What is Gestalt therapy?
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Gestalt therapy is a therapeutic orientation that has spread all over the world and is one of the most widely used psychotherapeutic methods today. One of the fundamental principles of gestalt therapy is that every person is responsible for the choices they make in life, and the actions they take - given the limitations of the individual's situation.
Gestalt therapy has developed methods to raise awareness of your own feelings, reactions and actions so that you can become more aware of the role you play in your own life and see your options more clearly. This awareness is created through dialogue and creative "experimentation" in the therapy room - giving the client new insight.
Gestalt therapy can thus be said to be an experimental psychotherapy and the methods used are experience-oriented. This means that when the therapist believes it can be useful, and you as the client feel ready for it and curious, we can try out different techniques that can include more than dialogue - eg. role-playing, drawing, fantasy/dream-work, visualisation, touch, etc. The techniques are well suited for some clients, and less for others, but it's up to you whether you want to experiment or not - and absolutely no previous experience is necessary.
Gestalt therapy is no easy or quick "cure". It can be painful to relive past events in your life, acknowledge where you are, see your own limitations and make choices. It can also be enriching, meaningful and inspiring, and open up a host of new possibilities!