18+Essay+Question

Describe the Gestalt approach of Fritz Perls?
Name: Tayler Nash Date: 4.20.2015



Fritz Perls developed and propagated the Gestalt approach to therapy during the 20th century. His work emphasized the subjective and phenomenological experiences of emotion and how many times people will separate themselves from their uncomfortable emotions. His therapy sought to unify people with their emotions, thus creating a healthy whole (Gestalt). The therapist will not tell the subject how they should go about solving their problems, but instead tries to help by developing a relationship and guiding the person in need of therapy. Gestalt therapists do not believe that a person is the sum of his or her experiences, but instead is always evolving and changing in relation to a number of things, such as relationships with friends. Gestalt therapy draws heavily from existentialism in viewing people as always expanding their behavior repertoire in reaction to new experiences. The therapy focuses on the present moment and how to reunite the person as a healthy whole.

 Works Cited

Daniels, Victor. "Fritz Perls and Gestalt Therapy And Comparisons With Classical Gestalt Psychology." Sonoma.edu. Sonoma State University, 12 Apr. 2005. Web. 20 Apr. 2015.

"Fritz Perls (1893-1970)." GoodTherapy.org. Good Therapy, 25 Feb. 2015. Web. 20 Apr. 2015.

"Fritz Perls And Gestalt Therapy." Gestalt.lv. Riga Gestalt Institute, n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2015.