The world of psychotherapy is vast and diverse. Some approaches focus on childhood, others on thoughts, and still others on behavior. Gestalt therapy, however, distinguishes itself by focusing on the present moment and the person as a whole – not just what they think, but also how they feel, perceive, and act.

 

1. Being “here and now”

One of the central tenets of Gestalt therapy is “here and now.” This means that the collaboration between the therapist and you focuses on the experience in the present moment – what is happening right now. You probably know that the root causes of many current problems you face in relationships, work situations, or through bodily reactions actually stem from your past – unresolved patterns, pain, or beliefs related to your personal life or personality.

Instead of analyzing “why did this happen,” Gestalt therapy asks:

• “What is happening with you right now?”
• “How does that make you feel right now when you talk about it/think about it?”
• “What do you feel in your body?”
• “What do you need right now?”

The goal of these questions is to help you become more aware of your actual experience – and awareness is the key to change.

 

 2. The relationship and contact are at the heart of therapy

A Gestalt psychotherapist is not an “expert” who will “fix” you – they are present as an authentic and equal partner. The therapeutic relationship itself must be healing, providing a safe environment in which new experiences can emerge. For example, if you have learned to avoid conflicts or hide feelings in the past, the goal of the therapeutic relationship is to offer you the opportunity to notice this and experience new behaviors – for example, by expressing anger, sadness, or joy and discovering that the relationship does not have to end because of it.

Thus, the authenticity and presence of the relationship are placed at the center of the Gestalt therapist’s work. This requires very thorough training from the therapist, primarily deep work with themselves and their “shadow sides.”

In Gestalt therapy, change depends on the encounter, not the technique.

 

3. The person as a whole

Gestalt therapy views you as a whole – your thoughts, feelings, body, and behavior are closely interconnected. If these are not in harmony, exhaustion, dissatisfaction, or a feeling that “something is missing” may arise. If your body is tense, it affects both emotions and thinking; if feelings are suppressed, it affects relationships, etc.

Gestalt therapy also pays attention to how a person interrupts or distorts their natural contact with the world – for example, through control, avoidance, or adaptation. These “interruptions” and the resulting behaviors may have helped to “survive” at some point, but in later life, they may begin to limit our lives.

The therapist helps you to notice and explore such patterns – not by judging, but with curiosity and support.

 

4. Gestalt therapy does not “fix” you, but makes you aware

Unlike some cognitive or behavioral therapies, Gestalt therapy does not focus on symptomatic “treatment.” The goal of therapy is not to change you, but to help you notice how you already function, and thereby discover new possibilities. By being aware of your automatic choices, you gain the freedom to decide whether you want to continue as before or try something new.

Thus, change begins with an internal realization, not external pressure.

 

5. Experiential work and creativity

Gestalt therapy is not limited to just talking and listening. Experiential and creative methods are often used – for example, role-playing, dialogues (including the famous “empty chair”), movement, drawing, etc. This allows your feelings and thoughts to become visible in ways that words do not always allow.

Experiential work helps to see and become aware of what is actually happening, not just what you know. In this way, knowledge becomes a living experience, and experience becomes change.

 

In summary

Gestalt therapy is therefore an encounter with you and your life just as it is right now. In therapy, “right answers” are not sought, but rather a space is created for authenticity, experience, and awareness. Change does not occur as a result of effort, but when you allow yourself to notice and accept what is happening at the moment.

“Change occurs when one becomes what he is, not when he tries to become what he is not.”

– Fritz Perls, founder of Gestalt therapy

If what you have read resonates with you and you think that such therapy could be beneficial for you, find out more about Realcoach’s Gestalt psychotherapy for adults or psychological counseling for teenagers by contacting me at elo@realcoach.ee.