Counselling comes in many forms, and discussing treatment options with your mental healthcare provider is the first step towards success. Gestalt counselling is one of the most beneficial therapeutic approaches, focusing on the human being as a whole – mind, body, and spirit. In Gestalt counselling, you will learn more about yourself, be better at expressing your feelings, and feel more at ease with the world. If you’re curious why Gestalt counselling is so successful, here are some key benefits that you can discuss with your therapist:
Gestalt counselling helps you accept yourself as a whole and balance your environment.
One of the basic principles of Gestalt therapy is that the mind and body aren’t two separate entities. Together, the mind and body form a whole, and it’s important for patients to learn to balance the two and integrate them seamlessly into their environment. If you often feel “disconnected” from yourself and that you never feel comfortable in your own skin, Gestalt therapy may help.
Gestalt counselling boosts your awareness.
According to the principles of Gestalt therapy, a healthy person is aware and able to self-regulate in their environment. During the sessions, your counsellor will help you understand those “blockages” that prevent you from reaching awareness, such as:
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Emotional problems that occurred in the past
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“Unfinished business” in the past, or a lack of closure
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An unhealthy fixation over something that happened in the past
To help you overcome these blockages, Gestalt counselling uses techniques such as:
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Increasing your connection with the environment through multi-sensory experiences
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Helping you let go of the past and be present in the here and now Learning to accept responsibility for your actions and stop passing the blame to someone else
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Use of language to help you express your emotions and understand the challenges that are preventing you from growing
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The empty chair technique, which facilitates roleplaying dialogue between the counsellor and the patient
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Topdog – underdog dialogue, which explores opposing attitudes and opinions
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Discussing your dreams so that you can better understand your thoughts and emotions
Gestalt counselling helps you be more confident and express emotions.
Oftentimes, our lack of self-confidence comes from the fact that we aren’t fully aware of ourselves and that we keep living in the past or worrying about the future instead of enjoying the present. Through the techniques used in Gestalt therapy, you will learn first to understand what’s holding you back and then articulate your thoughts and feelings. For example, if you’re always unhappy in relationships and you’re having trouble what bothers you, Gestalt therapy can help you become more self-confident when expressing yourself.
If these benefits sound like something you need, ask your counsellor if they think that gestalt therapy may help. And remember, if you’re struggling emotionally, you’re not alone. Talking to a therapist and exploring treatment options such as Gestalt counselling can help you overcome challenges in the past and learn to feel hopeful about the future.