What is Gestalt psychotherapy?

Gestalt is a relational and experiential approach that helps you become more aware of how you experience the world, yourself, and others.

The word Gestalt is a German term that means “whole” or “form”. Gestalt therapy supports you in becoming more aware of your thoughts, emotions, body and needs, so you can experience yourself more fully and authentically.

It focuses on what is happening in the present moment — how you feel, what you sense and what you need, with particular attention to how these experiences emerge within relationships, including the therapeutic relationship.

What personally drew me to Gestalt

What personally drew me to Gestalt was that there is not “the expert” in the room who tells me what to do, but that there would be a real meeting between two human beings who are both unique.

I value the possibility of an authentic encounter, where we can both bring ourselves into the therapeutic relationship rather than the therapist simply wearing a professional mask.

What does Gestalt therapy actually look like?

In Gestalt therapy, we don't only talk about what has happened to you in the past or try to find solutions to your difficulties. We also pay attention to what you are experiencing right now.

For example, you might tell me about an argument with your partner. Rather than simply discussing what your partner said and what you should do next, we might slow down and explore what happens for you as you talk about it.

What are you feeling?
What do you notice in your body?
What are you aware of wanting to say or do?
What happens when you imagine expressing this to your partner?

Through this kind of exploration, you may begin to notice things that would otherwise happen outside your awareness. Perhaps you tend to hold back what you really want to say, automatically take responsibility for other people's feelings, or become disconnected from your own needs.

The aim isn't simply to understand these things intellectually. It's to experience them differently and discover new possibilities.

Because Gestalt is relational, we can also pay attention to what happens between us in the therapy room. Perhaps you notice yourself wanting to please me, finding it difficult to disagree, or feeling something in response to something I say. These moments can become part of our exploration.

I won't tell you what you should think or how you should live your life. Instead, I will be curious with you about your experience, sometimes gently bringing attention to something I notice, and supporting you to discover what feels true and meaningful for you.

In this way, therapy becomes something we explore together, rather than something that is simply done to you.

What might we do together?

Gestalt therapy can involve talking, reflecting and making sense of your experiences, but it can also be experiential. At times, I may invite you to slow down, notice what is happening in your body, explore something in the present moment, or try something different in the safety of the therapy room.

These might include simple experiments or exercises that help you experience something rather than only talking about it. You are always free to decide whether something feels useful for you.

Why is the therapeutic relationship so important?

The relationship between therapist and client is an important part of Gestalt therapy.

I aim to meet you with warmth, curiosity and honesty, while also being attentive to what happens between us. Sometimes I may gently share something I notice in our interaction, not because I know what is “right” for you, but because bringing something into awareness can open up a new possibility for exploration.

I experience Gestalt therapy as both gentle and honest. There is no expectation that you need to have everything figured out or that you need to perform therapy “correctly”. At the same time, there is room to look honestly at what is happening, including things that may be difficult to notice.

The therapeutic relationship can become a place where you begin to experience what it is like to be yourself with another person — to have your own thoughts, feelings and needs, while remaining in contact with someone else.

Perhaps you find yourself wanting to please me, or notice that you are holding something back. Perhaps you disagree with something I say but feel uncomfortable telling me. These moments can become part of the work.

Over time, you may begin to discover that you can bring more of yourself into relationships without losing connection with others.

“Dialogue is the meeting of two persons… each is changed by the encounter.” (Gary Yontef)

To summarise

Rather than simply focusing on “fixing” symptoms, Gestalt therapy offers a space to become more aware of how you experience yourself and your relationships.

Together, we can explore what is happening for you in the present moment, how your past experiences may still be influencing you, and what becomes possible when you begin to relate to yourself and others with greater awareness and authenticity.

Gestalt therapy can be particularly supportive if you want to understand yourself more deeply, explore emotions more fully, develop more fulfilling relationships, or feel more connected to who you are.

It is a collaborative process. We explore together, rather than me telling you what you should do.

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“The human heart yearns for contact – above all it yearns for genuine dialogue… Each of us secretly and desperately yearns to be ‘met’ – to be recognized in our uniqueness, our fullness and our vulnerability.” (Hycner & Jacobs)

If you’d like to explore whether Gestalt Therapy might be right for you, you are welcome to get in touch for a free 20 minute consultation.