Research - Coaching
– Last updated 080729
What is Gestalt?
First, what does Gestalt mean?
Gestalt is a German word for a complete pattern or whole; the term cannot be translated into
English with a single word or phrase. Three phenomena must be considered: a thing, its context or
environment and the relationship between them. For example, a rose in a vase is perceived quite
differently from a rose bud on a bush in the garden.
So what is Gestalt therapy?
In Gestalt therapy, the whole of a person’s experience is considered important; thoughts, feelings,
body sensations. The approach focuses on the ‘here and now’ – what is happening moment by
moment.
Staying with present experience allows you to become more aware of who you are. ‘Unfinished
business’ from the past that causes fixed ways of being can emerge and be completed. Different
aspects of the self come into awareness, allowing more fulfilling relationships and a freer way of
functioning in the world.
A Gestalt therapist will often suggest creative ‘experiments’ to enhance awareness. You may
choose to move, to draw, to say a phrase with more energy, whatever is appropriate in the
moment. You may be helped to attend to all aspects of your dreams and discover what they mean
to you.
The Gestalt therapist works in dialogue with you, sharing perceptions and feelings if it helps to
further your awareness.
To find out more about theory and the history of Gestalt CLICK HERE
Example of a session where I encourage my client to stay with present experience
If for example, 'A' tells me about a relationship that is difficult for her, I ask what she is
experiencing as she speaks. Maybe there is tightness in her chest. I suggest she stays with that
experience, notices it more. She becomes aware of sadness. Then a memory of a past sadness
arises that has been unexpressed. We explore that memory fully and she releases feelings of
sadness and anger. She then feels more complete about the past and has insights, which helps her
to think creatively about the current situation.
As the therapy continues, we might also explore what happens between us in the therapeutic
relationship. This sheds light on how her deeply held hopes and fears may influence other
relationships in her life.
So what is the difference between Psychotherapy and Coaching?
A psychotherapist will help you stay with the deeper underlying issues which might contribute to
you being unable to move forward in your life. For example:
past (or the present)
Sometimes such issues are not obvious to a person who begins a series of coaching sessions. A lot of
533578783
Page 1 of 2
Research - Coaching
– Last updated 080729
us have a life style which means that we spend little time reflecting on our motivations or noticing
our feelings. We might have managed the effect of past events by:
blocking them out;
Often, when we focus on ourselves, we become more aware of what is unresolved. Dealing with
the unresolved issues becomes the first priority in moving forward.
A course of coaching is suitable if major unfinished business is not 'in the way' of taking action.
Then a coach can help you deal with how you stop yourself from achieving goals.
For example, you might say you have no time to spend writing the novel you have always wanted
to write.
A coach might ask you to list in detail all the ways that you spend your time, and ask you what you
would be willing to let go of to create the time you need.
A psychotherapist might help you explore the underlying issues that are stopping you from writing
the novel you want to write. For example, a belief fixed in childhood by a critical and unresponsive
teacher that you had no imagination.
533578783
Page 2 of 2