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Gestalt Therapy: An Overview

Introduction to Gestalt Therapy

• The session exemplifies a Gestalt approach, emphasizing physical and sensory awareness. John Sommers-Flanagan quotes Fritz Perls: "Wake up and return to your senses."

• The therapist focuses on present emotions and perceptions during the session, highlighting the importance of being aware of bodily sensations.

• Gestalt therapy is centered around integration and wholeness, where various parts come together in therapeutic work.

Practical Application of Gestalt Techniques

• John works with Sydney, demonstrating spontaneous and unplanned aspects of Gestalt therapy through a dream narrative leading into the empty chair technique.

• Sydney expresses feelings of perfectionism linked to anxiety, indicating that laughter may be an appropriate response to her struggles.

Engaging with Anxiety

• John introduces an experiment by asking Sydney to engage in dialogue with her anxiety using the empty chair technique.

• He encourages Sydney to actively converse with her anxiety as if it were a separate entity sitting in the chair.

Dialogue Between Self and Anxiety

• Sydney articulates her confusion about anxiety's role in her life, recognizing its potential usefulness but also its counterproductive nature when excessive.

• In response, she acknowledges that while anxiety serves as a reminder for alignment with values, it can become overwhelming at times.

Reflection on Control Over Emotions

• Sydney reflects on how viewing anxiety as part of herself allows for greater control over its expression; she recognizes it can have both positive and negative impacts.

• John prompts Sydney to thank her anxiety for wanting to be helpful, reinforcing the idea that acknowledging emotions can lead to better self-understanding.

Understanding Anxiety and Values

The Role of Anxiety in Personal Values

• John Sommers-Flanagan prompts Sydney to engage with their anxiety, questioning whether it worries about not living up to personal values.

• Sydney acknowledges the anxiety's concern for alignment with values, expressing gratitude for its role in keeping them on track and recognizing potential pitfalls without that alignment.

Reflection on the Relationship with Anxiety

• Sydney reflects on the importance of their relationship with anxiety, noting it serves as a motivator and inspiration while also recognizing the need to avoid overstepping boundaries.

• John encourages Sydney to express appreciation towards their anxiety, highlighting its value in their life.

Validation and Purpose of Anxiety

• Sydney shares feelings of validation from acknowledging their anxiety's presence, suggesting it feels accepted rather than dismissed or abolished.

• The discussion emphasizes that anxiety has a purpose and function within Sydney’s life, moving away from a negative perception towards one of acceptance.