I chose to train in Gestalt therapy because it is a humanistic psychological approach that focuses on the here and now, awareness, and personal responsibility. It allows us to integrate our thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. A lack of this integration—often due to early childhood experiences—means that, to a greater or lesser extent, this integration remains incomplete, leaving us feeling like "something is missing." Depending on the individual's character, this manifests in various ways, but generally results in chronic discomfort.

The result is that we have built up armor or defense mechanisms that were once important strategies for coping with what we experienced in childhood. But in adulthood, these unconsciously operating strategies become obsolete and hold us back from experiencing a fuller life. Achieving integration helps us develop our maximum potential, live with more enjoyment, and feel less limited by adverse situations. In this way, we make life richer and more fulfilling.

The 3 fundamental principles of Gestalt

The here and now

We focus on what you are feeling and thinking in the present moment, understanding that the past and the future only exist to the extent that you experience them today.

Awareness

You learn to observe your own patterns of behavior, emotions, and needs, without judging them.

Responsibility

You take control of your own life and your choices, rather than looking for someone to blame or waiting for your environment to change for you.

What is Gestalt therapy used for?

This therapy is an effective and efficient tool for achieving greater self-knowledge and personal growth. It can support you whether you are going through something difficult or simply want to live with more fulfillment and awareness:

Anxiety and stress: It helps calm your mind by focusing on the present and releasing accumulated physical tension.

Self-esteem issues: It encourages you to embody acceptance of yourself just as you are, and to discover and recognize your own capabilities.

Emotional blocks and grief: It allows you to identify and process repressed emotions and close pending cycles.

Relationship difficulties: It helps improve communication with yourself and others, and allows you to set healthy boundaries in all types of relationships, whether personal or professional.

Autonomy and self-regulation: You develop the ability to take charge of your choices and manage your emotions from a more conscious place.

Vitality and creativity: You regain contact with your drive, your energy, and your ability to be surprised by life.

If anything you read resonated with you, I’m glad you’re here. We can start with a no-obligation conversation to see if this path makes sense for you. I offer individual and group sessions, both in-person in Galicia and online.

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Scientific evidence supporting Gestalt

There is an extensive body of literature demonstrating the effectiveness of Gestalt therapy. Here are some references to prominent studies that have empirically proven it:

1. Raffagnino, R. (2019). Gestalt Therapy Effectiveness: A Systematic Review of Empirical Evidence. Open Journal of Social Sciences. This systematic review analyzed available empirical studies and confirmed that Gestalt therapy achieves clinical results comparable to other established psychotherapeutic models.

2. Stevens, C., et al. (2011). The CORE-OM data from the UK Gestalt Psychotherapy practice research network. This large-scale project with 135 clients demonstrated that Gestalt therapy is effective for a wide variety of psychological difficulties, with approximately 74% of participants experiencing clinically significant improvements.

3. Fogarty, M., Bhar, S., & Theiler, S. (2020). Development and validation of the gestalt therapy fidelity scale. Psychotherapy Research. This study established a scientific and rigorous scale to measure adherence to Gestalt principles during clinical trials.

4. Stripling, T. (2021). Gestalt Interventions Benefitting Children and Adolescents: A Literature Review. Gestalt Review.

What is Gestalt therapy and what is it used for?

The 3 fundamental principles of Gestalt