Gestalt Therapists in Hampstead, MD

Photo of Mario Conliffe, PhD, LCPC, NCC
Mario Conliffe
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hampstead, MD 21074
As a therapist, I draw mainly from Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic, Gestalt, and Person-Centered therapies.
Feeling hopeless or depressed? Angry? Anxious? Overwhelmed by life's circumstances? Struggling with drug or alcohol addiction? Tired of the family dysfunction? Well, I am here to listen and to help you make the changes you wish to see in your life. I work with individuals (age 15+), families, and couples who are experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship problems, family dysfunction, substance abuse and addiction issues, stressful life transitions, and other difficulties. I am also trained in pastoral counseling and respond to spiritual and existential concerns when clients desire.
As a therapist, I draw mainly from Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic, Gestalt, and Person-Centered therapies.
Feeling hopeless or depressed? Angry? Anxious? Overwhelmed by life's circumstances? Struggling with drug or alcohol addiction? Tired of the family dysfunction? Well, I am here to listen and to help you make the changes you wish to see in your life. I work with individuals (age 15+), families, and couples who are experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship problems, family dysfunction, substance abuse and addiction issues, stressful life transitions, and other difficulties. I am also trained in pastoral counseling and respond to spiritual and existential concerns when clients desire.
(240) 493-8959 View (240) 493-8959
Photo of Michele Genevieve Stanton, LCSW-C, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michele Genevieve Stanton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LLC
Verified Verified
Hampstead, MD 21074  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Over 30 years of experience serving the needs of Carroll County residents dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, marital conflict, chronic illness, addictions and the challenge of life transitions and loss issues.
Over 30 years of experience serving the needs of Carroll County residents dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, marital conflict, chronic illness, addictions and the challenge of life transitions and loss issues.
(443) 952-4057 View (443) 952-4057

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Carol A. Levine, MS, LCPC, LLC
Carol A. Levine
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MS, LCPC, LLC
Verified Verified
Westminster, MD 21157  (Online Only)
Do you experience anxiety, including social fear and avoidance? Do you feel anxious in romantic relationships or just want to feel less worried and depressed? I get it! Does your angst leave you feeling empty, angry and irritable? Life can be absolutely overwhelming and actually scary, at times, especially when stress piles up and we’re trying to juggle a career, a marriage and parenting. Unhealed wounds and traumatic experiences from our past wreak havoc on our present and we don’t know how to repair the damage. But there are answers!
Do you experience anxiety, including social fear and avoidance? Do you feel anxious in romantic relationships or just want to feel less worried and depressed? I get it! Does your angst leave you feeling empty, angry and irritable? Life can be absolutely overwhelming and actually scary, at times, especially when stress piles up and we’re trying to juggle a career, a marriage and parenting. Unhealed wounds and traumatic experiences from our past wreak havoc on our present and we don’t know how to repair the damage. But there are answers!
(240) 557-3739 View (240) 557-3739
Photo of Heather M Stackus, MEd, LCPC, NCC, NCSC, Counselor
Heather M Stackus
Counselor, MEd, LCPC, NCC, NCSC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westminster, MD 21158  (Online Only)
I work with children, adults, families, and couples. I work to help strengthen the development of parenting skills, boundary setting, communication, decision making and behavioral management. I assist with the development of emotional intelligence including self-awareness, self-regulation, social skills, and empathy for others. For children, I see ages 3+.
I work with children, adults, families, and couples. I work to help strengthen the development of parenting skills, boundary setting, communication, decision making and behavioral management. I assist with the development of emotional intelligence including self-awareness, self-regulation, social skills, and empathy for others. For children, I see ages 3+.
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Photo of Rachel Cochran, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rachel Cochran
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Finksburg, MD 21048
If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals. I work with individuals, couples and families in multiple areas including trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, relationship/family conflict, self-esteem issues, grief, eating disorder and food addiction, learning disorders, anger management, self-harm, LGBT issues, reaction to divorce, mediation, and forensic evaluation. I am more than happy to consult with you to see if we are a good fit to work together!
If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals. I work with individuals, couples and families in multiple areas including trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, relationship/family conflict, self-esteem issues, grief, eating disorder and food addiction, learning disorders, anger management, self-harm, LGBT issues, reaction to divorce, mediation, and forensic evaluation. I am more than happy to consult with you to see if we are a good fit to work together!
(410) 457-3281 View (410) 457-3281
Photo of Marissa Neal, MSW, LCSW-C, CAGCS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marissa Neal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C, CAGCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westminster, MD 21157  (Online Only)
I work with clients who are want to heal and grow. If you are grieving, struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, life stressors, feeling stuck.... or anything in between, this is a place for you. I am fluent in American Sign Language. I also offer Clinical Supervision for those working towards your LCSW in Pennsylvania or your LCSW-C in Maryland.
I work with clients who are want to heal and grow. If you are grieving, struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, life stressors, feeling stuck.... or anything in between, this is a place for you. I am fluent in American Sign Language. I also offer Clinical Supervision for those working towards your LCSW in Pennsylvania or your LCSW-C in Maryland.
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Online Therapists

Photo of Jess Lastner, LCPC, Counselor
Jess Lastner
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Frederick, MD 21702  (Online Only)
I use techniques from various modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment or Gestalt Therapy.
Suffering is universal. We all suffer in our own way for our own unique reasons. My aim is to help individuals turn their suffering into a constructive experience. I believe we can find meaning in our universal struggles that will help us grow and lead productive lives. During my clinical training I worked with clients who experienced substance abuse, domestic violence, sex addiction and worked with offender groups. I also supported individuals suffering from anxiety, depression and with histories of trauma. I have worked extensively in group settings, as well as with individuals and couples.
I use techniques from various modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment or Gestalt Therapy.
Suffering is universal. We all suffer in our own way for our own unique reasons. My aim is to help individuals turn their suffering into a constructive experience. I believe we can find meaning in our universal struggles that will help us grow and lead productive lives. During my clinical training I worked with clients who experienced substance abuse, domestic violence, sex addiction and worked with offender groups. I also supported individuals suffering from anxiety, depression and with histories of trauma. I have worked extensively in group settings, as well as with individuals and couples.
(240) 213-9358 x1 View (240) 213-9358 x1
Photo of Jennifer Yarbro, MA, LCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jennifer Yarbro
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21229
Some of the methods I use frequently are mindfulness based cognitive behavioral therapy, self-compassion/ compassion, gestalt therapy and other body centered approaches.
We can't always control what life brings our way, but we can choose how we respond to it. I enjoy helping people reconnect with their natural wisdom in the midst of life's challenges. My goal is to help my clients gain awareness of what is already working in their lives and what patterns and habits have become outdated or self-defeating. A situation, problem or symptom that appears unworkable or overwhelming can offer the key to its own healing when held with gentle, inquisitive attention.
Some of the methods I use frequently are mindfulness based cognitive behavioral therapy, self-compassion/ compassion, gestalt therapy and other body centered approaches.
We can't always control what life brings our way, but we can choose how we respond to it. I enjoy helping people reconnect with their natural wisdom in the midst of life's challenges. My goal is to help my clients gain awareness of what is already working in their lives and what patterns and habits have become outdated or self-defeating. A situation, problem or symptom that appears unworkable or overwhelming can offer the key to its own healing when held with gentle, inquisitive attention.
(720) 513-7344 View (720) 513-7344
Photo of Arielle Seidler, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Arielle Seidler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Lutherville, MD 21093
I am trained primarily as a gestalt and experiential clinician, but I use a variety of modalities based on the needs of my clients including parts work and mindfulness.
No matter your reason for beginning your search for a therapist, you have started your journey toward a happier and more fulfilling life. Therapy is meant to free you from the external and internal pressures that keep you locked into painful debilitating patterns. Working with clients to identify and relieve those pressures so that change can happen is something I love and have been doing for many years. In my career, I have worked with individuals and families not only in my private practice, but also at an addiction treatment center where I served as a therapist, family therapy supervisor and, ultimately, clinical director.
I am trained primarily as a gestalt and experiential clinician, but I use a variety of modalities based on the needs of my clients including parts work and mindfulness.
No matter your reason for beginning your search for a therapist, you have started your journey toward a happier and more fulfilling life. Therapy is meant to free you from the external and internal pressures that keep you locked into painful debilitating patterns. Working with clients to identify and relieve those pressures so that change can happen is something I love and have been doing for many years. In my career, I have worked with individuals and families not only in my private practice, but also at an addiction treatment center where I served as a therapist, family therapy supervisor and, ultimately, clinical director.
(410) 343-9215 View (410) 343-9215
Photo of John W Cornelius, MS, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
John W Cornelius
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
I help individuals work on life issues tied to anxiety and depression, relationship difficulties, stress symptoms tied to childhood trauma, and families struggling with behavioral challenges. I teach communication skills that help with difficult relationships. These skills include helping my clients improve their power, voice, and contact with significant others. I employ many approaches in psychotherapy, including psychodynamic, gestalt, somatic experiencing (SE), accelerated experiential dynamic (AEDP), cognitive behavioral (CBT) and emotionally focused couples therapy (EFT).
I help individuals work on life issues tied to anxiety and depression, relationship difficulties, stress symptoms tied to childhood trauma, and families struggling with behavioral challenges. I teach communication skills that help with difficult relationships. These skills include helping my clients improve their power, voice, and contact with significant others. I employ many approaches in psychotherapy, including psychodynamic, gestalt, somatic experiencing (SE), accelerated experiential dynamic (AEDP), cognitive behavioral (CBT) and emotionally focused couples therapy (EFT).
(202) 600-9053 View (202) 600-9053
Photo of Shari Cain, LCPC, Counselor
Shari Cain
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Middle River, MD 21220
I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Person-Centered therapy, Strength-based solution-focused therapy, Mindfulness, and Gestalt.
Welcome to the first step in choosing YOU! You may be seeking guidance on how to become your most authentic self and be able to help improve your life. We all have traumas, everyday stressors, familial and relationship conflicts that have affected us in various ways. If you're feeling anxious, depressed, conflicted or a combination of many emotions; learning how to manage and cope with those emotions can help significantly in reaching goals you set for yourself.
I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Person-Centered therapy, Strength-based solution-focused therapy, Mindfulness, and Gestalt.
Welcome to the first step in choosing YOU! You may be seeking guidance on how to become your most authentic self and be able to help improve your life. We all have traumas, everyday stressors, familial and relationship conflicts that have affected us in various ways. If you're feeling anxious, depressed, conflicted or a combination of many emotions; learning how to manage and cope with those emotions can help significantly in reaching goals you set for yourself.
(443) 399-2931 View (443) 399-2931
Photo of Safoura Moraveji, LCSW-C, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Safoura Moraveji
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified Verified
Frederick, MD 21702  (Online Only)
Safoura Moraveji is a seasoned licensed psychotherapist who has been practicing in Maryland and the District of Columbia since 1988. Safoura's most current work has focused primarily on adults experiencing major life transitions such as divorce, family, career moves, and illness. After graduating from the University of Maryland in College Park with her master’s degree in social work, Safoura turned her attention toward psychoanalytic psychotherapy and studies in Gestalt-Existential psychotherapy. Her specialized focuses include working with adults who suffer from severe mood and panic disorders, depression, and anxiety.
Safoura Moraveji is a seasoned licensed psychotherapist who has been practicing in Maryland and the District of Columbia since 1988. Safoura's most current work has focused primarily on adults experiencing major life transitions such as divorce, family, career moves, and illness. After graduating from the University of Maryland in College Park with her master’s degree in social work, Safoura turned her attention toward psychoanalytic psychotherapy and studies in Gestalt-Existential psychotherapy. Her specialized focuses include working with adults who suffer from severe mood and panic disorders, depression, and anxiety.
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Photo of Taylor White, LCPC, NCC, Counselor
Taylor White
Counselor, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Clinically I am trained in Psychodynamic, Gestalt, Jungian, and Transpersonal psychotherapies.
I am more interested in what you are experiencing than anything I could tell you about myself. Generally, individuals come to therapy because they have reached a personal impasse and would like an outside perspective.
Clinically I am trained in Psychodynamic, Gestalt, Jungian, and Transpersonal psychotherapies.
I am more interested in what you are experiencing than anything I could tell you about myself. Generally, individuals come to therapy because they have reached a personal impasse and would like an outside perspective.
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Photo of Devora (Deborah) Stern, LCPC
Devora (Deborah) Stern
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21215
I use various theoretical approaches, including Gestalt, CBT, experiential therapy, motivational interviewing and others.
I work with teenagers and adults with anxiety, depression, school avoidance, self-harm behaviors and OCD. If you like the idea of speaking freely about your thoughts and feelings without being judged, if you like feeling completely accepted for who you are, without having to change anything about yourself, then you’ve come to the right place. Therapy is an opportunity to meet with someone who will accept and support you unconditionally. It’s a space where you can actually learn to stop judging yourself and to let go of thought patterns and beliefs that have been holding you back from experiencing inner peace.
I use various theoretical approaches, including Gestalt, CBT, experiential therapy, motivational interviewing and others.
I work with teenagers and adults with anxiety, depression, school avoidance, self-harm behaviors and OCD. If you like the idea of speaking freely about your thoughts and feelings without being judged, if you like feeling completely accepted for who you are, without having to change anything about yourself, then you’ve come to the right place. Therapy is an opportunity to meet with someone who will accept and support you unconditionally. It’s a space where you can actually learn to stop judging yourself and to let go of thought patterns and beliefs that have been holding you back from experiencing inner peace.
(410) 844-6586 View (410) 844-6586
Photo of David Jun Selleh, LCPC, LPC
David Jun Selleh
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21209
I am a courageously curious, deeply relational, and gently direct psychotherapist. I support individuals, couples, and families in more fully connecting with self and others. My style draws primarily from Gestalt: an experiential, relational, here-and-now-oriented, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed approach. I utilize mindfulness, somatic body process, role-reversal, enactment, dreams, parts work, and other creative experiments. I also integrate Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, Polyvagal Theory, Psychedelic and Ketamine-Assisted Therapy, and other frameworks as needed.
I am a courageously curious, deeply relational, and gently direct psychotherapist. I support individuals, couples, and families in more fully connecting with self and others. My style draws primarily from Gestalt: an experiential, relational, here-and-now-oriented, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed approach. I utilize mindfulness, somatic body process, role-reversal, enactment, dreams, parts work, and other creative experiments. I also integrate Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, Polyvagal Theory, Psychedelic and Ketamine-Assisted Therapy, and other frameworks as needed.
(301) 685-7482 View (301) 685-7482
Photo of Esther Saggurthi, LCPC
Esther Saggurthi
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rockville, MD 20855
Waitlist for new clients
I practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, and Positive Psychology.
The mere thought of therapy can be daunting, while in actuality most of us ask for advice from those around us everyday. What makes therapy different from asking a coworker, friend or relative for their advice, is my approach to therapy. I believe therapy is allowing you the space to work out issues, the space to feel free and learn about yourself in new ways. Therapy is looking at your thoughts and behavioral patterns for maximum effectiveness to your desired goals. My approach is best summed up in a quote by Benjamin Franklin, “There are three things extremely hard: steel, a diamond, and to know one’s self.”
I practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, and Positive Psychology.
The mere thought of therapy can be daunting, while in actuality most of us ask for advice from those around us everyday. What makes therapy different from asking a coworker, friend or relative for their advice, is my approach to therapy. I believe therapy is allowing you the space to work out issues, the space to feel free and learn about yourself in new ways. Therapy is looking at your thoughts and behavioral patterns for maximum effectiveness to your desired goals. My approach is best summed up in a quote by Benjamin Franklin, “There are three things extremely hard: steel, a diamond, and to know one’s self.”
(240) 634-9514 View (240) 634-9514
Photo of Vernon Byrd Coulon, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Vernon Byrd Coulon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Frederick, MD 21702  (Online Only)
I am a certified Imago Relationship Therapist, certified Gestalt Practitioner with extensive training in Sand Tray therapy; a certified Qigong instructor and certified Emotional Freedom Techniques energy psychology practitioner.
We all deserve to be happy. Sometimes events and circumstances may get in our way. Using holistic approaches to compliment traditional talk therapy, I hope you will let me help you on your journey of self-discovery and healing. Whether you are dealing with traumatic issues or life challenges, these methods work! As one client shared with me, "after years in talk therapy, this is the first time that I am beginning to feel integrated and whole." If you are ready, please accept my offer to share this journey with you.
I am a certified Imago Relationship Therapist, certified Gestalt Practitioner with extensive training in Sand Tray therapy; a certified Qigong instructor and certified Emotional Freedom Techniques energy psychology practitioner.
We all deserve to be happy. Sometimes events and circumstances may get in our way. Using holistic approaches to compliment traditional talk therapy, I hope you will let me help you on your journey of self-discovery and healing. Whether you are dealing with traumatic issues or life challenges, these methods work! As one client shared with me, "after years in talk therapy, this is the first time that I am beginning to feel integrated and whole." If you are ready, please accept my offer to share this journey with you.
(301) 804-2305 View (301) 804-2305
Photo of Mary Foster Herbers, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mary Foster Herbers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20855
I have been trained in Transactional Analysis which clarifies interpersonal communication, Gestalt therapy which looks at the thoughts, feelings and behaviors in a person; the focus on one's thoughts is similar to Cognitive Behavioral therapy.
I am a licensed clinical social worker with years of experience in working with people of all ages going through difficult times. I work with adults, 20 and older. My group, individual,and couples therapy sessions provide an arena for acceptance and an opportunity to work through problems. Do you struggle with work stress, depression, anxiety, negative thoughts, anger, lonely feelings, low self esteem, conflicts with others, past memories, shame, confusion or lack of concentration, hopelessness?. Let us meet and sort out the situation you can not cope with on your own. It is weakness, not strength that binds us together.
I have been trained in Transactional Analysis which clarifies interpersonal communication, Gestalt therapy which looks at the thoughts, feelings and behaviors in a person; the focus on one's thoughts is similar to Cognitive Behavioral therapy.
I am a licensed clinical social worker with years of experience in working with people of all ages going through difficult times. I work with adults, 20 and older. My group, individual,and couples therapy sessions provide an arena for acceptance and an opportunity to work through problems. Do you struggle with work stress, depression, anxiety, negative thoughts, anger, lonely feelings, low self esteem, conflicts with others, past memories, shame, confusion or lack of concentration, hopelessness?. Let us meet and sort out the situation you can not cope with on your own. It is weakness, not strength that binds us together.
(240) 813-4214 View (240) 813-4214
Photo of Dina Josif Block, MS, PhD, LCPC
Dina Josif Block
MS, PhD, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Towson, MD 21204
I do also incorporate other interventions such as, Gestalt, Focused Based Therapy, Psychodynamic, and Biofeedback as needed.
I am a Psycho/Behavioral Therapist with over 20 years of experience in helping individuals and couples who are suffering from health and mental issues. I trained at both Johns Hopkins psychiatry department and McGill university center for cognition and medicine. In the last couple of year I focus on helping those suffering from chronic pain,depression, anxiety cognitive disorders, eating disorders, weight management and career counselling. I am a Cognitive Therapist and I believe that people have a choice, they can change their behavior, their thought process, learn to move forward and acquire hope.
I do also incorporate other interventions such as, Gestalt, Focused Based Therapy, Psychodynamic, and Biofeedback as needed.
I am a Psycho/Behavioral Therapist with over 20 years of experience in helping individuals and couples who are suffering from health and mental issues. I trained at both Johns Hopkins psychiatry department and McGill university center for cognition and medicine. In the last couple of year I focus on helping those suffering from chronic pain,depression, anxiety cognitive disorders, eating disorders, weight management and career counselling. I am a Cognitive Therapist and I believe that people have a choice, they can change their behavior, their thought process, learn to move forward and acquire hope.
(410) 567-0226 View (410) 567-0226
Photo of Natasha M Joyner, LCSW, LSATP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Natasha M Joyner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LSATP
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21214
Theory based practice with heavy emphasis in cognitive-behavioral therapy, gestalt, strength based, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavioral therapy and solution focused.
Client focus is on building strengths and recognizing how to apply those strengths in areas of life causing distress or interruption in reaching full potential. Clients seeking therapy from this therapist should be prepared to move at their pace. However, being open to discussion and evaluation of issues that create barriers. In addition to examining the approach and thought patterns that may be inhibiting overall improved well-being and success. Prepare yourself for an open dialogue, support, and putting your best forward in the change process. Allow me to assist in your journey.
Theory based practice with heavy emphasis in cognitive-behavioral therapy, gestalt, strength based, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavioral therapy and solution focused.
Client focus is on building strengths and recognizing how to apply those strengths in areas of life causing distress or interruption in reaching full potential. Clients seeking therapy from this therapist should be prepared to move at their pace. However, being open to discussion and evaluation of issues that create barriers. In addition to examining the approach and thought patterns that may be inhibiting overall improved well-being and success. Prepare yourself for an open dialogue, support, and putting your best forward in the change process. Allow me to assist in your journey.
(804) 409-0643 View (804) 409-0643

See more therapy options for Hampstead

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.