02b_Humanistic/Constructivist: Gestalt Therapy Flashcards
Fritz Perls’ Gestalt Therapy:
Underlying Premise
Each person is capable of assuming personal responsibility and living as an integrated whole
Gestalt Therapy:
“gestalt” definition
Perception of part as a whole
Gestalt Therapy:
Five main concepts
People seek closure
Gestalts reflect current needs
Behavior represents a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts
Behavior can only be fully understood in its context
The world is experienced in accord with the figure/ground principle
Gestalt Therapy:
Personality Theory
Personality consists of the self and the self-image
Early interactions with the environment determines which aspect of personality is dominant
Gestalt Therapy:
The Self
Creative aspect of personality
Promotes tendency for self-actualization
Gestalt Therapy:
Self-Image
“Dark side” of personality
Imposes external standards
Hinders growth and self-actualization
Gestalt Therapy:
View of Maladaptive Behavior
Neurotic behavior is the viewed as a “growth disorder”
Gestalt Therapy:
Growth Disorder
Abandonment of the self for the self-image
Results in Lack of integration
Gestalt Therapy:
Boundary Disturbances, Etiology
Conflict between the self and the external environment
Interferes with satisfaction of needs and homeostasis
Gestalt Therapy:
Four Major Boundary Disturbances
Introjection
Projection
Retroflection
Confluence
Gestalt Therapy:
Introjection
Acceptance of external concepts, fact, and standards without understanding or full assimilation
Gestalt Therapy:
Characteristics of Introjectors
Difficulty distinguishing between “me” and “not me”
Overly compliant
Gestalt Therapy:
Projection
Disowning aspects of the self by assigning them to other people
Gestalt Therapy:
Result of Extreme Projection
Paranoia
Gestalt Therapy:
Retroflection
Doing to oneself what one wants to do to others
E.g. turning anger toward another person inward