Gestalt therapy
'The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.' Carl Rogers
Gestalt therapy is a counselling approach which focuses on being mindful and in the present moment, gaining awareness of how you think and act today, and the impact this has on your sense of well-being.
People often try to avoid feeling emotions in the present. We may tell ourselves that we; ‘shouldn’t feel this way’, or that we; ‘need to move on and get over it’. The concept of gestalt therapy is that we cannot move forward until we have accepted the way things are. Acceptance does not always mean liking but rather acknowledging and knowing the truth.
-
Gestalt is a German word that can be described as ‘whole’. Developed in the 1940’s by Fritz & Laura Perls, this approach can compliment the highly popular and ancient practices of mindfulness and meditation, as well as exercise such as yoga. It takes into account the whole person including your thoughts, feelings, behaviour, body sensations and dreams, as well as the context or environment you live in. The way these parts all integrate and fit together is explored in therapy.
-
Here & Now.
Life and change happen in the present. Everything you have ever experienced is within you now. Rather than focus on the past like some other forms of psychotherapy, I will guide you to become more aware of the ways in which past experiences are affecting your thoughts, feelings, behaviours and view of the world in the present moment and in every interaction you have. Paradoxically, this is what can give you the capacity to grow and change.
-
Unfinished business.
Feelings that are unexpressed, denied or even out of your awareness regarding past or current experiences can cause you physical and emotional pain or distress and can make it hard for you to move on until they are dealt with. Therapy will seek to assist you in the resolution of these emotional blockages to your well-being.
'Being yourself is the only thing you can ever be perfect at.'
Petruska Clarkson
Gestalt prayer
I do my thing and you do your thing.
I am not in this world to live up to your expectations
And you are not in this world to live up to mine.
You are you and I am I,
And if by chance we find each other, it’s beautiful.
If not, it cannot be helped.
Fritz Perls, 1969.