"Change occurs when people become who they are, not when they try to become what they are not." - Arnold Beisse
Gestalt is a German word for the whole. Similarly, Gestalt therapy is a holistic therapy that considers health to be determined by how fully and flexibly a person is able to connect with their 'whole selves', the physical, psychological, intellectual, emotional, spiritual and interpersonal.
According to Gestalt therapy we are born with the ability to connect with these multiple aspects of ourself, however, throughout life often this ability to connect is interrupted or shut down. Resulting in maladaptive, destructive, stuck and inflexible ways of being and patterns of relating to the world that causes pain and negatively impact life and vitality.
We cannot change what we are not aware of, and according to Gestalt therapy true change occurs when we are more fully aware of and accepting towards who we are now, not when we are trying so hard to be who we are not.
Therefore the main goal of Gestalt therapy is increasing awareness. With curiosity, open-mindedness, compassion and attuned presence, we are able to face emotional wounds and fears with connection, courage and new experiences of contact. Bringing flexibility and choice-fullness to the issues that have been blocking a full, meaningful, contented and creative life. From this place of acceptance and truth, the change and vitality that seemed impossible emerges spontaneously and authentically.