History
Gestalt Therapy was chiefly developed by Fritz Perls. His work Ego, Hunger and Aggression (1947) and later Gestalt Therapy (1951) helped establish the approach's theoretical framework. Early Gestalt therapists used dramatic techniques that required the client to physically enact emotional issues - it took a far more Experiential approach than modern versions.
Approach
Gestalt psychotherapy is a form of Humanistic Therapy and is influenced by Psychoanalytical theory. Practitioners focus on here-and-now experiences, in order to remove the obstacles of behaviour patterns created by past situations. Roughly translated as 'Whole', the Gestalt approach stresses the need of wholeness between mind, body and soul. Gestalt therapists seek to address conflicts that may prevent this perceived harmony.
How can it help?
Gestalt psychotherapy can help improve a client's self-awareness and to break negative behaviour patterns. Is useful for treatin anxiety, bereavement and depression. Other conditions such as Insomnia can also be addressed. Sessions take place in both group and individual sessions depending on the practice.
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