Gestalt Psychiatrists in 02138

Photo of Mark Green, MD, Psychiatrist
Mark Green
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Cambridge, MA 02138
I am a specialist in dual disorders, and treat people with addictions as well as the full range of psychiatric disorders, like schizophrenia, bipolar illnesses, depression, OCD and panic. I often work with people other docs have not connected with, or considered too tough, because I listen, and am flexible and straightforward, yet at the same time thorough and safe. This includes those not ready to make a behavior change, younger people, those with unstable or complex conditions, pain, sleep disorders and those who don't want to take medicines.
I am a specialist in dual disorders, and treat people with addictions as well as the full range of psychiatric disorders, like schizophrenia, bipolar illnesses, depression, OCD and panic. I often work with people other docs have not connected with, or considered too tough, because I listen, and am flexible and straightforward, yet at the same time thorough and safe. This includes those not ready to make a behavior change, younger people, those with unstable or complex conditions, pain, sleep disorders and those who don't want to take medicines.
(857) 598-2808 View (857) 598-2808
Photo of Susan Rako - Susan Rako MD, MD, Psychiatrist
Susan Rako MD
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02138  (Online Only)
If you need help to gain or regain a good enough balance and a way to find happiness in your life, I have decades of valuable experience. I am known as a "psychiatrist's psychiatrist," a true healer, and one who is gifted at working with "challenging" situations" -- both individual and couples. Therapy is my specialty, and I evaluate and prescribe medication only for patients I treat in therapy when it is truly indicated. I particularly enjoy working with individuals who are more interested in developing their own capacities than in complaining about the inadequacy of what they find outside themselves in the world and in other people. I do not provide "medication management" if that is a primary reason for consultation. Author of : "That's How the Light Gets In: Memoir of a Psychiatrist" (published by Random House) and "Semrad: The Heart of a Therapist" (see www.susanrako.com) My blog, "More Light" can also be found on my website.
If you need help to gain or regain a good enough balance and a way to find happiness in your life, I have decades of valuable experience. I am known as a "psychiatrist's psychiatrist," a true healer, and one who is gifted at working with "challenging" situations" -- both individual and couples. Therapy is my specialty, and I evaluate and prescribe medication only for patients I treat in therapy when it is truly indicated. I particularly enjoy working with individuals who are more interested in developing their own capacities than in complaining about the inadequacy of what they find outside themselves in the world and in other people. I do not provide "medication management" if that is a primary reason for consultation. Author of : "That's How the Light Gets In: Memoir of a Psychiatrist" (published by Random House) and "Semrad: The Heart of a Therapist" (see www.susanrako.com) My blog, "More Light" can also be found on my website.
(617) 964-4241 View (617) 964-4241
Gestalt Psychiatrists

What is gestalt therapy?

Gestalt therapy is based on the idea that to address unresolved negative feelings, emotions must be not only discussed but also actively expressed in the present moment. The term is from a German word meaning “whole,” and gestalt therapists believe that people should be considered whole entities made up of mind, body, and emotions. Gestalt sessions are rooted in the notion that a client’s total self must be discovered, explored, and confronted, so that they can take greater responsibility for themselves and their behavior, learn to satisfy their own needs while still respecting the needs of others, and reconnect with feelings they might otherwise deny.

How does gestalt therapy work?

Gestalt therapy sessions do not just involve talking with a therapist. Clients may take part in role-playing, re-enactment, or artistic exercises like drawing and painting, with the goal of becoming more aware of negative thought patterns that limit happiness. One common gestalt exercise is “the empty chair,” in which a client sits across from an empty chair representing a partner, relative, boss, or a part of themselves—and, with the therapist’s encouragement, improvises a dialog with it. The intention is to bring the emotions raised by past conflicts into the present and work through them in the moment.

How long does gestalt therapy last?

As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for gestalt therapy; people who believe that they are making progress typically continue until they feel they’ve addressed the issues that had been holding them back. New patients should understand that it may take some time to become comfortable with gestalt exercises but once they do, they should expect sessions to extend for a number of months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions.

Does gestalt therapy work?

Gestalt therapy has generally been found to be as effective as other forms of talk therapy in helping people living with anxiety, depression, phobias, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders, as well as helping individuals reduce conflict in relationships. Gestalt techniques, on their own or in combination with other therapies, can also be effective in managing physical ailments including ulcerative colitis, migraines, and back spasms. It should be noted that some people may have trouble adapting to gestalt therapy’s lack of formal structure or to a therapist’s close observations of their body language and emotions; others may struggle to commit to techniques that feel unnatural, like the empty chair exercise.