Figure/Ground Formation

In this image, one of two figures emerges, either two faces or one vase. Both cannot be perceived at the same time. When one is figure, the other is background. This paradigm comes from Gestalt psychology, where the emergence, prioritising and satiation of needs is the relationship between "figure and ground".

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What is Gestalt?

Gestalt is a form of therapeutic counselling and psychotherapy. Gestalt's primary goal is to increase self awareness. It originated in the 1940s, 1950s, primarily from the work of Fredrick(Fritz) and Laura Perls, Paul Goodman and Ralph Hefferline. Their work has been added to over the years by other Gestalt theorists. It consists of a rich theoretical framework through which we can understand how humans contact and interact with the each other and their surrounding environment. 

Its approach is holistic. This means that it works on the principle that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. It affirms the complexity of persons and events within a ‘whole-making’ universe, and resists reductionism. 

It is grounded in existentialism and phenomenology, i.e. it is interested in how we, as humans, make meaning of ourselves and our universe. It uses observation of "how" things are (perception), rather than "why" things are (analysis). 

It is dialogical and relational. The therapist and client enter into an ongoing dialogue and through this dialogue form a relationship from which each can make meaning of their lives. The relationship between the client and therapist is the primary source of therapeutic healing. 

It is "field theoretical". This influence comes from modern physics theories around interconnectivity, i.e. at the most fundamental level, we are all interconnected and not individualist. Each of us exists in a field of influencing relationships. Gestalt explores these relationships and assumes that each relationship is of equal potency to all other relationships within the field of existence.

Gestalt outside therapy

At GatC, we believe that the more you know about yourself, the greater range of choices will be available to you for how to be in the world. This is enormously beneficial to both you as an individual and to any organisation where you work. Instead of being stuck in an unsatisfactory and de-motivated way of being, you can make choices to be different, to be more fully alive based on a deeper understanding of how you currently are. 

By gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, you will also see others more clearly.

Gestalt applied to business

In business, leaders are under enormous pressure to consistently perform at high levels with clarity of vision. To select, motivate and lead others effectively, you need a wide range of interpersonal skills. GatC can assist you in developing a deeper understanding of yourself, how you relate to others and how groups of individuals inter-relate. We focus on the processes of individuals and group dynamics instead of the content. 

Integrating your entire inner world will significantly improve your ability to keep a clarity of vision. 

Through our coaching, mentoring and counselling services, you will learn how to listen and communicate better with both yourself and others.

Wherever you go there you are...

No matter where you go, you are always with yourself. By looking inside and understanding who you are, you are free to come into your true greatness. At GatC we believe the best way to do this is through an ongoing supportive relationship with someone with the skills and experience to assist you in your journey inside. If we are unable to assist you, then we probably know someone who will.


Please Contact Us for more information on Gestalt and our services.