Method

Based on its deep psychological roots, Integrative Gestalt Therapy was further developed into a phenomenological-hermeneutical and dialogical method by the integration of Gestalt psychological perception theory and the concept of the self-organization of the organism.

Gestalt therapy sees the person as a being, capable of taking responsibility, oriented towards social encounter and relationships, which can realize its potential in a life-long process of growth and integration. Unfavourable developmental conditions, however, can permanently interfere with the perception of the self and others, as well as with the capacity to take actions and come into real contact. This can lead to poor personality development and the entire experience of the person can become restricted and can be expressed, for example, in psychosomatic problems, psychological symptoms, or unsatisfactory social relationships.

In the safe and protected therapy setting, the contact-ability to oneself and others, as well as deep understanding of one's life situation, are enhanced. In the process of Gestalttherapeutic work, both client and psychotherapist pay attention to the mental, emotional and physical phenomena occurring in the therapeutic encounter, which allows these to be experienced and better integrated. The very individual subjective experience of the client is always perceived as a creative adjustment against the background of the own biography. Special attention is paid to the relationship between therapist and client.

By identifying with less familiar aspects of oneself, new deep understandings and perspectives are gained and contradictory personality parts are worked through and integrated. Unconscious sides of the personality, repressed desires and needs are made aware and reintegrated into the personality. Self-responsibility is promoted. In order to enable a holistic experience (through immediate experience of feelings and body sensations) experience-activating methods can also be included in the therapeutic process (body and movement work, imaginative techniques, creative media, role games).

The goal of the therapy is development of contact and relational abilities, deepened inner life as well as an enhancement of the joy of life and life energy. Increased understanding of oneself as a part of the community (family, work, society, etc.) and the ability to act accordingly, the social competence and the possibility to get along better with oneself and the world, grows.