Gestalt Therapy

Many of us have heard of common therapy approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), but there are many other therapeutic modalities that may be less familiar. One of these is Gestalt therapy. While Gestalt therapy shares similarities with other approaches, it also has some important differences that make it a valuable and effective option for many people.  So, what is Gestalt therapy and who benefits the most from this approach?

What is Gestalt Therapy?

Gestalt therapy focuses on helping people become more aware of what they are experiencing in the present moment (what they are thinking, feeling, and doing) and how these patterns may be affecting their relationships and daily life.

Rather than spending all of the time exploring why something happened in the past, Gestalt therapy often asks, “What is happening for you right now?” This increased awareness can help people recognize patterns, understand their needs, express emotions, and make more intentional choices.

The Therapists Role:

In Gestalt therapy, the therapist tends to take a more active and engaged role than in some traditional forms of talk therapy. Rather than simply listening and asking questions, the therapist works collaboratively with the client to explore what is happening in the present moment.

• They help you notice what is happening right now; including your thoughts, emotions, body sensations, and reactions.
• They may gently point out patterns they notice in the client’s words, behaviour, or interactions.
• They encourage awareness and exploration.
• They may use experiential exercises, such as role-playing, guided awareness, or the well-known empty chair exercise, to help clients explore emotions, relationships, or unresolved experiences.
• They participate authentically in the therapeutic relationship, sometimes sharing their own observations or reactions when it can help the client develop greater awareness.
• They focus on the client’s choices and needs, helping them recognize patterns and consider different ways of responding.

In Gestalt therapy the relationship between the therapist and client can itself become part of the therapeutic work. For example, if a client becomes uncomfortable when expressing disagreement with the therapist, the therapist might gently explore what the client is experiencing in that moment and whether similar patterns occur in other relationships.

Who can benefit from Gestalt therapy?

Gestalt therapy may be helpful for people who:

• Feel stuck in recurring patterns in their relationships or daily life
• Have difficulty identifying or expressing their emotions or needs
• Experience stress, anxiety, or feelings of overwhelm
• Want to improve their self-awareness and self-confidence
• Struggle with boundaries or communication
• Are working through relationship difficulties or life transitions
• Feel disconnected from themselves or have difficulty understanding what they truly want
• Want to develop a stronger sense of personal responsibility and choice

Final thoughts:

Gestalt therapy helps you slow down and become more aware of what is happening within you and around you in the present moment. By understanding your thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and relationship patterns, you can begin to make different choices and create meaningful change. At Brant Mental Health Solutions and Shoreline Wellness Centre, we are fortunate to have Registered Psychotherapist Samantha Hawkins on our team. Samantha is trained in the Gestalt method and offers this unique approach to clients virtually across Ontario.

If you’re interested in learning more about Gestalt therapy or wondering whether it may be a good fit for you, reach out to our team to book a free consultation. Our admin team is happy to answer your questions and help you explore your options for support.