Gestalt Therapists in Independence, OR
![Photo of Annie 'jiahui' Chen, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/63e6f038-1a62-4e47-b32f-6a3ef321077e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Annie 'jiahui' Chen
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Independence, OR 97351 (Online Only)
Are you seeking a clinician of color, someone with lived experience as a first-generational immigrant, or as an international student? Do you need support with family issues or a partner, cultural support, or support for mental health in a culture where stigma exists? I can help you with depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, trauma, issues related to cultural adaptation, relationship issues, boundary setting, procrastination, life transitions and self worth. I also speak fluent Cantonese and Mandarin. Its never easy to walk alone in distress, feeling lost and helpless. Together, lets create a safe space for you to heal.
Are you seeking a clinician of color, someone with lived experience as a first-generational immigrant, or as an international student? Do you need support with family issues or a partner, cultural support, or support for mental health in a culture where stigma exists? I can help you with depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, trauma, issues related to cultural adaptation, relationship issues, boundary setting, procrastination, life transitions and self worth. I also speak fluent Cantonese and Mandarin. Its never easy to walk alone in distress, feeling lost and helpless. Together, lets create a safe space for you to heal.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Amy Nicole Cozad, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/71ef6b7e-bdd0-48df-8c21-d9423e8cfc33/3/320x400.jpeg)
Now Accepting New Clients- Life is full of challenges and unexpected events in today’s world. I invite you to take a journey with me to recognize and define the issues that have been impacting your life. I hold deep empathy for all my clients as they are undergoing life transitions with the intention of self-growth and awareness. I also hold space for couples to find new healing patterns and conflict resolution and relationship maintenance and growth. I value holding a judgment-free and accepting and safe space. Where you are in charge of the direction of your session and where your healing begins.
Now Accepting New Clients- Life is full of challenges and unexpected events in today’s world. I invite you to take a journey with me to recognize and define the issues that have been impacting your life. I hold deep empathy for all my clients as they are undergoing life transitions with the intention of self-growth and awareness. I also hold space for couples to find new healing patterns and conflict resolution and relationship maintenance and growth. I value holding a judgment-free and accepting and safe space. Where you are in charge of the direction of your session and where your healing begins.
![Photo of Karen S Van Acker She Her Hers, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b7c3faa0-c821-450d-aa50-a4bcd872bca8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Karen S Van Acker She Her Hers
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Salem, OR 97304 (Online Only)
You work so hard to become a professional and then Wham, out of nowhere you begin to experience anxiety or a feeling that maybe you don't know what you are doing after all. Your supervisor's communication feels like sandpaper and you get emotional without apparent reason. The work just doesn't feel like what you expected and you just feel out of sorts. You begin to realize you are using substances and some pretty unhealthy behavior just to cope. I mean it was fine in college but now it keeps you from feeling good. You need support from someone that gets it. You just need to get back on track.
You work so hard to become a professional and then Wham, out of nowhere you begin to experience anxiety or a feeling that maybe you don't know what you are doing after all. Your supervisor's communication feels like sandpaper and you get emotional without apparent reason. The work just doesn't feel like what you expected and you just feel out of sorts. You begin to realize you are using substances and some pretty unhealthy behavior just to cope. I mean it was fine in college but now it keeps you from feeling good. You need support from someone that gets it. You just need to get back on track.
![Photo of Nancy L Link, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/908b1798-4a75-45f5-959b-7ce8df99f785/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nancy L Link
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Monmouth, OR 97361 (Online Only)
Over 30 years experience as a licensed counselor. Are you looking for a positive change in your life? I can help you. I believe that growth is an essential ingredient for a fulfilling life. I specialize in treating children, adolescents, adults and families. My training and experience is extensive. It includes being certified as a DEH@ practitioner, individual, couple, family therapy, Play/Sand/Art Therapy, hypnosis, and Spiritual Direction/life path exploration. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Oregon, trained in Spiritual direction, and certified in delivery of Tele Mental Health services.
Over 30 years experience as a licensed counselor. Are you looking for a positive change in your life? I can help you. I believe that growth is an essential ingredient for a fulfilling life. I specialize in treating children, adolescents, adults and families. My training and experience is extensive. It includes being certified as a DEH@ practitioner, individual, couple, family therapy, Play/Sand/Art Therapy, hypnosis, and Spiritual Direction/life path exploration. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Oregon, trained in Spiritual direction, and certified in delivery of Tele Mental Health services.
![Photo of Scott K Elmore, PsyD, LPC, CCSOT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f8a4a565-331d-497f-96a8-8a4db41e6a2f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Scott K Elmore
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD, LPC, CCSOT
Verified Verified
Salem, OR 97301
Waitlist for new clients
Greetings neighbors. I am a person-centered therapist. I believe you are the expert of your life, and it’s my job to help you identify and overcome obstacles in life that are keeping you from experiencing true happiness and joy. I work with individuals, couples, and families who are facing difficult challenges in their lives, by being supportive, affirming, and helping identify unwanted and disruptive behaviors and thinking patterns.
Greetings neighbors. I am a person-centered therapist. I believe you are the expert of your life, and it’s my job to help you identify and overcome obstacles in life that are keeping you from experiencing true happiness and joy. I work with individuals, couples, and families who are facing difficult challenges in their lives, by being supportive, affirming, and helping identify unwanted and disruptive behaviors and thinking patterns.
![Photo of Katharine Frothingham, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ac8ce9dd-0cfd-4b0a-9ea1-a8471360603f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Katharine Frothingham
Professional Counselor Associate, MA
Verified Verified
Salem, OR 97302 (Online Only)
Therapy is one place to connect with what is most real and urgent in your life. Engaging in your own healing in this collaborative space can offer you greater connection to your own knowing. Through working together relationally, I support your development toward more integrated ways of seeing yourself. I work within the understanding that there is no separation between the mind-body and believe that all emotions can become allies once we learn to understand their contribution and regulate their energy.
Therapy is one place to connect with what is most real and urgent in your life. Engaging in your own healing in this collaborative space can offer you greater connection to your own knowing. Through working together relationally, I support your development toward more integrated ways of seeing yourself. I work within the understanding that there is no separation between the mind-body and believe that all emotions can become allies once we learn to understand their contribution and regulate their energy.
![Photo of Shauntara Baldwin - Shauntara Baldwin-Agency Accepting New Patients!, MSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c87e9bb-d21b-4b56-a297-31112c3716ee/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shauntara Baldwin-Agency Accepting New Patients!
MSW
Verified Verified
Salem, OR 97306 (Online Only)
Life can be challenging in any individuals life, so many obstacles, trials, hurt, pain, trauma can inhibit our potential to prosper. I want to support individual to succeed at their full capability. I enjoy supporting others in overcoming the silent issues they bury underneath self-awareness and creating pathways for them to flourish in hope and transformation.
Life can be challenging in any individuals life, so many obstacles, trials, hurt, pain, trauma can inhibit our potential to prosper. I want to support individual to succeed at their full capability. I enjoy supporting others in overcoming the silent issues they bury underneath self-awareness and creating pathways for them to flourish in hope and transformation.
![Photo of Shannon Champagne, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ef2322b4-efcf-49ea-85a2-5439eb4a79ed/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shannon Champagne
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Salem, OR 97302 (Online Only)
I am here to partner with you to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve overall well-being, and live a life in alignment with deep purpose and meaning. I believe that everyone has the ability to connect to their own inner wisdom and power to move through life's inevitable challenges. Sometimes we just need a little help along the way!
I am here to partner with you to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve overall well-being, and live a life in alignment with deep purpose and meaning. I believe that everyone has the ability to connect to their own inner wisdom and power to move through life's inevitable challenges. Sometimes we just need a little help along the way!
![Photo of Linda Suzanne Elma - Life Skills Management Services, LLC, MBA, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/739fbeea-f81e-407d-b759-d73c6db1c6c5/3/320x400.jpeg)
Life Skills Management Services, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MBA, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Salem, OR 97302
We are licensed in Oregon, Maine, Minnesota, Florida, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Colorado. We currently offer telehealth and virtual therapeutic services. We work with individuals with a wide range of concerns including depression, mood disorders, family relations issues, substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders. We combine different therapeutic approaches based on client's presenting concerns, goals, and motivation, such as, cognitive-behavioral, brief therapy, mindfulness, client-centered, solution-focused therapy.
We are licensed in Oregon, Maine, Minnesota, Florida, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Colorado. We currently offer telehealth and virtual therapeutic services. We work with individuals with a wide range of concerns including depression, mood disorders, family relations issues, substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders. We combine different therapeutic approaches based on client's presenting concerns, goals, and motivation, such as, cognitive-behavioral, brief therapy, mindfulness, client-centered, solution-focused therapy.
![Photo of Hiilei Battistini, LPC, CCSOT, CADC-R, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d6090fce-f1e2-49d0-92f1-3f1063637bda/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hiilei Battistini
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CCSOT, CADC-R
Verified Verified
Salem, OR 97301
We are available immediately to work with individuals looking for support and guidance in navigating life challenges. They may be struggling with mood disorders, severe persistent mental illness, grief and loss, or adjustment disorders with goals to find ways to cope with their challenges, improve their mental health and well-being, and lead a fulfilling life. They want to regain a sense of balance, peace, and purpose and are seeking understanding, intervention, and support to help them achieve these goals.
We are available immediately to work with individuals looking for support and guidance in navigating life challenges. They may be struggling with mood disorders, severe persistent mental illness, grief and loss, or adjustment disorders with goals to find ways to cope with their challenges, improve their mental health and well-being, and lead a fulfilling life. They want to regain a sense of balance, peace, and purpose and are seeking understanding, intervention, and support to help them achieve these goals.
![Photo of James Paul Gibb - James Gibb Counseling, MA, LPC, NCC, BC-TMH, AMTP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/451c389e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
James Gibb Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, BC-TMH, AMTP
Verified Verified
Salem, OR 97302
(Please note that I am currently located in Illinois and can only offer video or phone sessions). It was Irvin Yalom who said something to the effect that "psychotherapy is like a dress rehearsal for life". With this said, it is my intention to not only offer you support in therapy but to also help you generalize the skills you learn in therapy and apply them in your outside life and relationships. I specialize in anger and anxiety management for adults and adolescents. I also work with highly intelligent adults and teens who have a difficult time adjusting and adapting socially and work with high functioning autistic individuals.
(Please note that I am currently located in Illinois and can only offer video or phone sessions). It was Irvin Yalom who said something to the effect that "psychotherapy is like a dress rehearsal for life". With this said, it is my intention to not only offer you support in therapy but to also help you generalize the skills you learn in therapy and apply them in your outside life and relationships. I specialize in anger and anxiety management for adults and adolescents. I also work with highly intelligent adults and teens who have a difficult time adjusting and adapting socially and work with high functioning autistic individuals.
![Photo of Maribel Aheran - Neupathway (Maribel Aheran), Eed, LPC, LMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4056bcb4-88db-40eb-ba93-63afee5da2eb/1/320x400.png)
Neupathway (Maribel Aheran)
Licensed Professional Counselor, Eed, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
Salem, OR 97302
Accepting New Patients, same week availability................................... Maribel Aheran Ed.D, LMHC-QS, NCC, MCAP is a bilingual (English & Spanish) licensed clinical mental health counselor with over 12 years of experience treating children, adolescents, college students, and adults. She completed a bachelor's degree in education from Caribbean University, a master's degree in English for speakers of other languages from Turabo University, a master's degree in Counseling and Psychology from Troy University, and a doctorate degree in education from Edgewood College.
Accepting New Patients, same week availability................................... Maribel Aheran Ed.D, LMHC-QS, NCC, MCAP is a bilingual (English & Spanish) licensed clinical mental health counselor with over 12 years of experience treating children, adolescents, college students, and adults. She completed a bachelor's degree in education from Caribbean University, a master's degree in English for speakers of other languages from Turabo University, a master's degree in Counseling and Psychology from Troy University, and a doctorate degree in education from Edgewood College.
![Photo of Miranda Featherstone, MS, LPC, CRC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0ed97f3d-6b66-4091-b91b-a2502a7abebb/3/320x400.jpeg)
Miranda Featherstone
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CRC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Salem, OR 97301
There are periods in life when it is difficult to see a way forward. If you are here, my guess is that you're struggling--you may be grieving a loss or struggling to accept difficult life changes. Or maybe you've been feeling stressed out and lost for a long time and aren't sure where to turn. Whatever the circumstances, it is my deep desire to see you rediscover happiness and purpose-- I wholeheartedly believe that counseling can help you get there. In the midst of darkness and chaos, it can be hard to see the road ahead. In therapy, I will journey beside you as you find your path and support you in building the courage to walk it.
There are periods in life when it is difficult to see a way forward. If you are here, my guess is that you're struggling--you may be grieving a loss or struggling to accept difficult life changes. Or maybe you've been feeling stressed out and lost for a long time and aren't sure where to turn. Whatever the circumstances, it is my deep desire to see you rediscover happiness and purpose-- I wholeheartedly believe that counseling can help you get there. In the midst of darkness and chaos, it can be hard to see the road ahead. In therapy, I will journey beside you as you find your path and support you in building the courage to walk it.
![Photo of Ali Layton, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/661459c9-c6d8-4fd6-813c-5e7e386a37ce/2/320x400.jpeg)
By introduction I am a proponent of using life as the best teacher. For over thirty years I have learned through many personal experiences with family mental illness and crisis that telling our stories is crucial to healing. Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is my chosen counseling approach that aids you as the client to discover solutions in your journey of therapy. Collaboratively my goal is to be a guide in your personal work to healing. I aspire to include Mindfulness techniques and integrating various interventions best suited to the individual to create a safe haven for positive change and growth.
By introduction I am a proponent of using life as the best teacher. For over thirty years I have learned through many personal experiences with family mental illness and crisis that telling our stories is crucial to healing. Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is my chosen counseling approach that aids you as the client to discover solutions in your journey of therapy. Collaboratively my goal is to be a guide in your personal work to healing. I aspire to include Mindfulness techniques and integrating various interventions best suited to the individual to create a safe haven for positive change and growth.
![Photo of Cyncha P. Dato - Cyncha Dato / Inspired Counseling & Wellness, LLC., MS, CFC, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f19572c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Cyncha Dato / Inspired Counseling & Wellness, LLC.
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, CFC, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Salem, OR 97301 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Current Providing Telehealth sessions Only. I am a WPATH Member and offer Behavioral Health Assessments and letter writing for the purpose of Gender Affirming treatment and surgeries. I follow a holistic approach to therapy. In other words, exploring various aspects that may impact an individual’s emotional, mental, and physical well-being.
Current Providing Telehealth sessions Only. I am a WPATH Member and offer Behavioral Health Assessments and letter writing for the purpose of Gender Affirming treatment and surgeries. I follow a holistic approach to therapy. In other words, exploring various aspects that may impact an individual’s emotional, mental, and physical well-being.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Melissa Rose Sanders, MA, LPC-A, CADC-I, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/896f0b4b-cab5-4712-9392-e5a744c913a3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Melissa Rose Sanders
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, LPC-A, CADC-I
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97214
I use a Person Centered approach using Gestalt, Somatic awareness, Internal Family Systems, Narrative Therapy, DBT, CBT and creative expressive tools.
Currently Accepting Clients for July 2024. As your therapist, I strive to create a safe space to process, set goals, and work on making meaningful change in your life. Right now you may feel "stuck" and unsure of how to move forward. You are dealing with unresolved trauma, depression, anxiety or other complications that are making life difficult and make your feel disconnected from yourself and others. I believe that together we can work towards helping you feel more joy, motivation, and empowerment in your life.
I use a Person Centered approach using Gestalt, Somatic awareness, Internal Family Systems, Narrative Therapy, DBT, CBT and creative expressive tools.
Currently Accepting Clients for July 2024. As your therapist, I strive to create a safe space to process, set goals, and work on making meaningful change in your life. Right now you may feel "stuck" and unsure of how to move forward. You are dealing with unresolved trauma, depression, anxiety or other complications that are making life difficult and make your feel disconnected from yourself and others. I believe that together we can work towards helping you feel more joy, motivation, and empowerment in your life.
![Photo of Jarrad Malamed, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f1bfb6ec-9e85-4ea0-b124-eecd454670ac/1/320x400.jpeg)
Gestalt therapy emphasizes present-moment awareness, encouraging self-exploration within the current context.
In psychotherapy, I, Jarrad Malamed, an LGBTQIA-identified therapist, prioritize diversity and inclusivity. Through an integrative approach blending interpersonal, relational, gestalt, experiential, and cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT), I aim to customize healing and growth experiences for my clients. Interpersonal therapy (IPT) focuses on relationships' impact on mental well-being, emphasizing communication, conflict resolution, and healthy boundaries. Relational therapy explores past and present relationship dynamics, aiding clients in understanding attachment styles and fostering authentic connections.
Gestalt therapy emphasizes present-moment awareness, encouraging self-exploration within the current context.
In psychotherapy, I, Jarrad Malamed, an LGBTQIA-identified therapist, prioritize diversity and inclusivity. Through an integrative approach blending interpersonal, relational, gestalt, experiential, and cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT), I aim to customize healing and growth experiences for my clients. Interpersonal therapy (IPT) focuses on relationships' impact on mental well-being, emphasizing communication, conflict resolution, and healthy boundaries. Relational therapy explores past and present relationship dynamics, aiding clients in understanding attachment styles and fostering authentic connections.
![Photo of Katya Stark - Stark Counseling , MS, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ca1ca080-fac8-493c-95a1-286ea4a51401/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stark Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97232
In my work, I apply Gestalt, somatic, Dialectical Behavioral (DBT), and Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) methods.
I specialize in working with individuals and couples whose challenges with interpersonal relationships are due to anxiety, depression, and/or past traumatic events. My clients with the best outcomes are willing to engage in deep dialogues, complete "homework" between sessions, and are comfortable with a "hands-on approach” in therapy. I am a good fit for people struggling with social anxiety, depression, religious trauma, life transitions, procrastination, or relationship issues. I enjoy working with LGBTQIA + community and can help people questioning gender identity and heteronormativity.
In my work, I apply Gestalt, somatic, Dialectical Behavioral (DBT), and Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) methods.
I specialize in working with individuals and couples whose challenges with interpersonal relationships are due to anxiety, depression, and/or past traumatic events. My clients with the best outcomes are willing to engage in deep dialogues, complete "homework" between sessions, and are comfortable with a "hands-on approach” in therapy. I am a good fit for people struggling with social anxiety, depression, religious trauma, life transitions, procrastination, or relationship issues. I enjoy working with LGBTQIA + community and can help people questioning gender identity and heteronormativity.
![Photo of Sarah Theisen, MS, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a2f00529-3533-4ef2-904e-aad36d2a11bf/1/320x400.jpeg)
I use a framework that pulls concepts from person centered therapy, gestalt and some humanistic/existential ideas and concepts .
I provide non-judgmental, supportive counseling to individual adolescents ages 15 and up, and adults who might be experiencing symptoms related to anxiety, depression, difficulty with life transitions, stress, and trauma. We all experience both tranquility and turmoil throughout our lives at different times. As we grow and learn through these experiences reaching out for help is a powerful thing that can help you regain control of your life at a time when you might feel lost. With my compassion, active listening skills, and empathetic approach to counseling my goal is that I can help guide you to regain that control.
I use a framework that pulls concepts from person centered therapy, gestalt and some humanistic/existential ideas and concepts .
I provide non-judgmental, supportive counseling to individual adolescents ages 15 and up, and adults who might be experiencing symptoms related to anxiety, depression, difficulty with life transitions, stress, and trauma. We all experience both tranquility and turmoil throughout our lives at different times. As we grow and learn through these experiences reaching out for help is a powerful thing that can help you regain control of your life at a time when you might feel lost. With my compassion, active listening skills, and empathetic approach to counseling my goal is that I can help guide you to regain that control.
![Photo of Christina Rivers, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53ea1d40-f775-4835-a72c-1fd3d9f2cfcc/1/320x400.jpeg)
I received my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Southern Oregon University in December 2020. Since then, I have worked with adult clients dealing with various types of trauma, difficult relationships, anxiety, depression, addiction, self-esteem issues and many other challenges in life. I use an eclectic approach, which includes EMDR, IFS, Gestalt, Person-Centered and Psychoanalytic modalities. In undergraduate school, I had an opportunity to work closely with a Gestalt mentor and believe that discovering and accepting all parts of ourselves can help us to feel more whole and less conflicted.
I received my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Southern Oregon University in December 2020. Since then, I have worked with adult clients dealing with various types of trauma, difficult relationships, anxiety, depression, addiction, self-esteem issues and many other challenges in life. I use an eclectic approach, which includes EMDR, IFS, Gestalt, Person-Centered and Psychoanalytic modalities. In undergraduate school, I had an opportunity to work closely with a Gestalt mentor and believe that discovering and accepting all parts of ourselves can help us to feel more whole and less conflicted.
See more therapy options for Independence
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.