Theories of Counseling - Gestalt Therapy

This video explains the theory of Gestalt Therapy as applied to mental health counseling. A summary of Gestalt Therapy and opinion on how specific aspects can be used in integrative counseling are reviewed.

[@lauraleslie4240]

Gestalt Therapy's focus on the present was confusing when relating to unfinished business. Both seemed to contradict each other, but this video helped connect how they work together. Recognizing there is unfinished business in the past, which is affecting the present, is an interesting technique to tie the two. Additionally, engaging in self-dialogue can be a powerful tool to overcome anxiety and other stressful situations.

[@kirstinstrand6292]

I was given a cursory overview 1000 years ago in Psych 101. That class introduced me to the concept of being or becoming Aurhentic. At the time, I was clueless about what such a thing was. However, Authentic seemed valuable. One could say that I have spent a lifetime becoming Authentic. I am happy to say that I have ARRIVED!

[@katybethhern6167]

I like Gestalt's technique of pointing out non-verbal behavior immediately after it is portrayed by the client. Thus, in my opinion, sometimes it's the things people don't say that are more important or relevant to a situation, rather than what they verbalize. Thus, its more difficult to hide feelings through non-verbal behavior than it is through verbalization. For example, it is easy for someone to say they are not angry or sad when they really are, but it is difficult to hide such feelings through non-verbal behavior and cues that the individual is not aware they are portraying.

[@tommyfisher-klein8768]

I really appreciate how in Gestalt Therapy the counselor points out the use of language and nonverbal behaviors that the client expresses throughout the session. I believe that many people are not very cognizant of their language (verbal and physical) and how it represent them during a counseling session which in my opinion can stall or slow down client progress when clients are constantly viewing themselves in the negative and do not see or understand that can be a problem.

[@kikixiong6156]

Great review of the theory! I like Gestalt Therapy as it feels real and practical to me, even though it’s more of a directive approach. I really like the technique to point out the client’s nonverbal behavior in the session. The client can learn about themselves and talk about their feelings after being confronted. The techniques of the theory feels very realistic. Thank you for explaining the theory and make it so clear!

[@ivengrowe4783]

Gestalt's therapy increases a person's awareness, freedom, and self-direction. This makes sense to me because it put the clients in control of what they will be experiencing. They also concentrate on the present rather than the past so they can develop new perspectives on things and make those positive changes in their lives.

[@aussiebreeze3971]

I look forward to using this more directive approach. Though the past and future may have some importance on the moment... finding the "awareness of the now" is something I can use in the limited time with a client. I appreciate the non-verbal cues and helping a client realize how their body reacts even when they are not realizing it for themselves.

[@ladc2001]

Thank you Dr. Grande for sharing your knowledge with us. I am currently studying for my National MFT exam and often use your videos as part of my study plan. L

[@DrGrande]

You are quite welcome -

[@priscillaj3072]

In Gestalt therapy, I appreciate the noticing of unfinished business and the impact it can have on an individual. Unfinished business can negative feelings, such as anger, guilt, or fear, experienced during the client's past experiences or desires the client never got to fulfill and prevents the client from focusing on the present. By bringing the negative feelings and unfulfilled desires from the past into the present, the client is able to deal with them constructively, find closure, and also increase awareness of themselves.

[@anahgalloway2740]

+priscilla j I agree that unfinished business could be a helpful topic or idea to focus on in therapy. I would like to see an example of this in therapy because I think it would be interesting to see it used in a way that also encouraged the client to "remain in the present", as you said!

[@pearlbutler9377]

+priscilla j I agree that confronting unfinished business allows individuals to truly live in the present.

[@angiegrimes7265]

+priscilla j I also agree that unfinished business can have a huge impact on a person. BY having a safe place to explore these issues, the client may be able to address and resolve the issues, moving from the past to living in the present.

[@janicedixon2051]

I like Gestalt Theory! It seems like a theory I would lean more towards after during further research about it. The video gave a nice breakdown which helped me understanding how personality develops based on the theory, causes of symptoms and techniques used to help alleviate some of the internalized emotions the client has.

[@melissahansbury6522]

I really like that Gestalt therapy focuses on self-awareness. I feel that self-awareness is important for living a healthy life. I like the fact that there is a need to increase responsibility and using "I" for more ownership. Taking responsibility for your own actions in life is a great thing. It leads to maturity. I like the techniques of this theory. I think role-play can be extremely beneficial for a client when done correctly by the counselor.

[@katybethhern6167]

+Melissa Hansbury I agree that using "I" more often could be effective to many clients. Thus, it helps them come out of denial and began to start fixing the problem, instead of making excuses.

[@heather7927]

+Melissa Hansbury I agree that taking responsibility and having ownership for actions and behaviors leads to maturity and can allow the client to be aware that they are in control of their life.

[@charmainequarles5863]

+Melissa Hansbury I agree with everything you said, especially the maturity part. Not only is self-awareness important; it is key. Its the key to knowing how your being effects others. I like the empty chair technique and having demonstrated it in class (although they said we did it wrong) allowed me to see how just talking things out from both points of view could definitely increase a client's insight in to their issue.

[@agniem9698]

Thank you. Excellent video. I finally understand what is the gestalt therapy about!

[@DrGrande]

You're welcome - thanks for watching -

[@JMBmacL]

Buddaist meditation and awareness with clarity to reality brought me to begin gestalt therpy with my defenses lowered. ☺

[@angiegrimes7265]

I find the emphasis on awareness appealing, especially paying attention to nonverbal behavior. Much of how we communicate is non verbal and we do it unconsciously. By actively paying attention to these signals, the counselor may be able to help the client learn more about how they feel about a person or a situation. This can be incorporated into their conscious awareness of their senses, emotions and bodily sensations to have a more complete picture of the client.

[@joe1579]

I like gastalt Therapy, & that it's focus is on awareness. Some of the techniques seem useful such as role playing with the client, or the empty chair techniques, & would be helpful in assisting them in exploring their issues through their present understanding.

[@alexandrajones3178]

At first, I was confused about how gestalt focuses so much on the present but uses "unfinished business" as a technique. I now feel like this is an important technique. Looking at how things of the past are affecting you now is important to being aware of your feelings and actions. I think it is important for people to be aware and take responsibility of the things they do. Many people blame others for the things that go wrong in their lives rather than taking responsibility because they are unaware of their behaviors.

[@sebastianpaez3809]

word mate

[@JMBmacL]

Conditions+cause= effect. For me gestalt therpy more than cognitive(burns style) provides a roadmap of understanding myself better and enabled me to have better outcomes. " Simple" works.

[@jemmyogwang8219]

Thank you. Now, I have a better understanding of Gestalt therapy.

[@coachganga9653]

Hello sir...I am new to pshycology...i am happy to see this video

[@suvtropics]

Probably the best video on gestalt

[@DrGrande]

Thank you so much!

[@psychhourph1557]

Thank you for this!

[@kimeeshareed-walker8419]

I like the empty chair technique. Having the opportunity to speak with a significant other but in the future is definitely a way to encourage clients to focus on present responsibilities, build confidence, and realize their potential .

[@melissahansbury6522]

+Kimeesha Reed-Walker I think the empty-chair technique is a tricky one. The idea behind it is great: having a chance to rehearse or practice what you want to say to a loved one is important but I do feel that some clients will be very hesitant to practice this technique.

[@alexandrajones3178]

+Melissa Hansbury I agree with this. I think some, maybe many, clients may feel uncomfortable with this technique or find it not helpful. I do like the concept of role play but find the empty-chair technique a little strange and unnatural.

[@hajaraadookatil7254]

Thankyou sir! prayers...very good teaching

[@ashleymegahan5966]

I like this therapy due to the emphasis on the here and now. I believe that it could be helpful to not spend too much time reflecting on the past or concerning for the future, through instead staying in the present. I think that not all clients may benefit from Gestalt Therapy due to the directiveness of the approach.

[@kyarapanula1002]

Thus far, Gestalt has proved to be the most appealing--even more so than Existential, which still provides a consistent foundation for my theoretical orientation. I appreciate the use of I-statements, becoming the I-thou relationship necessary for psychological change. These statements highlight the ever-important need to acquire and maintain responsibility, maturity, and an internal sense of control. I view the Gestalt theory productively combining the basic neurological function of thought associations with the technical implications of both Behavioralist and Adlerian therapies, as well as the Existentialist school in terms of symptomatology. A pretty powerful recipe!

[@priscillaj3072]

+Kyara Panula I also liked the technique of awareness through language by using the "I " statements because they make the client begin to take responsibility and increases their awareness of themselves and their behaviors. I'm attracted to this technique because I like that it shows just how much the language and types of statements we use ( i.e : "I can't" versus "I won't") can affect our perceptions of our experiences and how they affect our outlooks on so many things.

[@pearlbutler9377]

+priscilla j I agree. I recently encountered a client that initially refused to look at the language. I could see her pain and frustration with continued relapse but she seemed to allow these negative self-talks to impact how active she is in making changes.

[@amyocasio6382]

I like Gestalt because awareness is emphasized and the use of "I" statements which leads to the client taking responsibility for their actions or ownership of their feelings. I think the increased awareness for the client allows for the client to grow as a person but to also overcome the things that may have been holding them back from moving forward. I like the idea of living in the present; however, I do agree that there are times when discussing the past and the future are appropriate. I also like the multiple techniques that are available.

[@kyleolin3566]

Very good eaxplanation of Gestalt Therapy Clear and concise.

[@DrGrande]

Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@kyleolin3566]

I am going to school to become a counsellor and have been watching a lot of your videos. Thank you, as your videos have helped me immensely to understand the different theories in psychology.

[@ritpep7192]

Thanks for your explanations

[@pearlbutler9377]

The overall theme to build awareness is the most appealing to me. It also helps that the counselor is attending to the client by being aware of nonverbal behaviors. Pointing out nonverbal behaviors when they occur would seem to gain the greatest impact but very distracting. I also like the use of language and role playing to gain further insight on awareness and ownership for the client. The goals of Gestalt therapy also seems to lead clients towards self actualization.

[@angelinastanton7996]

I think that a client should have "tough skin" in order to participate in gestalt therapy due to the strategies used by the counselor. However, I think it is a positive thing that there is less confrontation used as a technique today and also an increase in the counselor's empathy for the client. I particularly love the empty chair technique, and I would integrate this technique with other techniques or approaches. I also agree that the empty chair technique is so powerful and can significantly increase a client’s awareness. In addition, I like how assigning homework to the client is used to increase the client’s awareness. I think gestalt therapy can be so helpful for a client becoming more assertive and confident.

[@heather7927]

I think that with Gestalt Therapy its important for clients to have accountability, take responsibility, and be aware. By addressing unfinished business, being aware of their body language, their verbal language, and how they are feeling can make the client gain insight into involuntary and unconscious things that are having a negative impact on their life. I like the open chair technique and the two chair technique I can see how this can be effective for someone to understand themselves better.

[@corinne7324]

Heather, I concur with the idea that clients must take responsibility and be aware of their emotions and actions. When a person is more aware of their thoughts then they will have better control of themselves. I too like the empty chair technique. I feel that it helps the client become more comfortable with themselves and confronting others.

[@corinne7324]

I like gestalt therapy and feel that it is one of the most realistic therapies out there. It is a more directive approach. I like the idea that one must take responsibility for their own actions. When a person becomes more aware of their actions then they are more likely to change.

[@angelinastanton7996]

I also like the idea of the client being able to find the strength to take responsibility for their own choices and actions. Although I like many of the techniques used in Gestalt therapy, I think that very few clients could participate in this therapy. I think that many clients are coming into therapy at such vulnerable and sensitive times in their lives, and they need a counseling approach that is not so seemingly uncaring or "cold". However, I do think that clients can possibly benefit from this approach later on in therapy.

[@brittbell15]

I really like the technique "non-verbal behavior". I think that it is important for a client to be aware of their body language and their reactions to certain topics. If a counselor points them out, it could be very beneficial to the client and could possibly help the client to become more aware of what may be causing these specific reactions. It does not seem like a "cold-hearted" technique to me; I think it just depends on the delivery.

[@tashastarling870]

Thank you very much!

[@arabiccompprograming5161]

Do you know of any useful brain exercises for the PreFrontal Lobe.

[@ivanlitvinov6823]

Thank you!

[@barbarahoffman2324]

I appreciate the Gestalt theory approach. I think self awareness is an extremely important concept for attaining wholeness. I am also a fan of using actual techniques to treat clients and Gestalt therapy has several good ones. I like the homework technique and the dialogue techniques. I think the role play techniques allow clients to complete unfinished business and become acutely aware of their emotions. I do not like that Gestalt theory doesn't address the past. Many emotional injuries begin in our childhood and are carried over into the present. I think healing those hurts are as significant as addressing the challenges of the present.

[@kyarapanula1002]

+Barbara Hoffman Sorry to respond to you again, my dear, but I think the area of 'unfinished business' does bring in the past, and the thought is that this incomplete picture (brought from one's history) is continually expressed through these contact disturbances.

[@scottmartin7764]

I think that this video was very interesting in explaining Gestalt Therapy. I like the big involvement in enhancing awareness as well as the relationship with the self and others. I also thought it was interesting that psychological constructs are organized wholes, not specific parts and by only seeing the whole can individuals understand a phenomenon. I'm not a huge fan of only being concerned of major awareness of the here and now. I do like the increased use of the word "I" but worry that it may be hurtful to the client if they are not ready to accept responsibility for their situation. I also thought it was very interesting how Gestalt Therapy looks at dreams and acts them out instead of interprets.

[@barbarahoffman2324]

+Scott Martin I also liked the use of the "I" as part of therapy. I think many people do not take responsibility for their actions and this forces clients to see that taking responsibility for your actions is a good thing and won't kill you and in fact, you begin to mature when you do.

[@anahgalloway2740]

+Barbara Hoffman I agree, this technique seems like an excellent way to help clients reach the therapy goal to "become psychologically mature".

[@brittbell15]

+Scott Martin I agree, I think that the increased usage of the "I" word be helpful for clients but only when they are at a place where they can take responsibility.

[@nakeshatucker6844]

The five levels of neuroses that Gestalt Therapy incorporates is very interesting to me. The five levels of contact makes sense to me as a way that individuals can change themselves in a positive direction. However, I am not agreeing that taking away these five layers are the only means of psychologically maturing, but I will say it has a good basis. I say this because when is person is willing to move in a more positive direction, there is a starting point and an ending point (may or may not be) and following the five levels of contact could potentially be a way about going about it.

[@tommyfisher-klein8768]

+Nakesha Tucker I agree 100% with you about how the five levels of neuroses and how they make sense as a way for an individual to change. However, I believe that a person who is willing to continue to grow and change the 5 level never stops. If someone is truly willing to work on changing their behavior they will start this process over and over again always trying to attain and be the best version of them-self.

[@MyDonh]

i find it interesting that this theory is founded on the concept of self awareness. I actually used it as an exercise during a group counseling session and was pretty shocked at how the members were visibly uncomfortable with the notion of shifting their focus internally instead of externally to examine and explain some of their dysfunctional behavior patterns. I think this and SIgmund Freud's psychoanalytical theory still hold weight because although the times have changed, human behavior has not. What mental obstacles prevent people from becoming self aware on a daily basis?

[@scottmartin7764]

+don wilson This is a very interesting and controversial concept especially to people that believe in strictly behavior therapy. I think that if a person may block out some unconscious issues and never fully accept or work out those issues it can result and develop into a deeper problem. I think that it can be very helpful to people if they are open and believe in this type of treatment.

[@amyocasio6382]

+don wilson I think in regards to "mental obstacles", I'm not sure it's obstacles that are preventing people from becoming self aware on a daily basis but the uncomfortableness that is associated with an individual having to look inward and admit things to him/herself that may be unpleasant. It's much easier to focus on other people and wanting them to be aware of themselves than it is to focus on one's self. I have really begun to focus on me when I'm having an issue with an individual's behavior asking myself what is it that I'm really having an issue with and sometimes I discover that it's not really the individual's behavior that I'm having an issue with but it's something within myself that I'm struggling with and that is not always an easy thing to admit or accept.

[@batodaesitiates1295]

Dr. Grande, thanx for the video... I would appreciate your advice. If you had to choose between two trainings, Gestalt and NLP (and you can choose just one), which one would you choose? Also, would you be able to outline the prons and cons of either theory? Thanx

[@rbells5173]

I gained a better understanding how confrontation technique is used. I can see how it would motivate change in a client's behavior. I also like the here and now technique which causes the client to only think about the present moment. I can also understand how mindfulness and mediation would be useful when using this approach.

[@anahgalloway2740]

I had mixed feelings about this theory. My least favorite component was the concepts of the figure and the ground. I found these ideas a little too abstract for my taste and difficult to apply to a real life example. I imagined that Gestalt's technique to "remain in the present" may be difficult for some clients, but I also recognized how for other clients it would be beneficial. I thought some of the techniques were interesting and I appreciated how specific techniques were discussed in the video: I liked the idea of increasing the word "I" to build better ownership and increase responsibility. Finally, my favorite components of this theory were the goals because I could see any client benefiting from reaching those milestones.

[@nakeshatucker6844]

+Anah Galloway Yes, I think the figure and the ground concepts are abstract as well. I have thought that since I was briefly introduced to Gestalt Therapy while in community college. It just does not apply with most things in my opinion. Also, I agree with you that remaining in the present would be hard for many clients. However, I could see this type of therapy working for some people. Like the video stated, the past and future are usually discussed briefly and once that is all said and done ,the present, the here and now is the moving forward point. It seems as if a person has to be very strong, willing, and ready to proceed.

[@KhalerJex]

I hate this empty chair technic