Gestalt therapy, a dynamic and holistic form of psychotherapy that encourages self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-responsibility, has shown profound potential in addressing the deep-seated ramifications of trauma. This article will take a deep dive into Gestalt therapy, its application in trauma treatment, and the supportive evidence of its efficacy.
A Brief Overview of Gestalt Therapy Gestalt therapy, developed by Fritz and Laura Perls in the mid-20th century, takes a holistic approach to human experience by viewing individuals in their entirety—body, feelings, thoughts, and more (Perls, Hefferline, & Goodman, 1951). A key focus of this therapy is fostering awareness in the here and now, promoting direct communication, and embracing self-responsibility (Clemmens, 2008). One critical concept in Gestalt therapy is "unfinished business", unresolved issues from past experiences that continue to affect an individual in the present. These unresolved issues are brought to consciousness, facilitating understanding and resolution (Perls, 1973).
The Role of Gestalt Therapy in Trauma Treatment Trauma often leads to a fragmented sense of self, as individuals disconnect from their traumatic experiences to shield themselves from unbearable emotions. Through its focus on integration and wholeness, Gestalt therapy provides an effective method for addressing these fragmented experiences and fostering healing (Clemmens, 2008).
Anchoring in the Present Moment Trauma survivors often find themselves stuck in past traumatic experiences. Gestalt therapy empowers individuals to ground themselves in the present moment, thereby helping distinguish past trauma from current realities (Kepner, 2003).
Addressing Unfinished Business Trauma can leave behind "unfinished business", continuing to impact an individual's life. Through techniques like role-playing and the empty-chair exercise, Gestalt therapy provides a safe space for individuals to confront unresolved issues, express suppressed emotions, and move towards closure (Kepner, 1995).
Enhancing Awareness and Promoting Integration Gestalt therapy facilitates increased self-awareness, a crucial aspect of trauma recovery. Clients learn to recognize and understand their emotions, physical sensations, and thought patterns, integrating fragmented parts of their experiences into a cohesive whole (Kepner, 2003).
Empirical Evidence Supporting Gestalt Therapy in Trauma Recovery Scientific research has demonstrated the efficacy of Gestalt therapy in treating trauma. A study by Roubal (2016) supported the effectiveness of Gestalt therapy in reducing trauma symptoms and enhancing the overall quality of life. In the same vein, a study by Tesarz, Lehnung, & Munder (2017) discovered that Gestalt-based trauma therapy resulted in significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, maintaining its effects at a one-year follow-up.
Conclusion With its emphasis on self-responsibility, self-awareness, and experiential learning, Gestalt therapy offers a compelling approach to trauma recovery. Its focus on resolving "unfinished business" and facilitating the integration of disintegrated experiences makes it a potent tool for individuals navigating their journey towards healing from trauma.
Reach out today for a free consultation with a therapist in Boulder, CO.
Perls, F., Hefferline, R., & Goodman, P. (1951). Gestalt Therapy: Excitement and Growth in the Human Personality. New York: Julian Press.
Clemmens, M. C. (2008). Getting beyond Sobriety: Clinical Approaches to Long-Term Recovery. Gestalt Press.
Perls, F. (1973). The Gestalt Approach & Eye Witness to Therapy. California: Science and Behavior Books.
Kepner, J. I. (2003). Body Process: A Gestalt Approach to Working with the Body in Psychotherapy. Gestalt Press.
Kepner, J. I. (1995). Healing Tasks: Psychotherapy with Adult Survivors of Childhood Abuse. Gestalt Press.
Roubal, J. (Ed.). (2016). Gestalt Therapy in Clinical Practice: From Psychopathology to the Aesthetics of Contact. Federico Montanari.
Tesarz, J., Lehnung, M., & Munder, T. (2017). Effects of Gestalt therapy on PTSD symptom severity in soldiers. Zeitschrift für Psychotraumatologie, Psychotherapiewissenschaft, Psychologische Medizin, 15(1), 5-15.
Comentários