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

Alison Little

San Francisco

California

I enjoy working with a wide range of individuals. Areas of particular interest include: life transitions, relationship issues, self confidence issues, divorce and grief. I enjoy helping clients build a mix of internal resources with mindfulness, emotional regulation skills and ways to feel safe and relaxed their bodies. I also work with clients on integrating additional resources such as nature...

Ivan Junge

Boulder

Colorado

My approach is humanistic. I work individuals and executives who want to take their team to the next level. I think everyone does the best with the tools they have. I think everyone is able to create peace and joy in their lives. And people get stuck. We are humans, after all. My aim with my clients is to be a compassionate mirror for the exploration of life and its intricacies. We see ourselve...
I have a passion for working with others to improve their quality of life. I have spent over twenty years working with children of all ages, adolescents and adults, whom have had emotional, behavioral, medical and learning challenges. I have experience providing family and marital counseling. My experience also includes working with individuals whom have dual diagnosis using different forms of...
Are you tired of struggling with anxiety or depression? Have your best attempts at feeling better failed in the long-run? Change is necessary, but it is hard to improve unhealthy behavior patterns alone. Isolating, substance use, sleeping, shopping, gambling and eating no longer help escape the pain. At Cognitive Behavioral Counseling we use cutting edge treatments to end your suffering and get...
Anthony has been practicing the Art of Psychotherapy and Counseling for over 30 years . He has a Bachelors of Art degree in Psychology from Ramapo College and completed his Masters in Clinical Social Work from Rutgers University Graduate School of Social Work . He provides a Safe - Nonjudgmental Therapeutic Relationship when engaged in the treatment hour . Anthony has experience in working with...

Allison Schentrup

Chicago

Illinois

I work with couples and individuals using a mindfulness based, here-and-now, approach that invites all aspects of you into therapy. I welcome individuals of all ages asking “What do I want to do with my life?”. In my work with couples, I help partners build deeper connections, foster better communication, and work towards a more fulfilling relationship. Whether you are in the midst of a new...
Our lives and relationships are demanding, always evolving, and certainly difficult. Feelings can be tough to describe at times- let alone endure and move through. Yet struggling does not mean we are weak, inadequate, nor damaged. Everyone faces hard times, and in these times, we may just need some extra help! I would love to join you in your process of healing, exploration & growth as the...
My philosophy for healing orients around the pursuit of self-love and acceptance. Are you interested in knowing some of the signs that you may not be operating from a place of self-value? Here are a few: You feel uncomfortable when given a compliment. You talk yourself out of asking for help. You are reluctant to assert your opinion.You struggle to confront someone who is taking advantage of yo...

Lisa Siclari

New York

New York

Lisa utilizes a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, Psychodynamic and Strength Based Approaches. She believes in the strength of the collaborative relationship between client and therapist. Lisa employs honesty, humor and her genuine love of people to create a compassionate, nonjudgmental and therapeutic environment. She aims to meet clients where they are to help fos...

Heather Dorman

Oklahoma City

Oklahoma

I have worked with clients who have experienced both childhood and adult trauma, addiction, co-dependency, anxiety and depression. Their needs consist of finding new coping skills, learning how to set healthy boundaries, develop assertive communication, process feelings of shame, accountability, support, forgiveness, self-acceptance and compassionate understanding of addictive behaviors. Their...
The consequences of remaining in emotional pain or a negative mindset will have exponential long term effects on lives, relationships, finances, and work. My passion is to help you overcome these challenges so you can reach your full potential. I am ready to work together with you and get you where you want to go. AFTER WORK HOURS AVAILABLE. My approach to psychotherapy is " common sense therap...
I am so glad that you are looking to feel better, understand yourself and improve your life. Therapy is an amazing journey that can help you with many areas of life that may feel overwhelming and unchangeable. I have a passion for helping others and find joy in the work I do. I would be honored to be with you on this journey. I have been practicing in the field for 15+ years, working with child...
Are you a woman (Cisgender or Transgender+)/Do you identify as a woman? Are you a veteran struggling with issues in civilian life? Are you experiencing challenges as you come-out and attempt to live authentically as LGBTQI+? Are you dealing with acculturation or inclusiveness issues as a member of the Hispanic/Latino (Latinx) community? Are you a caregiver who provides care for a loved one with...
I work from an object relations perspective and draw from a variety of therapies including but not limited to narrative, solution-focused, experiential, and cognitive-behavioral. I work with individuals, couples, and families to decisively identify and treat anxiety disorders, codependency, depression, grief and loss, and marital/other relational issues. I welcome any questions you have about m...

Jason Edward Abrahamzon

Knoxville

Tennessee

I have over 3 years of experience specializing in the needs of both adolescents and adults in a variety of settings. I have a passion and drive for helping people learn skills and techniques to process their emotions and thoughts, not only inside the session, but outside of the session as well. My training and dedication to the counseling profession brings a level of knowledge and confidence to...