Gestalt therapy, a humanistic, holistic form of psychotherapy, focuses on the present moment, emphasizing personal responsibility and the individual’s relationship with their environment. Developed by Fritz Perls, Laura Perls, and Paul Goodman in the 1940s and 50s, it draws inspiration from Gestalt psychology, existentialism, and phenomenology. Unlike some therapies that delve extensively into the past, Gestalt therapy emphasizes “here and now” experiences, encouraging individuals to become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in the present moment. This awareness is considered the primary vehicle for change and growth.

Definition: The Whole is Greater Than the Sum of its Parts

The term “Gestalt” comes from German and roughly translates to “form” or “whole.” It reflects the core principle that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. In psychological terms, this means that understanding a person requires looking at the totality of their experiences, including their thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, and interactions with the world, rather than focusing on isolated elements.

Gestalt therapy operates on several key principles:

• Present-Centredness

The focus is firmly on the present moment. Past experiences are explored only as they relate to current issues and patterns. This encourages individuals to fully experience their current reality without being overly influenced by past traumas or future anxieties.

• Awareness

Developing self-awareness is paramount. This involves paying attention to bodily sensations, emotions, thoughts, and behaviors as they occur. By becoming more aware, individuals can gain insight into their patterns of relating to themselves and others.

• Responsibility

Gestalt therapy emphasizes personal responsibility for one’s choices and actions. It encourages individuals to take ownership of their experiences rather than blaming external factors. This empowerment fosters a sense of agency and control over one’s life.

• Contact

This refers to the individual’s interaction with their environment, including other people. Healthy contact involves being fully present and engaged in interactions, while unhealthy contact involves various forms of avoidance or resistance.  

• Unfinished Business

This refers to unresolved past issues, such as grief, anger, or resentment, that continue to impact the present. Gestalt therapy provides techniques to address these unfinished situations and facilitate closure.  

Gestalt therapists use a variety of techniques to facilitate awareness and growth, including:

• The Empty Chair Technique

This involves an individual engaging in a dialogue with an imagined person or aspect of themselves, represented by an empty chair. This technique helps to externalize internal conflicts and facilitate emotional processing.  

• Focusing on Body Language

Therapists pay close attention to clients’ nonverbal cues, such as posture, facial expressions, and gestures, as these can provide valuable insights into their emotional state.  

• Exaggeration

Clients are asked to exaggerate certain behaviors or expressions to heighten their awareness of them. This can help to uncover underlying emotions or patterns.  

• Dreamwork

In Gestalt therapy, dreams are not interpreted symbolically but are explored as projections of different aspects of the self. Clients are encouraged to “become” different elements of their dream to gain a deeper understanding of their internal world.

Disorders Treated: Addressing a Range of Psychological Challenges

Gestalt therapy’s focus on present moment awareness, personal responsibility, and contact with the environment makes it a versatile approach for addressing various psychological challenges.  

• Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety often stems from worries about the future or dwelling on the past. Gestalt therapy helps individuals ground themselves in the present, reducing anxious rumination. By exploring avoidance patterns, clients become aware of how they prevent themselves from fully experiencing and processing anxiety-provoking situations. This awareness allows them to develop healthier coping strategies and confront their fears.

• Depression

Depression can be linked to unresolved past experiences (“unfinished business”) and negative self-perceptions. Gestalt therapy addresses unfinished business by facilitating emotional processing and closure. By promoting self-acceptance and encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their present choices, it helps shift negative self-views and fosters a sense of agency, combating feelings of hopelessness.

• Relationship Issues

Gestalt therapy examines how individuals make contact (or avoid contact) with others. By exploring communication patterns, clients gain insight into how they contribute to relational difficulties. Techniques like the empty chair can help resolve interpersonal conflicts by facilitating internal dialogues and promoting empathy.

• Trauma

While not a first-line treatment for severe PTSD, Gestalt therapy can be a valuable adjunct to trauma-informed care. It helps address the emotional and relational fallout of trauma by providing a safe space to process difficult emotions, explore the impact of the trauma on present relationships, and rebuild a sense of self. It can also help individuals reclaim a sense of agency and control over their lives after experiencing trauma.

• Low Self-Esteem

Low self-esteem often arises from internalizing negative messages and failing to take ownership of one’s strengths. Gestalt therapy fosters self-awareness, allowing individuals to recognize their positive qualities and challenge negative self-beliefs. By emphasizing personal responsibility, it empowers individuals to take control of their lives and build a more positive self-image.

• Addiction

Addictive behaviours often serve as coping mechanisms for underlying emotional distress. Gestalt therapy helps individuals identify these underlying patterns and develop healthier ways of managing emotions. By focusing on present moment awareness, it can also help individuals become more aware of triggers and develop strategies to resist cravings. This focus on present experience can be particularly helpful in managing urges and cravings.

• Grief and Loss

Grief is a complex process involving a range of emotions. Gestalt therapy provides a supportive environment to process these emotions and address any “unfinished business” with the deceased. By focusing on the present experience of grief, it helps individuals integrate the loss and move forward with their lives, acknowledging the ongoing impact of the loss while also fostering resilience.

What to Expect: A Collaborative and Experiential Process

Gestalt therapy sessions are characterized by a collaborative and experiential approach, emphasizing present moment awareness and personal responsibility. The therapist acts as a facilitator, guiding you towards self-discovery rather than offering direct interpretations or solutions.

Instead of focusing on the “why” behind your experiences (analyzing past causes), the emphasis is on the “how” — how you are experiencing things right now. This present-centred approach encourages you to become fully aware of your current thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations.

Sessions are interactive and may involve various experiential exercises designed to enhance self-awareness. Common techniques include:

• Dialogues

Open-ended conversations explore your current experiences, relationships, and challenges. The therapist will encourage you to express yourself openly and honestly.  

• Role-Playing

This can involve acting out scenarios or engaging in dialogues with imagined figures (e.g., using the empty chair technique). Role-playing helps externalize internal conflicts and provides opportunities to experiment with different ways of responding to situations.

• Experiential Exercises

These may include focusing on bodily sensations, exaggerating certain movements or expressions to heighten awareness, or engaging in guided imagery. These exercises are designed to bring unconscious processes into conscious awareness.

Throughout the sessions, you are encouraged to take ownership of your experiences and choices. The therapist will pay close attention to both your verbal and nonverbal communication, including posture, facial expressions, and tone of voice. These nonverbal cues can provide valuable insights into your emotional state, and the therapist may offer observations or suggestions based on them.

Gestalt therapy is not a quick fix. It requires commitment and a willingness to engage in self-exploration. However, for those willing to embrace the process, it can be a powerful tool for personal growth, healing, and self-discovery. It can help you develop a greater sense of self-awareness, improve your relationships, and live a more fulfilling and authentic life.  

If you are seeking support and guidance on your journey to self-discovery and healing, consider reaching out to a qualified mental health professional.

For professional counselling and psychotherapy services, contact Insight Centre Counselling & Psychotherapy at +1 647-633-1928. Our Barrie therapist is trained and experienced in using Gestalt Therapy to treat a variety of disorders. We provide individual therapy, family counselling, and therapy for teens and youth to help individuals achieve better overall well-being and quality of life.

Losing a loved one is a profoundly painful experience at any age, but it can be particularly challenging for teenagers. During adolescence, individuals are already experiencing significant physical, emotional, and social changes. Adding grief to this already complex landscape can be overwhelming, impacting their development, relationships, and overall well-being. As a parent or caregiver, you play a crucial role in supporting your teen through this difficult time. This article will look at practical ways you can help your teen through the grieving process.

Understanding Teen Grief

Teenagers don’t grieve in the same way as adults. Their emotional responses can be more intense and fluctuate rapidly. They might experience periods of intense sadness followed by seeming indifference or even anger. This doesn’t mean they aren’t grieving; it’s simply how they process complex emotions. Some teens might withdraw from social activities and family interactions, while others might engage in risky behaviours as a way to cope with their pain.

You need to understand that grief is not a linear process with distinct stages. While the Kübler-Ross model (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance) is often referenced, grief is more fluid and individual. Teens might revisit different emotions at various times, and there’s no set timeline for healing. Some common manifestations of grief in teenagers include:

• Emotional volatility: Mood swings, irritability, outbursts of anger or sadness.  
• Withdrawal: Isolating themselves from friends and family, spending excessive time alone.  
• Changes in behaviour: Difficulty concentrating in school, changes in eating or sleeping habits, engaging in risky behaviours.  
• Physical symptoms: Headaches, stomachaches, fatigue.  
• Preoccupation with the deceased: Constantly talking about the person or avoiding all mention of them.

Recognizing these signs is the first step in providing effective support.

Creating a Safe Space for Communication

Open and honest communication is vital when helping a grieving teen. Create a safe and non-judgmental space where they feel comfortable expressing their emotions without fear of criticism. Here are some strategies to facilitate communication:

• Listen actively

Pay attention to what your teen is saying, both verbally and nonverbally. Avoid interrupting or offering unsolicited advice. Simply listen with empathy and understanding.  

• Validate their feelings

Acknowledge and validate their emotions, even if you don’t fully understand them. Avoid phrases like “You shouldn’t feel that way” or “It’s time to move on.” Instead, try saying things like “It’s okay to feel sad” or “I understand this is really difficult for you.”

• Be patient

Grief takes time, and your teen might not be ready to talk about their feelings immediately. Be patient and let them know you’re there for them when they are ready.

• Use open-ended questions

Encourage them to express themselves by asking open-ended questions like “How are you feeling today?” or “What’s been on your mind?”  

• Share your own experiences (appropriately)

Sharing your own experiences with grief (if relevant) can help your teen feel less alone. However, be mindful not to shift the focus onto yourself.  

Supporting Their Emotional Well-Being

Beyond communication, there are several other ways you can support your teen’s emotional well-being during this challenging time:

• Maintain routines

As much as possible, try to maintain regular routines and schedules. This can provide a sense of stability and normalcy during a time of upheaval.

• Encourage healthy habits

Promote healthy habits such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep. These can help improve their mood and overall well-being.

• Limit exposure to stressors

Minimize additional stressors in their life as much as possible. This might mean temporarily reducing extracurricular activities or academic pressures.

• Respect their coping mechanisms

While some coping mechanisms might be concerning (e.g., substance use), try to respect their healthy coping strategies, such as listening to music, spending time in nature, or pursuing hobbies.  

• Offer creative outlets

Encourage them to express their emotions through creative outlets such as writing, drawing, painting, or playing music.

Seeking Professional Help

Sometimes, the support of family and friends isn’t enough, and professional help is necessary. If your teen is exhibiting persistent symptoms of grief, such as prolonged sadness, difficulty functioning in daily life, or engaging in self-destructive behaviours, seek professional guidance. A therapist or counsellor can provide a safe and supportive space for your teen to process their grief and develop healthy coping strategies.  

Signs that your teen might benefit from professional help include:

• Prolonged and intense sadness or depression.
• Difficulty concentrating or performing in school.
• Changes in eating or sleeping habits.
• Withdrawal from social activities and family interactions.
• Engaging in risky or self-destructive behaviours.
• Expressing thoughts of suicide or self-harm.

Remembering the Deceased

Finding healthy ways to remember the deceased can be an important part of the grieving process. Encourage your teen to participate in activities that honour the memory of their loved one, such as:

• Creating a memory book or scrapbook.
• Planting a tree or flower in their memory.
• Sharing stories and memories about the deceased.
• Participating in memorial events or rituals.

Taking Care of Yourself

Supporting a grieving teen can be emotionally draining. Take care of yourself as well. Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist if needed. By prioritizing your own well-being, you’ll be better equipped to support your teen through their grief.

Helping a teen cope with grief is a challenging but essential task. By understanding the unique ways teens grieve, creating a safe space for communication, supporting their emotional well-being, and seeking professional help when necessary, you can help them through this difficult journey and find healing.

If you or your teen are struggling with grief and require professional support, contact Insight Centre Counselling & Psychotherapy at +1 647-633-1928 to schedule a consultation. We offer individual therapy and family counselling to help you and your teen through the challenges.