What is Gestalt Psychotherapy?

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Gestalt Psychotherapy emphasizes the innate dignity of the individual coming to counseling. The individual is the expert on their own experience, not the counselor.

Gestalt Psychotherapy focuses on the present instead of diving into a person’s past experiences. Practitioners of Gestalt Psychotherapy believe that a person’s experiences influence their perception of a given situation and use this idea to help people navigate growth and change.

Your therapist will pay particular attention to your perception of yourself and your current circumstances. Instead of offering ideas about what the counselor thinks might be happening, they will inquire about what you think is going on. The idea is that if you focus too much on the future or the past, you may experience anxiety, but only the present matters.

The environment is vital in Gestalt Psychotherapy, so your counselor will make sure the therapeutic space is safe and welcoming. They will hold space for your difficult emotions and experiences without judging you. They might employ techniques such as encouraging you to make “I” statements, practicing self-awareness, performing role-plays, emphasizing physical sensations in the body, and bringing attention to body language. Your therapist will work with you to make sure you are comfortable, leading to a higher likelihood you will be open to change.

Therapists Who Specialize in Using Gestalt Psychotherapy

Maureen Olinsky

Tucson

Arizona

For those struggling with anxiety, depression, grief or relationship issues, it is often difficult to find balance and peace. We may at times be unable to find that balance on our own and choose to reach out for support. I see that reaching out as both courageous and healthy. I believe successful therapy is based on a strong relationship between a therapist and a client. You will find that I...
I am licensed as both a Marriage and Family Therapist and a Clinical Psychologist. I started practicing psychotherapy in 1993 and I love the work so much I have never done anything else. In today's world we don't take the time to listen and get to know each other. We start to suffer from depression and anxiety because we are so disconnected from each other and ourselves. I am trying to change t...

Ajay Deven Dave

Oakland

California

I believe in an integral, post-modern approach to therapy that builds on the successes of conventional therapeutic methods and practices and incorporates understanding of trauma, social justice theory, somatics, attachment, neuro-diversity and more. I work with people of all ages. With children, I have focused on issues like emotional regulation, ADHD, and autism. With adults I work in a very...
At the Shoreline Psychotherapy and Behavioral Health (SPBH) center, we care for clients of all ages and stages including young children, adolescents and adults as they learn to cope with their psychological issues. We provide individual, couples, family and group psychotherapy. If there is client need and interest, we can use a holistic, team approach for treatment which we call the Connections...

Ewa M Bruce

New York

New York

People search for emotional comfort as they successfully cope with life challenges and struggle to find mental comfort, when they are faced with life complications or chronic, long lasting problems. Coping skills, level of adjustment to unexpected changes in life or going through the process of different life stages varies from person to person. In the process of therapy, I have clients develop...
So often, our past hijacks our lives, and this is especially true when we have experienced trauma. I also know that we can feel like this may never change. There is hope. I believe we all need a safe place where we can work through our pain and hurt in the compassionate and understanding presence of another. I specialize in working with adults and adolescents. My areas of focus include trauma,...
*Now accepting TRICARE, BCBS, UHC and Cigna* Are you feeling stuck and wondering if it's even possible for things to change? Maybe you're not sure what the answer is but you have reached a point where you are willing to try and make a change for the better. I can help open your mind to possibilities you might not have otherwise considered, provide emotional support when you feel like there are ...

Allison Trusso-Lahey

Buffalo

New York

Life can be stressful, and sometimes harder than expected. If you are struggling to feel okay, don't know who to talk to, or are unsure how to navigate things from both the past and the present, I offer a safe and comfortable space to share whatever it is that you need right now. Our current lives are filled with so much, that life can get overwhelming. Feeling anxiety, sadness, depression, gri...
Through diverse training and work experiences, I obtained the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully treat a vast array of mental health issues across the lifespan. Specializations include child and adolescent psychology as well as neuropsychology. I have a great deal of experience in the assessment and treatment of ADHD, anxiety, depression, developmental issues, addiction, medical...

Cameron Lee Small

Minneapolis

Minnesota

Have you ever wondered about your adoption story? Has there ever been doubt, fear, anger, pain or confusion when it comes up? What’s it been like for you to process your personal experience of birth family, loss, grief, race, identity, or even those seemingly benign curiosities about your narrative that come up from time to time? For parents, of course you want to help your children as they emb...
Are you weighed down by worries, regrets, traumas, hurt, or pain? Everyone has a story and should have the opportunity to tell it in a non-judgmental environment. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and my areas of expertise include young through older adults with trauma, depression, anxiety, and substance use/co-occurring disorders. As an eclectic, person-centered therapist I believe...
I can provide counseling from a Christian perspective and also offer therapy from a non Christian focus. My practice centers on dealing with Life's issues in general while also having a focus on trauma. Not only is there a concentration on individuals, the scope of my practice also includes marriage and relationship counseling, family counseling, and even group therapy. Overall, I promote build...
I offer a safe environment in which clients can learn and grow. Therapy with me is conversational. I encourage my clients to lead the conversation and I share my thoughts and insights as honestly and sportively as possible. I believe positive growth and change occurs when people feel safe enough to make changes in how they relate to themselves and other people. The more authentically a person...

Ives Wittman

Minneapolis

Minnesota

Build authentic relationships and satisfying work, expand a sense of inner guidance, and sharpen your purpose. I work with both men and women, however, my work with men has been especially gratifying. My experiences have shown me they are capable, driven, compassionate and focused. They care deeply about their relationships and work and desire self-improvement and expertise in their lives. I wi...
I offer individual counseling services for adults and adolescents. I offer a trauma informed approach that utilizes several theoretical approaches to elicit change. If desired, I also offer a holistic approach to healing utilizing prayer, meditation, reiki, and contemplative journaling. I specialize in substance use disorders, co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders, relationship...