Gestalt therapy, developed in the mid-20th century, is a therapeutic approach rooted in Gestalt psychology, a field that originally emerged in the early 20th century. Although Gestalt psychology no longer exists as a distinct discipline, its core ideas about perception, awareness, and the importance of completing "gestalts" remain central to Gestalt therapy. Gestalt therapy, however, is far more than just an extension of Gestalt psychology—it’s a dynamic approach that helps individuals resolve unfinished emotional or psychological processes, known as "gestalts," to achieve greater mental and emotional balance.

What is a Gestalt?

In Gestalt therapy, the term "gestalt" refers to an incomplete action, unaddressed emotional conflict, or unresolved situation. While the word means 'whole' or 'complete form,' in therapy, it refers to unresolved situations that prevent closure. Essentially, a gestalt can be thought of as a psychological “hang-up”—an unresolved issue that lingers in the mind, impacting thoughts, behaviors, and emotions without being fully processed.

For example, imagine one goes to a store to buy a red matte lipstick, but the store doesn’t have it in stock. The process of going to the store and wanting to buy the lipstick was interrupted, leaving an incomplete action or unsatisfied need. While the best-case scenario is that one forgets about it or that one's mind relegates it to the subconscious, in the worst case, this unfinished business may create constant distractions. It can manifest as nagging thoughts, affecting other processes and hindering one's mental and emotional progress. The gestalt needs closure—completion, resolution, or understanding—in order to release the tension it creates.

The Origins of Gestalt Psychology and Therapy

The concept of the gestalt originated in the late 19th century, thanks to Austrian philosopher and psychologist Christian von Ehrenfels. He proposed that human perception involves organizing sensory data into unified mental pictures, rather than simply absorbing it. This holistic way of perceiving the world laid the groundwork for the development of Gestalt psychology, which was later expanded by figures such as Max Wertheimer, Wolfgang Köhler, and Kurt Lewin.

Wertheimer's 1912 experiment demonstrated how two separate flashes of light could be perceived as a single event due to the mind's tendency to complete incomplete information. This became one of the central tenets of Gestalt psychology: the mind’s tendency to create a whole from incomplete information.

Further research, particularly by Köhler and Lewin, demonstrated how this principle applied not just to sensory perception but also to behavior and decision-making. They found that unresolved conflicts between desires and actions create tension, driving individuals to resolve the situation—thus completing a "gestalt." These early findings laid the foundation for Gestalt therapy, which focuses on helping individuals complete their psychological "gestalts" to alleviate internal tension and move toward emotional and mental harmony.

The Role of Gestalt Therapy in Closure

Gestalt therapy focuses on helping individuals close these emotional or psychological "gestalts"—incomplete situations or unresolved feelings that interfere with their emotional well-being. Unclosed gestalts, like background processes on a computer, drain energy without producing useful results. Closing these gestalts allows individuals to move forward in life, reducing the psychological tension caused by unfinished emotional business.

How Gestalt Therapy Works

Gestalt therapy is not about merely talking through problems; it’s an active process where the therapist and client work together to become more aware of the client’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the present moment. Increased awareness enables clients to address unresolved issues, understand past experiences, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Key Techniques and Methods in Gestalt Therapy

The "Here and Now" Focus: Gestalt therapy prioritizes the present moment. While past experiences or future desires may be explored, the therapist emphasizes connecting the expressed emotions and experiences to the "here and now." This helps clients become aware of their feelings and reactions in real-time, which is crucial for working through unresolved issues.

Speech Modifications: In Gestalt therapy, clients are encouraged to rephrase statements to make them more personal and present-focused. For example, if a client says, “Why don’t you love me?” the therapist might encourage them to rephrase this to, “I don’t feel loved by you.” This shifts the focus from blaming others to owning one's emotions, promoting clearer communication and understanding.

Role-playing: One powerful technique in Gestalt therapy is role-playing, where clients act out specific situations. This can involve dialogue between conflicting internal aspects or reenacting past situations. By stepping into different roles, clients can gain new insights into their behaviors and emotional responses, which helps to resolve internal conflicts and complete unfinished business.

The Empty Chair Technique: One common exercise in Gestalt therapy is the “empty chair” technique, where a person sits in front of an empty chair and addresses it as if someone else is sitting there. This exercise allows clients to express unresolved feelings, ask pertinent questions, and release pent-up emotions that hinder progress.

The Process of Closing a Gestalt

In Gestalt therapy, the goal is to "close" a gestalt—complete the unresolved action or emotional process. The process involves several key steps:

Recognize the Gestalt: Identify the unresolved issue causing emotional tension, which may involve reflecting on past experiences, current conflicts, or unresolved recurring patterns.

Symbolic Closure: Gestalt closure sometimes involves symbolic actions, such as writing a letter, creating art, or engaging in guided visualization.

Facing Fears and Taking Responsibility: Gestalt therapy encourages clients to face their fears, express emotions related to past events, and take responsibility for their choices. This empowers individuals to regain control over their emotional and mental well-being.

Letting Go: In many cases, closure involves letting go of past pain or negative experiences. This might involve forgiving others, accepting one's mistakes, or relinquishing unproductive thought patterns.

The Power of Gestalt Therapy

Gestalt therapy empowers individuals to confront their unresolved emotional conflicts and take action to resolve them. By becoming aware of emotional states, recognizing incomplete "gestalts," and achieving closure, individuals can lead more fulfilling, balanced lives. Whether through role-playing, modifying speech, or using creative exercises like the empty chair, Gestalt therapy helps people move past emotional blockages, gain clarity, and ultimately experience freedom from past emotional weight.

Conclusion

Gestalt therapy provides individuals with a means to resolve unresolved emotional conflicts, complete unfinished processes, and lead a more balanced life. By focusing on the present moment and fostering awareness of emotions and actions, Gestalt therapy offers a powerful path to personal growth and healing. For anyone struggling with unfinished emotional business, Gestalt therapy is a pathway to closure and peace.