Gestalt Therapy - Dr. Zae Zatoon

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"GESTALT" IS THE GERMAN WORD FOR CONFIGURATION. Gestalt psychology deals mainly with the processes of perception and with the premise that perception is strongly influenced by the context or configuration of the elements perceived.

According to Gestalt, the parts derive their meaning from the whole, and the context of an image plays a key role in its interpretation. Moreover, images are perceived as a pattern rather than as the mere sum of distinct components; the parts themselves cannot be understood separately from the whole.

In the context of the photograph above, for example, the shape of the spire is perceived to be a church steeple. Yet, in the photo of the puffer fish to the right, each spire shape is perceived to be a spine on the body of the fish. Gestalt formulates laws governing such perceptual processes and constructs insights into human behavior based in that methodology.

Each of us perceives "reality" from the frequency we are tuned into. If we walk down the street and we are hungry, we see restaurants; if we are angry, we notice people arguing. Likewise, if we are in love, we tend to see all the beauty and harmony around us.

In “good Gestalten" there can be no separation of mind and body; a clear, accurate perception of the world and of one's holistic response to it are vital. Gestalt therapy helps heighten awareness in order to restore natural, harmonic balance. It puts attention on the present (rather than on recollections of infancy and early childhood) and encourages direct confrontation of needs and fears.

GESTALT IDEALS:

• LIVE NOW, concerned with the PRESENT, rather than the past or future.

• Deal with what is PRESENT rather than with what is ABSENT.

• Experience the REAL; do not replace your BODY EXPERIENCE
with what you IMAGINE, positive or negative.

• COME TO YOUR SENSES; taste, hear, feel, and see your life RIGHT NOW
rather than sustain yourself through the analysis of it.

• EXPRESS your needs without judging,explaining or manipulating.

• Fully FEEL and SHOW your PAIN and PLEASURE.

• Make your OWN CHOICES; accept no "shoulds” from others.

• Take RESPONSIBILITY for your actions, feelings and thoughts.