Gestalt Therapists in Philadelphia County, PA

Photo of Peter-William Myers, LPC , CNIT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Peter-William Myers
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC , CNIT
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103
I like to use cognitive behavior therapy and gestalt therapy to help my clients get from point A to point B, but I also like to get to know my clients so I can decide how I can best help them on their journey.
Are you feeling stuck in life, battling depression and anxiety, or experiencing relationship issues? I will walk alongside you in whatever journey you are on to help you reach your goals, whatever they may be, from learning new coping skills, improving communication skills, or improving your relationships.
I like to use cognitive behavior therapy and gestalt therapy to help my clients get from point A to point B, but I also like to get to know my clients so I can decide how I can best help them on their journey.
Are you feeling stuck in life, battling depression and anxiety, or experiencing relationship issues? I will walk alongside you in whatever journey you are on to help you reach your goals, whatever they may be, from learning new coping skills, improving communication skills, or improving your relationships.
(267) 550-5707 View (267) 550-5707
Photo of Wendy A Caplin, PhD, Psychologist
Wendy A Caplin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19119
Not accepting new clients
I view therapy as a unique, shared journey and the therapeutic relationship as essential for healing and change. I am a Licensed Psychologist and Certfied Filial therapists/trainer. I have extensive training in family/couple therapy, Gestalt therapy, mindfulness and sandtray therapies. I have worked in a wide variety of settings with adults, children, and teens (group private practice, schools, medical setting, state mental hospital, community mental health). I have been in private practice since 1991.
I view therapy as a unique, shared journey and the therapeutic relationship as essential for healing and change. I am a Licensed Psychologist and Certfied Filial therapists/trainer. I have extensive training in family/couple therapy, Gestalt therapy, mindfulness and sandtray therapies. I have worked in a wide variety of settings with adults, children, and teens (group private practice, schools, medical setting, state mental hospital, community mental health). I have been in private practice since 1991.
(215) 977-4297 View (215) 977-4297
Photo of Olga Lomanovitch, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Olga Lomanovitch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19107  (Online Only)
I practice Gestalt Therapy and EMDR to help individuals learn about and work through any past traumatic experiences, as well difficulties with substance use.
Can you image a life where you are able to treat yourself with kindness and compassion? A life where you can discover the roots of your pain and learn new, healthy ways of approaching daily difficulties? A life where you don’t need to use alcohol and substances to cope with your pain? Whether you are new to therapy and curious about how therapy can benefit you, or are returning to healing, I am here to help. All that is needed to start this process is a willingness to be curious about your life, which is the first step to initiating the changes you would like to make.
I practice Gestalt Therapy and EMDR to help individuals learn about and work through any past traumatic experiences, as well difficulties with substance use.
Can you image a life where you are able to treat yourself with kindness and compassion? A life where you can discover the roots of your pain and learn new, healthy ways of approaching daily difficulties? A life where you don’t need to use alcohol and substances to cope with your pain? Whether you are new to therapy and curious about how therapy can benefit you, or are returning to healing, I am here to help. All that is needed to start this process is a willingness to be curious about your life, which is the first step to initiating the changes you would like to make.
(267) 227-9373 View (267) 227-9373
Photo of Tatiana Kryzhanovskaya-Lutsik, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tatiana Kryzhanovskaya-Lutsik
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103  (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Tatiana, a licensed professional counselor and a certified Gestalt therapist in Pennsylvania. I have been licensed since 2008 and I have a Master of Science in Psychology, a Post-Master certification in Clinical psychology, and a certification in Gestalt therapy from the Gestalt Training Institute of Philadelphia.
Hello, I'm Tatiana, a licensed professional counselor and a certified Gestalt therapist in Pennsylvania. I have been licensed since 2008 and I have a Master of Science in Psychology, a Post-Master certification in Clinical psychology, and a certification in Gestalt therapy from the Gestalt Training Institute of Philadelphia.
(484) 207-6765 View (484) 207-6765
Photo of John Bailey, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
John Bailey
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Some of the therapeutic modalities he uses include cognitive behavioral therapy, client-centered therapy, solution-focused therapy, play therapy, Gestalt therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and eco-systemic family therapy.
John Bailey is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 20 years of experience. John received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and undergraduate general education at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, and a master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University. John works with clients of all ages who are experiencing stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, family issues, behavioral issues, personality disorders, men’s issues, relationship concerns, and more.
Some of the therapeutic modalities he uses include cognitive behavioral therapy, client-centered therapy, solution-focused therapy, play therapy, Gestalt therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and eco-systemic family therapy.
John Bailey is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 20 years of experience. John received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and undergraduate general education at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, and a master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University. John works with clients of all ages who are experiencing stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, family issues, behavioral issues, personality disorders, men’s issues, relationship concerns, and more.
(484) 742-3226 View (484) 742-3226
Photo of Cara Blouin, MEd, Licensed Professional Counselor
Cara Blouin
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19143
I am a person-centered gestalt therapist who believes in building real, honest relationships with clients.
When we see ourselves clearly, it's good for the people around us. Trying to live well and do right by others when we don't honestly know ourselves usually has unintended impacts. If you've been quick to help people, but reluctant to seek support for yourself, let's talk. I welcome people who are skeptical about therapy. It is very important to me to be affirming of all genders and expressions, and to be an active anti-racist ally.
I am a person-centered gestalt therapist who believes in building real, honest relationships with clients.
When we see ourselves clearly, it's good for the people around us. Trying to live well and do right by others when we don't honestly know ourselves usually has unintended impacts. If you've been quick to help people, but reluctant to seek support for yourself, let's talk. I welcome people who are skeptical about therapy. It is very important to me to be affirming of all genders and expressions, and to be an active anti-racist ally.
(844) 946-2137 View (844) 946-2137
Photo of Marwin Y. Margolies, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marwin Y. Margolies
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19107
I can support you with approaching and coping with intense or overwhelming feelings; finding balance meeting your needs & your obligations; building a compassionate relationship with yourself, and improving your relationships with others. I'm open to discussing whether I'd be the right fit for anything you may bring. My primary approaches are Internal Family Systems & Gestalt Therapy. We can discuss what approach will work best for you. I also offer clinical supervision.
I can support you with approaching and coping with intense or overwhelming feelings; finding balance meeting your needs & your obligations; building a compassionate relationship with yourself, and improving your relationships with others. I'm open to discussing whether I'd be the right fit for anything you may bring. My primary approaches are Internal Family Systems & Gestalt Therapy. We can discuss what approach will work best for you. I also offer clinical supervision.
(267) 356-4816 View (267) 356-4816
Photo of Joshua Weiss, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Joshua Weiss
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19103  (Online Only)
I am a licensed professional counselor with a Gestalt and Holistic Wellness approach towards therapy. Gestalt and Wellness approaches allow me to be creative and intentional with my therapeutic practices. I value human connectedness and learning about each person I work with. Therapy is unique to everyone, and my goal is to guide the therapeutic experience with the intention of promoting personal growth. Life has it’s hardships, my passion is helping people lean into their discomforts to develop the skills needed to overcome them.
I am a licensed professional counselor with a Gestalt and Holistic Wellness approach towards therapy. Gestalt and Wellness approaches allow me to be creative and intentional with my therapeutic practices. I value human connectedness and learning about each person I work with. Therapy is unique to everyone, and my goal is to guide the therapeutic experience with the intention of promoting personal growth. Life has it’s hardships, my passion is helping people lean into their discomforts to develop the skills needed to overcome them.
(484) 646-2762 View (484) 646-2762
Photo of Courtney L Slater, PhD, Psychologist
Courtney L Slater
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102
You don't have to suffer alone. There is help. We can work together so that you experience a more fulfilled life. I work with clients on issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship problems, spiritual issues, and loss and grief. I can also help clients struggling with trauma, ADHD, and sleep difficulties. Primarily I use a psychodynamic perspective, appreciating the underlying causes to the difficulties we face. I also integrate techniques from other approaches, such as gestalt, emotion-focused therapy, short-term psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, depending on the client's unique problems and goals.
You don't have to suffer alone. There is help. We can work together so that you experience a more fulfilled life. I work with clients on issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship problems, spiritual issues, and loss and grief. I can also help clients struggling with trauma, ADHD, and sleep difficulties. Primarily I use a psychodynamic perspective, appreciating the underlying causes to the difficulties we face. I also integrate techniques from other approaches, such as gestalt, emotion-focused therapy, short-term psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, depending on the client's unique problems and goals.
(267) 613-9800 View (267) 613-9800
Photo of Chelsea Murphy, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chelsea Murphy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102
I use skills from Internal Family Systems, Gestalt Therapy, Developmental Somatic Psychotherapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in sessions to build awareness, resilience, and to reinstate agency and ability to change.
I’m passionate about creating space for therapy participants to find fuller versions of themselves through exploration, play, and experiential learning. I believe that liberated imagination, mindful movement, and ability to sit with paradox are transformative skills that can be used towards individual and collective healing. My therapy style is person centered and strength based, I believe that you are the expert on you. I cultivate a warm and friendly space to connect and build a trusting therapeutic relationship.
I use skills from Internal Family Systems, Gestalt Therapy, Developmental Somatic Psychotherapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in sessions to build awareness, resilience, and to reinstate agency and ability to change.
I’m passionate about creating space for therapy participants to find fuller versions of themselves through exploration, play, and experiential learning. I believe that liberated imagination, mindful movement, and ability to sit with paradox are transformative skills that can be used towards individual and collective healing. My therapy style is person centered and strength based, I believe that you are the expert on you. I cultivate a warm and friendly space to connect and build a trusting therapeutic relationship.
(484) 900-8057 View (484) 900-8057
Photo of Anemone Schlotterbeck, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Anemone Schlotterbeck
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19104  (Online Only)
I come from queer and liberation therapy perspectives to utilize Gestalt relational and somatic therapy, as well as psychodynamic, mindfulness, and EMDR therapies.
I work most often with people who have been pushed to the margins, including trans, non-binary and queer people, autistic and other neurodivergent people, and people who have survived traumatic events and relationships. I enjoy working with organizers, activists, and artists. I tend to be a good fit for clients experiencing shame, despair, isolation and existential dread.
I come from queer and liberation therapy perspectives to utilize Gestalt relational and somatic therapy, as well as psychodynamic, mindfulness, and EMDR therapies.
I work most often with people who have been pushed to the margins, including trans, non-binary and queer people, autistic and other neurodivergent people, and people who have survived traumatic events and relationships. I enjoy working with organizers, activists, and artists. I tend to be a good fit for clients experiencing shame, despair, isolation and existential dread.
(215) 782-6103 View (215) 782-6103
Photo of Robyn Smith, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Robyn Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102
I completed the 3-year intensive program at the Gestalt Therapy Institute of Philadelphia.
Stress and difficulties can occur throughout the lifespan. I provide client-centered therapy to support wellness in older children and teens, families, and adults, both individually and as couples. Therapy can be a space to develop your strengths and resilience to cope. Together, we can address issues that are getting in the way of feeling satisfied or fulfilled in your life. My areas of clinical interest include anxiety, stress, depression, identity, connection, and trauma. I also facilitate social anxiety groups.
I completed the 3-year intensive program at the Gestalt Therapy Institute of Philadelphia.
Stress and difficulties can occur throughout the lifespan. I provide client-centered therapy to support wellness in older children and teens, families, and adults, both individually and as couples. Therapy can be a space to develop your strengths and resilience to cope. Together, we can address issues that are getting in the way of feeling satisfied or fulfilled in your life. My areas of clinical interest include anxiety, stress, depression, identity, connection, and trauma. I also facilitate social anxiety groups.
(267) 274-2654 View (267) 274-2654
Photo of Cynthia Closs, DSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cynthia Closs
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Not accepting new clients
I have been trained in psychodynamic and gestalt therapy and trauma and attachment theory and ASCH Level I clinical hypnosis.
People often seek therapy to resolve past experiences and life complexities and the decision to enter therapy may carry feelings of ambivalence and uncertainty. I believe that therapy is most effective when persons are offered an environment that is inviting, attentive, collaborative, affirming, and safe. Subsequently, my goal is to provide a challenging, but non-judgmental and encouraging atmosphere for persons to explore concerns and difficulties as a means of achieving desired change.
I have been trained in psychodynamic and gestalt therapy and trauma and attachment theory and ASCH Level I clinical hypnosis.
People often seek therapy to resolve past experiences and life complexities and the decision to enter therapy may carry feelings of ambivalence and uncertainty. I believe that therapy is most effective when persons are offered an environment that is inviting, attentive, collaborative, affirming, and safe. Subsequently, my goal is to provide a challenging, but non-judgmental and encouraging atmosphere for persons to explore concerns and difficulties as a means of achieving desired change.
(215) 240-7021 View (215) 240-7021
Photo of Hana Kubkova, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Hana Kubkova
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19107
I am a clinical social worker licensed in Pennsylvania with 13 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I have worked in a variety of settings, including an inpatient and outpatient-psychiatry center, a foster care residential facility, a women’s counseling agency, and a drug and alcohol rehabilitation clinic. I currently see clients in my private practice in Philadelphia for short-term (10-12 sessions) or long-term treatment (6 months or longer), depending on their goals. My collaborative therapeutic approach combines multiple techniques (e.g. Gestalt, Psychodynamic, EMDR, CBT, and Mindfulness).
I am a clinical social worker licensed in Pennsylvania with 13 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I have worked in a variety of settings, including an inpatient and outpatient-psychiatry center, a foster care residential facility, a women’s counseling agency, and a drug and alcohol rehabilitation clinic. I currently see clients in my private practice in Philadelphia for short-term (10-12 sessions) or long-term treatment (6 months or longer), depending on their goals. My collaborative therapeutic approach combines multiple techniques (e.g. Gestalt, Psychodynamic, EMDR, CBT, and Mindfulness).
(415) 917-2996 View (415) 917-2996
Photo of Alyson Nerenberg - Alyson Nerenberg Psychology Associates, PC, PsyD, CSAT, Psychologist
Alyson Nerenberg Psychology Associates, PC
Psychologist, PsyD, CSAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19118
Trained in a variety of therapy modalities (family systems, gestalt,cognitive behavioral psychodynamic ).
Dr.Alyson Nerenberg, a clinical psychologist is a compassionate and dynamic therapist with over 30 years in practice. She works with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, divorce, addictions and eating disorders. Dr. Nerenberg integrates philosophies from the medical, psychological and self-help communities in order to treat the whole person. She is a positive person who focuses on her clients strengths in order to help them heal.
Trained in a variety of therapy modalities (family systems, gestalt,cognitive behavioral psychodynamic ).
Dr.Alyson Nerenberg, a clinical psychologist is a compassionate and dynamic therapist with over 30 years in practice. She works with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, divorce, addictions and eating disorders. Dr. Nerenberg integrates philosophies from the medical, psychological and self-help communities in order to treat the whole person. She is a positive person who focuses on her clients strengths in order to help them heal.
(610) 331-7303 View (610) 331-7303
Photo of Joanna Vanore, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Joanna Vanore
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19127  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Using a Humanistic and Gestalt therapeutic approach, together we will co-create a space where healing can be possible.
Life's complexities often give us transitions we may not be prepared for. My intent is to support and empower my clients as they learn how to support themselves. I hope to join you in gaining new clarity and perspective during times of change. I have worked with individuals who are chronically ill, older adults and their families for over a decade and have a particular appreciation for supporting those during the sacredness of end of life. Grief and loss is a complicated process, let me join you as we navigate living through loss together.
Using a Humanistic and Gestalt therapeutic approach, together we will co-create a space where healing can be possible.
Life's complexities often give us transitions we may not be prepared for. My intent is to support and empower my clients as they learn how to support themselves. I hope to join you in gaining new clarity and perspective during times of change. I have worked with individuals who are chronically ill, older adults and their families for over a decade and have a particular appreciation for supporting those during the sacredness of end of life. Grief and loss is a complicated process, let me join you as we navigate living through loss together.
(215) 709-7354 View (215) 709-7354
Photo of Margaret Hogan, MSS, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Margaret Hogan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, LCSW
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19107
I am trained as a clinical social worker & Gestalt therapist, and I incorporate a social justice lens into my work.
I am a relational therapist with 20+ years of experience in the field. My specialties include working with caregivers, activists, helping professionals, educators, parents, folks within the LGBTQ+ community, and people impacted by traumatic experiences. I bring an open heart and humility to our work together, and honor the power and vulnerability of getting support and sharing your truth. I will work collaboratively with you to support you in living a fuller, more connected life - wherever you are in your journey of self-discovery & healing.
I am trained as a clinical social worker & Gestalt therapist, and I incorporate a social justice lens into my work.
I am a relational therapist with 20+ years of experience in the field. My specialties include working with caregivers, activists, helping professionals, educators, parents, folks within the LGBTQ+ community, and people impacted by traumatic experiences. I bring an open heart and humility to our work together, and honor the power and vulnerability of getting support and sharing your truth. I will work collaboratively with you to support you in living a fuller, more connected life - wherever you are in your journey of self-discovery & healing.
(215) 995-4145 View (215) 995-4145
Photo of Nate Schlingmann, LPC, MA, MS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Nate Schlingmann
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, MS
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19119
Using Gestalt Therapy I'll help you approach challenges from a different perspective which allows you to make choices and take actions that create possibility.
I enjoy helping clients who want to explore themselves and work towards being more accepting and confident in who they truly are. If you want to gain a broader perspective in how you are approaching your relationships, both personal and professional, I'd love to help you. Growth and change are challenging, and can also be fun and exciting. In our work we'll practice being more aware of what is really there for you in the area(s) you're working on. It might be that devloping a new skillset in your relationship will help it grow, or that you need help ending a relationship and starting a new one.
Using Gestalt Therapy I'll help you approach challenges from a different perspective which allows you to make choices and take actions that create possibility.
I enjoy helping clients who want to explore themselves and work towards being more accepting and confident in who they truly are. If you want to gain a broader perspective in how you are approaching your relationships, both personal and professional, I'd love to help you. Growth and change are challenging, and can also be fun and exciting. In our work we'll practice being more aware of what is really there for you in the area(s) you're working on. It might be that devloping a new skillset in your relationship will help it grow, or that you need help ending a relationship and starting a new one.
(267) 214-9169 View (267) 214-9169
Photo of James Lawrence Thibault, MSEd, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
James Lawrence Thibault
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSEd, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19130
These range from psychodynamic to solution focused therapies, as well as EMDR, mindfulness, cognitive therapy, narrative therapy, and gestalt and existential techniques.
I believe that we all struggle with trauma, and most mental health challenges stem from how one adapts to these experiences. I specialize in working with trauma, identifying how it is held in the body, the strategies we uphold as defense mechanisms, and how to negotiate with our inner self to move toward a healthy healing of mind and body. Coming from either a top down approach for those thinker types, or a bottom up approach for those feeler types, we will compassionately reconnect the mind and body, in order to achieve relief and greater connectivity to self and others.
These range from psychodynamic to solution focused therapies, as well as EMDR, mindfulness, cognitive therapy, narrative therapy, and gestalt and existential techniques.
I believe that we all struggle with trauma, and most mental health challenges stem from how one adapts to these experiences. I specialize in working with trauma, identifying how it is held in the body, the strategies we uphold as defense mechanisms, and how to negotiate with our inner self to move toward a healthy healing of mind and body. Coming from either a top down approach for those thinker types, or a bottom up approach for those feeler types, we will compassionately reconnect the mind and body, in order to achieve relief and greater connectivity to self and others.
(267) 930-5330 View (267) 930-5330
Photo of Hilary Bayley Loielo, MSS, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Hilary Bayley Loielo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, LCSW
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19125
I am a Certified Gestalt Therapist and have extensive training in Mindfulness-based techniques, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders.
Struggling with mental health issues and life transitions can feel isolating and overwhelming. My goal as a psychotherapist is to help you feel less alone and empowered to make meaningful changes in your life. I emphasize the therapeutic relationship and work from a place of empathy, authenticity and compassion for the self. My areas of experience include anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationship issues, life transitions, addiction, and PTSD. Additionally, I am experienced in postpartum and perinatal anxiety and depression. I work with individuals, couples and families.
I am a Certified Gestalt Therapist and have extensive training in Mindfulness-based techniques, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders.
Struggling with mental health issues and life transitions can feel isolating and overwhelming. My goal as a psychotherapist is to help you feel less alone and empowered to make meaningful changes in your life. I emphasize the therapeutic relationship and work from a place of empathy, authenticity and compassion for the self. My areas of experience include anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationship issues, life transitions, addiction, and PTSD. Additionally, I am experienced in postpartum and perinatal anxiety and depression. I work with individuals, couples and families.
(267) 323-1762 View (267) 323-1762
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See more therapy options for Philadelphia County

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.