What is Gestalt therapy?

Gestalt therapy is an holistic, mindfulness-based approach to counselling and psychotherapy, which has had great influence on a vast range of therapy modalities ever since its inception in the 1950’s. It draws on the client’s own inherent capacity for healthy functioning, and offers effective ways for the client to uncover their own strengths and wisdom.

In Gestalt therapy the therapist relates to the client honestly and authentically, accepting the client as they are at this point in their life, while guiding them through processes which resolve current issues and provide tools for resolving future issues.

The objective of Gestalt therapy is to enable the client to become more fully and creatively alive and to be free from the blockages and unresolved issues which may decrease optimum satisfaction, fulfilment, and growth.

For people who are struggling with an acute, specific life challenge, and feel a need to have the therapist’s exclusive attention to address their issues, individual Gestalt counselling & therapy is usually the preferred option.

For the purpose of personal exploration, growth and development, however, life coaching incorporating the principles of Gestalt therapy may be more suitable.

As an alternative option, being part of a Gestalt counselling & therapy group can offer invaluable benefits that are not available in an individual therapy setting.

For a more comprehensive description of Gestalt therapy, the therapy process, and the different process formats (e.g. individual, group, workshop), please, read this article: “Gestalt Awareness & Dialogue”.