What is Gestalt?
First, what does Gestalt mean?
Gestalt is a German word for a complete pattern or whole; the term cannot be translated into English with a single word or phrase. Three phenomena must be considered: a thing, its context or environment and the relationship between them. For example, a red rose in a photograph of a rose garden is perceived quite differently from the red rose on the labour party logo.
 So what is Gestalt therapy?
In Gestalt therapy, the whole of a person’s experience is considered important; thoughts, feelings, body sensations. The approach focuses on the ‘here and now’ – what is happening moment by moment.
Staying with present experience allows you to become more aware of who you are. ‘Unfinished business’ from the past that causes fixed ways of being can emerge and be completed. Different aspects of the self come into awareness, allowing more fulfilling relationships and a freer way of functioning in the world.
 The Founder of Gestalt Therapy
Fritz Perls, who died in 1970, founded Gestalt Psychotherapy along with his wife Laura Perls, in the 1940's. In the 1960's Fritz ran many 'workshops' to show, by demonstration, the main principles of Gestalt Therapy. Some of his maxims like 'lose your mind and come to your senses' were appropriate to his intellectual audiences, who didn't always attend to their whole experience, body and mind. Gestalt therapists today would not suggest that the mind is to be ignored, but all would emphasise the importance of the body. To find out more about theory and the history of Gestalt go to Association for the Advancement of Gestalt Therapy
 Example of a session where I encourage my client to stay with present experience
If for example, 'A' tells me about a relationship that is difficult for him, I ask what he is experiencing as he speaks. Maybe there is tightness in his chest. I suggest he stays with that experience, notices it more. He becomes aware of sadness. Then a memory of a past sadness arises that has been unexpressed. We explore that memory fully and he releases feelings of sadness and anger. He then feels more complete about the past and has insights, which helps him to think creatively about the current situation.
Obviously, therapy is not always about being sad or angry You can get in touch with unexpressed joy and love - the whole range of emotions.
As the therapy continues, we might also explore what happens between us in the therapeutic relationship. This sheds light on how deeply held hopes and fears may influence other relationships in life.
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