Gestalt Therapists in San Francisco, CA
Yvonne Guertin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RMBP, SEP
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94109
My integral psychology background and ongoing training draws from several talk and process-oriented, experiential, somatic modalities including Gestalt, the Hakomi Method (hakomica.
Coming from a holistic, mind-body, humanistic, compassionate perspective, I work with clients who desire to improve the quality of their lives, reducing stress and emotional pain. Clients may suffer from loneliness, depression, low self-esteem, anxiety or loss. They may need help with communication awareness, grounding methods, self-care, sexual fulfillment or life purpose. These conditions are more normal than abnormal, while sometimes feeling overwhelming. I invite clients to listen to and trust their innate wisdom, guiding them to identify and move through the obstacles preventing them from living their life to the fullest.
My integral psychology background and ongoing training draws from several talk and process-oriented, experiential, somatic modalities including Gestalt, the Hakomi Method (hakomica.
Coming from a holistic, mind-body, humanistic, compassionate perspective, I work with clients who desire to improve the quality of their lives, reducing stress and emotional pain. Clients may suffer from loneliness, depression, low self-esteem, anxiety or loss. They may need help with communication awareness, grounding methods, self-care, sexual fulfillment or life purpose. These conditions are more normal than abnormal, while sometimes feeling overwhelming. I invite clients to listen to and trust their innate wisdom, guiding them to identify and move through the obstacles preventing them from living their life to the fullest.
Page Nelson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123 (Online Only)
I am passionate about working with children, teens, families, and couples. I believe therapy should be accessible for everyone and use a sliding scale model based on income to find a fee that works for you. I am trained in EMDR and am a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. I interweave these modalities, along with exercises from IFS, DBT, psychodynamic therapy, and Gestalt therapy, to help you work through issues relating to attachment in relationships, depression, traumatic experiences, anxiety, complex PTSD, grief, addictive patterns, codependency, and LGBTQ+ issues.
I am passionate about working with children, teens, families, and couples. I believe therapy should be accessible for everyone and use a sliding scale model based on income to find a fee that works for you. I am trained in EMDR and am a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. I interweave these modalities, along with exercises from IFS, DBT, psychodynamic therapy, and Gestalt therapy, to help you work through issues relating to attachment in relationships, depression, traumatic experiences, anxiety, complex PTSD, grief, addictive patterns, codependency, and LGBTQ+ issues.
Anna Tyrer-Vasell
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
I believe that we all deserve a safe space to process our experiences, and my primary goal is to provide you that space. I offer safe and affirming couples and individual therapy for adults, teens and couples of all identities, with a specialty in working with LGBTQ+, Trans, and Non Binary communities. I work with clients who struggle with self-identity, self-worth, anxiety, codependency, relationships, and trauma. I pull from my training in gestalt, mindfulness, emotion-focused, IFS and attachment theory to create an environment that allows you to develop a greater understanding of what’s holding you back from the life you want.
I believe that we all deserve a safe space to process our experiences, and my primary goal is to provide you that space. I offer safe and affirming couples and individual therapy for adults, teens and couples of all identities, with a specialty in working with LGBTQ+, Trans, and Non Binary communities. I work with clients who struggle with self-identity, self-worth, anxiety, codependency, relationships, and trauma. I pull from my training in gestalt, mindfulness, emotion-focused, IFS and attachment theory to create an environment that allows you to develop a greater understanding of what’s holding you back from the life you want.
Noelle Braddock
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114 (Online Only)
The therapy that I offer is depth-oriented and strongly rooted in Gestalt and Somatic modalities, as well as intersectional feminism.
I offer counseling for individuals and partners experiencing a broad range of life challenges. And, I have extensive experience in supporting folks as they navigate the following content areas: communication & relationship issues; grief & loss; identity; trauma; sexual orientation, sexuality & sensuality; creativity; systems & lived experiences of oppression; anxiety & fear; depression; co-dependence; addiction; infidelity, betrayal & trust; and inner-child work. I’m sex-positive, queer, and poly- & kink-affirming, and welcome all ethnic & racial identities & positionalities. (For more info: www.noellebraddocktherapy.com)
The therapy that I offer is depth-oriented and strongly rooted in Gestalt and Somatic modalities, as well as intersectional feminism.
I offer counseling for individuals and partners experiencing a broad range of life challenges. And, I have extensive experience in supporting folks as they navigate the following content areas: communication & relationship issues; grief & loss; identity; trauma; sexual orientation, sexuality & sensuality; creativity; systems & lived experiences of oppression; anxiety & fear; depression; co-dependence; addiction; infidelity, betrayal & trust; and inner-child work. I’m sex-positive, queer, and poly- & kink-affirming, and welcome all ethnic & racial identities & positionalities. (For more info: www.noellebraddocktherapy.com)
Lu Peyre
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94131
After graduating with a Master of Arts in Integral Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), I received training in Gestalt therapy at Integral Counseling Center at Church Street.
My role as a therapist is that of an empathetic co-pilot. I work in a client-centered way, and I will support you in creating healthy choices and new resources for yourself. My approach is compassionate, intuitive, and interactive. I strive to meet each client's personality and goals in a safe and welcoming environment. I am multilingual and multicultural. My various life experiences provide a base that will help me support you as we work together to meet your goals.
After graduating with a Master of Arts in Integral Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), I received training in Gestalt therapy at Integral Counseling Center at Church Street.
My role as a therapist is that of an empathetic co-pilot. I work in a client-centered way, and I will support you in creating healthy choices and new resources for yourself. My approach is compassionate, intuitive, and interactive. I strive to meet each client's personality and goals in a safe and welcoming environment. I am multilingual and multicultural. My various life experiences provide a base that will help me support you as we work together to meet your goals.
Bay Area Gestalt Institute
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Not Verified Not Verified
16 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94117
We are Bay Area Gestalt Institute (BAGI), a non-profit collective of highly trained marriage and family therapists and associates, providing affordable psychotherapy throughout the Bay Area. We offer counseling to individuals, couples, families, and children. Our work is active, creative and holistic. Our therapists work with a variety of issues including: * Relationship Issues * Anxiety * Depression * LGBTQI Concerns * Trauma * Substance Use / Abuse * Eating Disorders * Spiritual * Personal Growth * Integration of Non-Ordinary States
We are Bay Area Gestalt Institute (BAGI), a non-profit collective of highly trained marriage and family therapists and associates, providing affordable psychotherapy throughout the Bay Area. We offer counseling to individuals, couples, families, and children. Our work is active, creative and holistic. Our therapists work with a variety of issues including: * Relationship Issues * Anxiety * Depression * LGBTQI Concerns * Trauma * Substance Use / Abuse * Eating Disorders * Spiritual * Personal Growth * Integration of Non-Ordinary States
Debbie Mobley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
My approach is rooted in Gestalt Theory and the Paradoxical Theory of Change which states: "Change occurs when one becomes what he is, not when he tries to become something he is not.
Are you feeling stuck in your life? Would you like to connect more deeply with others and have more meaningful relationships? Or perhaps you'd just like to experience more joy, ease and meaning in your life. You are not alone. Anxiety and depression often show up when we are out of alignment with our deepest truths and what makes us feel truly alive. I work with individuals and couples to explore what is keeping them from flourishing and to discover unhealthy patterns so that they may experience deeper, more meaningful connections with themselves and others.
My approach is rooted in Gestalt Theory and the Paradoxical Theory of Change which states: "Change occurs when one becomes what he is, not when he tries to become something he is not.
Are you feeling stuck in your life? Would you like to connect more deeply with others and have more meaningful relationships? Or perhaps you'd just like to experience more joy, ease and meaning in your life. You are not alone. Anxiety and depression often show up when we are out of alignment with our deepest truths and what makes us feel truly alive. I work with individuals and couples to explore what is keeping them from flourishing and to discover unhealthy patterns so that they may experience deeper, more meaningful connections with themselves and others.
Michael Griffith
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MA, MS
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
We will use a variety of styles to look at your process--Attachment based, Gestalt, psychodrama to help address your stuck places and develop healthier, more effective approaches to others.
Successfully helping individuals and couples has always been a priority to me. First and foremost I want you to feel comfortable and safe when we work together and this is essential to fostering your growth. I will be open with you in my understanding of your situation and to share what I can about options you might use in your life situation. Your sessions will encourage you to learn how to make sense of yourself in relationship to others, in love and work. Our work will leave you both supported and also challenged to explore new options in your personal style. Heal dental anxiety and phobias.
We will use a variety of styles to look at your process--Attachment based, Gestalt, psychodrama to help address your stuck places and develop healthier, more effective approaches to others.
Successfully helping individuals and couples has always been a priority to me. First and foremost I want you to feel comfortable and safe when we work together and this is essential to fostering your growth. I will be open with you in my understanding of your situation and to share what I can about options you might use in your life situation. Your sessions will encourage you to learn how to make sense of yourself in relationship to others, in love and work. Our work will leave you both supported and also challenged to explore new options in your personal style. Heal dental anxiety and phobias.
Estella Violet
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
As an integrative therapist, I draw from several therapeutic approaches, including Gestalt, existential, and psychodynamic, working to increase present-moment awareness while supporting clients in the process of integration and authentic connection with themselves, their histories, and their world.
I work with folks dealing with a variety of life challenges including anxiety, depression, shame, gender dysphoria, trauma, and low self-esteem. My clinical focus is working with members of the queer community, and I am particularly interested in working with transgender and gender non-conforming adults and adolescents and their families as well as individuals and partners involved in polyamorous and non-monogamous relationships. Therapy is a space for healing, but I believe that it is equally important that we center joy, growth, and resilience in this work as well.
As an integrative therapist, I draw from several therapeutic approaches, including Gestalt, existential, and psychodynamic, working to increase present-moment awareness while supporting clients in the process of integration and authentic connection with themselves, their histories, and their world.
I work with folks dealing with a variety of life challenges including anxiety, depression, shame, gender dysphoria, trauma, and low self-esteem. My clinical focus is working with members of the queer community, and I am particularly interested in working with transgender and gender non-conforming adults and adolescents and their families as well as individuals and partners involved in polyamorous and non-monogamous relationships. Therapy is a space for healing, but I believe that it is equally important that we center joy, growth, and resilience in this work as well.
Karen Liu
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110
Hello, I'm currently offering in-person and video sessions with individual teens and adults. I have 10+ years of experience practicing Gestalt Therapy: a blend of self exploration, body awareness, and creative ways to integrate fragmented parts of ourselves. I also use Cognitive Behavioral exercises, art activities, and guided meditations, depending on your goals and interest. Most of my clients are in early to mid-life, improving their relationships to self and others, lifestyle, life purpose, transitions, and overcoming obstacles. I help people manage anxiety and depression, and navigate the complexities of being human!
Hello, I'm currently offering in-person and video sessions with individual teens and adults. I have 10+ years of experience practicing Gestalt Therapy: a blend of self exploration, body awareness, and creative ways to integrate fragmented parts of ourselves. I also use Cognitive Behavioral exercises, art activities, and guided meditations, depending on your goals and interest. Most of my clients are in early to mid-life, improving their relationships to self and others, lifestyle, life purpose, transitions, and overcoming obstacles. I help people manage anxiety and depression, and navigate the complexities of being human!
Lara Morales Daitter @ The Connective
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
I take an integrative approach that combines various modalities, including systemic, person-centered, gestalt, attachment theory, and formative psychology.
As a therapist, my work revolves around helping individuals and families understand and navigate their relational dynamics. My clients are often curious about exploring the complexities of their personality and how it manifests in their relationships. I believe that a willingness to be open-minded and introspective is key to making progress in therapy. In addition to working with individuals, I also have experience working with families who are struggling to build healthier relationships with one another. Whether it's communication issues or other challenges, I'm dedicated to helping families find solutions that work for them.
I take an integrative approach that combines various modalities, including systemic, person-centered, gestalt, attachment theory, and formative psychology.
As a therapist, my work revolves around helping individuals and families understand and navigate their relational dynamics. My clients are often curious about exploring the complexities of their personality and how it manifests in their relationships. I believe that a willingness to be open-minded and introspective is key to making progress in therapy. In addition to working with individuals, I also have experience working with families who are struggling to build healthier relationships with one another. Whether it's communication issues or other challenges, I'm dedicated to helping families find solutions that work for them.
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Ziqiu Yan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
I am a bilingual (English/Mandarin) therapist based in SF Bay area. Client comes to see me for more fulfillment in life including depression, anxiety, insomnia, trauma, relationship issues etc,. I have holistic trainings on Gestalt Therapy, Hakomi (somatic) therapy and Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT). I want to hold a safe space for my clients that they feel supported, cared for, resourced but also challenged, so that they can unfold their own way toward healing. As a person with the eastern and western bicultural experience, I also identity myself as a cultural sensitive therapist.
I am a bilingual (English/Mandarin) therapist based in SF Bay area. Client comes to see me for more fulfillment in life including depression, anxiety, insomnia, trauma, relationship issues etc,. I have holistic trainings on Gestalt Therapy, Hakomi (somatic) therapy and Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT). I want to hold a safe space for my clients that they feel supported, cared for, resourced but also challenged, so that they can unfold their own way toward healing. As a person with the eastern and western bicultural experience, I also identity myself as a cultural sensitive therapist.
Shawna Brevik
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109 (Online Only)
Fusing the pieces of human relationship, somatic work, mindfulness, spirituality or meaning making, with Gestalt therapy and more I hope to connect with you to bare witness on your journey towards transformation and wellness.
Do you have trouble identifying why patterns keep repeating themselves in your life? Maybe you are someone who is longing for a deeper connection to self and the world around you. Perhaps you are a couple reading this looking for support in navigating some of human relationships most challenging conflicts, or it could be you're just looking to strengthen the relationship. Wherever your inquiry lies I am confident our work together can facilitate meaningful change.
Fusing the pieces of human relationship, somatic work, mindfulness, spirituality or meaning making, with Gestalt therapy and more I hope to connect with you to bare witness on your journey towards transformation and wellness.
Do you have trouble identifying why patterns keep repeating themselves in your life? Maybe you are someone who is longing for a deeper connection to self and the world around you. Perhaps you are a couple reading this looking for support in navigating some of human relationships most challenging conflicts, or it could be you're just looking to strengthen the relationship. Wherever your inquiry lies I am confident our work together can facilitate meaningful change.
Frances Verrinder
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94146 (Online Only)
I have developed my own holistic, integrative approach from my training and experience in a number of therapeutic modalities including Gestalt, family systems theory, Expressive arts, hypnosis for stress management and trauma recovery, psychodrama, and Reichian-based somatic psychotherapy.
Feeling anxious, depressed, stuck in your life? I offer individual therapy to help you identify your strengths, work through your unresolved issues and find greater pleasure and success in everyday life. If you are struggling with romantic relationships, I can assist you in developing romantic intelligence skills. Dealing with communication problems and conflict in your relationship? I offer Psycho-biological Attachment Couples Therapy to expand your loving connection and build trust and safety.
I have developed my own holistic, integrative approach from my training and experience in a number of therapeutic modalities including Gestalt, family systems theory, Expressive arts, hypnosis for stress management and trauma recovery, psychodrama, and Reichian-based somatic psychotherapy.
Feeling anxious, depressed, stuck in your life? I offer individual therapy to help you identify your strengths, work through your unresolved issues and find greater pleasure and success in everyday life. If you are struggling with romantic relationships, I can assist you in developing romantic intelligence skills. Dealing with communication problems and conflict in your relationship? I offer Psycho-biological Attachment Couples Therapy to expand your loving connection and build trust and safety.
Irina Slutsky
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
I also use Gestalt, Somatic Therapy, Family Systems Therapy and, in terms of substance use, Abstinence Recovery support (12-Step, etc.
Struggling with relationships? Experiencing the many ways substance use can create pain, whether for you or someone you love? Are you living with a mental health condition that requires support? Identifying limiting beliefs and unhelpful behaviors is an essential step to living an emotionally stable life, whatever difficult crossroads you may be experiencing. Often, emotional recovery begins with healing long-buried childhood trauma. My goal in therapy with you is to be your guide on this healing journey. You don't have to do it alone. And I believe relief can sometimes happen as early as the first session. Licensed in CA and FL.
I also use Gestalt, Somatic Therapy, Family Systems Therapy and, in terms of substance use, Abstinence Recovery support (12-Step, etc.
Struggling with relationships? Experiencing the many ways substance use can create pain, whether for you or someone you love? Are you living with a mental health condition that requires support? Identifying limiting beliefs and unhelpful behaviors is an essential step to living an emotionally stable life, whatever difficult crossroads you may be experiencing. Often, emotional recovery begins with healing long-buried childhood trauma. My goal in therapy with you is to be your guide on this healing journey. You don't have to do it alone. And I believe relief can sometimes happen as early as the first session. Licensed in CA and FL.
Ken Stamper
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
My therapeutic style is approachable, warm, curious, and, when necessary, challenging. I draw from my training in the lineage of Gestalt Therapy, working in the 'here and now' to find out how we can create growth and change. I also use tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy when appropriate to help develop awareness for effective change. We will work collaboratively to see how you can learn respond to your environment with greater freedom and choice, where you can see possibilities and turn them into actualities. I'm here to support you in becoming your best self.
My therapeutic style is approachable, warm, curious, and, when necessary, challenging. I draw from my training in the lineage of Gestalt Therapy, working in the 'here and now' to find out how we can create growth and change. I also use tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy when appropriate to help develop awareness for effective change. We will work collaboratively to see how you can learn respond to your environment with greater freedom and choice, where you can see possibilities and turn them into actualities. I'm here to support you in becoming your best self.
Sandra M Amat
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
I integrate Gestalt Therapy, Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), somatic exercises and mindfulness practices, the Enneagram, Feeling States Therapy, and Transpersonal Therapy.
I specialize in Conscious Relationship. I help people learn how to show up as an adult for a conscious relationship with themselves and other people. We look at, excavate and rework personal and interpersonal dynamics, heal attachment wounding and past hurts and patterns that get in the way of healthy relating, developing the Emotional Intelligence necessary to show up. Please feel free to reach out or check out my website to learn more.
I integrate Gestalt Therapy, Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), somatic exercises and mindfulness practices, the Enneagram, Feeling States Therapy, and Transpersonal Therapy.
I specialize in Conscious Relationship. I help people learn how to show up as an adult for a conscious relationship with themselves and other people. We look at, excavate and rework personal and interpersonal dynamics, heal attachment wounding and past hurts and patterns that get in the way of healthy relating, developing the Emotional Intelligence necessary to show up. Please feel free to reach out or check out my website to learn more.
Liz Gilbert
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94109 (Online Only)
I trained in Gestalt Therapy, which focuses upon building awareness of what’s happening for you in a given moment.
I support clients who are facing life’s challenges. Some of these issues include: life transitions, relationships, family dynamics, body image, infertility, work and school stressors, grief and loss, and experiences around sex and sexuality. I work with adult individuals and couples - supporting clients in developing a better relationship with themselves and the people that matter most to them in their lives. My style is warm and compassionate. Clients often share that they feel comfortable with me right away
I trained in Gestalt Therapy, which focuses upon building awareness of what’s happening for you in a given moment.
I support clients who are facing life’s challenges. Some of these issues include: life transitions, relationships, family dynamics, body image, infertility, work and school stressors, grief and loss, and experiences around sex and sexuality. I work with adult individuals and couples - supporting clients in developing a better relationship with themselves and the people that matter most to them in their lives. My style is warm and compassionate. Clients often share that they feel comfortable with me right away
Ryan James Carroll
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
I commonly work with gestalt techniques, internal family systems, parts work, and somatic experiencing; all methods focused on present moment awareness.
I believe therapy is not just for dealing with symptoms; it can also lead to dramatic life transformation. I work relationally, meaning that our relationship will be the foundation of our work together. I believe that the psyche is made up of different parts that formed in different of our lives, and one of the keys to making change is getting these parts to work together. I believe that thinking about what’s happened is insufficient; we will work in the present moment to explore not just what we think, but also what we feel emotionally and somatically.
I commonly work with gestalt techniques, internal family systems, parts work, and somatic experiencing; all methods focused on present moment awareness.
I believe therapy is not just for dealing with symptoms; it can also lead to dramatic life transformation. I work relationally, meaning that our relationship will be the foundation of our work together. I believe that the psyche is made up of different parts that formed in different of our lives, and one of the keys to making change is getting these parts to work together. I believe that thinking about what’s happened is insufficient; we will work in the present moment to explore not just what we think, but also what we feel emotionally and somatically.
Alison Little
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
My style as a therapist is warm, direct and curious. I strive to form collaborative relationships with clients and utilize a mix of goal setting, treatment planning and exploratory/ open ended work depending on the client's needs and wants. I have 6 years of post graduate specialized training in Gestalt Therapy, a form of psychotherapy that is centered on increasing a person's awareness, freedom, and self-direction. Through my post graduate study, I also gained exposure to systems theory which has informed my therapeutic approach. I also have training in Internal Family Systems (Level 1) and 9 years of clinical experience.
My style as a therapist is warm, direct and curious. I strive to form collaborative relationships with clients and utilize a mix of goal setting, treatment planning and exploratory/ open ended work depending on the client's needs and wants. I have 6 years of post graduate specialized training in Gestalt Therapy, a form of psychotherapy that is centered on increasing a person's awareness, freedom, and self-direction. Through my post graduate study, I also gained exposure to systems theory which has informed my therapeutic approach. I also have training in Internal Family Systems (Level 1) and 9 years of clinical experience.
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Gestalt Therapists
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.