Gestalt Therapists in Delano, CA
Daniel Crosby
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Delano, CA 93215
My name is Dan Crosby and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My style of therapy is client driven and more of a partnership focusing on helping you reach your goals. I have extensive experience and training with treatment of trauma, depression, anxiety, and a multitude of other diagnoses which I will use to tailor your specific treatment to your needs and goals. I have been working in the field for over 15 years with a variety of clientele ranging from kids, adolescents, and adults. I have worked with a vast variety of diagnoses, trauma histories, life changes, and other stressors that a person may be going through.
My name is Dan Crosby and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My style of therapy is client driven and more of a partnership focusing on helping you reach your goals. I have extensive experience and training with treatment of trauma, depression, anxiety, and a multitude of other diagnoses which I will use to tailor your specific treatment to your needs and goals. I have been working in the field for over 15 years with a variety of clientele ranging from kids, adolescents, and adults. I have worked with a vast variety of diagnoses, trauma histories, life changes, and other stressors that a person may be going through.
Rebecca Davis
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Delano, CA 93215
Hello, I am Rebecca Davis, LMFT135557. I am a person-centered therapist that enjoys working with clients of all. I tend to work with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; I have positive psychology and am person-centered. I am practicing other theories. I tend to work with at-risk youth on a regular basis. However, I have worked with adults and enjoy clients of all ages. I have worked with trauma, substance use, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and so much more. I try to create a non-judgmental, safe environment for my clients to feel open and safe.
Hello, I am Rebecca Davis, LMFT135557. I am a person-centered therapist that enjoys working with clients of all. I tend to work with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; I have positive psychology and am person-centered. I am practicing other theories. I tend to work with at-risk youth on a regular basis. However, I have worked with adults and enjoy clients of all ages. I have worked with trauma, substance use, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and so much more. I try to create a non-judgmental, safe environment for my clients to feel open and safe.
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Anabel Robles
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Earlimart, CA 93219 (Online Only)
As a trauma-focused therapist, I utilize a range of evidence-based practices, including Trauma-Focused CBT, Play Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Gestalt, and Psychoeducation, to help clients process their experiences, develop healthy coping skills, and promote growth and resiliency.
My name is Anabel Robles, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). As a trauma-informed and domestic violence therapist, my role is to help clients process their past traumatic experiences. I aim to provide a safe and supportive space to empower my clients, help them with the healing process, and move forward on their own terms. I have worked with various populations, including children and adults, who have experienced sexual abuse, domestic violence, bullying, anxiety, and depression.
As a trauma-focused therapist, I utilize a range of evidence-based practices, including Trauma-Focused CBT, Play Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Gestalt, and Psychoeducation, to help clients process their experiences, develop healthy coping skills, and promote growth and resiliency.
My name is Anabel Robles, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). As a trauma-informed and domestic violence therapist, my role is to help clients process their past traumatic experiences. I aim to provide a safe and supportive space to empower my clients, help them with the healing process, and move forward on their own terms. I have worked with various populations, including children and adults, who have experienced sexual abuse, domestic violence, bullying, anxiety, and depression.
Online Therapists
Josephine Gildersleeve
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Lancaster, CA 93535
I often draw upon experiential theories, like Gestalt and Existential therapy, however I tend to be integrative, incorporating behavioral based theories, like CBT, DBT and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and postmodern techniques, like SFT (Solution Focused Therapy).
My name is H. Josephine Gildersleeve, and I am licensed in California as a Professional Clinical Counselor. I am a trauma-informed psychodynamic therapist, and approach life and meaning-making from a relational mindset. I specialize in creating a supportive and exploratory space for individuals seeking to understand the underlying dynamics of their thoughts and emotions. With a focus on fostering self-awareness and personal growth, I am dedicated to helping clients navigate challenges related to relationships, trauma, and life transitions.
I often draw upon experiential theories, like Gestalt and Existential therapy, however I tend to be integrative, incorporating behavioral based theories, like CBT, DBT and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and postmodern techniques, like SFT (Solution Focused Therapy).
My name is H. Josephine Gildersleeve, and I am licensed in California as a Professional Clinical Counselor. I am a trauma-informed psychodynamic therapist, and approach life and meaning-making from a relational mindset. I specialize in creating a supportive and exploratory space for individuals seeking to understand the underlying dynamics of their thoughts and emotions. With a focus on fostering self-awareness and personal growth, I am dedicated to helping clients navigate challenges related to relationships, trauma, and life transitions.
Valente Orozco
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT-S, PPS
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Fresno, CA 93720
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, and Certified Gestalt Therapist with Adults, Children, and Adolescents.
The relationship you have with your therapist is the biggest factor contributing to positive outcomes in therapy. Establishing a relationship built on mutual trust and respect is the first step in the journey towards health. I work with children and adults to establish this relationship from the very beginning. My goal is to create an experience for children and adults that allows you to connect with your sense of self and who you are, express those feelings and needs that are often hidden away, and realize the potential for growth inside each of us.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, and Certified Gestalt Therapist with Adults, Children, and Adolescents.
The relationship you have with your therapist is the biggest factor contributing to positive outcomes in therapy. Establishing a relationship built on mutual trust and respect is the first step in the journey towards health. I work with children and adults to establish this relationship from the very beginning. My goal is to create an experience for children and adults that allows you to connect with your sense of self and who you are, express those feelings and needs that are often hidden away, and realize the potential for growth inside each of us.
Rebecca Schack
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93305
My name is Rebecca Schack LMFT. I am passionate about healing through a holistic framework. My clinical orientation draws from somatic psychotherapy (Core Energetics), trauma treatment (Comprehensive Resource Model), attachment theory, and depth psychology. . I utilize a blend of contemporary approaches to inform and aid in treatment ranging from body reading, attachment theory, neurobiology, energy tracking, breath work, gestalt techniques, DBT, mindfulness, inner child/parts work, as well as resourcing, regulating, and grounding techniques for the central nervous system.
My name is Rebecca Schack LMFT. I am passionate about healing through a holistic framework. My clinical orientation draws from somatic psychotherapy (Core Energetics), trauma treatment (Comprehensive Resource Model), attachment theory, and depth psychology. . I utilize a blend of contemporary approaches to inform and aid in treatment ranging from body reading, attachment theory, neurobiology, energy tracking, breath work, gestalt techniques, DBT, mindfulness, inner child/parts work, as well as resourcing, regulating, and grounding techniques for the central nervous system.
Michael H Kreitsek
MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
My training in meditation, dream work, body awareness, Buddhist studies, Gestalt and other trainings allows me to address my client's needs directly, giving them methods and experiences to apply to their daily lives.
Clients often come to me during a deep life transition of some kind. They are looking for clarity and deeper meaning. They are motivated, and sometimes afraid to change. Issues of grief and death, relationship, career change, loss or aging often show up; a sense of "Who am I? What next? Where am I going? Where have I been?" Many times clients are looking for deeper spiritual awareness, either wanting to renew abandoned practices, or looking for something beyond their past experience. In each case they are looking to connect more directly with life and find methods to do so. They are looking for greater balance, peace and stability.
My training in meditation, dream work, body awareness, Buddhist studies, Gestalt and other trainings allows me to address my client's needs directly, giving them methods and experiences to apply to their daily lives.
Clients often come to me during a deep life transition of some kind. They are looking for clarity and deeper meaning. They are motivated, and sometimes afraid to change. Issues of grief and death, relationship, career change, loss or aging often show up; a sense of "Who am I? What next? Where am I going? Where have I been?" Many times clients are looking for deeper spiritual awareness, either wanting to renew abandoned practices, or looking for something beyond their past experience. In each case they are looking to connect more directly with life and find methods to do so. They are looking for greater balance, peace and stability.
William Gale
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MA
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
My training includes: Level 3 Attachment Focused EMDR, Hakomi Body/Mind Psychotherapy, Gestalt Play Therapy.
"Over the past 20 years I have supported clients in overcoming challenges and empowering their authentic selves. Through counseling, coaching, and group work, I've helped them activate their inner resources and realize their inherent potential. I believe growth is served by identifying and integrating core material which obstructs access to essence, passion, and life purpose. Enhancing self-awareness, employing mindfulness and nonviolence, I help clients listen to their Body's Intelligence ©, connect to inner wisdom, and take courageous action.
My training includes: Level 3 Attachment Focused EMDR, Hakomi Body/Mind Psychotherapy, Gestalt Play Therapy.
"Over the past 20 years I have supported clients in overcoming challenges and empowering their authentic selves. Through counseling, coaching, and group work, I've helped them activate their inner resources and realize their inherent potential. I believe growth is served by identifying and integrating core material which obstructs access to essence, passion, and life purpose. Enhancing self-awareness, employing mindfulness and nonviolence, I help clients listen to their Body's Intelligence ©, connect to inner wisdom, and take courageous action.
Phu Luu
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Wasco, CA 93280
As a psychotherapist, I work collaboratively to support and empower individuals in the process of self-discovery, growth, and healing. My treatment approach is integrative/holistic, informed by training, continuing education, and clinical experience. The modalities/frameworks I provide are derived from but not limited to: Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Brainspotting, Integral Somatic Psychology, Gestalt, Depth Psychology, Brief Psychodynamic Therapy, Humanistic-Existential Psychology, and Transpersonal Psychology.
As a psychotherapist, I work collaboratively to support and empower individuals in the process of self-discovery, growth, and healing. My treatment approach is integrative/holistic, informed by training, continuing education, and clinical experience. The modalities/frameworks I provide are derived from but not limited to: Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Brainspotting, Integral Somatic Psychology, Gestalt, Depth Psychology, Brief Psychodynamic Therapy, Humanistic-Existential Psychology, and Transpersonal Psychology.
David Stroud
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fresno, CA 93703
I primarily utilize a Gestalt approach to psychotherapy.
Beginning psychotherapy can often feel intimidating and overwhelming. I hope to provide a space that is non-judgmental and transformative. I work with adults who are experiencing trauma, depression, grief, and many other effects from the challenges of the world that we live in, and experience in our daily lives. I believe that exploring and processing these experiences can feel better in the context of a safe environment, and in collaboration with someone that we trust.
I primarily utilize a Gestalt approach to psychotherapy.
Beginning psychotherapy can often feel intimidating and overwhelming. I hope to provide a space that is non-judgmental and transformative. I work with adults who are experiencing trauma, depression, grief, and many other effects from the challenges of the world that we live in, and experience in our daily lives. I believe that exploring and processing these experiences can feel better in the context of a safe environment, and in collaboration with someone that we trust.
Tyler Sullivan Hartford
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (Online Only)
I specialize in addressing the deeper, often unconscious roots of difficulties utilizing depth psychotherapy, with influences of gestalt (process) and person centered interventions.
Few of us make it through childhood without having experienced trauma of one form or another. Often times, the adaptations that we make in order to best survive early life challenges, lead to patterns of belief and action which get in the way of us finding freedom, happiness, and fulfillment as adolescents and adults. Every person deserves an opportunity to grow to their greatest potential. Therapy is a facilitated process of increasing awareness of obstacles to growth and supporting transformation.
I specialize in addressing the deeper, often unconscious roots of difficulties utilizing depth psychotherapy, with influences of gestalt (process) and person centered interventions.
Few of us make it through childhood without having experienced trauma of one form or another. Often times, the adaptations that we make in order to best survive early life challenges, lead to patterns of belief and action which get in the way of us finding freedom, happiness, and fulfillment as adolescents and adults. Every person deserves an opportunity to grow to their greatest potential. Therapy is a facilitated process of increasing awareness of obstacles to growth and supporting transformation.
Jennifer Drewno
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93308
It is an honor to guide you on your journey. My passion is to support my clients in becoming more self-aware and increase peace of mind, and overall well-being. I have been so privileged to hear the stories and witness the deep transformations of my clients. You deserve a space where you are seen, heard, and validated. My therapeutic style is warm, nonjudgmental, and friendly. I create a safe space for you to explore challenging issues/events and my clinical approaches – Gestalt, Cognitive Behavior, Solution-focused, and Mindfulness therapy will support our work together.
It is an honor to guide you on your journey. My passion is to support my clients in becoming more self-aware and increase peace of mind, and overall well-being. I have been so privileged to hear the stories and witness the deep transformations of my clients. You deserve a space where you are seen, heard, and validated. My therapeutic style is warm, nonjudgmental, and friendly. I create a safe space for you to explore challenging issues/events and my clinical approaches – Gestalt, Cognitive Behavior, Solution-focused, and Mindfulness therapy will support our work together.
Catherine G Currie
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
I'm glad your curiosity about finding a therapist has led you here. My experience in mental health work includes Gestalt, CBT, psycho-dynamic, humanistic, client-centered, mindfulness based and self-acceptance training. Please call with specific questions. We may be a good fit if you are open to exploring your inner-space, learning new ways of thinking and new coping strategies, and connecting with your own personal wisdom while addressing life's inevitable challenges. I've been doing psychotherapy for 30 years and, in addition to seeing my private clients, I have supervised MFT and MSW interns in clinic settings.
I'm glad your curiosity about finding a therapist has led you here. My experience in mental health work includes Gestalt, CBT, psycho-dynamic, humanistic, client-centered, mindfulness based and self-acceptance training. Please call with specific questions. We may be a good fit if you are open to exploring your inner-space, learning new ways of thinking and new coping strategies, and connecting with your own personal wisdom while addressing life's inevitable challenges. I've been doing psychotherapy for 30 years and, in addition to seeing my private clients, I have supervised MFT and MSW interns in clinic settings.
Yuli Castillo
Counselor, PhD, LPCC, CRC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fresno, CA 93711
I integrate Gestalt, systems dynamics & Solution-Focused approaches in my clinical practice.
Life can present challenges leading to trauma and increased stress; let’s create together a warmth and safe environment to address your concerns, improve your mood, and grow personally. I am a bicultural, bilingual (Spanish/English) Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who enjoys working with children, families and adults. I have worked with clients of all ages with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, PTSD & other types of disabilities (e.g. physical, sensory, learning, substance abuse). I also enjoy worked with children and teens with behavioral concerns, family conflict, and adjustment struggles.
I integrate Gestalt, systems dynamics & Solution-Focused approaches in my clinical practice.
Life can present challenges leading to trauma and increased stress; let’s create together a warmth and safe environment to address your concerns, improve your mood, and grow personally. I am a bicultural, bilingual (Spanish/English) Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who enjoys working with children, families and adults. I have worked with clients of all ages with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, PTSD & other types of disabilities (e.g. physical, sensory, learning, substance abuse). I also enjoy worked with children and teens with behavioral concerns, family conflict, and adjustment struggles.
Shanda Barnett
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RPT
Verified Verified
Solvang, CA 93463 (Online Only)
-Training in: Play Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT); Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) -Certifications completed: Adoptions Counselor Training (ACT); Pathways to Parenting; Sexual Assault Victim Advocate; Domestic Violence Counselor -Theoretical orientations: Family Systems, Client-Centered, Humanistic, Gestalt, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Attachment-based perspective.
Are you worried about a recent change in your child's emotions/behaviors? Thankfully, there is help specific to your child's developmental needs through a kid-friendly approach, Play Therapy. I help children sort through a variety of issues, from anxiety, sadness, and anger, to behavioral problems at home/school. I work with you, the parent who knows their child best, to help your child heal. If you're an adoptive or foster parent, this can be a confusing or challenging role. It may be difficult to connect with your child. The same parenting rules do not apply to a "non-traditional" family system.
-Training in: Play Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT); Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) -Certifications completed: Adoptions Counselor Training (ACT); Pathways to Parenting; Sexual Assault Victim Advocate; Domestic Violence Counselor -Theoretical orientations: Family Systems, Client-Centered, Humanistic, Gestalt, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Attachment-based perspective.
Are you worried about a recent change in your child's emotions/behaviors? Thankfully, there is help specific to your child's developmental needs through a kid-friendly approach, Play Therapy. I help children sort through a variety of issues, from anxiety, sadness, and anger, to behavioral problems at home/school. I work with you, the parent who knows their child best, to help your child heal. If you're an adoptive or foster parent, this can be a confusing or challenging role. It may be difficult to connect with your child. The same parenting rules do not apply to a "non-traditional" family system.
Stephanie Pawlowicz
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RPT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
I am also a certified Gestalt Therapist with Children and Adolescents and a Registered Play Therapist.
A person comes to therapy when their present ways of being in relationship, or in the world, no longer seem to hold the meaning they once did. My aim is to support you in creating a new foundation of hope, purpose, and meaning in your life. I help people seek wholeness through the integration of mind, body, and soul, thus expanding their current level of understanding, and in so doing, creating the capacity to live more meaningfully.
I am also a certified Gestalt Therapist with Children and Adolescents and a Registered Play Therapist.
A person comes to therapy when their present ways of being in relationship, or in the world, no longer seem to hold the meaning they once did. My aim is to support you in creating a new foundation of hope, purpose, and meaning in your life. I help people seek wholeness through the integration of mind, body, and soul, thus expanding their current level of understanding, and in so doing, creating the capacity to live more meaningfully.
Sascha Goldhor
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93105 (Online Only)
My practice is body positive, sex positive, LGBTQIA+ affirmative, in solidarity with BIPOC, and is informed by Jungian and depth psychology + Gestalt therapy.
Our sessions together will transform your life. One of my main aims is to support you to trust your Self. You'll learn how to attune to the unconscious, both to alleviate your suffering and to guide your Self towards wholeness. We'll focus on your emergent somatic experience and incorporate imaginal practices. Throughout, we gain insights into your relationship patterns and nurture your creative function. My style is collaborative + curious. I hold this profound, rewarding process with care and integrity. Many clients express how our sessions have led to lasting change in their lives.
My practice is body positive, sex positive, LGBTQIA+ affirmative, in solidarity with BIPOC, and is informed by Jungian and depth psychology + Gestalt therapy.
Our sessions together will transform your life. One of my main aims is to support you to trust your Self. You'll learn how to attune to the unconscious, both to alleviate your suffering and to guide your Self towards wholeness. We'll focus on your emergent somatic experience and incorporate imaginal practices. Throughout, we gain insights into your relationship patterns and nurture your creative function. My style is collaborative + curious. I hold this profound, rewarding process with care and integrity. Many clients express how our sessions have led to lasting change in their lives.
Kassandra Dawn Boortz
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Avila Beach, CA 93424
Congratulations on taking the first step toward healing! I am passionate in bringing empowerment and insight to the world of those who struggle to move forward. I am Licensed as a Marriage and Family therapist and has been helping others for over 8 years. My journey has led me to work successfully dealing with a wide range of issues such as Anxiety and Depression. I provide a focus on the mind-body connection to access stuck emotions. My approach to therapy is unbiased, client-centered, and collaborative. I truly value diversity and its impacts and utilizes a Gestalt and CBT therapy approach, along with emphasizing self-compassion.
Congratulations on taking the first step toward healing! I am passionate in bringing empowerment and insight to the world of those who struggle to move forward. I am Licensed as a Marriage and Family therapist and has been helping others for over 8 years. My journey has led me to work successfully dealing with a wide range of issues such as Anxiety and Depression. I provide a focus on the mind-body connection to access stuck emotions. My approach to therapy is unbiased, client-centered, and collaborative. I truly value diversity and its impacts and utilizes a Gestalt and CBT therapy approach, along with emphasizing self-compassion.
Coral Martinez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Solvang, CA 93463
I utilize individualized interventions that include elements of Gestalt theory, art therapy, and evidence-based interventions including Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP).
Are you struggling with anxiety or overwhelming thoughts? Do you notice negative self-talk or self-defeating patterns that affect you and your relationships? Are you having difficulty coping with life stressors? I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in working with young adults who are struggling with anxiety, life challenges, transitions, and relationship difficulties. My goal is to help you feel empowered in your ability to walk through life. I want to work with you to create tools to manage your anxiety, understand your emotions, and uncover patterns in your life and relationships.
I utilize individualized interventions that include elements of Gestalt theory, art therapy, and evidence-based interventions including Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP).
Are you struggling with anxiety or overwhelming thoughts? Do you notice negative self-talk or self-defeating patterns that affect you and your relationships? Are you having difficulty coping with life stressors? I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in working with young adults who are struggling with anxiety, life challenges, transitions, and relationship difficulties. My goal is to help you feel empowered in your ability to walk through life. I want to work with you to create tools to manage your anxiety, understand your emotions, and uncover patterns in your life and relationships.
Dr. Trisha Rich-Thurm
Psychologist, LMFT, LPsyD, NCC
Verified Verified
Lancaster, CA 93534
As a therapist I utilize the therapeutic techniques of Gestalt, Cognitive Behavioral, Client Centered and Solution-Focused therapies.
My goal is to help you be the best you possible. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will begin to deal with long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. I work with a variety of issues including autism, ADD/ADHD, Dementia and Alzheimer's, aging and mortality, grief and loss, gambling addiction, bariatric and eating disorders, trauma, anxiety issues, and OCD.
As a therapist I utilize the therapeutic techniques of Gestalt, Cognitive Behavioral, Client Centered and Solution-Focused therapies.
My goal is to help you be the best you possible. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will begin to deal with long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. I work with a variety of issues including autism, ADD/ADHD, Dementia and Alzheimer's, aging and mortality, grief and loss, gambling addiction, bariatric and eating disorders, trauma, anxiety issues, and OCD.
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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.