Theory of Gestalt Therapy
Theory of Gestalt Therapy
“What is Gestalt Therapy?” This is a question that has divided therapists for decades. Although Gestalt Therapy is based on a set of techniques, it is ultimately the therapist own defined style that makes it unique – from the theatrical techniques of Fritz Perls to the one-on-one approach of Jim Simken.
According to G.M. Yontef (Awareness, Dialogue and Process Pg 203), Gestalt Therapy is: 1. a bringing about of awareness 2. it is based on the I and Thou contact withdrawal process 3. its world view is based on holism and field theory
Each and every one of us seeks to make sense of life’s events, and as such a considerable amount of time is spent in trying to analyse and explain these events. As Fritz Perls himself declares “…man does not perceive things as unrelated isolates, but organizes them in the perpetual process into meaningful wholes.” (The Gestalt Approach and Eye Witness to Therapy). By being able to look at the life we lead and to some extent to the ideas that give it the form it has, we will engender understanding of the world around us and consequently a ‘field theory’ which is fundamental to Gestalt Therapy is formed.
Field Theory
In ‘field theory’ a person is one with his environment and his behaviour reflects this aspect. “Behaviour is a function of the field which it is a part. Experiencing is also a function of the field of which it is part”. (GM Yontef ibid pg 305).
Each field is organized by the dominant need of that moment. Once a need is felt, a figure ground formation develops. The individual meets this need by contacting the environment. When a need is met, the gestalt it organised becomes complete and it no longer exerts an influence. The organism is then free to form new gestalten. Unmet needs on the other hand claim our attention and interfere with the formation of new gestalten.
Cycle of Contact
Gestalt formation is always accompanied by awareness. (Fritz Perls,
“What is Gestalt Therapy?” This is a question that has divided therapists for decades. Although Gestalt Therapy is based on a set of techniques, it is ultimately the therapist own defined style that makes it unique – from the theatrical techniques of Fritz Perls to the one-on-one approach of Jim Simken.
According to G.M. Yontef (Awareness, Dialogue and Process Pg 203), Gestalt Therapy is: 1. a bringing about of awareness 2. it is based on the I and Thou contact withdrawal process 3. its world view is based on holism and field theory
Each and every one of us seeks to make sense of life’s events, and as such a considerable amount of time is spent in trying to analyse and explain these events. As Fritz Perls himself declares “…man does not perceive things as unrelated isolates, but organizes them in the perpetual process into meaningful wholes.” (The Gestalt Approach and Eye Witness to Therapy). By being able to look at the life we lead and to some extent to the ideas that give it the form it has, we will engender understanding of the world around us and consequently a ‘field theory’ which is fundamental to Gestalt Therapy is formed.
Field Theory
In ‘field theory’ a person is one with his environment and his behaviour reflects this aspect. “Behaviour is a function of the field which it is a part. Experiencing is also a function of the field of which it is part”. (GM Yontef ibid pg 305).
Each field is organized by the dominant need of that moment. Once a need is felt, a figure ground formation develops. The individual meets this need by contacting the environment. When a need is met, the gestalt it organised becomes complete and it no longer exerts an influence. The organism is then free to form new gestalten. Unmet needs on the other hand claim our attention and interfere with the formation of new gestalten.
Cycle of Contact
Gestalt formation is always accompanied by awareness. (Fritz Perls,
References: The Total Therapeutic Context – the Craft of Gestalt Therapy: Theory & Practice – Bertram Muller Dipl. Psych (From the Gestalt Review 1(2) 94-109, 1997)