Gestalt

Gestalt (originally: Gestalt therapy) is a humanistic psychotherapy, coaching and counselling method. But even more so, it is a world view, an attitude towards life which has influenced me strongly.

In my understanding, Gestalt is about finding back to life the way it had initially been intended. About growing and maturing. Will all our senses, self aware, full of energy, life zest, creativity and a responsibility to choose.

GESTALT – AN ONGOING ADVENTURE

Gestalt work is always a personal, individual and subjective experience. An ongoing experiment. An adventure. About how I perceive myself and the world around me, how I connect with myself and others. What I truly need, how I protect and care for myself, what I believe in and what values I follow.

Thus, Gestalt is not so much a method but more of an attitude. Over the years, it has transformed my life and made me whole again.

Gestalt techniques usually strive to make abstract ideas or unconscious experiences palpable, to bring them into form. This can be achieved through different creative methods like cards, drawing, writing, guided meditations or constellation work.

HUMANISTIC VALUES

Appreciation, “Here and now”, openness for experiences, growth, contact between I and YOU, trust in our self healing capacities and acceptance are crucial pillows of Gestalt work.

To live Gestalt means to think and feel holistically. It is based on the conviction that we cannot cause change willingly, but that change happens when we notice, feel and accept what is. Arnold Beisser, a german Gestalt therapist, called this the “paradox of change”.

The founders of Gestalt were Fritz and Laura Perls as well as Paul Goodman. In the early 50s they developed Gestalt in America from depth psychology, Gestalt theory and existentialism. In some of the Gestalt traditions you will find visible traits of Zen Buddhism.