Gestalt therapy is an experiential and mindfulness-based approach to counselling and psychotherapy that has inspired many other experiential therapies since it's inception in the 's. A core concept of Gestalt therapy is that we 'creatively adjust' or adapt to our life circumstances. This can result in us developing habitual behaviour that is not in our awareness, and can affect our capacity to function effectively and flexibly, preventing us from fully experiencing and enjoying our lives.
The primary focus of Gestalt therapy is to increase awareness. As our awareness is heightened, we develop a deeper understanding of ourselves, and how we function in the world. Awareness is an ongoing process. With awareness we develop the ability to become fully who we are and to recognize that we have the potential within us for change.
The aim is to become aware of what we are doing and how we are doing it, with acceptance and without judgement. The Paradoxical theory of change is an important concept in Gestalt therapy. The paradox being that the more one tries to become who one is not, the more one stays the same.
When we accept what is and who we are, then change can begin to take place. The emphasis in therapy is on our experience moment to moment and what is being thought, felt and done, rather than what was, might be, could be, or should be.
For example when sharing about the end of an important relationship - the details would be the content. Tears, sadness, anger, feelings of regret, are the experience. Gestalt therapy increases our capacity to become aware of the process of experiencing as it is happening.
