The Importance Of Gestalt Therapy

1183 Words3 Pages

Gestalt therapy is one of the most powerful, recognized psychotherapy systems to evolve (Smith, 1976). The word Gestalt is a German derived word that implies whole, integration and configuration (Corey, 2015). This therapy continues to influence many therapists that utilize Gestalt therapy techniques into their daily work routine with a variety of clients that benefit from this therapy alone (Corey, 2015). Gestalt therapy focuses on the “here and now” and the “what and how” based on a strong authentic relationship between the therapist and client with developing self-awareness of their self and surrounding environments (Corey, 2015). The purpose of this paper will be focusing on the historical framework, application and techniques, and the
The id is the drive and instinctual desires in Freud’s psychoanalysis which like in Gestalt therapy, the id is not planned, verbalized or symbolized either (Philippson, 2012). Basically both of these theories believe that the id in the situation is open to the situation and being there and open to what may emerge (Philippson, 2012). The ego in Freudian psychoanalysis is the driving factor between the id and superego (Philippson, 2012). In both Freud and Gestalt therapy, this is the process of actualization of the self and engaging in contact with the world and what arouses our interest and excitement for the client involved (Philippson, 2012). Superego in Freud’s theory is about the demands of the world that may be conflicting with the overall drives of the Id and the ego is the mediator between these two levels (Philippson, 2012). Perls believes in his theory, this was the demand of family, society or religion and the organismic drives and desires of the client actually become drowned out by the conflict involved (Philippson, 2012). The overall goal in psychoanalysis is discovering the clients actions and dynamics and the ability to accept oneself while balancing out the other demands of the id and superego (Philippson, 2012). However, Gestalt therapy goal is for the client to take ownership of their own choices and provide awareness and contact to areas that have been disowned (Philippson,

Show More
Related

  • Sigmund Freud's Psychological Theories

    352 Words  | 1 Pages

    Freud’s theory is based on the idea that ones personality is derived from conflicts that stem from both our conscious and unconscious mind. To better understand how these conflicts arise he divided the mind into theoretical categories which include the id, ego, and superego.

    Read More

  • Elvis

    740 Words  | 2 Pages

    Many gestalt therapists are against assessments or favor a gestalt version of an assessment (Brownell, 2010). Despite the lack of general assessments for gestalt therapy, therapists focus on four concepts during treatment: phenomenological method, dialogical relationship, field-theoretical strategies, and experimental freedom. Phenomenological method is used to bring awareness to the client. The therapist observes the client’s actions, such as if they choose to roll their eyes. He or she will describe these details out loud and treats each action with equal value. The dialogical relationship is where the therapist is honest and upfront with the client, instead of taking on a persona. The therapist also accepts however the client chooses to portray themselves. Field theoretical strategies enable the therapist to interpret a person’s character as dynamic rather than static. Lastly, experimental freedom is the concept that gestalt therapy is more than just talk. The therapist can experiment and try something new with the client as the therapy persists (RGI, 2013).

    Read More

  • Gestalt Therapy In Counseling

    1229 Words  | 3 Pages

    Gestalt psychotherapy recognizes that no one can be purely objective including therapists whose experiences and perspectives are also influenced by their own contexts and counselors accept the validity and truth of their client’s experiences. Gestalt therapy also recognizes that forcing a person to change can result in further distress and irritation, rather than changing results from acceptance of what is. Therapy sessions focus on helping people learn to become more self-aware and to accept and trust in their feelings and experiences to alleviate

    Read More

  • Psychodynamic Theory

    857 Words  | 2 Pages

    In addition to Freud’s stages of development his best-known concepts are those of the id, ego, and superego (Crain, p. 268). The id personality called ‘the unconscious” is the personality that focuses on maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain through reflexes and drives such as hunger or bladder tensions (Crain, pp. 268-269). The id concept is impulsive, chaotic and unrealistic.

    Read More

  • Freud and Hansel and Gretel

    1624 Words  | 4 Pages

    Freud, S., & Strachey, J. (19621960). The Ego and the Super-ego. The ego and the id (pp. 19-20). New York: Norton.

    Read More

  • Strangely Ordinary People

    1097 Words  | 3 Pages

    The rapport and friendship built throughout this movie is vital to the success of the therapy exhibited here. This is a great example of Gestalt therapeutic approach and helps to identify most of the techniques incorporated. The techniques and ways of gently confronting but pushing a client all the way through are very beneficial to each viewer of this film.

    Read More

  • Emotional Theories: Gestalt Therapy

    692 Words  | 2 Pages

    Gestalt therapy is an experiential and humanistic form of therapy that embraces awareness, freedom and self-direction. Gestalt therapy focus on the “here and now” and allow clients to be more self-aware and to accept their feelings in order to ease distress. Gestalt theory maintains that wellness encompasses taking responsibility for one’s self and being connected to others.

    Read More

  • The Ego and the Id

    1504 Words  | 4 Pages

    The ego struggle to keep the id happy. The ego meets with obstacles in the world. It occasionally with objects that actually assists it in attaining it goals. The ego keeps a record of the obstacles and aides. It also keeps a record of punishments and rewards administered out by the two must influential objects in the world of a child, its mom and dad. This record of things to avoid and strategies to take becomes the superego. As stated earlier the primary function of the id is to satisfy its immediate instincts, drive and urges it superego that links the mind to society and reality. As Freud (1960) states \"superego is however, not simply a residue of the earliest choices of the id; it also represents an energetic reaction formation against those choices\" (p.24).

    Read More

  • Applications and Reflections in Gestalt Play Therapy: A Case Study

    2166 Words  | 5 Pages

    Gestalt therapy is a type of therapy used to deepen our awareness of ourselves. According to O’Connor and Braverman, (2009) “Gestalt" implies wholeness. “Gestalt therapy is a process-oriented, experiential therapy that is concerned with the integrated functioning of all aspects of the person: senses, body, emotions and intellect.”

    Read More

  • Existential Therapy And Gestalt Therapy

    1492 Words  | 3 Pages

    Gestalt therapy is existential, phenomenological, and process-based approach created on the premise that individuals must be understood in the context of their ongoing relationship with the environment. Awareness, choice and responsibility are the cornerstone of practice (Corey, 2013).

    Read More

  • Humanistic Therapy Vs Psychoanalytic Therapy

    1766 Words  | 4 Pages

    A gestalt typically has two or more parts that are combined together to be perceived as one. In gestalt therapy, self-awareness is important for the client to comprehend. It helps them achieve personal growth and also helps them develop their full potential. Gestalt counseling is a humanistic, process-oriented therapy that integrates dialogue and field theory (Lewin, 1951). Many gestalt therapist believe that self-actualization cannot fully be achieved if negative thought patterns and behaviors intrude their daily lives. A gestalt therapist focuses on five key concepts when counselling a client. The five concepts are respect, experience, creativity, responsibility, and relationship. In a session, the client is treated with upmost respect and warmness so that he or she will be open to talk. When speaking to a client, a therapist may put emphasis on reliving past experiences to come into terms with root conflictions that are the cause of their problems. Therapist also use various creative and flexible techniques to help a client to feel safe to talk. An emphasis on social responsibility is enforced by the therapist to the client. This emphasis on social responsibility helps the client to view the world as a whole rather than focusing on only their own factors in life. Having good relationships with other people is vital for the well-being of a client. A gestalt therapists acknowledges that their client has achieved whole well-being when the client has a good relationship with themselves and others (Counselling Directory, p.3). Typical methods and techniques for a client’s therapeutic process includes role play, the “open-chair” technique, authentic dialogue, dream interpretation, and attention to body language. Gestalt therapy values each client's unique context and diversity variables and strives to understand the client's experience from his or her perspective (Resnick,

    Read More

  • Sigmund Freud Versus Albert Ellis

    981 Words  | 2 Pages

    He believed everyone is born with the id. All humans when they are babies, according to Freud, are pleasure seeking and concerned with having their needs met. This is the original or unconscious personality. The ego is where decision-making occurs, judgments are made and memory is stored. Lastly, the superego contains the individual’s values, beliefs, and morals, which they get from their parents. According to Freud, women get their morals and beliefs from their mothers and men get it from their fathers. He also believes that...

    Read More

  • Sigmund Freud and Everyday Use

    851 Words  | 2 Pages

    Sigmund Freud is best known for his development and use of psychoanalysis. The theory of psychoanalysis focuses on the concept of how our unconscious thoughts, feelings, and emotions play an active role in our daily lives. The id, ego, and superego are the three mental zones that encompass our psyche. Each zone has a specific function: The id functions on the pleasure principle; the ego on the protection of the individual; and the superego on protection of society. The degree of which each zone has been developed can be broken down and then analyzed. These three zones can be visualized by imagining a pie cut into three slices.

    Read More

  • Transactional Analysis and Gestalt Therapy

    3503 Words  | 8 Pages

    Fritz and Laura Perls are responsible for the founding of gestalt therapy in the 1940’s. From there on, Gestalt has contributed significantly to the field of psychotherapy, counseling, and personal development. When therapist uses this method, his or her ultimate aim is to ensure the client achieves personal growth and development. To achieve this outcome, gestalt utilizes existential philosophy and phenomenology. In summary, this form of therapy aims to empower the patient to use his internal and external senses for the purposes of developing personal responsibility and a self-supportive system (Franzke 1999; Corcoran & Daly 2008).

    Read More

  • Gestalt Therapy Case Study Solution

    1432 Words  | 3 Pages

    Gestalt will help Maria with her resentments and traumatic experiences. This therapy is an existential and processed based approach. Clients need to have awareness of their experience at this current moment. Gestalt therapy helps people experience growth and healing through interpersonal and insight contact. Also, this therapy focuses on the here and now the clients present. They are expected to do their own working in noticing their feelings, sensations and interpreting. Gestalt also looks at the unresolved business of the client’s

    Read More

More about The Importance Of Gestalt Therapy

Open Document