are different types depending on whether it is group or individual:
- Individual Gestalt Therapy: serves to restore a patient’s emotional and relational balance.
- Group Gestalt Therapy: offers a creative and trusting space for the patient to get to know and grow through the group.
- Gestalt & body workshops: it is a space to connect and express the patient’s true emotions with the support of the body and the group.
- Expressive movement: this is a space that will lead the patient to go deeper into himself and expand the possibilities for the patient to be himself.
How can it help you?
Gestalt Therapy is an effective psychotherapeutic approach to treat processes of:
- Anxiety.
- Cases of depression.
- Emotional dependence.
- Distress.
- Stages of change.
- Labor disorientation.
- Fears.
- Low self-esteem.
- Relationship crisis.
- Addictions.
- Life crises.
- Grief processes.
It offers a safe space where you can express and get to know yourself and where you are guided towards self-realization and personal well-being. In these individual accompaniment sessions the patient will be able to express and know him/herself. From these sessions the patient will be able to update their automatic and unconscious mechanisms to achieve a fuller and more authentic life. This is achieved by integrating cognitive, emotional and corporal approaches.
Which specialist is in charge of treating patients with Gestalt therapy?
The Gestalt therapy practitioner is a psychologist who is trained and specialized in this psychotherapy treatment.