Gestalt therapy is one of the most powerful, recognized psychotherapy systems to evolve (Smith, 1976). The word Gestalt is a German derived word that implies whole, integration and configuration (Corey, 2015). This therapy continues to influence many therapists that utilize Gestalt therapy techniques into their daily work routine with a variety of clients that benefit from this therapy alone (Corey, 2015). Gestalt therapy focuses on the “here and now” and the “what and how” based on a strong authentic relationship between the therapist and client with developing self-awareness of their self and surrounding environments (Corey, 2015). The purpose of this paper will be focusing on the historical framework, application and techniques, and the
The id is the drive and instinctual desires in Freud’s psychoanalysis which like in Gestalt therapy, the id is not planned, verbalized or symbolized either (Philippson, 2012). Basically both of these theories believe that the id in the situation is open to the situation and being there and open to what may emerge (Philippson, 2012). The ego in Freudian psychoanalysis is the driving factor between the id and superego (Philippson, 2012). In both Freud and Gestalt therapy, this is the process of actualization of the self and engaging in contact with the world and what arouses our interest and excitement for the client involved (Philippson, 2012). Superego in Freud’s theory is about the demands of the world that may be conflicting with the overall drives of the Id and the ego is the mediator between these two levels (Philippson, 2012). Perls believes in his theory, this was the demand of family, society or religion and the organismic drives and desires of the client actually become drowned out by the conflict involved (Philippson, 2012). The overall goal in psychoanalysis is discovering the clients actions and dynamics and the ability to accept oneself while balancing out the other demands of the id and superego (Philippson, 2012). However, Gestalt therapy goal is for the client to take ownership of their own choices and provide awareness and contact to areas that have been disowned (Philippson,
Freud, S., & Strachey, J. (19621960). The Ego and the Super-ego. The ego and the id (pp. 19-20). New York: Norton.
The thought of Freud has a total focus on an individual’s mind and how this internal struggle effects how humans interact within society. Freud argues that every human has three functional parts of their personality that exist within the mind itself: the id, super-ego and the ego. Thurschwell describes these three layers as how they relate to each other. The id is the deepest level of the unconscious, which is dominated by the pleasure principle and has no concept of time except for the present, demanding instant gratification of sexual and aggressive (Eros and Thanatos) urges. The superego originates through identification with the individuals parents, functioning as an internal censor witch represses the dangerous urges of the id. The ego starts as part of the id but is more sensible as it has knowledge of the outside world. Unlike the id, the ego is dominated by the instinct to protect oneself. Although these three layers cannot be physically mapped out in the mind they do show how Freud constantly focused on the internal mind...
Gestalt therapy is an experiential and humanistic form of therapy that embraces awareness, freedom and self-direction. Gestalt therapy focus on the “here and now” and allow clients to be more self-aware and to accept their feelings in order to ease distress. Gestalt theory maintains that wellness encompasses taking responsibility for one’s self and being connected to others.
In all the psychology of the personality is difficult to understand, because trying to read what someone is thinking about you and your personality is a tough process. This was roughly and explanation into the view of Freud’s view of the id, ego, and superego and some of the psychoanalysis stages that come in the crazy world and studies of Sigmund Freud. Even though his views are not popular today some people still research them and think to themselves he might not be as weird as people told me he was.
Many gestalt therapists are against assessments or favor a gestalt version of an assessment (Brownell, 2010). Despite the lack of general assessments for gestalt therapy, therapists focus on four concepts during treatment: phenomenological method, dialogical relationship, field-theoretical strategies, and experimental freedom. Phenomenological method is used to bring awareness to the client. The therapist observes the client’s actions, such as if they choose to roll their eyes. He or she will describe these details out loud and treats each action with equal value. The dialogical relationship is where the therapist is honest and upfront with the client, instead of taking on a persona. The therapist also accepts however the client chooses to portray themselves. Field theoretical strategies enable the therapist to interpret a person’s character as dynamic rather than static. Lastly, experimental freedom is the concept that gestalt therapy is more than just talk. The therapist can experiment and try something new with the client as the therapy persists (RGI, 2013).
Gestalt psychotherapy recognizes that no one can be purely objective including therapists whose experiences and perspectives are also influenced by their own contexts and counselors accept the validity and truth of their client’s experiences. Gestalt therapy also recognizes that forcing a person to change can result in further distress and irritation, rather than changing results from acceptance of what is. Therapy sessions focus on helping people learn to become more self-aware and to accept and trust in their feelings and experiences to alleviate
Another key thing about gestalt therapy is the focus on how the client responds over what the client’s response may be. The psychologist would instead watch for mannerisms, changes in voice tone, and even minute facial expressions. The client also is reintroduced to past situations. While working through these reenacted past experiences, the client learns better ways to respond. The problems a client may be facing are not just discussed, but are faced as if they are current issues (Daniels, 2005).
The rapport and friendship built throughout this movie is vital to the success of the therapy exhibited here. This is a great example of Gestalt therapeutic approach and helps to identify most of the techniques incorporated. The techniques and ways of gently confronting but pushing a client all the way through are very beneficial to each viewer of this film.
I am choosing to write about gestalt therapy. Gestalt’s founding theorists were Frederick (Fritz) S. Perls and Laura Posner Perls. In 1952 Fritz and Laura and other associates established the New York Institute for Gestalt Therapy. Gestalt theory is an existential, phenomenological and process-based theory made on the basis that people must be understood in the setting of their ongoing relationships with their atmosphere. Awareness, choice, and responsibility are the base fundamentals of the theory. Contemporary gestalt therapy is sometimes called relational gestalt therapy which stresses a dialogue and relationship between a client and a therapist must be had. Fritz is often seen in one of two ways, either people are in awe of him or find him tough and aggressively confrontational. Today’s gestalt therapists seek to be more supportive, accepting, respectful, dialogical, and empathic and challenging (Corey, 2013).
Gestalt therapy is a type of therapy used to deepen our awareness of ourselves. According to O’Connor and Braverman, (2009) “Gestalt" implies wholeness. “Gestalt therapy is a process-oriented, experiential therapy that is concerned with the integrated functioning of all aspects of the person: senses, body, emotions and intellect.”
He believed everyone is born with the id. All humans when they are babies, according to Freud, are pleasure seeking and concerned with having their needs met. This is the original or unconscious personality. The ego is where decision-making occurs, judgments are made and memory is stored. Lastly, the superego contains the individual’s values, beliefs, and morals, which they get from their parents. According to Freud, women get their morals and beliefs from their mothers and men get it from their fathers. He also believes that...
Sigmund Freud is best known for his development and use of psychoanalysis. The theory of psychoanalysis focuses on the concept of how our unconscious thoughts, feelings, and emotions play an active role in our daily lives. The id, ego, and superego are the three mental zones that encompass our psyche. Each zone has a specific function: The id functions on the pleasure principle; the ego on the protection of the individual; and the superego on protection of society. The degree of which each zone has been developed can be broken down and then analyzed. These three zones can be visualized by imagining a pie cut into three slices.
In addition to Freud’s stages of development his best-known concepts are those of the id, ego, and superego (Crain, p. 268). The id personality called ‘the unconscious” is the personality that focuses on maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain through reflexes and drives such as hunger or bladder tensions (Crain, pp. 268-269). The id concept is impulsive, chaotic and unrealistic.
Gestalt therapy is existential, phenomenological, and process-based approach created on the premise that individuals must be understood in the context of their ongoing relationship with the environment. Awareness, choice and responsibility are the cornerstone of practice (Corey, 2013).
Fritz and Laura Perls are responsible for the founding of gestalt therapy in the 1940’s. From there on, Gestalt has contributed significantly to the field of psychotherapy, counseling, and personal development. When therapist uses this method, his or her ultimate aim is to ensure the client achieves personal growth and development. To achieve this outcome, gestalt utilizes existential philosophy and phenomenology. In summary, this form of therapy aims to empower the patient to use his internal and external senses for the purposes of developing personal responsibility and a self-supportive system (Franzke 1999; Corcoran & Daly 2008).