Phenomenology: The heart of Gestalt Psychotherapy
Gestalt psychotherapy is a creative talking therapy grounded in deep philosophical principles and experiential learning approaches. Furthermore, it emerged from psychoanalytic revisions and developed into a unique, integrated therapeutic system with its own methods and theory. Additionally, phenomenology serves as a core philosophical framework, guiding Gestalt psychotherapy’s focus on present-moment awareness and personal meaning. Ultimately, this approach combines creativity, philosophy, and experiential exploration to promote self-awareness, curiosity, and meaningful personal growth in clients.
Self-awareness & Curiosity: What Does Phenomenology Mean?
Phenomenology can be described as studying phenomena as they appear within an individual’s direct and personal lived experience. Furthermore, it examines how people perceive, interpret, and assign meaning to the events and situations they encounter in daily life. Additionally, phenomenology emphasises the exploration of each person’s unique perspective and understanding of their surrounding world. Ultimately, this approach seeks truth by enquiring into the immediate, authentic experience of the individual in the present moment.
Understanding Phenomenology in Everyday Life
For example, right now I am sitting in a chair, writing this blog on my laptop with focused attention. Moreover, my warm hands and concentrated mind on the screen are part of my present-moment awareness and experience. Additionally, such ongoing phenomena collectively form my lived world as I perceive and interact with it directly. Ultimately, phenomena may include individuals, objects, or personal experiences that an individual carries within their awareness throughout daily life.
The Here & Now in Gestalt Psychotherapy
The philosophical stance of Gestalt psychotherapy highlights the central role of focusing on immediate, lived experiences during therapy sessions. Moreover, this emphasis on the ‘here and now’ allows clients to fully engage with their present emotional and sensory realities. Ultimately, it reflects how each individual uniquely lives and interprets their experiences in the context of their current circumstances.
Phenomenology as a Therapeutic Approach
Through Gestalt psychotherapy, phenomenology provides an alternative narrative alongside a highly effective therapeutic methodology. Moreover, it challenges interpretive therapies that rely on predetermined, coded knowledge for interventions. In other words, clients are not judged but met with genuine curiosity about their experiences. Additionally, the therapist seeks to understand the client’s perspective without imposing personal interpretations or assumptions. Ultimately, meaning is collaboratively constructed to remain authentic and true to the client’s unique world.
Self-awareness & Curiosity in the Therapeutic Process
An important aspect of phenomenology is awareness experienced through sensations and bodily connections. Often, individuals become entangled in justifying personal difficulties. This tendency leads them to rationalise issues instead of experiencing them directly. The therapist’s curiosity allows entry into the client’s lived reality. By doing so, they understand the world entirely from the client’s perspective. For this understanding, therapists temporarily set aside personal knowledge and professional expertise. They intentionally approach each session as a completely new experience. This openness encourages genuine connection and fosters deeper therapeutic exploration and discovery. Such an approach supports the client’s journey toward greater self-awareness and growth. Ultimately, curiosity and awareness work together to create meaningful change.
Final Thoughts on Self-awareness & Curiosity
Clients feel genuinely understood and supported through the phenomenological process, fostering trust and openness in therapeutic relationships. Moreover, this approach encourages clients to engage deeply with their own lived experiences without unnecessary interpretation or judgement. Furthermore, focusing on descriptions and observations allows space for authentic emotional expression and personal discovery. Additionally, clients often become more willing to explore new perspectives, motivations, and possibilities for change. Ultimately, self-awareness and curiosity cultivated in therapy empower individuals to live more consciously and meaningfully in their daily lives.
Self-awareness & Curiosity: Written by Charlot Cauchi
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Charlot Cauchi is a Gestalt Psychotherapist at Willingness. He has experience working with adult clients with mental health difficulties, anxiety and depression, loss and grief, traumatic experiences, stress and relational issues.
References
Clarkson, P. (1989). Gestalt Counselling in Action. Sage Publications.
Perls, F., Hefferline, R., & Goodman, P. (1951). Gestalt Therapy: Excitement & Growth in the Human Personality. The Gestalt Journal Press.
