Gestalt psychotherapy
Gestalt therapy is a holistic and experiential form of psychotherapy that focuses on the here and now, self-awareness through awareness, and personal responsibility. Developed by Fritz Perls in the 1940s, it emphasizes understanding feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
- Awareness & Presence – Encourages full awareness of emotions, through sensations and behaviors in the present moment.
- Personal Responsibility – Focuses on taking responsibility for thoughts, feelings, and actions without the justification of external factors.
- Holistic Approach – Considers the mind, body and emotions as interconnected.
- Dialogue & Experiential Techniques – Uses exercises such as the empty chair technique to express different aspects of the self, and body awareness to deeply explore emotions.
- Unfinished business – aimed at resolving past conflicts or emotions that affect present well-being.
Gestalt therapy is effective for issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem and relationship conflicts. It promotes self-discovery, emotional healing and personal growth through connection with self and others.
What can you expect from Gestalt therapy sessions?
Gestalt therapy sessions are interactive, experiential and focus on deepening self-awareness in the here and now.
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Focus on the present moment
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A safe and supportive space
Gestalt therapy provides a non-judgmental and empathetic environment where you can freely express feelings, thoughts, and physical sensations.Η θεραπεία Gestalt παρέχει ένα χωρίς κριτική και με ενσυναίσθηση περιβάλλον όπου μπορείτε να εκφράσετε ελεύθερα συναισθήματα, σκέψεις και σωματικές αισθήσεις.
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Exploring emotions and body awareness
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Experiential Techniques and Exercises
Sessions may include:
– Empty Chair Technique – Engage in dialogue with different aspects of yourself or unresolved issues.
– Role Play – Act out feelings or conflicts to gain new perspectives.
– Body Awareness – Recognizing how physical sensations relate to emotional experiences.
– Creative Expression – Using movement, drawing, or storytelling to explore emotions.
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Personal Responsibility & Self-Discovery
Guide you to take ownership of your feelings and actions, leading to greater self-empowerment and growth. Instead of saying, *”This situation made me feel this way,”* you shift to *”I feel this way…”*.
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Integration and Transformations
Through Gestalt therapy, you learn to integrate different parts of yourself, resolve unfinished emotional work, and build healthier ways of relating to yourself and others.
Sessions are dynamic and no two are the same—each experience is tailored to your needs on your personal journey.
How does the Gestalt approach help in healing and development?
Gestalt promotes healing and personal growth by increasing self-awareness, emotional processing, and personal responsibility. It invites individuals to free themselves from negative patterns, reconnect with their authentic selves, and develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.
Encourages self-awareness and emotional clarity
- Gestalt therapy supports awareness and understanding of feelings, thoughts, and behaviors in the present moment.
- Greater awareness of how I feel and react leads to the recognition of unhealthy patterns with steps towards change.
Example: If someone is experiencing anxiety, they learn to observe how their body moves and explore the deeper feelings behind their anxious thoughts.
Resolves emotionally unfinished business
- Many conflicts stem from unresolved past experiences that continue to affect the present.
- Gestalt therapy helps to address and process unexpressed emotions, past traumas, or unresolved conflicts, leading to emotional release and closure.
Example: Using the empty chair technique, the client can express feelings towards someone from their past, allowing them to process them and move on.
Promotes personal responsibility and empowerment
- Instead of blaming external circumstances, clients learn to take ownership of their feelings and actions.
- This change in perspective promotes self-empowerment and independence, helping individuals make conscious, healthier choices.
*Example: Instead of saying, “This situation made me angry,” the client learns to say, “I feel angry and I can explore why and how to manage it.”
Strengthens the mind-body connection
- Gestalt therapy recognizes the interconnection between emotions and physical sensations.
- Clients tune into how stress, trauma, or emotional conflicts manifest in the body, allowing for deeper healing.
Example: A client experiencing chronic tension learns to recognize how unprocessed emotions contribute to physical discomfort and practices techniques to release them.
Strengthens relationships and communication
- By increasing self-awareness and emotional intelligence, the way needs are expressed is improved, boundaries are set, and connection with others is established.
- Gestalt therapy cultivates authentic, meaningful relationships based on honest communication.
Example: If someone struggles with assertiveness, they learn to express their needs without fear or guilt, improving their relationships.
Encourages living with authenticity
- The Gestalt approach helps individuals reconnect with their true selves, enhancing self-acceptance, self-confidence, and fulfillment.
- They learn to fully embrace their experiences, making choices that align with their values and needs.
Example: *Instead of suppressing emotions or avoiding difficult situations, he learns to face them with self-awareness and resilience.
- Greater emotional awareness and self-acceptance
- Resolving past conflicts and traumas
- Healthier relationships and communication skills
- Stronger mind-body connection
- Empowerment to create positive changes in life
- By focusing on the here and now, Gestalt guides towards healing, growth and personal change.