Elise Schmidt
Gestalt Therapy
LP6
1
When reading about Gestalt therapy I found it interesting and a bit different from
the previous therapies. Awareness, the goal of this therapy, seems like an important
aspect of counseling. (Yontef, 1993) On paper this therapy looks good to use with
clients seeking help with drug and alcohol abuse. Being aware of their environment,
taking responsibility for their choices, self-knowledge, self-acceptable, and the ability to
contact are all part of the goal of awareness (Yontef, 1993). While reading our text the
quote, “clients have to grow up” I think initially set me off from this theory because I
found it harsh. (Corey, 2009)
These goals appear to be helpful things to help a client identify their triggers and
help them take responsibility for themselves. After reading and seeing the theory in
action I feel that this theory looks better on paper than what it is. Overall I did not prefer
this theory and saw it as an attack on the client at times. If I put myself in the client’s
shoes I would not this therapy to be the main use of the counselor.
As a counselor I do not think I could building a client counselor relationship using
this therapy would go smoothly. I personally would feel like I was not acting how I was
supposed to as a counselor. I found it interesting how important the relationship with
counselor and client were. It made sense to have a solid relationship to be able to
engage in such dialogue. (Yontef, 1993) Personally I do not feel that is how a counselor
should always act toward a client. In simple terms the counselor seems mean at times
in Gestalt therapy.
Elise Schmidt
Gestalt Therapy
LP6
2
I did learn a lot of things about myself through this theory as a person and as a
counselor. As a counselor confrontation done right I think is important at times, but
within this therapy it seems to happen too frequently. I did think the theory had a
powerful message. As a counselor I like the idea of having a tool to help a client learn to
face stressful situations which Gestalt does but am unaware how to do it and use this
tool so that I am comfortable with it and the client is benefited from it. (GoodTherapy,
2014) Through competency, experience, and more schooling I could learn to do these
things in such a way I believe. These things could also affect how I view this therapy
overall as well.
Especially working with clients who have problems with alcohol and drug use and
abuse I believe learning how to help them through stressful situations is essential to
lessen the possibilities or relapse. I think helping them in a way so they can feel more
confident, calm and peaceful is what I would like to do so I cannot totally discard this
therapy. (GoodTherapy, 2014) The tasks accomplished are too great to totally disregard
the theory but I need to learn more about to use the therapy.
I am excited to go to class and discuss this theory more in detail than the
discussions about this therapy to see different views that I did not. Having an open mind
about the therapy but not being its number one fan I think talking about will be very
beneficial to get a greater view. Gestalt means the whole in German and before the
clients becomes more aware of what they are doing it is my responsibly to so for myself
first, especially when it comes to this theory. (Gestalt Therapy Austraila, 2008) I have a
Elise Schmidt
Gestalt Therapy
LP6
3
lot of questions about this theory yet which may be one reason I am looking forward to
seeing my classmates and asking their take and finding out their ideas.
Elise Schmidt
Gestalt Therapy
LP6
4
References
Corey, G. (2009). Theory and Practice of Counseling and Pschotherapy 8e. Belmont: Brooks/Cole,
Cengage Learning .
Gestalt Therapy Austraila. (2008). The meaning of Gestalt . Retrieved from Gestalt Therapy Austraila:
http://www.gestalt.com.au/v2/
GoodTherapy. (2014). Gestalt Therapy. Retrieved from Good Therapy:
http://www.goodtherapy.org/Gestalt_Therapy.html
Yontef, G. (1993). Gestalt Therapy: An Introduction. In G. Yontef, Awareness, Dialogue, and Process . The
Gestalt Journal Press . Retrieved from http://www.gestalt.org/yontef.htm