The Importance Of Gestalt Therapy

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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,

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