Gestalt relational psychotherapy may sound like a complex term, but it’s actually based on simple, human principles. If you're considering starting therapy and are curious about this approach, here's a clear explanation.
What is Gestalt Therapy?
Gestalt therapy focuses primarily on the here and now. Unlike other approaches that delve mainly into the past, Gestalt emphasizes your present experience: your thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, and relationships. It’s a bit like exploring a new place—taking time to discover your current experience in order to better understand what you're going through.
The Heart of the Therapeutic Relationship
One of the key elements of Gestalt therapy is the relationship between you and your therapist. It's called "relational psychotherapy" because this relationship is seen as essential to your transformation. Unlike other methods where the therapist is the "expert" and the client is passive, here, you co-create the process together. The therapist isn’t there just to provide answers, but to explore with you what you're experiencing in a collaborative way.
This connection becomes a mirror of how you interact with the outside world. What happens in a session often reflects your everyday relationships. Together, you’ll explore these relational dynamics, which can lead to new insights and transform how you engage with life.
Phenomenological: What Are You Feeling Right Now?
Gestalt therapy takes a phenomenological approach, meaning it’s focused on your subjective experience. The goal isn't to analyze or diagnose according to rigid theories, but to understand how you perceive and live through things. Instead of prescribing ways to behave or act, the therapist is interested in your unique situation and the meaning you give to it.
You’re encouraged to pay attention to your bodily sensations, spontaneous thoughts, and how you react to certain situations during the session. This process helps you know yourself better and develop a clearer awareness of your emotional experiences.
Non-Goal-Oriented: No Predetermined Objectives
Another key aspect of Gestalt therapy is that it’s non-finalist—meaning it doesn’t impose any predetermined goals or results. There’s no fixed destination to reach, unlike other forms of therapy that aim to solve a problem or achieve a specific outcome.
The focus is on the process rather than the result. The goal isn't to fix everything that seems dysfunctional but to see where exploration takes you. This allows you to discover, at your own pace, what you need, what holds you back, and how to make new choices in your life. This approach provides a sense of freedom, as you’re not confined to an idea of what "healing" should look like.
A Space for Exploration and Openness
Gestalt therapy gives you a space to freely explore what you're experiencing, without judgment or pressure to achieve a specific result. By focusing on the present moment and your relationships, you can develop deep insights about yourself.
What It Can Offer You
If you decide to start Gestalt therapy, you may gain a deeper understanding of yourself, an enhanced ability to stay connected to your emotions, and a more profound understanding of your relationships. You’ll also develop the tools to be more authentic in your interactions and make choices that align with who you truly are.
Gestalt therapy invites you to take an active role in your own healing process, with a therapist who supports you in this inner journey while staying grounded in your present experiences. It’s a path of exploration, openness, and self-discovery, without a set formula.