Frequently Asked Questions
How does Gestalt therapy differ from traditional psychotherapy?
Unlike traditional psychotherapy, which often delves into past experiences and subconscious thoughts, Gestalt therapy focuses on the present moment and on understanding the context of a person's life. It emphasizes direct experience and experimentation rather than talking about abstract issues.
What are the key principles of Gestalt therapy?
Key principles include awareness (becoming conscious of one's feelings and behaviors), here and now (focusing on the present moment rather than past or future), and the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts (focusing on the entirety of an individual's experience rather than isolated parts).
Who developed Gestalt therapy?
Gestalt therapy was developed in the late 1940s by Fritz Perls, Laura Perls, and Paul Goodman. It was influenced by a range of thinkers and traditions, including psychoanalysis, existential philosophy, and Eastern spirituality.
