Gestalt Theory

Reflection

• Its essential that each individual person is perceived and accepted for their uniqueness
• It is essential for one to gain awareness of themselves and their involvement in their environment.
• I believe confrontation is imperial to therapeutic session success and for the client to gain honest self awareness.

Strengths of Theory

Philosophical Bases for Gestalt

• Promotes self-reliance
• Drive toward individualization
• Useful in facilitating deeper emotional experiences.
• Effective for diverse backgrounds
• Tailored toward the individual

What is real?

Unique Characteristics

What is the world?

• Relational Gestalt Therapy
• Philosophical Approach
• Field Theory
• Figure-Formation Process
• Phenomenological inquiry
• Location of Energy
• Internal Dialogue Exercise
• Empty-chair technique
• Reversal Exercise
• Rehearsal Exercise
• Exaggeration Exercise

Underlying Assumptions

Key Points

• Individual in environment
• Process oriented
• Direct experiencing
• Awareness & Attention
• Holistic perspective
• Here and Now
• Self-Concept
• Creativity

• Holistic perspective
• Field theory
• The figure-formation process
• Organismic self-regulation
• Contact
• Topdog / Underdog

What is life?

Key Figures

• Frederick S. Perls (1893-1970) - Originally developed Gestalt Therapy, aka Fritz
• Laura Posner Perls (1905-1990) - Fritz's wife, maintained Gestalt thought, and made several contributions

Gestalt Theory

School: Humanistic

Theorist: Fritz Perls

By: DiAndra Rocke

Weaknesses of Theory

Implications of Assumptions

• No emphasis on a particular aspect of the individual, rather interested in the whole
• Individuals organize their experiences from "moment to moment" and becomes their common interest.
• Individuals take direct action to obtain and maintain stability.
• When individuals focus on previous experiences, they are unlikely to come to term with present issues
• Blocked energy is an alternative defensive behavior and when addressed, can bring awareness to self.

• Intense level of emotions and feelings from clients
• Limitations for those who are culturally, emotionally reserved
• Received minimal empirical validation

From DiAndra's Perspective

• Individuals see multi-facets of themselves and need to accept all aspects to see themselves as a holistic individual
• Awareness is essential for survival
• Coming to terms with what is happening currently is the only way to advance your experiences from the past and for the future

References

Corey, G., & California State University. (2013). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. Australia: Brooks/Cole / Cengage Learning.

Halbur, D. A., & Halbur, K. V. (2011). Developing your theoretical orientation in counseling and psychotherapy. Boston, Mass: Pearson.

Wagner-Moore, L. (2004). Gestalt therapy: Past, present, theory, and research. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 41(2), 180-189. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0033-3204.41.2.180