About Gestalt ~ My Central Orientation

 

The word Gestalt in German means ‘figure’ or ‘shape’ and refers to the concept of wholeness. Gestalt Therapy was originally founded in the 1920s by Fritz and Laura Perls, and has since then developed into a well known, and further enhanced, dynamic approach to psychotherapy.

 

Gestalt Therapy works with the present-moment experience, and the assumption that in order to make change happen, we have to understand and experience fully where and who we are in the present moment. Old patterns and beliefs are manifested in our current behaviors, physical patterns, and the way we relate to others and our environment. Often being fully present seems challenging or impossible, because of internal, previously learned restrictions. By integrating all levels of experience (emotional, physical, and mental), we allow a bigger or fuller version of self to emerge.