Gestalt therapy, a form of psychotherapy, centers on the holistic view of the individual's experience in their environment.
It emphasizes personal responsibility and focuses on the individual's experience in the present moment,
the therapist-client relationship, the environmental and social contexts of a person's life, and the
self-regulating adjustments people make as a result of their overall situation.
Developed by Fritz Perls, Laura Perls, and Paul Goodman in the 1940s-1950s, this therapy integrates
the body and mind factors, believing that individuals can only understand themselves in relation to
their current circumstances. Key concepts include:
Here and Now: Concentration on the current experience and awareness,
rather than past experiences.
Awareness: Fostering an understanding of oneself and the world around.
Unfinished Business: Addressing unresolved issues and emotions.
Contact: Interacting with the environment and others without
losing one's individuality.
Gestalt therapy is experiential, with techniques that may include role-playing,
guided fantasy, and confrontation, aimed at increasing self-awareness and self-acceptance.
It posits that psychological health stems from awareness, acceptance, and integration of
the many aspects of the self.