Change is an inevitable part of life. It can involve career shifts, personal relationships, health, living conditions, or any other area. However, for many people, the thought of change triggers fear, anxiety, and even panic. Why does this happen, and how can we overcome the fear of change? Gestalt psychology offers a unique approach to understanding and overcoming this fear.
What is the Fear of Change?
The fear of change often arises as a reaction to the unknown. People are accustomed to certain ways of life, routines, and stability. Change means stepping out of one’s comfort zone and facing something new, which can be not only exciting but also potentially dangerous or challenging. In many cases, this fear is linked to a sense of losing control over the situation or the concern that the new conditions might be worse than those to which they are accustomed.
Gestalt Psychology and the Fear of Change
Gestalt psychology views the fear of change through the lens of awareness and contact with reality. According to this approach, many of our fears arise from not accepting or avoiding our current experiences. We often get stuck in certain patterns of thinking and behavior because they seem safe, even though they may limit our growth and enjoyment of life.
Key Principles of Gestalt Psychology in Overcoming the Fear of Change
Awareness: The first step in overcoming the fear of change is becoming aware of your feelings and thoughts related to it. Gestalt therapy encourages people to pay attention to their emotions and physical sensations at the moment when they think about change. This helps to better understand the sources of their fear.
Accepting Fear as Part of Yourself: Instead of fighting this fear or avoiding it, the Gestalt approach suggests accepting it as a part of yourself. This means acknowledging that the fear of change is a normal reaction and does not define your entire personality. Accepting fear can reduce its intensity and lessen inner conflict.
Focus on the Here and Now: The fear of change often stems from anxious thoughts about the future. Gestalt therapy emphasizes the importance of focusing on the present moment. Instead of worrying about possible negative outcomes of changes, focus on what you feel now and what real actions you can take for your well-being.
Contact with Reality: Gestalt psychology emphasizes the importance of genuine contact with yourself and your surroundings. This means not only being aware of your fears but also exploring how they manifest in your real life. For example, you might ask yourself: “Are these changes really dangerous? Or is it just my perception of them?”
Experimenting with New Experiences: Gestalt therapy encourages people to experiment in a safe environment. This means trying something new or taking small steps toward change to test your feelings and reactions. For example, if you fear changing jobs, you might first participate in a new project or learn something new without leaving your current position.
Relying on Support: It is important to have support on the path to change. Gestalt psychology believes that relationships with others can be an important resource for overcoming fear. Discussing your experiences with loved ones or seeking out a therapist can help you better understand your fears and find ways to overcome them.
Practical Steps for Overcoming the Fear of Change
Write Down Your Fears: Keep a journal where you write down your thoughts and feelings about change. This will help you better understand what exactly scares you and determine whether these fears are realistic.
Practice Mindfulness: Engage in practices that help you focus on the here and now, such as meditation, yoga, or simply deep breathing. This will help reduce anxiety and help you feel more balanced.
Break Changes into Smaller Steps: Instead of trying to make a big change all at once, try breaking it down into smaller stages. This will make the process less daunting and help you gradually adapt to the new situation.
Seek Support: Discuss your feelings with friends, family, or a therapist. Support from others can be an important resource in overcoming fear.
Try New Things: Allow yourself to experiment and try something new, even if it scares you. Even small changes can help you see that change is not always a threat but can also be an opportunity for growth.
The fear of change is a natural reaction to the unknown, often arising from a loss of control or fear of failure. Gestalt psychology offers an understanding of fear through awareness, self-acceptance, and contact with reality. By using these principles, a person can learn to cope with their fears and open up to new opportunities that changes bring. Instead of fearing change, we can learn to see it as a chance for growth and personal development.