What does a Gestalt therapist do?

A Gestalt therapist works with whatever becomes visible and palpable during the conversation. In doing so, the therapist himself remains in contact as a person. That is the dialogical attitude: Martin Buber called this encounter „I and Thou.“ According to the ethical guidelines of the German Association for Gestalt Therapy (DVG), the relationship remains a professional one, regardless of how close it may become; behavior that blurs the boundaries of this relationship is to be excluded.

What a Gestalt therapist looks for

A Gestalt therapist pays attention to what can be observed. This includes what you say and how you say it: facial expressions, voice, posture, and breathing. For example, the therapist might point out that you’re smiling while talking about something stressful. Together, you’ll explore what that means to you. What is observed serves as a guide, while your own assumptions take a back seat. The therapist asks more about the “how” than the “why” and encourages you to come up with your own interpretation.

The Experiment

This focus gives rise to experiments: suggestions that arise in the moment. According to Erving and Miriam Polster, an experiment is meant to break the pattern of talking about something by bringing action into the room. A well-known example is working with the empty chair, on which someone is sitting who isn't there and whom you address directly. Other suggestions include rephrasing a sentence—for example, replacing „but“ with „and“—or sticking with a feeling. The article on the Methods of Gestalt Therapy.

What You Help Decide

An experiment is a suggestion, and you can decline it; what matters most is that the process feels right for you. Ask what the purpose of a suggestion is. The therapist will assess for herself whether it serves to clarify or to avoid the issue; the same question arises whether you say yes or no, and it can become a topic of discussion. Saying “no” to a role-play can be a good decision. If you realize in the middle of it that it’s becoming too much, you’re allowed to stop. Say so: According to Lotte Hartmann-Kottek’s textbook, a fully trained Gestalt therapist must be able to immediately adapt her approach to what you need at that moment.

According to the same textbook, people who lack inner stability should not be given exercises that require them to immerse themselves deeply in a foreign role. The DVG Ethical Guidelines (PDF) apply to the association’s members. They stipulate that a therapist who reaches the limits of her competence or capacity must terminate the therapeutic relationship and make every effort to refer you to appropriate professional support. General terms, such as fees and confidentiality, are agreed upon at the outset in accordance with the guidelines; the duration and termination of the relationship are discussed and, whenever possible, decided by mutual agreement. If it becomes clear that you do not wish to continue, the therapeutic relationship ends.

Education and Job Title

„Gestalt therapist“ is not a protected professional title, so the title alone says little about the training. Ask about the therapist’s primary profession, the training institution, and membership in a professional association, such as the DVG. A separate page explains, Who is authorized to provide Gestalt therapy?.

Is Gestalt therapy scientifically recognized?

In Germany, Gestalt therapy has only limited scientific recognition. The Report by the Scientific Advisory Board on Psychotherapy (PDF) The 2018 advisory board report establishes recognition for adults within the scope of affective disorders, which include depression, for example. It does not establish recognition for children and adolescents; even a 2021 follow-up review found none of the subsequently submitted studies to be sufficient for this purpose. The studies on which the Advisory Board based its recognition for adults examined emotion-focused therapy. This approach emerged from client-centered psychotherapy and Gestalt therapy; therefore, the Advisory Board classifies it as a form of Gestalt therapy. This finding cannot be applied uncritically to every exercise. Gestalt therapy is not a treatment covered by statutory health insurance.

I offer online psychological counseling. This does not include the diagnosis or treatment of mental health conditions. This counseling is not a substitute for necessary psychotherapy. My approach is influenced by Gestalt therapy.