Gestalt Therapists in Pittsboro, NC
![Photo of Dr. Karen N Davis, LCMHCS, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/553e31ef-384a-4e44-ac0e-0e857580a869/1/320x400.jpeg)
Other aspects of Jungian and Gestalt Theories are intertwined as necessary.
My approach in working with you is strengths-based and based on the laws of attraction, our power to live more intentionally and more connected with the universe to create a life that we both desire and deserve. As humans, we all share the basic desires of love, wanting to be loved and self-fulfillment. Maybe you've been feeling burned out and at the end of your rope? You may have a strong desire to realize your potential and purpose, but don't know where to start. Well, you've definitely come to the right place. I offer counseling services and life coaching that is intentional and unique to your specific needs.
Other aspects of Jungian and Gestalt Theories are intertwined as necessary.
My approach in working with you is strengths-based and based on the laws of attraction, our power to live more intentionally and more connected with the universe to create a life that we both desire and deserve. As humans, we all share the basic desires of love, wanting to be loved and self-fulfillment. Maybe you've been feeling burned out and at the end of your rope? You may have a strong desire to realize your potential and purpose, but don't know where to start. Well, you've definitely come to the right place. I offer counseling services and life coaching that is intentional and unique to your specific needs.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Edie Campbell, MFT, LMFT, PLLC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43b45470-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Now offering 90 minute couple sessions. I am an experienced, licensed marriage and family therapist working with couples, individuals and children. I can help put your history in its rightful place and create a healthy narrative that will allow you to flourish. Let's partner to gain insight on potential blockers and craft practical solutions to move you past them, creating harmony in your relationships. Call today to schedule a free 30 minute meet & greet.
Now offering 90 minute couple sessions. I am an experienced, licensed marriage and family therapist working with couples, individuals and children. I can help put your history in its rightful place and create a healthy narrative that will allow you to flourish. Let's partner to gain insight on potential blockers and craft practical solutions to move you past them, creating harmony in your relationships. Call today to schedule a free 30 minute meet & greet.
![Photo of Kristin Harding, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0cefb290-998d-4493-9a09-b51cc4f7dbca/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kristin Harding
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27517 (Online Only)
Do you feel stuck worrying, the thoughts never stop? Hi, I’m Kristin, and I work with adults (ages 18-40) facing stress related to managing responsibilities and navigating relationships. I received my Masters from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where I assisted others learn healthy ways to cope. I spend my free time with my family hiking, boating, and enjoying any other activity that involves being outside. I look forward to helping you navigate life circumstances, as you become a more at ease version of yourself.
Do you feel stuck worrying, the thoughts never stop? Hi, I’m Kristin, and I work with adults (ages 18-40) facing stress related to managing responsibilities and navigating relationships. I received my Masters from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where I assisted others learn healthy ways to cope. I spend my free time with my family hiking, boating, and enjoying any other activity that involves being outside. I look forward to helping you navigate life circumstances, as you become a more at ease version of yourself.
![Photo of Vann Joines, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d265327-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My experience is that the psychological symptoms we experience in the present are the ways we have tried to protect ourselves from the experience of the early trauma that we went through in childhood, and that by clearing the early trauma, we can release the symptoms in the present. My approach is to help clients identify and resolve the early trauma so they can have a joyous life in the present.
My experience is that the psychological symptoms we experience in the present are the ways we have tried to protect ourselves from the experience of the early trauma that we went through in childhood, and that by clearing the early trauma, we can release the symptoms in the present. My approach is to help clients identify and resolve the early trauma so they can have a joyous life in the present.
![Photo of Ryan F Murphy, LMHCA, MS , DBT, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/78a61fe3-e4e7-422d-a797-5128fbd1adfc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Deciding to venture into therapy is never an easy decision so it's important to note the strength it took to make it this far. I believe the goal of any type of therapy is to make the uncomfortable comfortable. My goal is to help you navigate the difficult emotions, intrusive thoughts, judgments , and impulsive behavior through a behavioral based approach.
Deciding to venture into therapy is never an easy decision so it's important to note the strength it took to make it this far. I believe the goal of any type of therapy is to make the uncomfortable comfortable. My goal is to help you navigate the difficult emotions, intrusive thoughts, judgments , and impulsive behavior through a behavioral based approach.
![Photo of Cassidy Conway - Ampersand Way LLC | Cassidy Conway, MA, LCAS, LCMHC, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b23e6de9-e069-480a-b756-e2e3449d7260/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ampersand Way LLC | Cassidy Conway
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCAS, LCMHC, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Southern Pines, NC 28387 (Online Only)
If a "quarter-life crisis" is weighing on you, we may connect well in therapy. The challenges of young adulthood can make you feel overwhelmed or uncertain. You might notice that old coping methods no longer help or you are in a new situation that you feel unfamiliar with how to navigate. Together, we can explore rebuilding your relationship with yourself, refine your coping strategies, set healthy boundaries, and increase a sense of peace in your day-to-day. This process brings emotional and mental growing pains. The hope is that by working through those growing pains, you begin to believe in and live out the life you desire.
If a "quarter-life crisis" is weighing on you, we may connect well in therapy. The challenges of young adulthood can make you feel overwhelmed or uncertain. You might notice that old coping methods no longer help or you are in a new situation that you feel unfamiliar with how to navigate. Together, we can explore rebuilding your relationship with yourself, refine your coping strategies, set healthy boundaries, and increase a sense of peace in your day-to-day. This process brings emotional and mental growing pains. The hope is that by working through those growing pains, you begin to believe in and live out the life you desire.
![Photo of Maggie Hoop, LCMHC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/448d5150-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
You're used to being smart enough to figure things out, but this thing has you stumped. Maybe you're spending more time than you'd like thinking about that thing in your past. Maybe your relationships keep failing in the same way and you're starting to think it might be you (or at least the people you seem to always choose). Maybe you feel like your friends are tired of listening to you vent. Maybe anxiety or sadness is keeping you from doing the things you want to do.
You're used to being smart enough to figure things out, but this thing has you stumped. Maybe you're spending more time than you'd like thinking about that thing in your past. Maybe your relationships keep failing in the same way and you're starting to think it might be you (or at least the people you seem to always choose). Maybe you feel like your friends are tired of listening to you vent. Maybe anxiety or sadness is keeping you from doing the things you want to do.
![Photo of David C Reid - Present Therapy, NC, LCMHCA, 19045](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4efc004d-7eb5-4c22-a734-e8fa54fba36e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Present Therapy
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, NC, LCMHCA, 19045
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Why do we do anything? I believe the reason that we do anything is to feel better. There may be 5 physical senses; however, we pursue life always in the hope of feeling better. We attract our life circumstances based on how we feel. Our active emotions create an emotional vibrational set point. When we learn to tend to our emotional health first, prior to engaging in action, we become the authors of our lives. Learning to find emotional alignment prior to engaging in activity, conversation, and interaction with others, will allow us to attract our wanted life desires. Thus, change your energy and you change your life.
Why do we do anything? I believe the reason that we do anything is to feel better. There may be 5 physical senses; however, we pursue life always in the hope of feeling better. We attract our life circumstances based on how we feel. Our active emotions create an emotional vibrational set point. When we learn to tend to our emotional health first, prior to engaging in action, we become the authors of our lives. Learning to find emotional alignment prior to engaging in activity, conversation, and interaction with others, will allow us to attract our wanted life desires. Thus, change your energy and you change your life.
![Photo of Crystal Nero, LCMHC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/db229f27-c5d4-4b3c-8074-96d1c7248c4e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Crystal Nero
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Welcome! I specialize in relational therapy as well as working with individuals providing deep understanding of attachment through experiential practices. Being human can be hard and messy most days and being in relationships can sometimes feel impossible. You may have tried therapy in the past, and are now looking for something deeper and want to know WHY you and your relationships are struggling. If you are asking these deeper questions, I would love to guide you in this exploration.
Welcome! I specialize in relational therapy as well as working with individuals providing deep understanding of attachment through experiential practices. Being human can be hard and messy most days and being in relationships can sometimes feel impossible. You may have tried therapy in the past, and are now looking for something deeper and want to know WHY you and your relationships are struggling. If you are asking these deeper questions, I would love to guide you in this exploration.
![Photo of Shea McGinnis, LCSWA, LCAS, CSI, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49bf9fea-e36c-4140-bff3-d5b56b124c48/3/320x400.jpeg)
Shea McGinnis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWA, LCAS, CSI
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27516 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Are you consumed by worry and overwhelm? So much so that it is easier to just stay home. Feeling totally isolated and alone in your stress and unmotivated to do anything today? Wondering what happened to the person you used to know and want to rediscover yourself? Or, you may be experiencing immense shame and guilt nearly every day. Are you finding your relationships challenging to navigate? Not knowing how to say what you need and want to say? Or, you may be struggling to break addictive patterns and feeling desperate for change.
Are you consumed by worry and overwhelm? So much so that it is easier to just stay home. Feeling totally isolated and alone in your stress and unmotivated to do anything today? Wondering what happened to the person you used to know and want to rediscover yourself? Or, you may be experiencing immense shame and guilt nearly every day. Are you finding your relationships challenging to navigate? Not knowing how to say what you need and want to say? Or, you may be struggling to break addictive patterns and feeling desperate for change.
![Photo of Vann S Joines - Southeast Institute for Group and Family Therapy, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ead1ab5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Southeast Institute for Group and Family Therapy
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27517 (Online Only)
The Southeast Institute is a nonprofit educational institute offering continuing education (CEUs) workshops and training programs in psychotherapy for mental health professionals as well as direct clinical services. The Southeast Institute has earned respect and recognition for its excellence of training and its continued commitment to developing effective models for individual and social change. Trainees have traveled from nearly every state and more than 10 countries to attend workshops and ongoing training and supervision programs. SEI practitioners offer individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, family therapy, redecision therapy, TA, child therapy, energy psychotherapy (AIT), EMDR, and intensive personal growth programs.
The Southeast Institute is a nonprofit educational institute offering continuing education (CEUs) workshops and training programs in psychotherapy for mental health professionals as well as direct clinical services. The Southeast Institute has earned respect and recognition for its excellence of training and its continued commitment to developing effective models for individual and social change. Trainees have traveled from nearly every state and more than 10 countries to attend workshops and ongoing training and supervision programs. SEI practitioners offer individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, family therapy, redecision therapy, TA, child therapy, energy psychotherapy (AIT), EMDR, and intensive personal growth programs.
![Photo of Cherie L Spehar - Smiling Spirit Pathways - Cherie L. Spehar, LCSW, ACTP, RPT-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/39f542bd-ed4a-4eea-9879-9bb13310cc44/1/320x400.png)
Smiling Spirit Pathways - Cherie L. Spehar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACTP, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Apex, NC 27523
We’re all just walking each other home - Ram Dass. You find yourself standing at a crossroads, the weight of past traumas, daily stresses, and unspoken fears heavy on your shoulders. The voices of doubt and confusion echo in your mind, turning what was once a clear path into a tangled maze of uncertainty. Each decision feels monumental, each step forward feels shaky, contributing to a profound sense of overwhelm. It’s dark here, and the face in the mirror feels like a stranger, each day a battle with fear. Maybe you wake up each morning dreading the day ahead, gripped by a fear that’s both familiar and indescribable.
We’re all just walking each other home - Ram Dass. You find yourself standing at a crossroads, the weight of past traumas, daily stresses, and unspoken fears heavy on your shoulders. The voices of doubt and confusion echo in your mind, turning what was once a clear path into a tangled maze of uncertainty. Each decision feels monumental, each step forward feels shaky, contributing to a profound sense of overwhelm. It’s dark here, and the face in the mirror feels like a stranger, each day a battle with fear. Maybe you wake up each morning dreading the day ahead, gripped by a fear that’s both familiar and indescribable.
![Photo of Leslie Mulligan, MS, EdS, LCPC, LCMHC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e619e7e6-ecda-4974-92aa-cca4748e1732/1/320x400.jpeg)
Leslie Mulligan
Counselor, MS, EdS, LCPC, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27517 (Online Only)
I am a creative humanist. As an experiential psychotherapist, I join with you in your life-in-process to support your self-awareness, healing, and growth. I engage with your whole person - body, mind, being - your unique "me". Life change, moods, relationships, work, health, recovery are my focus. Rather than lean into pathology, I value your intelligence, ways of expression, learning and strategies. Using facts, metaphor, lived experience, humor, honesty you'll see your own best way through. I tailor my tools to your person/couple/family's needs. You gain objective and compassionate insights, and new tools for thriving.
I am a creative humanist. As an experiential psychotherapist, I join with you in your life-in-process to support your self-awareness, healing, and growth. I engage with your whole person - body, mind, being - your unique "me". Life change, moods, relationships, work, health, recovery are my focus. Rather than lean into pathology, I value your intelligence, ways of expression, learning and strategies. Using facts, metaphor, lived experience, humor, honesty you'll see your own best way through. I tailor my tools to your person/couple/family's needs. You gain objective and compassionate insights, and new tools for thriving.
![Photo of Jarrett McGinnis, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dc9927f5-c0a4-42be-a39a-a21aab901e0b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jarrett McGinnis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
You’ve known easier times, or you know they’re out there and you’re looking for them. You're taking action to feel better in the face of challenge and that’s a big deal. You deserve the support of someone familiar with challenging times. The empathy and proactive engagement you'll come to expect in your work with me, come from a place of understanding the urgency for resolution that accompanies pain. You have the capacity to learn and grow in the ways necessary to find relief, peace of mind, connection with others, and a sense of competence in the activities that are important to you.
You’ve known easier times, or you know they’re out there and you’re looking for them. You're taking action to feel better in the face of challenge and that’s a big deal. You deserve the support of someone familiar with challenging times. The empathy and proactive engagement you'll come to expect in your work with me, come from a place of understanding the urgency for resolution that accompanies pain. You have the capacity to learn and grow in the ways necessary to find relief, peace of mind, connection with others, and a sense of competence in the activities that are important to you.
![Photo of Leigh Zick Dongre, PhD, LCMHC-S, LCAS, CCS](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50ae1cd0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Leigh Zick Dongre
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, PhD, LCMHC-S, LCAS, CCS
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
The path to living more fully is an adventure, one I believe has transformed my own life. Each day I am honored to join people along a path of recovery, self-exploration, and healing. I have helped people break through the obstacles that seem to be holding them back in life. My role as your counselor is to be a knowledgeable, genuine, and empathetic guide along this journey and provide a safe and supportive environment to do so. I help people live their best lives, by reaching more authenticity, self-awareness, and making behavioral changes. I primarily offer telemental health counseling with options for counseling in Winston-Salem.
The path to living more fully is an adventure, one I believe has transformed my own life. Each day I am honored to join people along a path of recovery, self-exploration, and healing. I have helped people break through the obstacles that seem to be holding them back in life. My role as your counselor is to be a knowledgeable, genuine, and empathetic guide along this journey and provide a safe and supportive environment to do so. I help people live their best lives, by reaching more authenticity, self-awareness, and making behavioral changes. I primarily offer telemental health counseling with options for counseling in Winston-Salem.
Online Therapists
![Photo of John Poag, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c1de4b8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have practiced psychotherapy for 27 years in the Gestalt Therapy model.
A person coming to see me may be experiencing a significant life change such as a separation or divorce, a move, a career change, the deployment of their significant other, family problems, issues involving their child's behaviors or legal trouble, or problems in relationships with their spouse or partner. Others may seek psychotherapy to help themselves grow, deal with anger, or overcome patterns of behaviors or ways of being with others that don't work any more. Some people seek psychotherapy because someone close to them insisted they call me. I enjoy working with all of these presenting concerns.
I have practiced psychotherapy for 27 years in the Gestalt Therapy model.
A person coming to see me may be experiencing a significant life change such as a separation or divorce, a move, a career change, the deployment of their significant other, family problems, issues involving their child's behaviors or legal trouble, or problems in relationships with their spouse or partner. Others may seek psychotherapy to help themselves grow, deal with anger, or overcome patterns of behaviors or ways of being with others that don't work any more. Some people seek psychotherapy because someone close to them insisted they call me. I enjoy working with all of these presenting concerns.
![Photo of Andrea Beach, LCMHCA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fd993fe1-538d-4970-bc89-be3ac0494122/2/320x400.jpeg)
I will work with you from a strengths-based approach, integrating cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as solutions-focused, Gestalt, and family systems.
Welcome! I enjoy working with a wide variety of clients ages 18 and up. Life can be difficult for people of all ages and stages of life. I am currently a Counselor at Southlake Counseling and appreciate working with individuals with anxiety, depression, adjusting, couples and families with relationship issues, women struggling with self-esteem, infertility, postpartum, eating disorders, survivors of sexual abuse and more. I utilize elements of person-centered therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, solutions-focused, and am learning more about the Gottman method in working with couples and DBT for individuals.
I will work with you from a strengths-based approach, integrating cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as solutions-focused, Gestalt, and family systems.
Welcome! I enjoy working with a wide variety of clients ages 18 and up. Life can be difficult for people of all ages and stages of life. I am currently a Counselor at Southlake Counseling and appreciate working with individuals with anxiety, depression, adjusting, couples and families with relationship issues, women struggling with self-esteem, infertility, postpartum, eating disorders, survivors of sexual abuse and more. I utilize elements of person-centered therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, solutions-focused, and am learning more about the Gottman method in working with couples and DBT for individuals.
![Photo of Jenny Marie Massaway, MS, LCMHC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fab05a3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jenny Marie Massaway
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mooresville, NC 28117 (Online Only)
I provide an approach that focuses primarily on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, although, I also offer Gestalt therapy and Play Therapy.
Children and adolescents need to know there is someone out there willing to sit and listen to what they are going through and have a support system in which to help them through a challenging time. Counseling is the first step towards taking control over one's life, and finding a counselor that is a good fit is imperative. I believe that therapy is a partnership that allows me the opportunity to help guide you towards your own personal goals.
I provide an approach that focuses primarily on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, although, I also offer Gestalt therapy and Play Therapy.
Children and adolescents need to know there is someone out there willing to sit and listen to what they are going through and have a support system in which to help them through a challenging time. Counseling is the first step towards taking control over one's life, and finding a counselor that is a good fit is imperative. I believe that therapy is a partnership that allows me the opportunity to help guide you towards your own personal goals.
![Photo of Dr. Maddy M Lowman, PhD, LCMHC, SEP](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/96248072-dd82-4476-9572-5e7a3dc32320/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Maddy M Lowman
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, PhD, LCMHC, SEP
Verified Verified
Greensboro, NC 27401
Waitlist for new clients
I typically use a Gestalt and existential lens with clients, encouraging present-moment experiences and helping clients as they make meaning of their lived experiences.
It can be exceptionally difficult to go through daily life, and I've found that to be true for most (if not all) people I know and love. There are so many difficult things that can pile up on one another, making it complicated to maintain relationships, wellness, work, and other things you might value. Sometimes it's hard to "ask for what you need" because sometimes we have no idea! I'm here to help even when that question feels hard to answer, and our work can start with exploring goals you have for yourself. The resiliency I see in clients is awe-inspiring and beautiful, and I offer several approaches to help them get there.
I typically use a Gestalt and existential lens with clients, encouraging present-moment experiences and helping clients as they make meaning of their lived experiences.
It can be exceptionally difficult to go through daily life, and I've found that to be true for most (if not all) people I know and love. There are so many difficult things that can pile up on one another, making it complicated to maintain relationships, wellness, work, and other things you might value. Sometimes it's hard to "ask for what you need" because sometimes we have no idea! I'm here to help even when that question feels hard to answer, and our work can start with exploring goals you have for yourself. The resiliency I see in clients is awe-inspiring and beautiful, and I offer several approaches to help them get there.
![Photo of Christina Phillips, LCMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/14f452e0-7348-4f9a-a5e4-92834d408f9d/2/320x400.png)
Hello, My name is Christina Phillips. I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. I approach therapy as a journey together, in which we get to grow. I have special experience working with adolescents, young adults, and adults. I have experience doing individual and family therapy. I commonly use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Structural Family Therapy, and Strategic Family Therapy.
Hello, My name is Christina Phillips. I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. I approach therapy as a journey together, in which we get to grow. I have special experience working with adolescents, young adults, and adults. I have experience doing individual and family therapy. I commonly use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Structural Family Therapy, and Strategic Family Therapy.
See more therapy options for Pittsboro
Nearby Gestalt Therapists Searches for Pittsboro
- Apex
- Burlington
- Carrboro
- Cary
- Chapel Hill
- Durham
- Fuquay Varina
- Hillsborough
- Holly Springs
- Mebane
- Morrisville
- Sanford
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.