When someone seeks help from a psychotherapist, they may encounter different approaches to therapy. One such approach is Gestalt therapy. But how does it differ from other types of therapy? Let’s look at this in simple terms.

What is Gestalt Therapy?

Gestalt therapy focuses on helping a person become more aware of themselves, their emotions, thoughts, and bodily sensations. It teaches us to live “here and now,” rather than in the past or future. The therapist helps the client understand what is happening with them at the moment and how they can cope with the challenges of their life.

Main Differences Between Gestalt Therapy and Other Approaches

Focus on the Present Moment (Gestalt Therapy) vs. Focus on the Past

– Gestalt Therapy: The main focus is on what you are feeling and experiencing right now. The therapist helps you pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, reactions, and bodily sensations in the present moment.

– Psychoanalysis: This approach focuses on the past. It explores your childhood experiences, traumas, and unconscious conflicts that may influence your behavior and emotions today.

For example: In Gestalt therapy, if you feel anxious during a session, the therapist might ask, “What are you feeling right now? Where do you feel this anxiety in your body?” A psychoanalyst, on the other hand, might ask, “When did you first feel this kind of anxiety? What happened in your past?”

Emphasis on Personal Experience (Gestalt Therapy) vs. Cognitive Approach (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT)

– Gestalt Therapy:  The focus is on your personal experience and how you experience it. The therapist helps you understand your feelings and how you express them.

– Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This approach focuses on your thoughts and behaviors. The therapist helps you change negative thoughts and harmful behavioral patterns to more positive and beneficial ones for you in specific situations.

For example: If you have a fear of public speaking, a Gestalt therapist might ask you what you are feeling right now when you think about speaking. A CBT therapist might help you identify the thoughts causing this fear and suggest techniques to change these thoughts.

Relationship with the Therapist (Gestalt Therapy) vs. Structured Techniques (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

– Gestalt Therapy: Great importance is placed on the relationship between the client and the therapist. These relationships are seen as a crucial part of the therapeutic process, where the client can explore their emotions and behaviors in a safe environment. These relationships are built on the principle of “I and you” communication as equal interlocutors.

– Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This approach is more structured and focused on solving specific problems. The relationship with the therapist is important, but the main focus is on techniques and exercises to change thinking and behavior.

For example: In Gestalt therapy, you might discuss how you feel about the therapeutic process itself and the therapist, which can help you better understand what happens between you and people in your environment. In CBT, more time is spent doing specific exercises or tasks, such as keeping a thought diary.

Body as Part of Therapy (Gestalt Therapy) vs. Traditional Focus on Conversation (Psychoanalysis, CBT)

– Gestalt Therapy: What you say is important, but so is how your body reacts, what emotions you feel. The therapist might pay attention to your breathing, body posture, or movements to help you better understand your emotions and feelings.

– Psychoanalysis and CBT: These approaches focus more on conversation and analyzing thoughts. The body is rarely the main topic of work, leaving important details outside perception.

For example: In Gestalt therapy, if you’re talking about stress, the therapist might ask, “What are you feeling in your body right now? Where do you feel tension?” In CBT or psychoanalysis, the focus will more likely be on what causes the stress and how it affects your life.

How to Choose What is Right for You?

If you are looking for therapy, it’s important to understand that approaches may vary depending on your personality and needs. Gestalt therapy can be particularly useful if you want to better understand yourself, learn to live in the present moment, and feel more harmony with yourself. It is suitable for those who are ready to explore their emotions and experiences here and now, as well as for those who want to work on their internal conflicts and improve relationships with others. This approach is suitable for people who want to fundamentally improve their lives and are ready to dedicate time to it.

However, if you are more inclined to solve specific problems and need structure in the therapeutic process, other approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, might be more suitable.

Each therapeutic approach has its unique advantages, and the choice depends on your situation and personal preferences. Gestalt therapy offers a unique way to know oneself through awareness and experiencing the “here and now” moment. It is an approach that not only helps solve problems but also opens up new horizons for conscious living. Self-awareness is an important factor in personal development and improving the quality of life.