...estalt Therapy Gestalt therapy is a form of psychotherapy that relates to the process of human perception and works on a basic concept of the Gestalt approach «The whole is different from the sum of its parts.» This approach in Gestalt psychotherapy describes the process of perception in addition to the psychic equipment in general. The Gestalt approach originated from research that was initiated by psychologists specializing in human perception which demonstrated that humans do not recognize objects as separate elements and instead organize the objects into significant totalities via the process of perception. The concept of Gestalt psychotherapy was then formally developed by Fritz Perlsduring the 1950s, a well known psychiatrist and psychotherapist that initiated an entirely new approach to psychotherapy. The name «Gestalt» means «form» and is derived from Hans-Jurgen Walter's «Gestalt Theory Psychotherapy» which is based on Gestalt psychology. Gestalt psychology relates to the interconnection of the individual and the increase in awareness where the individual's senses and behaviors merge together. Gestalt therapywas created to help individuals with problem solving. Fritz Perls noticed that the concept of individualism was a positive one but there was also a reverse side to this theory. The people who were looking for the answer to their hopes and dreams looked to Gestalt therapy as the answer which eventually became a weak point in the methodology. He added that for a...
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...unning head: GESTALT PSYCHOLOGY Gestalt Psychology Theory Abstract The formation of the gestalt movement. The founding fathers of gestalt theory, Max Wertheimer, Kurt Koffka, Wolfgang Kohler and their focus in the movement. Gestalt therapy explained by the laws and the theory of personality. How the gestalt theory is in effect today. Gestalt Psychology Theory The three pioneers of the Gestalt Theory, Max Werthmeimer, Wolfgang Kohler and Kurt Koffka. All three focused on different aspects that have continued to develop across multiple disciplines throughout the 2oth Century. Gestalt theory focused on the mind’s perceptive processes (Kearsley, 1998). The word gestalt has no direct translation into English, but “describes a configuration or form that is unified. A gestalt may refer to a figure or object that is different from the sum of its parts. Any attempt to explain the figure by analyzing its parts results in the loss of the figure’s gestalt” (Brennan, 2003). In simpler terms” A way a thing has been ‘placed’, or ‘put together’”; common translation includes “form” and “shape” (Myers, 1998). Zakia, 1997, described gestalt by saying,”…what you experience when you look at a picture is quite different from what you would experience if you were to look at each item that is in the picture separately”. Wertheimer was born in Prague in 1880 (The Columbia Encyclopedia, 2001). He studied at the Universities of Prague, Berlin and Wurzburg, receiving...
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...Introduction Gestalt therapy, which was founded by Fritz and Laura Perls in the 1940s, teaches the therapists and their clients the phenomenological awareness method, where feeling, perceiving and acting are differentiated from interpreting and rearranging the pre-existing attitudes. Gestalt therapists and clients’ dialogue, thus communicating their phenomenological perspectives, and their differences in perceptions form the basis and focus of experimentation and continued dialogue. The desired outcome of the therapy process is for the client to become aware of their actions, how they are acting, and the ways they can change their actions and learn to accept and appreciate themselves. Here, the emphasis is mainly on the process rather than the content of the therapy, that is, what is happening rather than what is being discussed. Gestalt therapy was mainly considered for adults. However, Violet Oaklander (2007) says that it is also suitable to be applied to children since it involves the body and the senses, all of which fit the therapeutic works with the children. The purpose of this paper is to formulate a response in the manner a Gestalt therapist would work with children of ages between 4 and 12. Here, the general and Gestalt literature is explored, synthesized and evaluated on working with this particular population, their specific needs and particular ethical challenges that may emerge while working with them. A comparison is offered on how different modalities with the...
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...will discuss my personal theory of counseling or psychotherapy in a number of different areas. Specifically, I will discuss the seven areas of interest. First, I will discuss and describe my basic view of human nature, Second, I will determine key factors that account for changes in behavior. Third, I will describe the nature of the therapist client relationship and its importance. Fourth, I will describe key functions and role of the therapist. Fifth, I will discuss the goals of therapy. Sixth, I will determine the techniques and theories of my approach. Seventh, I will discuss specific client issues best suited for my approach. (Walden University, 2012). In this paper I plan to describe and explain my own personal model for counseling. My personal model of counseling uses Gestalt Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, Existential Therapy and Adlerian Therapy which I think complement one another well My Basic View of Human Nature My basic view of human nature is a combination of Person -Centered, Gestalt and Existential theories of counseling (Corey, 2013a). I believe that we are all searching for what it means to be human. I also believe that people are both the product and the process of their choices that are influenced by thoughts and emotions. Self-awareness in the individual leads to greater freedom in the...
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...There are many types of therapy that have been included and excluded throughout history. Starting from Freud and his gateway into the subconscious mind and psychoanalysis, there have been many people and innovations in the psychiatric world that have spurred from him. One of those innovations was the Gestalt Theory by Fredrick S. Perls. The background behind Perls and his theory, an analysis of what his theory was and what it did, and how it is still used today, is what is focused on in this paper. Fredrick S. Perls created the Gestalt Theory in the 1940’s and continued to have an influence on culture through the 1950’s. His main interests in existenalism and Eastern religions, and Gestalt psychology contradicted what his Freudian training had taught him, but in the end led him to his well-known Gestalt Theory. “Perls saw the human being as a unified organism, an integration of mental, physical, emotional. And sensory processes expressed in the present moment” (Irving B. & Craighead, 2010). A lot of Perls work had been influenced by Kurt Goldstein, a neurologist, Moreno’s social experimentation, field therapy by Kurt Lewin, and ideas derived from Zen (Gaie, 2003). His theory focused on the less shy and submissive idea of feelings and brought up the value of the client/patient dynamic and the effectiveness of facing the problem head on. Even though all the people and therapy’s listed above had an influence on Perls, he was able to mesh all of what he had learned together...
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...Developing Personal Style of Counseling Abstract Counseling is a profession, a unique relationship in which the counselor’s job is to hold a ‘mirror’ for the client to see himself or herself. The counselor understands that sometimes it takes a while for the client to see what he or she needs especially if there are more subtle things needing recognition. The counselor knows how to hold the ‘mirror’ in such a way that the client can see himself or herself from a caring, supportive and sympathetic perspective. Sometimes counselors may appear to be repeating what the client says or paraphrasing the clients rather than giving answers. When counselors are doing this there is a strategy behind it. Counseling is not about expect fixing problematic people, they just motivate people to pick up the broken pieces in their behaviors that need attention. Because counselors have a lot of experience witnessing human beings in various forms of life challenges, they use techniques or share observations that are more revealing than what friends or family members might say. With these revelations, clients make decisions and with the support of the counselor, clients take action towards positive growth in their lives. This paper is an expression of my current thinking regarding a theoretical approach of individual counseling. The counselor’s approach is unique based on his or her personal belief systems and values. I have adopted and integrated counseling approach to understanding...
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...scale, psychoanalysis is much more. Psychoanalysis with a well educated and trained individual can open the eyes to see deeper into the patients psyche. When the psychoanalyst gives the patient the right tools, he or she can help the patient overcome the obstacles that hold him or her hostage. Thought to Theory Some of the brightest minds in history made their theory into scientific data that people of all ages learn from. Each one; forming an idea in their mind and putting their idea into practice, and then ultimately becoming a theory. Theories are always changing and making better the ideas of the past. Not one person can truly know the human mind to its fullest, but with practice and theory people can learn more about the mind and obtain a better understanding of how the mind works. Testing the theory by putting it into practice is an important step to ensure the validity of the theory. Proving a theory as valid takes time and much research before the theory becomes common practice. There is a reason behind every theory. For example: a child is doing poorly in school. The teacher must ask him or herself why the child is struggling to make assignments and...
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...Family Counseling Approach Research Gestalt Family Therapy Gretchen Thomas Liberty University Abstract Not every client will be of the Christian faith. With that known, proper integration of psychology, spirituality and theology is imperative to have a successful and healthy therapeutic relationship. There are many theorists with distinctively diverse approaches. The Gestalt experiential family therapy process allows professionals the flexibility to individualize their procedures while maintaining an unyielding theoretical background. The way one views integration has a lot to do with their worldview, which determines their use or lack of use of spiritual methods in counseling as well as help the professional deal with on-Christian counselees. This manuscript provides a synopsis of the history of the Gestalt experiential family therapy framework, the leading figures, and in conclusion an overview of how a personal worldview interacts with the Gestalt theory. keywords: Gestalt, integration, experiential family therapy, worldview Family Counseling Approach Research Gestalt Family Therapy Introduction The experiential model or experiential approach to family therapy has many innovators. The symbolic experiential approach pioneered by Carl Whitaker highlights how the therapist provides counselees different ways to accept and deal with issues (Goldenberg and Goldenberg, 2013). Satir (1967) emphasizes the importance...
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...Gestalt psychology Reflection Paper Shenique Harmon-Anthony Psychology 310 PATRICIA LAFOUNTAINE December 14th 2015 Erving Polster, in the book Gestalt Therapy Integrated: Contours of Theory & Practice attempted to give his own version of an analogy that in his thinking summarizes a portion of the theory in question. He says, “When a person has swum, traveled, run a lathe, planted flowers, ridden a motorcycle, made wine, painted a picture, parachuted, he has increased the fund from which he may draw for new figural developments. In other words, as the background of his experience becomes more diversified, it also becomes potentially more harmonious with a whole range of happenings.” This description briefly encapsulates why Gestalt psychology is considered as a whole. Gestalt psychology believes that things should not be looked at individual elements but as a whole. It is a school of thought in psychology that looks at the human mind and behavior as a whole. It is noted that they are three founders who are responsible for establishing the school of gestalt psychology. Max Wertheimer, Kurt Koffka as well as Wolfgang Kohler. However, its moorings are anchored in the work of Max Wertheimer and was formed partially as a response to the structuralism of Wilhelm Wundt. Gestalt psychology has some foundations and those are perception, memory and learning. The major principles of Gestalt psychology are isomorphism, productive thinking and reproductive thinking. The main...
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...My Beliefs, Values, and Clinical Gestalt with Individual’s and Systems Jerra K. Roberts University of Phoenix CERTIFICATE OF ORIGINALITY: I certify that the attached paper, which was produced for the class identified above, is my original work and has not previously been submitted by me or by anyone else for any class. I further declare that I have cited all sources from which I used language, ideas and information, whether quoted verbatim or paraphrased, and that any and all assistance of any kind, which I received while producing this paper, has been acknowledged in the References section. This paper includes no trademarked material, logos, or images from the Internet, which I do not have written permission to include. I further agree that my name typed on the line below is intended to have, and shall have the same validity as my handwritten signature. Student's signature (name typed here is equivalent to a signature): ___Jerra K. Roberts ________________________ ___ My Beliefs, Values and Clinical Gestalt with Individual’s and Systems’ Clinicians working in the Human Service field have extremely challenging jobs. They must learn to balance their own beliefs with the client’s beliefs. This involves taking the clinicians’ personal values and experiences and putting them aside to determine what is the best treatment approach for the client. Recognizing my own identity will help me see how I fit in the community and with the clients who I interact with...
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...Student Learning Guide Counselling Methods 1 © South African College of Applied Psychology (Pty) Ltd Developed and produced by the South African College of Applied Psychology Sunclare building, Claremont, Cape Town, 7708, South Africa. 2012. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by means of electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher. Copyrighted materials reproduced herein are used under the provision of the South African Copyright Act 98 of 1978 section 12 (1) (a)(b) (3), for private study only by students. STUDENT LEARNING GUIDE: COUNSELLING METHODS 1 2 Table of contents How this guide works ........................................................................................................................ 10 Module Readings .............................................................................................................................. 11 Prescribed text book ......................................................................................................................... 11 Prescribed and recommended readings ........................................................................................... 11 Session One: An Overview of Theories of Psychotherapy and Counselling ..................................... 14 Reading for the session .....................................................................
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...Counseling Theories Final Project Anastasia Page Capella University Culture can have a major effect on what is defined as normal and abnormal. Behaviors that are considered different from what is considered to be the norm could be deemed as abnormal and unusual. It isn’t common for a culture to immediately label a behavior that is not accustomed to their culture as being abnormal behavior because it is defying the social norms of that culture. However, abnormal behavior cannot and should not be defined based on the social norms of a culture because what is abnormal in one culture may be normal in another (Matsumoto & Juang, 2008). Abnormalities are defined as behaviors based on criteria of impairment, inefficiency, deviance or subjective distress by American psychologists (Matsumoto & Juang, 2008). Due to their being advantages and disadvantages with each of those criteria categories, culture has also been included as a criterion to consider abnormal behavior. Cultures have their expectations of behaviors whether abnormal or normal. Normal behaviors are those that are considered acceptable, while abnormal behaviors are deemed unacceptable. The criteria for what is considered normal varies from culture to culture and what may be considered normal in one culture could be abnormal in another (Matsumoto & Juang, 2008). For instance, in America it may be considered normal that a girl would want to be play with a group of boys in middle school. However, in Palestine...
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...individual. Behavior, Cognitive, and Humanistic therapy are types of therapy often utilized in the treatment of mental health issues. Behavior therapy is derived from the belief that all behavior is learned from one’s environment, which results in abnormal behavior. The focal point of behavior therapy are current problems and behavior that may justify actions, and makes efforts to eliminate bad behavior, and encourage or magnify positive behavior utilizing treatment based on classical and operant conditioning. Techniques utilized were token economies, which is a strategy that allows patients to earn tokens in return for certain privileges and wanted items. Contingency management implements the use of a written contract between the patient and the therapist detailing the goals related to changes in behavior, reinforcement, rewards, and penalizations for not meeting the requirements of the contract. Modeling, is the learning by observing and monitoring the behavior of others. Behavior therapy has been most effective in the treatment of anxiety and/or panic attacks and obsessive compulsive disorders, but on the other hand is not the best course of treatment for conditions such as depression and schizophrenia. Cognitive therapy, focuses more on the thoughts of individuals, and not their actions. It is a therapy that assist people in implementing skills that can alter the way a person thinks, feels, and act. Cognitive therapy requires action from the patient that are practical...
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...Personal Philosophy Paper Sara Hammel University of Georgia Counseling Theory Theorist who have Influenced Personal Theoretical Orientation As a therapist’s experience base grows, I believe a person’s theoretical orientation will narrow, but will also continue to evolve. The core belief system that a therapist begins with is still there, but the platform that a therapist connects most with eventually becomes a therapist’s model. I am aware that my current orientation is rather eclectic in nature. I find a basic connection with Freud and agree that we do have instincts that are innate to every human (Corey, 2013), in essence we are all animals (Freud, 1961) of sorts. Adler was correct when he expounded on Freud’s work and introduced the idea that we are not solely shaped by our childhood experiences. Frankl, May, and Yalom have led me to the idea that there is no step by step instructional book on how to counsel clients. My experience in the military working with a multitude of different people of various religions, ethnicities, and languages has led to my acknowledgement that we are all different and are motivated and driven by many different things. Each person is different; this is what makes us special. No single solution is perfect for any two people, and there are always different variables involved with each person. Also incorporated into my view of human nature is Perls’s concept that places emphasis on what is being experienced in the here and now as being...
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...Prior to taking this course, I knew there were several theoretical orientations which could be used, though I was unaware of how many or how they could be applied. Therefore, when the course began I felt that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) would be my orientation. However, as I read and learned about the styles I began to levitate towards Gestalt Theory, which is a person to person type of relationship, where the therapist reactions must be honest and immediate, and makes the assumptions that client can self-regulate when they are aware of the events that are happening around them, and change occur form being themselves rather than who they feel they should be. Becoming aware of the disowned portion of ones’ self, and by using a multitude...
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