What can a gestalt therapist help with?
A
gestalt therapist can help clients develop greater self-awareness, to better understand themselves and how their past and present choices affect their health and relationships in the present moment. They may encourage a client to re-enact a difficult episode, experience the emotions it brings on, and discuss how it feels now. With attention paid to both emotional and physical responses, gestalt therapy aims to help people understand how their minds and bodies connect and gain the confidence to more productively deal with challenges when they arise.
Who is a certified or qualified gestalt therapist?
Potential patients should seek a licensed and experienced mental health professional with a declared gestalt approach to therapy. There is no formal certification required to practice gestalt therapy but therapists may receive training in gestalt techniques. Successful therapy always depends on a strong and trusting connection between a client and their therapist so it is important to find a professional with whom one can feel comfortable discussing personal issues.What conditions can gestalt therapy treat?
Gestalt therapy can help people deal with concerns such as depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, and even physical issues like ulcerative colitis, back spasms, and migraines. Individuals hoping to work on their self-awareness to better understand the role they play in their own discomfort and unhappiness may be promising candidates for gestalt therapy.How can I recognize a good gestalt therapist?
A gestalt therapist should be empathetic and non-judgmental without an air of superiority. The therapist should listen closely to a client’s words, keenly observe their body language, and guide sessions based on what they hear and see. The therapist will encourage clients to use “I” statements that focus on their own actions and feelings instead of those of others as they move toward taking greater personal responsibility. If a client dwells on the past, or fixates on their anxiety about the future, the therapist may urge them to return their focus to their emotions in the present.