Gestalt therapy is a trend in psychotherapy that helps people struggling with mental difficulties to better understand themselves and regain control over their thoughts, emotions and behavior. You can receive Gestalt psychotherapy at the Your Self Psychotherapy Center in Krakow.
What is Gestalt psychotherapy?
Gestalt therapy is based on the idea that people perceive reality holistically, rather than as a collection of individual experiences. The main goal of Gestalt therapy is to help patients become aware of and understand their own thoughts, emotions and behaviors, as well as their interrelationships. This enables patients to gain a deeper understanding of themselves as a whole.
Gestalt therapy has its origins in the humanistic-existential movement. According to the assumptions of this therapeutic method, in every person lies the potential to develop and find satisfaction with life.
The main tenets of Gestalt therapy are:
- “Here and now” – Gestalt therapy focuses on the present, and the therapist helps the patient focus on the emotions and experiences of the moment.
- Self-awareness – getting to know oneself allows patients to understand their needs, desires and boundaries more effectively.
- Responsibility for oneself and one’s life – according to the tenets of gestalt therapy, everyone is independently responsible for his or her own life and how they respond to reality.
- Integration of body and mind – Gestalt therapy meetings work on body signals, emotions and thoughts.
- Contact and Relationships – The therapist’s role is to help the patient build relationships based on an understanding of interpersonal dynamics.
How does Gestalt psychotherapy work?
The foundation of the Gestalt movement is an authentic, partner relationship between therapist and patient. The therapeutic process focuses on ongoing experience, i.e. analysis of body signals, current feelings and thought processes. The practice often involves creative experimentation, working with metaphor, movement or inner dialogue. The Gestalt current is suitable for people striving for deeper self-awareness, who want to free themselves from internal blockages and start acting in accordance with their own value system.
How long does Gestalt therapy last?
Gestalt therapy can take from several months to several years. Its duration depends on the complexity of the problem, the individual needs of the patient and the therapeutic goals set. The therapy takes the form of cyclical meetings lasting 50 minutes, usually with a weekly or bi-weekly frequency.
When to opt for Gestalt therapy?
It is worth starting gestalt therapy if:
- you do not derive satisfaction from everyday life, even though objectively “everything is fine.”
- you observe fluctuations or other mood disorders in yourself;
- you feel life’s marasm and find it difficult to take the next steps in your life;
- You are experiencing a crisis, bereavement or painful loss;
- You are struggling with professional burnout and feel that work is taking away your energy;
- You are experiencing the effects of trauma or post-traumatic stress;
- You live under chronic stress and find it difficult to relax;
- Your relationships with others are a source of tension, conflict or confusion;
- Your body signals tension through pains, such as migraines, even though tests do not indicate medical causes;
- you have a hard time believing in yourself and your abilities, or you criticize yourself and think of yourself in a harsh, hurtful way.
If you are experiencing the aforementioned difficulties, consider scheduling a consultation with a psychologist who will recommend that you begin Gestalt therapy.
Gestalt therapy – effects
Gestalt therapy produces real results in improving well-being and overall satisfaction with life. Patients after therapy typically:
- gain greater self-awareness;
- notice an improvement in their ability to cope with stress;
- are able to effectively identify their own emotions and acccpet them;
- they see improvements in their relationships with other people and are able to build healthier, longer-lasting ties;
- can recognize negative and harmful thinking and behavioral patterns and change them to more favorable ones.
Meet the Gestalt psychotherapy specialists at Your Self Psychotherapy Center
The Your Self Psychotherapy Center in Krakow is staffed by certified Gestalt therapists who are experienced in therapy in this trend and have qualifications issued by institutions accredited by The European Association for Gestalt Therapy (EAGT).
Get Gestalt psychotherapy at Your Self Psychotherapy Center
Do you notice difficulties in yourself that may be an indication to start Gestalt therapy? Get a consultation with a psychologist who may recommend you to start therapy. You can schedule your first appointment with a specialist at Your Self Psychotherapy Center in Krakow:
- By phone at +48 880 33 22 35;
- By email at yourself.krakow@gmail.com;
- via electronic form.
You will get acquainted with the prices of visits to specialists in the price list. Our center is located at 4/1 Lubelska Street in Cracow.
