In 1964, Paul Goodman stated, “The issue is not whether people are ‘good enough’ for a particular type of society; rather it is a matter of developing the kind of social institutions that are most conducive to expanding the potentialities we have for intelligence, grace, sociability and freedom”. The institution, in which he would later help create and endorse, is the institution of Gestalt Psychology and Therapy.

1. GT’s Premise: Gestalt Therapy’s main concern is, the present; present issues, with present solutions. The method of human mental and physical interpretation are different from being aware. These two different forms of interpretation can be distinguished as direct and indirect experience. Once the client becomes aware of their daily process, they can develop a new perspective within their respective interpretation.

2. GT’s Practice: The practice of Gestalt theory can be broken down into four “load bearing walls”; phenomenological method, dialogical relationship, field-theoretical strategies, and experimental freedom.

The phenomenological method is comprised of three different stages; the rule of epoche, the rule of description, the rule of horizontalization. The rule of epoche is an opportunity for the patient to separate his preexisting assumptions, in order to expand their solution possibilities. The rule of description encourages the patient to erase preconceived notions, he/she has built through experience and establish unabashed observations. The last stage implies a non-hierarchical thought process.

Dialogical relationships is a practice where the therapist will build a comfortable atmosphere, and invite the patient to join him/her. In this atmosphere it is imperative that the patient reveal his/her issues.

Field theoretical strategies can be evaluated in two separate ways; ontological dimensions and phenomenological dimensions. The ontological dimensions is the tangible environment around you. This field supports our present existence and the reality of our problems.

Experimental freedom is a practice, in which the therapist will develop different exercises, in order to establish a better understanding of the issues at hand. These routine exercises are also an innovative way for the patient to understand his/her own issue, and develop a solution.

3. GT’s Issues: Although Gestalt therapy is a internationally practiced, it does have fall victim to several criticisms. Individuals who revolt against Gestalt therapy, claim that the idea of self is flawed, because of it is disregarding the idea of relationship. They also proclaim that the Gestalt idea of striving to change who one is, will eventu

Friday 4 December 2009