Relational Gestalt Psychotherapy may sound like a complex term, but it is actually based on simple and human principles. If you are considering starting therapy and are curious about this approach, here is an accessible explanation.
What is Gestalt Therapy?
Gestalt therapy focuses primarily on the here and now. Unlike other approaches that mainly explore the past, Gestalt emphasizes your current experience: your thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, and relationships. It’s like taking the time to explore a new location—the place of your present experience—to better understand what you are going through.
The Heart of the Therapeutic Relationship
One of the central elements of Gestalt therapy is the relationship between you and the therapist. It's called "relational psychotherapy" because this relationship is seen as an essential space for your transformation. Unlike an approach where the therapist is the "expert" and the client is "passive," here you and the therapist co-create the process together. The therapist isn’t just there to provide answers but to explore with you what you’re experiencing, in a collaborative way.
This connection becomes a mirror for how you interact with the outside world. What happens in the therapy room is often a reflection of your relationships in everyday life. Together, you explore these relational dynamics, which can lead to insights and transform how you act in daily life.
Phenomenological: What Are You Feeling Right Now?
Gestalt therapy is a phenomenological approach, meaning it focuses on your subjective experience. The goal is not to analyze or diagnose based on a rigid theory but to understand how you perceive and live through things. Rather than saying, "This is what you should feel/do" the therapist will be interested in your unique situation and how you make sense of it.
You will be encouraged to pay attention to your bodily sensations, spontaneous thoughts, and how you respond to certain situations during the session. This process will help you know yourself better and develop a deeper awareness of what you are experiencing emotionally.
Non-Finalistic: Without a Predetermined Goal
Another key aspect of Gestalt therapy is that it is non-finalistic, meaning it doesn’t impose a specific goal or result to be achieved. There is no fixed destination, unlike other forms of therapy that aim to solve a specific problem or reach a particular state.
The focus is on the process rather than the outcome. The goal is not to "fix" what seems dysfunctional or to reach a predetermined objective but to see where the exploration takes you. This allows you to discover, at your own pace, what you need, what’s holding you back, and how you can make new choices in your life. This approach offers a lot of freedom, as you are not constrained by any fixed idea of what "healing" should be.
A Space for Exploration and Openness
Gestalt therapy, therefore, provides a space for you to freely explore what you are going through, without judgment or pressure to achieve a specific result. By focusing on the present moment and your relationships, you can uncover deep insights about yourself.
What It Can Bring You
If you are considering starting Gestalt therapy, you may gain a better understanding of yourself, an increased ability to stay connected to your emotions, and a deeper understanding of your relationships. You will also develop resources to be more authentic in your interactions and to make choices that are more aligned with who you truly are.
Gestalt therapy invites you to take an active role in your own healing process, with a therapist supporting you on this inner journey while staying grounded in your present experience. It’s a path of exploration, openness, and self-discovery, without a fixed formula.