Gestalt and Person - Essay Example

Gestalt and Person-centered Approach in Counselling Traumatized Client Affiliation Emergency and crises work Conceptualization using cognitive and humanistic approach The cognitive theory attempts to describe the behavior of humans by understanding their thought process. Assumptions are made that thought in humans is the main determinants of behavior and emotions. Exploring the thoughts of victims of the Boston Marathon Bombing may help understand their thought process and to discover if, for instance, a client feels responsible for the demise of their companion as this may contribute to their trauma. The humanistic approach believes that the behavior of an individual is linked to their self-concept and inner feelings. It emphasizes on studying the person as a whole and seeing the behavior not only in the observer’s eyes, but also through the eyes of that person who is doing the behavior. It would be expedient to assess these victims and empathetically listen to their story to understand better, what they are going through or better yet, what they are going on. Effectiveness in an Emergency Scenario Gestalt psychology is based on the gestalt theory. Perception and eventual awareness are crucial components of this theory. It is passed that gestalt alters perceptions and eventually what becomes a possibility by emergency awareness support from the established ground of potential and possibilities (Mann, 2010). There is a reality shift by deepening, widening, and revealing alternative or new ways of perceiving, thinking, and, therefore, acting (framing and driving perceptions). Gestalt is, therefore, experimental and experiential (Mann, 2010). The gestalt approach is more of a confrontation approach with the therapist taking an active role in therapy. The therapist and the client will work together to learn the client. However, this therapy may not be as effective in an emergency. This is because it works on the assumptions that an individual must own up responsibility for their actions and behaviors. However, in the Person-centered approach, the client becomes the sessions’ focal point while the therapists takes a rather passive role while trying to learn about the client as the client progressively journeys towards self-actualization (Worsley, 2009). The therapist provides a very conducive and supportive environment to the client. The therapist also provides a positive, unconditional regard and a feedback that is non-judgmental. The therapist refrains from making any suggestions for the client; the client independently decides what they wish to work on while the therapist readily provides understanding and support (Worsley, 2009). This approach yields more fruits in an emergency since the client discovers their own areas that require their inputs and define a way of achieving their perceived shortcomings. Unlike Gestalt method, the therapist minimally alters the process of self-actualization, and there are better chances of adherence to the course of therapy since all decisions are client’s (Worsley, 2009). How do therapists using each of these perspectives view the client and client’s problem? The gestalt approach views the client as a center of focus. It is an existential approach used in counselling. This approach views the client as a unified whole (Mann, 2010). The client cannot be disintegrated into units without losing their essence. This theory more based on a field approach that dictates that things must be studied in their environment to fully understand them (Mann, 2010). The environment is in a constant change; connections and interrelation processes are of key importance. The person-centered approach tends to perceive the person as their distinct individual best authority on their personal experience (Worsley, 2009). The client is capable and well equipped to meet his or her own growth potential. It however recognizes that for an individual to achieve their potential, favorable conditions are a requirement and when these individuals are subjected to adverse conditions, the same individuals may not achieve as much as they could (Worsley, 2009). How are the goals of treatment similar or different in these approaches? The major similarity between gestalt and person-centered approach is that they are both experiential counselling approaches. The goals of the counselling process are rooted in the client’s experience and the learning of the therapist. They are also based on “now and here” or present issues/problems as opposed to other approaches such as psychoanalytical or psychodynamic therapy both of which puts more emphasis on past events or problems (Worsley, 2009). Both of these approaches view people holistically and that they are influenced and intricately linked to their environment (Worsley, 2009). They also strive towards a balance and growth. Emphasis is also placed on therapist’s utilization of empathy, unconditional acceptance, and understanding of the person for better therapeutic outcomes. How would the process of therapy be different? The therapy process of therapy would be different because this is a trauma case, not a direct client problem. It is a problem of external focus, and the goal is to help the client successfully to get through the traumatic experience. In this situation, the main goal is to help the client discover their inner potentials and strength and to successfully utilize their coping capabilities in their situation. Overall comment on how the approaches compare in the chosen event Under these circumstances, the choice of the approach to use would be preferably the one that is less confrontational and supportive. The Gestalt approach takes a rather confrontational tempo (Mann, 2010), and this may not be a good approach in this situation since the client is not directly responsible for the traumatic experience they are going through. Person-centered approach is preferential since the client at this situation needs to discover her coping capabilities and utilize them person-approach will take a back-sit role and allow the client to discover their own capabilities by providing a positive environment. The chosen approach In this situation, the approach I would consider using is the person-centered approach. This is because this approach will allow the client to unleash his/her potential in coping mechanism. The client is also in a position to objectively point to the life processes that have been altered by his/her current situation. This discovery, with enough support, will help the client come up with their own recommendations as to what they should do to get past their situation and resume to their own normal lives. This approach also ensures that clients fully own up their decisions because they were the sole decision makers. This will go a long way into promoting adherence to the therapy process as the client does not feel like they are living up someone else’s decisions and choices. There is full ownership of the course of actions to take for therapy. Approach adjustment The person-centered approach is quite specific in its therapy process demands (Worsley, 2009). There would be no significant changes in the approach. However, it is always impossible to overlook culture and beliefs when dealing with diverse populations. The incidence may mean different things to different people and as such, I would consider such issues during therapy sessions. Some may even believe it was an act of God(s), which may give a new dimension to therapy. References Mann, D. (2010). Gestalt therapy: 100 key points and techniques. Taylor & Francis. Worsley, R. (2009). Process work in person-centred therapy. Palgrave Macmillan. Read More