Gestalt Therapy Case Study

Decent Essays
Gestalt Therapy: Theory Summary: The major focus of Gestalt therapy is for the client to become aware of how past behaviors that were once creative adjustments may be interfering with life in the present time (Corey, 2013, p. 236). This approach also believes that change occurs with a heightened sense of “what is” (Corey, 2013, p. 236). Therapists in this approach believe that self-regulation is natural and does not need control. They follow along with the process however it occurs and works with the client in becoming more aware in order to integrate all aspects of their life. By being able to identify aspects of themselves that were previously dismissed and reunify themselves as a whole the client is able to become more aware of both the …show more content…
With this awareness, the clients is able to make informed choices and thus live in a more meaningful existence (Corey, 2013, p. 214). This awareness is also phenomenological which is focused on the present moment. A major standing point for Gestalt therapy is the focus on the “now”. Addressing the present moment leads with “what” and “how” questions rather than “why” because it brings the client and their emotions to the current moment and not to look to the past or future for explanation. This theory also puts focus on unfinished business. Unfinished business may lead to feelings that cause clutter in the present awareness and will interfere with effective contact with oneself and others (Corey, 2013, p. 216). This approach asks for the client to try new behaviors and experiences to foster change and see what happens. It also gives the client credit for being their own …show more content…
Mr. Albert is withdrawn and experiencing depressive symptoms which means that he will not be extremely open with the therapist in the beginning. The openness to choose between exercises, which are ready-made techniques such as the empty-chair technique or making the rounds, and experiments, which are made up as the conversation and relationship builds, allows the therapist more space to efficiently help the client in the moment. Experiments are aimed at helping the client work through their stuck points (Corey, 2013, p. 225). Mr. Albert is definitely at a stuck point in life with no understanding of where is headed. Being able to offer an experiment to him during a session could possibly guide him to some self-discovery and get past each stuck point. Gestalt therapy has weakness pertaining to Mr. Albert’s case well but not quite as strong as the strengths. The weakness that caught the most attention was the field theory. Gestalt therapy works around the idea that the therapist must explore what is happening between the client and the environment (Corey, 2013, p. 215). Mr. Albert is current withdrawn from his environment. Although, this could mean that there is just a different environment to consider, the aspect of environmental factors is limited in Mr. Albert’s

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