Gestalt and Cognitive Perspectives
Here and Now: Gestalt and Cognitive Perspectives
Here and Now: Gestalt and Cognitive Perspectives of Sharon’s Case
Gestalt therapy and cognitive therapy seem like vastly different approaches to psychotherapy; and they are. It is interesting to note, however, that they do have a few aspects in common. Both approaches focus on the client’s present state or the here-and-now. Gestalt and cognitive theories do not avoid the past but only view it as it relates to the present. Both approaches also emphasize self-awareness as a means of therapeutic change (Beck & Emery, 1985; Perls, 1973). Another shared aspect is the use of imagery and psychodrama. Gestalt therapy’s empty chair technique and cognitive therapy’s use of goal rehearsal are both good examples of this (Beck & Emery, 1985; Perls, 1969). That being said, there are a number of important distinctions between gestalt and cognitive therapies. The most notable is the contrast in organization style. Cognitive therapy is highly structured; gestalt is very unstructured. The cognitive approach is also intentionally un-mysterious, emphasizing the importance of educating and informing the client about the approach and the theories behind it (Beck, 1995; Clarkson, 2004). Gestalt therapy, on the other hand, especially as practiced by Perls, has a more philosophical bent and an air of mystery (Clarkson, 2004; Perls, 1969). Due to its high level of organization, cognitive therapy has an extensive library of tested techniques and available data on how and when to use them appropriately (Beck & Emery, 1985). Gestalt therapy, on the other hand, shuns “techniques” in the formal sense of the word and encourages each practitioner to develop his or her own creative ways of implementing the gestalt concepts (Clarkson, 2004; Perls, 1969). Sharon’s case will be explored through both the gestalt and cognitive perspectives. Areas
Here and Now: Gestalt and Cognitive Perspectives of Sharon’s Case
Gestalt therapy and cognitive therapy seem like vastly different approaches to psychotherapy; and they are. It is interesting to note, however, that they do have a few aspects in common. Both approaches focus on the client’s present state or the here-and-now. Gestalt and cognitive theories do not avoid the past but only view it as it relates to the present. Both approaches also emphasize self-awareness as a means of therapeutic change (Beck & Emery, 1985; Perls, 1973). Another shared aspect is the use of imagery and psychodrama. Gestalt therapy’s empty chair technique and cognitive therapy’s use of goal rehearsal are both good examples of this (Beck & Emery, 1985; Perls, 1969). That being said, there are a number of important distinctions between gestalt and cognitive therapies. The most notable is the contrast in organization style. Cognitive therapy is highly structured; gestalt is very unstructured. The cognitive approach is also intentionally un-mysterious, emphasizing the importance of educating and informing the client about the approach and the theories behind it (Beck, 1995; Clarkson, 2004). Gestalt therapy, on the other hand, especially as practiced by Perls, has a more philosophical bent and an air of mystery (Clarkson, 2004; Perls, 1969). Due to its high level of organization, cognitive therapy has an extensive library of tested techniques and available data on how and when to use them appropriately (Beck & Emery, 1985). Gestalt therapy, on the other hand, shuns “techniques” in the formal sense of the word and encourages each practitioner to develop his or her own creative ways of implementing the gestalt concepts (Clarkson, 2004; Perls, 1969). Sharon’s case will be explored through both the gestalt and cognitive perspectives. Areas
References: Beck, A.T., Emery, G., Greenberg, R.L. (1985). Anxiety disorders and phobias: A cognitive perspective. Cambridge, MA: Basic Books. Beck, A.T., Rush, A.J., Shaw, B.F., & Emery, G. (1987). Cognitive therapy of depression. New York: The Guilford Press. Beck, J.T. (1995). Cognitive therapy: Basics and beyond. New York: The Guilford Press. Clarkson, P. (2004). Gestalt counseling in action. London: Sage Publications Ltd. Khodarahimi, S., Pole, N. (2010). Cognitive behavior therapy and worry reduction in an outpatient with generalized anxiety disorder. Clinical Case Studies, 9 (1), 53–62. doi:10.1177/1534650109351306 Perls, F Perls, F. (1973). The gestalt approach & eye witness to therapy. Ben Lomond, CA: Science & Behavior Books. Wagner-Moore, L.E. (2004). Gestalt therapy: past, present, theory, and research. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 41 (2), 180–189. doi:10.1037/0033-3204.41.2.180 Watson, J.C., Greenberg, L.S