Gestalt Therapy

Question 1

Gestalt = German for

Answer 1

whole

Question 2

Focus on

Answer 2

here and now, self as unique and consisting of many parts, self-experience is within context of one’s environment;

Question 3

Role of therapist

Answer 3

promote non-judgmental self-awareness - of all parts of themselves in the present moment, past is only relevant as it affects them now

Question 4

emphasis on experience

Answer 4

emotions, perceptions, behaviors, body sensations, ideas, memories (unfinished business) in the here and now

Question 5

creative experiment and discovery

Answer 5

“test” client’s experience with techniques to help them open up and acknowledge hidden feelings; increase awareness of the parts of a client’s total self

Question 6

social responsibility

Answer 6

egalitarian approach to therapeutic relationship and to social life - responsibility for self and others, respect for all

Question 7

role play

Answer 7

experience different feelings

Question 8

open chair technique

Answer 8

imagine someone (or parts of self) in empty chair - communicate with this imaginary being - switch and continue with reversed role - locate part they tried to ignore

Question 9

dialogue

Answer 9

engage client in meaningful/authentic dialogue to guide different way of thinking - discussion, dancing, singing, laughing

Question 10

discussing dreams

Answer 10

relive them by playing objects/people in dream - what are you aware of now?

Question 11

attention to body language

Answer 11

subtle indicator of emotions - exaggerate the movement or behavior to intensify emotion and figure out hidden meaning - what are you saying with….?