Gestalt Therapists in Hermosa Beach, CA
![Photo of Sharon M. Coulter, MA, PPS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/066ab920-add5-4b72-9ef9-9cd964685b73/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sharon M. Coulter
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, PPS, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Life is messy but my philosophy is that even crisis brings great opportunity for growth. Whether you're an adolescent, adult, or couple, our work together integrates therapeutic approaches such as Compassionate/Non-Violent Communication, Tapping (EFT), CBT, EMDR, Gestalt and Internal Family Systems, Hypnosis, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Anxiety and depression are the organism's way of expressing the need for help. Whether you're looking to address past trauma, increase self confidence and self compassion, grieve or nurture a relationship, or support yourself through a life transition, I am here to support you on the journey.
Life is messy but my philosophy is that even crisis brings great opportunity for growth. Whether you're an adolescent, adult, or couple, our work together integrates therapeutic approaches such as Compassionate/Non-Violent Communication, Tapping (EFT), CBT, EMDR, Gestalt and Internal Family Systems, Hypnosis, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Anxiety and depression are the organism's way of expressing the need for help. Whether you're looking to address past trauma, increase self confidence and self compassion, grieve or nurture a relationship, or support yourself through a life transition, I am here to support you on the journey.
![Photo of Kelsi Elizabeth Dahn, MA, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/860892a0-e66b-4c16-88c8-97198a4e08ce/4/320x400.jpeg)
Kelsi Elizabeth Dahn
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 (Online Only)
I draw upon my extensive training in various therapeutic and philosophic approaches, including Gestalt therapy, existential philosophy, nonviolent communication, narrative therapy, somatic and yogic practice, 12-step recovery, and group therapy.
Tired of waking up staring out into the abyss staring back at you? Being a human is hard, no matter how you go about it, and trying to make meaning out of the chaos can be overwhelming. I support my clients to align their lives with their Authentic Self, while collaboratively honoring and transforming anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and other feelings or behaviors that seem out of balance with everyday life. I believe that coming from a place of authenticity opens the door to a wider range of possibilities for your life's path, and makes interpersonal relationships along the journey better and more fulfilling.
I draw upon my extensive training in various therapeutic and philosophic approaches, including Gestalt therapy, existential philosophy, nonviolent communication, narrative therapy, somatic and yogic practice, 12-step recovery, and group therapy.
Tired of waking up staring out into the abyss staring back at you? Being a human is hard, no matter how you go about it, and trying to make meaning out of the chaos can be overwhelming. I support my clients to align their lives with their Authentic Self, while collaboratively honoring and transforming anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and other feelings or behaviors that seem out of balance with everyday life. I believe that coming from a place of authenticity opens the door to a wider range of possibilities for your life's path, and makes interpersonal relationships along the journey better and more fulfilling.
![Photo of Geoff La Pointe, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/85fd5140-a07a-4406-8126-015cce3e43ab/3/320x400.jpeg)
Geoff La Pointe
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
I believe growth and transformation often emerge from life's difficulties. The meaning we place on those experiences is of utmost importance. Through a collaborative approach, I integrate various therapeutic modalities such as Existential, Family Systems, Gestalt, Humanistic, IFS, Mindfulness-based, and Narrative. I empower adolescents and young adults to discover their inherent strengths and navigate emotional, cognitive, and behavioral struggles. Whether you're looking to address ADHD, anxiety, depression, family conflict, grief, men's issues, relationship issues, or sports performance, I am here to support you on that journey.
I believe growth and transformation often emerge from life's difficulties. The meaning we place on those experiences is of utmost importance. Through a collaborative approach, I integrate various therapeutic modalities such as Existential, Family Systems, Gestalt, Humanistic, IFS, Mindfulness-based, and Narrative. I empower adolescents and young adults to discover their inherent strengths and navigate emotional, cognitive, and behavioral struggles. Whether you're looking to address ADHD, anxiety, depression, family conflict, grief, men's issues, relationship issues, or sports performance, I am here to support you on that journey.
![Photo of Erin Rieger, LMFT, LEP, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c3b59a3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Erin Rieger
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LEP
Verified Verified
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 (Online Only)
I pull from humanistic therapy, CBT, Gestalt, psychodynamic, systems theory and mindfulness.
You have taken the brave first step towards feeling better and I am here to support you every step of the way. Clients report that they feel safe, understood and cared about when working with me. I provide an empathetic, non-judgmental space in which my clients can express their feelings, make positive change, gain keen insight into themselves, improve their self-esteem and create the life they want. After working together, clients report improved mood and increased self-worth.
I pull from humanistic therapy, CBT, Gestalt, psychodynamic, systems theory and mindfulness.
You have taken the brave first step towards feeling better and I am here to support you every step of the way. Clients report that they feel safe, understood and cared about when working with me. I provide an empathetic, non-judgmental space in which my clients can express their feelings, make positive change, gain keen insight into themselves, improve their self-esteem and create the life they want. After working together, clients report improved mood and increased self-worth.
![Photo of Cody Gauthier, LCSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c6c81c6a-ac32-46f0-9d63-fe15a4ccef09/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am trained in EMDR trauma processing, as well as gestalt therapy and am an advanced trained Somatic Therapist.
As a proud Clinical Social Worker/Therapist (LCSW), my passion and specialization centers around trauma in relationships as a child and through adulthood. The heart of my work is in the power of here and now processing, shifts in awareness and discovering new possibilities, rather than staying stuck in old patterns that may be hard to identify. This includes my inherent belief that our work together will move towards a place where my clients will take charge of their experience, their reactions, and will grow the capacity to live life on life's terms with an authentic sense of self and a felt sense of pride.
I am trained in EMDR trauma processing, as well as gestalt therapy and am an advanced trained Somatic Therapist.
As a proud Clinical Social Worker/Therapist (LCSW), my passion and specialization centers around trauma in relationships as a child and through adulthood. The heart of my work is in the power of here and now processing, shifts in awareness and discovering new possibilities, rather than staying stuck in old patterns that may be hard to identify. This includes my inherent belief that our work together will move towards a place where my clients will take charge of their experience, their reactions, and will grow the capacity to live life on life's terms with an authentic sense of self and a felt sense of pride.
![Photo of Allysha Arora, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6c19fdcd-da06-4b5e-9e30-a3837a544ef6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Whether it is for you or a loved one, I am here to help individuals move through and cope with life's many challenges and transitions. There are many stressors that cause anxiety, shame, anger, and so many other overwhelming feelings making it difficult to move through the world. I am here to provide a space of safety and acceptance for clients to explore those feelings with support of compassion and authenticity. I work with adolescents and adults who are wanting and willing to make those first steps toward positive change.
Whether it is for you or a loved one, I am here to help individuals move through and cope with life's many challenges and transitions. There are many stressors that cause anxiety, shame, anger, and so many other overwhelming feelings making it difficult to move through the world. I am here to provide a space of safety and acceptance for clients to explore those feelings with support of compassion and authenticity. I work with adolescents and adults who are wanting and willing to make those first steps toward positive change.
![Photo of Evelyn Jacobson, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e064e65-0710-4a3a-8c82-65b1d6b472ff/1/320x400.jpeg)
Evelyn Jacobson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
I strive to create safe space where clients can feel comfortable examining their strengths and challenges. I see myself as a guide on this journey of self-discovery, and I believe it's important to look together at the multiple contexts that affect us as individuals, from our family backgrounds to the meanings that we attach to our experiences in order to find our authenticity. I use an individualized approach grounded in family systems to guide clients on their journeys of self-exploration, weaving mindfulness and cognitive behavioral techniques into sessions. I am trained in Exposure and Response Prevention through IOCDF.org.
I strive to create safe space where clients can feel comfortable examining their strengths and challenges. I see myself as a guide on this journey of self-discovery, and I believe it's important to look together at the multiple contexts that affect us as individuals, from our family backgrounds to the meanings that we attach to our experiences in order to find our authenticity. I use an individualized approach grounded in family systems to guide clients on their journeys of self-exploration, weaving mindfulness and cognitive behavioral techniques into sessions. I am trained in Exposure and Response Prevention through IOCDF.org.
![Photo of Tina Hartney, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2f765c09-b1b6-4b07-8a34-7e330b3ac033/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tina Hartney
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
I specialize in healing Relationships and am trained in IFS and EFT. I can support you and your spouse, partner, child, relative or friend in deepening understanding and improving communication. Whether your relationship is in trouble, needs fine tuning or is dissolving, I can help. We will work to move through any fears or pain that are blocking your way. While the journey can be challenging, my goal is to travel alongside you with compassion and support.
I specialize in healing Relationships and am trained in IFS and EFT. I can support you and your spouse, partner, child, relative or friend in deepening understanding and improving communication. Whether your relationship is in trouble, needs fine tuning or is dissolving, I can help. We will work to move through any fears or pain that are blocking your way. While the journey can be challenging, my goal is to travel alongside you with compassion and support.
![Photo of Zachary Ruff, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8cce663d-78d6-4d54-a893-c2b1ec6a154e/2/320x400.png)
Zachary Ruff
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
There's a way out. Give me a call and let's talk! I focus on building a safe and trusting relationship with my clients. From this relationship the process of change and growth occurs. I work well with adolescents and adults who are dealing with interpersonal relationships, or phase of life struggles. I am experienced working with any stage of addiction or recovery. My clients comment on how easy they feel it is to "open-up" with me. I believe that this is due to the fact that I am open and honest with my clients, refusing to hide who I am behind silence, or simply treating them like "patients".
There's a way out. Give me a call and let's talk! I focus on building a safe and trusting relationship with my clients. From this relationship the process of change and growth occurs. I work well with adolescents and adults who are dealing with interpersonal relationships, or phase of life struggles. I am experienced working with any stage of addiction or recovery. My clients comment on how easy they feel it is to "open-up" with me. I believe that this is due to the fact that I am open and honest with my clients, refusing to hide who I am behind silence, or simply treating them like "patients".
![Photo of Lou Figueroa, LMFT, MS, CHT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f53efd8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am an experienced bilingual clinician who works with adolescents, adults, couples and families dealing with a variety of mental health issues. I utilize a number of therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, clinical hypnosis and hypnotically-facilitated psychotherapy. My areas of specialization include addiction, depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, grief/loss, and bipolar disorder. My life experience has given me broad exposure to divorce, blended families, bi-cultural families, midlife career changes, families with special needs members, special needs advocacy, and sports performance.
I am an experienced bilingual clinician who works with adolescents, adults, couples and families dealing with a variety of mental health issues. I utilize a number of therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, clinical hypnosis and hypnotically-facilitated psychotherapy. My areas of specialization include addiction, depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, grief/loss, and bipolar disorder. My life experience has given me broad exposure to divorce, blended families, bi-cultural families, midlife career changes, families with special needs members, special needs advocacy, and sports performance.
![Photo of Sierra Rose Brown, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/899401ff-8863-4438-9de4-fe7c21a46c1a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sierra Rose Brown
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
I specialize in working with people who have a desire to improve their daily functioning and quality of life. I want to work with clients to determine what will work best for them and their unique circumstances. I offer therapy for children, adolescents, adults and elders alike.
I specialize in working with people who have a desire to improve their daily functioning and quality of life. I want to work with clients to determine what will work best for them and their unique circumstances. I offer therapy for children, adolescents, adults and elders alike.
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![Photo of Gina Rossi Clinical Psychotherapist, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cee6aac-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Gina Rossi Clinical Psychotherapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
We have all experienced a shift in our "normal" lives; our usual way of being during the past few years. We are looking at our world, our society, our friends, family and ourselves and nothing is as it once was. During these extraordinary times, you may be questioning what life is about; the meaning of it all. You are not alone, my friends. Many of us are experiencing anxiety, as our once familiar "normal" has shifted to a new "normal". I understand this and you. We can work through this together.
We have all experienced a shift in our "normal" lives; our usual way of being during the past few years. We are looking at our world, our society, our friends, family and ourselves and nothing is as it once was. During these extraordinary times, you may be questioning what life is about; the meaning of it all. You are not alone, my friends. Many of us are experiencing anxiety, as our once familiar "normal" has shifted to a new "normal". I understand this and you. We can work through this together.
![Photo of Dr. Helena R. Brown, MS, PsyD](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/85263805-3450-40cd-9f56-feb8b0c48b3b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Helena R. Brown
Registered Psychological Associate, MS, PsyD
Verified Verified
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Greetings! Let's tackle life's challenges together. I'm here to empower you in resolving internal conflicts and finding fulfillment. Specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and addiction recovery, I focus on enhancing relationships, fostering authenticity, and finding deeper meaning. Let's uncover your strengths and develop practical strategies for healing and growth.
Greetings! Let's tackle life's challenges together. I'm here to empower you in resolving internal conflicts and finding fulfillment. Specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and addiction recovery, I focus on enhancing relationships, fostering authenticity, and finding deeper meaning. Let's uncover your strengths and develop practical strategies for healing and growth.
![Photo of Margaret (Mae) Chen - Margaret Mae Chen South Bay Child & Family Therapy, JD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c22614c-d4a3-415d-9df5-12c594c21ebe/3/320x400.jpeg)
Margaret Mae Chen South Bay Child & Family Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, JD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Do anxiety, fear, guilt, shame, or anger limit you from relating and living fully? Are you facing adversity, at a crossroads, or worried about yourself or a loved one? Are you feeling disconnected, dissatisfied, and stuck? Do you need individual, couples, or family therapy? If you answered yes to any of these questions, know that you are not alone. With courage, compassion, and curiosity, you can adapt, transform, and overcome the circumstances that prevent you from living your best life.
Do anxiety, fear, guilt, shame, or anger limit you from relating and living fully? Are you facing adversity, at a crossroads, or worried about yourself or a loved one? Are you feeling disconnected, dissatisfied, and stuck? Do you need individual, couples, or family therapy? If you answered yes to any of these questions, know that you are not alone. With courage, compassion, and curiosity, you can adapt, transform, and overcome the circumstances that prevent you from living your best life.
![Photo of Cathy Chambliss, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dd4d08b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you married or in a relationship and struggling to get along, communicate or feel close to your partner? Believe it or not, there are skills that couples need to learn to manage their relationship in a healthy way and feel close. Many couples end up putting their relationship at the bottom of the priorities because of busy work schedules, raising children and managing life. Happy, healthy relationships take work and effort. I teach couples how to get "unstuck" in their dynamics to create more connection, intimacy and fun. I also work with couples dealing with the trauma of infidelity and how to work through the pain and sadness.
Are you married or in a relationship and struggling to get along, communicate or feel close to your partner? Believe it or not, there are skills that couples need to learn to manage their relationship in a healthy way and feel close. Many couples end up putting their relationship at the bottom of the priorities because of busy work schedules, raising children and managing life. Happy, healthy relationships take work and effort. I teach couples how to get "unstuck" in their dynamics to create more connection, intimacy and fun. I also work with couples dealing with the trauma of infidelity and how to work through the pain and sadness.
![Photo of Anat Sideman, MA, LMFT, ESQ, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/974c4fde-2677-4b3d-ab46-db91cdd884e2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Anat Sideman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ESQ
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
We are all capable of greater joy and intimacy in our lives. Partnering with the right therapist can be an important step towards that personal growth. Whether you're struggling with marital issues, lack of intimacy, infidelity, parenting concerns, the grief over the loss of a loved one, or feelings of depression, anxiety or despair, you are not alone. My intention is to help you develop clarity about the nature of your experiences, awareness of your strengths and challenges and empowerment in your daily life. Through this process of exploration you can move towards an enhanced confidence and more gratifying, loving relationships.
We are all capable of greater joy and intimacy in our lives. Partnering with the right therapist can be an important step towards that personal growth. Whether you're struggling with marital issues, lack of intimacy, infidelity, parenting concerns, the grief over the loss of a loved one, or feelings of depression, anxiety or despair, you are not alone. My intention is to help you develop clarity about the nature of your experiences, awareness of your strengths and challenges and empowerment in your daily life. Through this process of exploration you can move towards an enhanced confidence and more gratifying, loving relationships.
![Photo of Rachel Harris, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5d3a744e-eba8-4c41-8d2f-8a1c5a0ffbda/4/320x400.jpeg)
I am passionate about helping people lead the life they want and deserve. We all need to be seen, heard, and be accepted. But, when these needs are not met we may experience loneliness, anxiety, and depression, which stops us from leading a meaningful life. My diverse life experiences as a top security screener, a specialized groups coordinator, a world traveler, and a philosopher, combined with my professional trainings, enable me with a unique perspective and knowledge on how to nurture, support, and promote a life worth living. I specialize working with adults, teens, and couples, and families.
I am passionate about helping people lead the life they want and deserve. We all need to be seen, heard, and be accepted. But, when these needs are not met we may experience loneliness, anxiety, and depression, which stops us from leading a meaningful life. My diverse life experiences as a top security screener, a specialized groups coordinator, a world traveler, and a philosopher, combined with my professional trainings, enable me with a unique perspective and knowledge on how to nurture, support, and promote a life worth living. I specialize working with adults, teens, and couples, and families.
![Photo of Brandy Mills, MA, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/885a5c2b-f8cc-4783-8cde-5f7574d99b9a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Brandy Mills
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Are you seeking stronger connections and effective communication with someone you love? Are you yearning for understanding? Do you desire emotional intimacy? Do you aspire to overcome challenges with your signifiant other? Does your child or you need some extra support through a life transition? I am passionate about helping individuals and couples attain harmonious relationships by fostering awareness, growth, and resilience. My life’s work is helping humans do life in a way that’s more fulfilling and less stressful. It is an honor to walk alongside people on their journey towards lasting happiness. Reach out and let’s talk!
Are you seeking stronger connections and effective communication with someone you love? Are you yearning for understanding? Do you desire emotional intimacy? Do you aspire to overcome challenges with your signifiant other? Does your child or you need some extra support through a life transition? I am passionate about helping individuals and couples attain harmonious relationships by fostering awareness, growth, and resilience. My life’s work is helping humans do life in a way that’s more fulfilling and less stressful. It is an honor to walk alongside people on their journey towards lasting happiness. Reach out and let’s talk!
![Photo of Rhonda Smillie, MEd, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ddcec41d-4f15-4e0c-92b5-f85493537b71/1/320x400.png)
Rhonda Smillie
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MEd, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 (Online Only)
Rethink, Reframe, Realign, Recover. Do you feel as if your life is a sandcastle with the water always threatening to wash it out to sea? I work with clients to explore how unresolved issues from the past impact the present. In an open and safe environment, we explore authentic feelings and lost aspects of self often censored in general society, toward greater personal insight, growth, and change. An accepting and validating therapy relationship can be a key element in the healing of old wounds.
Rethink, Reframe, Realign, Recover. Do you feel as if your life is a sandcastle with the water always threatening to wash it out to sea? I work with clients to explore how unresolved issues from the past impact the present. In an open and safe environment, we explore authentic feelings and lost aspects of self often censored in general society, toward greater personal insight, growth, and change. An accepting and validating therapy relationship can be a key element in the healing of old wounds.
![Photo of Kryss Castle, MS, LMFT, EFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47b2d4ab-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Kryss Castle
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, EFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Teens are fabulous in all their glory and craziness! Helping teens and young adults find their courage to transform, change ways that don’t serve them, and be who they are is my passion. I work with depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use. In addition to in-office sessions, I’ve worked in more than ten schools throughout the South Bay providing group and individual therapy to students. I also work with adults and professionals in high-stress careers who have come to a crossroads with a relationship or career, are struggling with stress and anxiety, or are having trouble finding passion and purpose in their lives.
Teens are fabulous in all their glory and craziness! Helping teens and young adults find their courage to transform, change ways that don’t serve them, and be who they are is my passion. I work with depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use. In addition to in-office sessions, I’ve worked in more than ten schools throughout the South Bay providing group and individual therapy to students. I also work with adults and professionals in high-stress careers who have come to a crossroads with a relationship or career, are struggling with stress and anxiety, or are having trouble finding passion and purpose in their lives.
See more therapy options for Hermosa Beach
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Gestalt Therapists
What is gestalt therapy?
Gestalt therapy is based on the idea that to address unresolved negative feelings, emotions must be not only discussed but also actively expressed in the present moment. The term is from a German word meaning “whole,” and gestalt therapists believe that people should be considered whole entities made up of mind, body, and emotions. Gestalt sessions are rooted in the notion that a client’s total self must be discovered, explored, and confronted, so that they can take greater responsibility for themselves and their behavior, learn to satisfy their own needs while still respecting the needs of others, and reconnect with feelings they might otherwise deny.
How does gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy sessions do not just involve talking with a therapist. Clients may take part in role-playing, re-enactment, or artistic exercises like drawing and painting, with the goal of becoming more aware of negative thought patterns that limit happiness. One common gestalt exercise is “the empty chair,” in which a client sits across from an empty chair representing a partner, relative, boss, or a part of themselves—and, with the therapist’s encouragement, improvises a dialog with it. The intention is to bring the emotions raised by past conflicts into the present and work through them in the moment.
How long does gestalt therapy last?
As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for gestalt therapy; people who believe that they are making progress typically continue until they feel they’ve addressed the issues that had been holding them back. New patients should understand that it may take some time to become comfortable with gestalt exercises but once they do, they should expect sessions to extend for a number of months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions.
Does gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy has generally been found to be as effective as other forms of talk therapy in helping people living with anxiety, depression, phobias, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders, as well as helping individuals reduce conflict in relationships. Gestalt techniques, on their own or in combination with other therapies, can also be effective in managing physical ailments including ulcerative colitis, migraines, and back spasms. It should be noted that some people may have trouble adapting to gestalt therapy’s lack of formal structure or to a therapist’s close observations of their body language and emotions; others may struggle to commit to techniques that feel unnatural, like the empty chair exercise.