GESTALT THERAPY
Gestalt Therapy is a psychotherapy
based on the experiential idea of "here and now" and
relationships with others and the environment with a developed
theory that combines phenomenological, existential, dialogical,
and field approaches to the process of transformation and
growth, of human beings.
At the centre of Gestalt Therapy
lies the concept of "awareness". People are encouraged
to become aware of their own feelings and behaviours, and
their effect upon their environment through inquery. The
way in which an individual interupts or seeks to avoid
contact with their environment is considered to be a substantive
factor. By focusing on awareness of themselves as part
of reality, new insights and self-healing can occur.
There are a lot of self improvement
books that tell you how to change yourself. When you try
and change, you manipulate and torture yourself, and mostly
you just become divided between a part of you that tries
to change and a part of you that resists change
In coming to therapy, one learns
greater acceptance, compassion and love for oneself and
others. It is about bringing the unconscious or shadow
part of oneself to full awareness which then facilitates
integration, acceptance and wholeness. It helps the individual
develop their own inner support, self responsibility and
self acceptance.
Gestalt Therapy is a powerful,
direct and creative, while at the same time respectful
of the individual’s process and their inner world
and what is right for them.
Gestalt Therapy may not help
you adjust to society, but instead will show you how to
adjust to YOURSELF, to discover your own reality, your
own humanness and truth and be more comfortable with it..
It takes great courage to live
fully and BE who YOU ARE. Only when you accept who you
are –here and now- do you have the opportunity to
change!
(Rosner 1987)
SUPERVISION
Maria enjoys sharing her experiences
and training with other therapistd
and students. Maria has been doing this for number of years
and is excited to be moving more in that direction as she
is also starting work as a clinical supervisor at South
Pacific Private treatment centre.
