Gestalt and Behavioral Therapies

Paper Summary:

This paper provides a comparison of Gestalt and behavioral therapies and presents an overview and assessment of each therapy and the ways each are used in the field of counseling. The researcher proposes that the Gestalt approach to therapy is more patient-focused and may lead to quicker positive outcomes than behavior therapies, though the two therapies are much the same in terms of their purpose and ideals.

Outline:
Introduction
Gestalt Therapy
Behavioral Therapy
Assessment in Practice
Major Differences in Approach

Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Gestalt "theory" and "therapy" are terms often used interchangeably. They focus on the individual in the present moment; combining their identity with the relationship, they have with the therapist to emphasize responsibility for one's behaviors and actions (James & Jongeward, 1996, p.30). Among the first theorists to believe in the gestalt approach were a Jewish psychologist and analyst known as "Fritz Perls" who incorporated many psychological influences when forming the idea that therapy should be holistic in its approach, and emphasize the client's responsibility for all actions and consequences personally (James & Jongeward, 1996). Using this line of thinking, a gestalt therapist would encourage someone who committed a crime for example, to take responsibility for their actions by recognizing the motives behind their actions and the consequences their actions had on others. This approach today is more common among therapists interested in integrated therapy, something gestalt therapy shares with many behavioral therapies, which attempt to adopt a mind/body approach (Fine & Schwebel, 1994)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Cleland, C., Foote, J. Kosanke, N., Mabura, S., Mahmood, D. & Rosenblum, A. (2005). Moderators of effects of motivational enhancements to cognitive behavioral therapy. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 31(1): 35.
• Diemer, R.A., Hill, C.E., Lobell, L.K., & Vivino, B.L. (1996). Comparison of dream interpretation, event interpretation, and unstructured sessions in brief therapy. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 43(1): 99.
• Fine, M.A. & Schwebel, A.L. (1994). Understanding and helping families: A cognitive-behavioral approach. Hillsdale: Lawrence Erlbaum.
• James, M. & Jongeward, D. (1996). Born to win: Transactional analysis with gestalt experiments. Cambridge: Perseus Publishing.
• Palme, G. (2006, Nov). Cognitive behavioural therapy versus gestalt therapy for eating disorders. Web4Health Health and Psychology. Retrieved 30, July 2007: http://web4health.info/en/answers/ed-treat-compare.htm

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