Summary and Integration of Major Concepts Founded by Frederick (Fritz) and Laura Perls in the 1940’s, Gestalt therapy is a phenomenological – existential methodology which emphasizes experience and experimentation. Gestalt is a German term that means a “complete pattern or configuration” (p. 112). Though there are many modalities and styles in Gestalt therapy, it is holistic in its approach uniting mind, body, and feeling (p. 112). Some concepts at the core of Gestalt therapy are “the organism as a whole”, emphasis on the “here and now”, and “awareness” (pp. 223-225). Perls believed that “human beings are unified organisms” (p.223) and that mind and body were not separate entities. It was important that to understand the person as a whole, one must consider all dimensions of the person such as physical functioning, thoughts, emotions, culture, etc., in a unified manner. All of these aspects were viable expressions of the individual. Gestalt therapy also places a great deal of emphasis on the “here and now”, however, it does not imply that the past and the future are not important. Past-unfinished business can interfere with a person’s current and future existence. For this reason, finishing unfinished business is a significant aspect of Gestalt therapy (p. 112). It is thought that these unfinished situations will naturally emerge when the person is focused on what is being done, thought, and felt at the moment (p.224). Focusing on the “here and now” allows the individual to be in touch with the self and his/her environment which in turn enables the individual to realize his/her needs (p.224). Awareness and acknowledgement of experiences are key elements to the completion of a gestalt. Awareness is grounded in the present needs of the individual. Completion is dependent upon the individual taking responsib...
