The Function of the Therapist in Gestalt Therapy - Case Study Example

? Application of Gestalt and Realist Therapies Application of Gestalt and Realist Therapies Introduction Therapy is crucial for people suffering from psychological distresses. The therapist needs to be aware of various therapeutic approaches to ensure effectiveness of the treatment process. The current case involves Michelle, a heart-broken girl who is experiencing stressful moments. Michelle has expressed feelings of low self-esteem, insecurity and a sense of loss. The best approaches that the clinician can apply in counseling Michelle include the gestalt therapy and reality therapy. Each approach identifies the therapist’s functions and role, the goals of the therapy, and therapeutic needs techniques and procedures. Gestalt Therapy The Gestalt therapy concentrates on the experiences and personal responsibilities of a patient on the actual moment, that is, here-and-now experience (Nelson-Jones, 2011). The therapy primarily focuses on the current content of a situation and the circumstance as it unfolds. The method involves concentrating on the present and maintaining awareness of the emotions and feelings associated with the moment. The client and the therapist must, therefore, avoid the past and the future, and solve the underlying problems based on the current situation. This therapy also encourages people to assume personal responsibilities, environmental and social contexts, and self-adjustment mechanisms arising from overall situation (Nelson-Jones, 2011). Therapist’s Function and Role The function of the therapist in Gestalt therapy will involve informing Michelle the phenomenological method of awareness, which distinguishes perceiving, feelings and actions from interpreting and reshuffling preexisting attitudes. The principles of Gestalt therapy does not allow patients and therapists to dwell on the past, future, or what ought to be done; it only intervenes through focusing on the present situation. This implies that Michelle will be informed of the necessity of focusing on her present experiences and avoiding previous and future regrets. Another role of the therapist is to help Michelle understand how her emotional and physical bodies are connected. This will help her comprehend the internal self, which is the key to understanding actions, reactions, and behaviors. Self-awareness will help Michelle accept the patterns of life and equip her with the skills necessary to face stressful situations. Gestalt therapy is effective in managing tension, anxiety, depression, and psychological challenges that hinder people from enjoying a free and fulfilling life (Nelson-Jones, 2011). Therapeutic Goals Gestalt therapy focuses on the patient’s growth and autonomy through increased consciousness (Nelson-Jones, 2011). The therapeutic goals in Gestalt therapy include enabling Michelle to become aware of her present actions, helping her to realize how she is acting, and showing her the necessary procedures for changing herself. Additionally, the therapist will strive to enable Michelle learn how to accept and value herself. Michelle has expressed feelings of low self-esteem, insecurity, and deep sense of loss. The therapist will inform her that she has changed and the main reason for this marvelous change is the heartbreak experience. Michelle is also lonely and fears that it will be hard for her to date in the future. It is the responsibility of the therapist to show her that heartbreaking experiences occur frequently and should not mean the end of life. The greatest mistake Michelle should be made to realize is that of limiting contact with her friends. Constant contact with friends is critical because it will enable her overcome psychological challenges associated with the heartbreak, and perhaps get another boyfriend who will love her more than the previous one. Additionally, the therapist has to encourage Michelle develop appetite through dining with friends. Major Therapeutic Techniques and Procedures The main therapeutic needs and procedures used in Gestalt therapy include phenomenology, existential perspective, dialogue, the empty chair technique and experimental freedom (Nelson-Jones, 2011). Phenomenological exploration will be used to systematically reduce the effects of bias through repeated observations and inquiry. The existential perspective will enable Michelle to recognize that there are always new horizons, problems, and opportunities during a person’s lifetime. Dialogue is characterized by inclusion, presence, commitment and liveliness. The availability of these features will enable Michelle to develop a professional relationship with the therapist and enable her to overcome the anxiety and feelings of loss. The empty chair technique will be used to explore Michelle’s relationships with herself including her personality, concepts, ideas and feelings. It is a form of role-playing used by therapists to help them self-adjust. Experimental freedom will support Michelle’s direct experience of new ideas instead of just talking about ideas. This technique gives the patient opportunities to address various parties, but through symbols such as tables or objects (Nelson-Jones, 2011). Reality Therapy The reality therapy is based on the principle that human beings have four basic psychological needs apart from survival: power, freedom, fun, and relaxation (Nelson-Jones, 2011). People continue striving to achieve these four needs regardless of whether they are aware of it or not. This implies that the four needs must be balanced for a person to function most effectively. The reality approach to problem-solving and counseling also focuses on the here-and-now situations of the clients, and their ability to choose a better future. Therapist’s Function and Role The principal role of the therapist will be to enlighten Michelle about the equilibrium required for needs in order for a person to be stable. All human beings are in constant search for ways that can enable them overcome the imbalances associated with their needs (Nelson-Jones, 2011). The therapist will also help Michelle understand that the biggest reason she is in pain and acting out is because she lacks one necessary other person with whom she can create close connections. The therapist will have the responsibility of helping Michelle discover that she really need to live her life happily and avoid anxieties that cause her lose appetite. Another role of the therapist is enabling Michelle develop high self-esteem, avoid insecurity and develop closeness with her friends. Therapeutic Goals The first goal of the therapy is to give Michelle confidence that she has chances of dating again. The therapy will enable her to avoid being overcome by the past, and instead focus realism, responsibility and morality rather than concentrating on feelings of mental illness. Second, the therapist will enable her to reunite with her friends to avoid excessive sense of loss. Contestant interaction with friends is crucial as it will guarantee Michelle a feeling of belongingness, love and fun. Third, Michelle will rejuvenate her self-esteem, security and eliminate the sense of loss. Fourth, Michelle will develop appetite and improve performance in academics by the end of the therapy process. Major Therapeutic Techniques and Procedures The process of reality therapy comprises of involvement, evaluating the current behavior, planning possible behavior, commitment to the plan and persistence. Involvement will help the therapist establish a beneficial relationship with Michelle. The good rapport will enhance a more consistent positive emphasis. The therapist will also evaluate the here-and-now behavior of Michelle; these will constitute factors such as loss of appetite, slip in academic performance, feeling of insecurity, sense of loss and loneliness. The results from evaluating current behavior will be used for planning possible behavior. Michelle should be given an opportunity to contribute towards planning for possible behavior. The desired behavior in this case constitute improved appetite, improved academic performance, feeling of security, reduced sense of loss, and feeling of belongingness. Michelle will then be required to make a commitment to carry out the treatment plan. This is necessary because most clients do things for therapist that they cannot do just for themselves (Nelson-Jones, 2011). Persistence to the plan will enable Michelle to successfully complete the treatment process and recover from her psychological distress. The reality therapy does not allow for excuses, punishments, and giving up. The therapist will have sufficient time with Michelle to help her in the healing process. Conclusion Gestalt and reality therapeutical approaches are critical in Michelle’s recovery process. Both approaches focus on here-and-now situation of the client and the ability to select the best options for the future. The therapist should create a professional relationship with Michelle and focus on the present challenges rather than what ought to be done. Michelle should remain cooperative and participate throughout the healing process to ensure effectiveness of the treatment process. Reference Nelson-Jones, R. (2011). Theory and practice of counselling and therapy. Los Angeles, California; London: SAGE. Read More