Gestalt therapy began in Germany in the 1930s, created by psychoanalysts Frederick (Fritz) Perls and his wife Laura. Fritz originally trained as a psychiatrist and later worked with various psychologists. Laura studied with different psychologists and became a psychoanalyst while in New York.

Their ideas were quite different from Freud's, leading them to form Gestalt Therapy. They left Germany in 1933 due to the Nazi regime and established their own psychoanalytic Training Institute in South Africa. After World War II, they moved to New York and founded the first Gestalt Institute there.

Gestalt therapy draws from psychoanalysis, humanistic and existential philosophies, Eastern spiritual practices, and Gestalt psychology. Fritz and Laura Perls combined these disciplines to understand human growth and interaction better.

“Gestalt therapy focuses more on process (what is happening) than content (what is being discussed). The emphasis is on what is being done, thought and felt at the moment rather than on what was, might be, could be, or should be.”

Gary Yontef, Ph.D.

Gestalt therapy aims to help clients become more aware of their experiences in the world. Therapists don't aim to change clients; instead, they encourage clients to focus on understanding themselves better, being present, and dealing with things in the present moment.

The therapy suggests that we learn to cope with difficult experiences by blocking them out of our awareness, which can help us move forward but also causes problems by fragmenting our sense of self.

The techniques we use to cope can become barriers to self-awareness and growth. Increasing awareness helps identify and overcome these barriers so healing and personal growth can occur.

In Gestalt therapy, the goal is to reintegrate all aspects of a person to restore wholeness. People aren't viewed as sick; rather, they've developed functional ways to deal with situations, which may now be causing them to feel stuck or conflicted. This internal conflict can lead to psychological issues like depression and anxiety.

During a Gestalt therapy session, you can expect a supportive and collaborative environment where the therapist works with you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Here's what typically happens in a Gestalt therapy session:

• Exploration of Present Experience: The therapist encourages you to focus on what you are experiencing in the present moment. This might involve discussing current emotions, sensations, or thoughts.

• Dialogue and Interaction: Gestalt therapy often involves dialogue between you and the therapist. The therapist may ask questions to help you explore your experiences more deeply or challenge any patterns or beliefs you may have.

• Experiential Techniques: Your therapist may use various experiential techniques to help you become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. These techniques could include role-playing, guided imagery, or creative expression.

• Awareness of Body Sensations: Gestalt therapists pay attention to bodily sensations as well as verbal communication. You might be encouraged to notice physical sensations or changes in your body during the session.

• Emphasis on Personal Responsibility: Gestalt therapy emphasizes personal responsibility and empowerment. You'll be encouraged to take ownership of your thoughts, feelings, and actions and explore how you can make choices that align with your values and goals.

• Integration and Closure: Towards the end of the session, the therapist will help you integrate what you've discovered and experienced. You may discuss insights gained during the session and how you can apply them to your life outside of therapy.

Overall, Gestalt therapy sessions focus on increasing self-awareness, exploring patterns of behavior, and fostering personal growth and empowerment. Each session is tailored to your unique needs and goals, with the therapist providing support and guidance along the way.

Gestalt therapy can benefit a wide range of individuals who are seeking personal growth, self-awareness, and improved mental well-being. Specifically, it may be beneficial for:

• Individuals experiencing anxiety or depression: Gestalt therapy can help individuals explore and understand the underlying causes of their anxiety or depression, as well as develop coping strategies to manage symptoms.

• People struggling with relationship issues: Gestalt therapy emphasizes the importance of interpersonal relationships and can help individuals improve communication skills, resolve conflicts, and develop healthier relationship patterns.

• Those dealing with trauma or unresolved emotional issues: Gestalt therapy provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to process and integrate traumatic experiences or unresolved emotions from the past.

• Individuals seeking personal growth and self-exploration: Gestalt therapy encourages self-exploration and self-discovery, helping individuals gain insight into themselves, their behaviors, and their relationships.

• Parents facing parenting challenges: Gestalt therapy can support parents in navigating the complexities of parenthood, fostering self-awareness, effective communication, and healthy family dynamics.

• People experiencing identity issues or life transitions: Gestalt therapy can help individuals navigate identity issues, such as questions related to sexuality, gender identity, or cultural identity, as well as transitions such as career changes, divorce, or relocation.

• Those seeking to improve coping skills and resilience: Gestalt therapy helps individuals develop coping strategies, build resilience, and increase self-efficacy in managing life's challenges and stressors.

Overall, Gestalt therapy offers a holistic and integrative approach to therapy that can benefit individuals from diverse backgrounds and with a variety of concerns, empowering them to lead more fulfilling and authentic lives.