Influence of Gestalt Therapy (Holistic Vision)

Incorporating the Gestalt Perspective

Broadening the spectrum of psychological influences, Gestalt Therapy provides another valuable approach that has permeated certain aspects of coaching practice.

Although initially developed as a form of psychotherapy, it offers a particular view of the human being and the processes of awareness that is relevant to coaching.

Its emphasis on present experience and the integration of different dimensions of the self complements other psychological perspectives.

The Holistic Vision of the Person

The fundamental pillar of Gestalt Therapy is its approach to a holistic view of the person.

It rejects the fragmentation of the individual into separate parts (mind, body, emotions) and instead emphasizes the integration of the various dimensions that constitute the human experience: the psychic (thoughts, beliefs), the bodily (sensations, movements, posture), the social (relationships, environment) and the spiritual (meaning, purpose, values).

It is considered that the individual is a unified whole and that his or her well-being depends on the harmony and integration of these dimensions in his or her interaction with the environment.

Main Contribution to Coaching: Emotional and Corporal Rehabilitation

The main contribution of Gestalt to coaching is oriented towards the rehabilitation of emotional and bodily feeling.

Gestalt places a strong emphasis on awareness of physical sensations and emotions as they are experienced in the here and now.

It considers that these emotional and bodily experiences form the basis of the individual's identity and the way he or she is and relates to his or her environment.

In coaching, this influence translates into inviting the coachee to pay attention not only to his thoughts, but also to his physical sensations and emotions as valuable sources of information.

Helping the client to reconnect with their bodily and emotional experience can facilitate greater self-understanding, unlock limiting patterns and promote a fuller integration of self, which is fundamental to sustainable change.

Summary

Gestalt Therapy provides a valuable holistic view of the human being. It rejects fragmentation and emphasizes the integration of the psychic, bodily, social and spiritual dimensions.

The person is seen as a unified whole, whose well-being depends on the harmony of these dimensions in their interaction with the environment.

The main contribution to coaching is emotional and bodily rehabilitation. The coachee is invited to pay attention to his physical sensations and emotions in the here and now as valuable sources of information.