Gestalt in Practice
A. This report will conceptualise a hypothetical client, using the application of Gestalt methods whilst relating to Gestalt theory to analyse the client’s issues. C athy is a 45-year-old woman who’s been referred for counselling by her GP; she has been referred because of her 20 year bouts of depression and panic attacks. This assessment will analyse how Cathy makes meaning and contact with her world using the following three methods; support systems, modifications to contact, unfinished business/fixed gestalts.
The process of contact and withdrawal from contact defines the self (Lobb, and Litchenberg, 2005). The self is a phenomenological concept which exists alongside its environment, and neither can exist independently (Parlett, 1997). My understanding of Phenomenology is it refers to a person’s unique experiences, past and futures experiences are simultaneously parts of the field. However, past field experiences are not a concern as they do not present in the here and now. The environment changes on a moment by moment basis along with people within the field and their perceptions. According to Clarkson (1989) “conceptually, the sequence of moments in the shift between figure and ground constitutes the gestalt formation and destruction cycle” (p6). Using this cycle will assist a counsellor in assessing disruptions to contact.
On evaluation of the case study, it appears that Cathy’s figure/ presenting issue is her depression. In today’s society depression is a common symptom of psychological distress (Joyce, and Sills, 2010). Cathy mentions the loss of her mother; this historical ground and the re-experience of loss within her marriages may have formed a constant cycle of loss which has become a fixed gestalt. This fixed gestalt may be a reason why Cathy and her environment are on different ends of a continuum. She appears to be very self-reliant. However, Cathy does not appear to use her environment to meet her needs. For example she states ‘she finds
The process of contact and withdrawal from contact defines the self (Lobb, and Litchenberg, 2005). The self is a phenomenological concept which exists alongside its environment, and neither can exist independently (Parlett, 1997). My understanding of Phenomenology is it refers to a person’s unique experiences, past and futures experiences are simultaneously parts of the field. However, past field experiences are not a concern as they do not present in the here and now. The environment changes on a moment by moment basis along with people within the field and their perceptions. According to Clarkson (1989) “conceptually, the sequence of moments in the shift between figure and ground constitutes the gestalt formation and destruction cycle” (p6). Using this cycle will assist a counsellor in assessing disruptions to contact.
On evaluation of the case study, it appears that Cathy’s figure/ presenting issue is her depression. In today’s society depression is a common symptom of psychological distress (Joyce, and Sills, 2010). Cathy mentions the loss of her mother; this historical ground and the re-experience of loss within her marriages may have formed a constant cycle of loss which has become a fixed gestalt. This fixed gestalt may be a reason why Cathy and her environment are on different ends of a continuum. She appears to be very self-reliant. However, Cathy does not appear to use her environment to meet her needs. For example she states ‘she finds
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