Diana Fox Reflection

MUS 529 Gestalt Therapy

What I really like about Gestalt therapy is that it moves the client from environmental support to self-support. I think this is important because a person cannot function in an environment with other people unless they can support their own independence. I also appreciate the emphasis on embracing the person as they are and reaching their own potential instead of trying to be what they think they should be. The way a person perceives themselves is important to accepting who they are and highlighting their most worthy features. Focusing on the individuality of the client can help them value and appreciate the contributions they make to their existing world. Promoting contact between people and nature will improve ones overall experience and awareness of their environment. Also, providing focus on where to direct a clients energy can help control feelings and emotions while supporting self-regulation. Unlocking trapped energies can be useful as well because it will help a client learn more about themselves. Attention to the energy that an individual feels will help them gain a deeper knowledge about themselves. The therapeutic process that follows the Gestalt Theory is a helpful clinical tool because it can predict and suggest what a client will do. In a therapeutic setting the basic goal is to support the client to reach a better awareness about themselves and as a result have more control. The methodological component also lay out a structured layout for the therapist to follow. And although most theories are designed to unfold a certain way, the Gestalt Theory is carefully sequenced and adheres to a tailored process.

Diana Fox Reflection

MUS 529 Gestalt Therapy

The therapists role is an aspect of this theory I could see myself utilizing in my own sessions. I like the idea of welcoming a client into a dynamic relationship so the clients can learn about themself by using different behaviors and observing what happens. In my client-therapist partnerships I want my clients to feel safe enough to try out new and various behaviors without fear of rejection or retaliation. This type of therapy focuses heavily on creating a conducive environment for experimentation without reserve. The therapist in this setting must constantly monitor the clients body language, disparities in responsiveness and cognizance, and contrasting body and language displays. These are three important components that will help me gain a deeper understanding of the client and enable them to reach success with me as their guide and therapist. The clients experience in therapy is another part of this theory that I embrace. I value the idea that clients get to be functioning contributors who get to analyze and examine their own thoughts and interpretations of therapeutic experiences. Allowing the client to be active and exert power during sessions will help them gain better control in life outside therapy. It will equip the client the tools of being an effective member of society while maintaining their individuality. Through the different growth stages the client can discover and place value on their own uniqueness and independence. Finally, after reading about Gestalt Therapy I have come to greatly respect the person-to-person relationship between the client and therapist. I think it is extremely important to let the client know that you are a human being. You are not superior or higher-up compared to them. I think this this makes you more

Diana Fox Reflection

MUS 529 Gestalt Therapy

approachable to the client and they will be more willing to open up and work with you. I also like the honesty and openness of the therapist to the client. This type of therapy seems very real to me. I also think that if I were to go to therapy I would benefit most from this type of method. The ability to receive feedback without becoming defensive is such a vital tool to maintaining amicable and authentic relationships. It helps us grow as individuals and learn from each other. Gestalt Therapy seems very reality based to me. The process of it seems natural and organic. The structure of this theory effortlessly unfolds and lends itself to develop an honest and healthy relationship between therapist and client. As a therapist I can see myself embracing many components of this theory. I think I could learn a lot upon further exploration of this type of therapy.