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GESTALT PSYCHOTHERAPY 

Theoretical approach

 

Gestalt theory works on the basis that ‘the whole is more than the sum of its individual parts’. The word Gestalt (roughly translated) relates to ‘how we are put together’. We therefore become the person we are through our life experiences, both internal and external, and we develop according to the ‘conditions’ we experience.

 

Our emotional and physical reactions in adult life can be habitual responses that we developed in early childhood. We begin to learn how to relate to others from birth and we feel before we are able to think. Our body remembers how we are received by others and we develop patterns of relating. Therefore, the way we relate, not only to ourselves but also to others’, plays a major part in our individual development.

 

In order for us to see a rainbow a combination of factors need to be present. Sometimes we struggle to see things clearly and find it difficult to understand what’s happening or find ways to release ourselves from ‘fixed’ emotional and behavioural patterns.  We can even suffer physical illness as a result of psychological imbalance. The Gestalt approach will help you to understand how your unique patterns of relating and responding to others and to life events have formed. We can then work together to create a fuller range of options so that you can make conscious choices when faced with the inevitable challenges of life.

 

Just as in nature, plants and animals require specific conditions in order to grow and flourish, this is also true of human beings. Unfortunately, it is rare that ‘perfect’ conditions exist so it is not surprising that many of us struggle at various times in our lives, both internally and with external lived experiences. 

 

Gestalt Psychotherapy works in the here and now, taking into account each individual’s whole life experience to help them make sense of their presenting issues, develop a wider range of resources and expand their options for dealing with current/future life events.

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