4 of 16

Write now Article Tools

The term "Gestalt" is the German word for "whole." Gestalt therapy aims to bring a person's whole existence, mental, emotional, and physical, into therapy, and promote unity of the self in the world. This is achieved through a focus on the present moment and awareness of current physical and emotional states. Gestalt therapy has been used for many types of problems and in many different settings. Depression, schizophrenia, and relationship issues are common issues that respond well to Gestalt therapy. Gestalt therapy is used in private practices, group therapy, institutions, and even jails. Some practitioners utilize Gestalt methods and exercises in combination with their regular style of practice.

Gestalt therapy was founded by Fritz Perls, a psychoanalyst whose career was often mired in both controversy and fame. Fritz Perls was a German Jewish psychoanalyst, who served in the German Army during World War I. Following the War, he began to study psychiatry, as a follower of Sigmund Freud. When Hitler rose to power, Perls fled to Europe and later to America.

Once in America, Perls studied with famous analysts Karen Horney and Willhelm Reich. In 1946 he compiled his own beliefs, notes, and theories into a cohesive paper entitled "Gestalt Therapy." Later Perls expanded on Gestalt therapy, founding Esalen institute in California to expand on his work.

Perls was a dynamic and intense man, which both attracted followers and controversy. Time magazine once called him the "Hippie Guru," a term that gave him recognition for his charisma, but also devalued the importance of his work. Perls went on to write many books, the most well-known of which is "In and Out of the Garbage Can," his autobiography.

Gestalt therapy emphasizes the present moment. In Gestalt therapy, clients amplify their feelings and seek to heal and integrate damaged or rejected parts of themselves through exercises and experiments. The Gestalt therapist tends to be directive, but also needs to be balanced and attuned to the client in order to avoid pushing too hard.

Well-known exercises include the Chair Exercise, the Reversal Exercise, Making the Rounds, and the Exaggeration Exercise.

In the Chair Exercise, the client sits in front of an empty chair. The client imagines a person, thing, emotion, or unresolved issue is sitting in the chair. For example, this could be their father, boss, depression, or food. The client then speaks directly to the person or item in the chair, telling that person/item exactly

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Introduction to Gestalt psychology?
We want to hear your view. Write now!