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GESTALT THERAPY FACTFILE

WHAT EXACTLY IS GESTALT THERAPY?

Gestalt Therapy is a form of psychotherapy, which encourages individual personal growth through the development of self-awareness.  Therapy is experiential, interactive and holistic.  In this way, the unity of the mind, body, emotions and spirit becomes the focal point of treatment thus enabling the client to draw upon their inner resources.

A key concept of Gestalt therapy is that treatment focuses on the client in the present tense. Such conscious awareness opens the way for clients to make new choices and healthy changes. This focus on sensations and feelings in the here and now, centers the client’s attention on what is important to them at that moment.  Through this means the client develops a heightened knowledge of what is blocking their path to true success and happiness; whether that may be their past experiences, beliefs or habits.

Through this newly discovered awareness, Gestalt therapy is able to apply various methods and tools to support the client within healing any past experiences which are unfinished and obstructing the client to move forward.  Every Gestalt therapist has a unique style and each session is dictated moment, to moment, from the experience of the client.  However, the objective of each appointment is always clear i.e. to encourage and help the client to explore and find ways to live life in a meaningful way.

Gestalt therapy requires a strong desire to feel and function better in order to work effectively.  Client commitment is very important; there must be a willingness to face the unknown along with self-disclosure, honesty, courage and persistence.

Gestalt Therapy may benefit the following physical and mental conditions:

Abdominal Pain     Abuse     Addiction – Alcohol/Drugs Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Agoraphobia             Amnesia             Anger Management     Anxiety/Panic Attacks     Autism                 Asperger’s Syndrome             Bereavement         Bipolar Disorder         Bullying                 Depression                 Diagnosed Disorders/Diseases     Digestive Disorders     Disability Issues Eating Disorders Erectile Problems     Trauma Fainting     Gender Identity Issues

Grief/Betrayal HIV Hyperhidrosis/Excessive Sweating Impotence Insomnia Low Self Worth/Esteem Migraines Nightmares Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder                 Personality Disorders Phobias Psychosomatic Disorders Pregnancy Relationship Issues Self Harm/Injury Sexual Addiction/Abuse Stress – Emotional/Physical Suicidal Thoughts/Attempts Trauma Vertigo Withdrawal Symptoms

 

 WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM GESTALT THERAPY SESSIONS

During the initial session, your therapist will ask you certain questions such as what brought you to therapy, what you hope to accomplish and what you would like to achieve by the end of your first session.  You can expect to be heard respectfully in a safe and confidential environment.

The Gestalt therapist will bring your attention to ‘how’ certain (repetitive) patterns are shaped rather than interpreting the past and asking ‘why’ questions.  Emphasis is placed on your awareness of what is happening in the present moment to heal and release the current blockages.

The therapy will differ to a typical psychotherapy session in the respect that creativity is used as a means to alter a client’s dependence from rationalizing experiences intellectually, to adopting an approach, which is more intuitive.  The Gestalt therapist encourages this intuitive approach, by promoting bodily expression, verbal statements, drawing on metaphor, in addition to other expressive approaches.  Through the use of these methods the therapist can aid you in discovering your full potential.  As the therapy progresses, it endeavors to provide the client with the knowledge and personal responsibility, to conclude unfinished matters, to avoid issues and to have the confidence to experience life with more relaxed spontaneity and adaptability.

The number of therapy sessions needed varies for each person.  A weekly follow up session is generally recommended however clients are advised to attend more regularly for severe conditions.  Regular sessions can also help the client to resolve difficulties more quickly as Gestalt therapy requires consistency in order to be fully effective.  As treatment progresses, the therapist and client will decide together on a reduced and less frequent appointment schedule. 

FINDING A QUALIFIED GESTALT THERAPIST

Gestalt Therapy is proven to be an effective and helpful form of treatment.   It is also extremely safe when carried out by a qualified therapist.  It is wise to carry out some research and select a therapist who is either a member of, or accredited by, an association or professional body such as Gestalt Australia and New Zealand (GANZ).  Gestalt therapists are obligated to a code of ethics and procedure that determines the therapy is carried out in a suitable and safe environment.  These regulations also guarantee a specialist who has undergone certifiable training and receives professional upskilling.

The Wellness Directory provides a ready-made referral list of certified Gestalt practitioners within your region.  We fully encourage you to do some independent research by checking out individual credentials, i.e. experience, training, qualifications, relevant client feedback and so forth.

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