A Definition of Gestalt Therapy
I see gestalt therapy as a voyage of discovery. We are exploring how a person reaches out to their world, how they respond to their situation and how past and present situations impact up their (and our) process of reaching out in the here and now. We do so while actively engaging in the relationship with the client as part of their situation, paying careful attention to what happens in the dynamic interchange between us. We aim to increase awareness through embracing the totality of everything the person before us is, was and can become. Gestalt is exciting, vibrant and energetic.
Written by Dave Man.
Gestalt therapy is all about being present in the moment and discovering how your thoughts, feelings, and actions are all connected. Picture this: it’s like sitting down with a therapist who’s not just listening to your story, but helping you *experience* it right here and now. Founded by Fritz Perls, Gestalt therapy encourages you to explore your emotions, behaviors, and body language in real time to gain deeper self-awareness.
In Gestalt therapy, the idea that "whatever is out of our awareness runs our lives" suggests that unconscious thoughts, unresolved emotions, and unacknowledged patterns shape our behavior and experiences. When we're not fully aware of these underlying influences, they can control our actions, reactions, and perceptions without us even realizing it. By bringing these hidden aspects into conscious awareness, we can begin to understand and take responsibility for them, freeing ourselves from playing out our unconscious behavior.
In this kind of therapy, the focus is on the *present*—what’s going on *now*, not just what happened in the past. It’s about understanding how your inner world (thoughts, feelings) affects your outer world (actions, relationships), and vice versa. It’s also a chance to explore patterns you might not even know you have, like avoiding difficult emotions or repeating old behaviors.
A key idea in Gestalt therapy is the concept of “unfinished business”—those unresolved feelings or situations from the past that keep popping up and influencing your present. The therapist will help you identify these and work through them, creating space for healing and growth.
Gestalt therapy isn’t just talk—it’s an active process. It’s interactive, creative, and hands-on, making it a fun and engaging way to tap into your emotions, break old habits, and embrace who you truly are right now.
