What is Gestalt Therapy?

Gestalt therapy is a humanistic and experiential form of psychotherapy that emphasises awareness, presence, and authenticity. Rather than analysing problems from a distance, Gestalt invites you to explore how you’re feeling and relating in the present moment — right here, right now.

The word “Gestalt” comes from German and loosely translates to “whole” or “complete form.” This therapy is grounded in the belief that healing comes not just from insight, but from experiencing yourself fully: your emotions, your thoughts, your body, and your connections with others.

How Gestalt Therapy Works

Gestalt therapy brings attention to the immediate — to what is happening in your experience as it happens. You and your therapist will explore how you respond emotionally and physically to situations, relationships, and inner conflicts.

The process often includes:

• Bringing awareness to body language, tone, and tension
• Exploring conflicting parts of self through dialogue (“parts work”)
• Staying with difficult feelings instead of avoiding them
• Paying attention to language, metaphors, and unfinished business

Rather than asking, “Why do I feel this way?”, Gestalt asks, “What is happening right now, and what do I notice about it?”

This active, relational process can lead to insight, self-acceptance, and meaningful change.

What Gestalt Therapy Can Help With

Gestalt therapy can support clients with a range of emotional, relational, and identity-based issues:

• Emotional numbness or disconnection
• Anxiety and low mood
• Relationship difficulties and communication issues
• Identity struggles or inner conflict
• Low self-esteem or chronic guilt
• Unresolved grief or trauma

It’s particularly helpful for people who feel stuck, disconnected from their body or emotions, or overwhelmed by inner conflict.

What to Expect in a Session

Gestalt therapy tends to be more interactive than traditional talk therapy. You’ll be invited to notice — what you feel, how you respond, what thoughts arise — without rushing to explain or fix anything.

Your therapist may draw attention to how you speak, sit, or avoid certain topics. They might invite you to explore different aspects of yourself through dialogue or visualisation. It can feel creative, intense, and surprisingly revealing.

The goal isn’t perfection or control — it’s awareness. And from awareness, change becomes possible.

Gestalt Therapy at LifeChange, Dublin 2

At LifeChange, our therapists trained in Gestalt therapy offer a present-focused, emotionally attuned space for exploration. We work with sensitivity and care, always respecting your pace and what feels safe.

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or uncertain, Gestalt can help you reconnect with your own voice and experience — moment by moment.

In-person and online sessions available.

Is Gestalt Therapy Right for Me?

If you’re curious about how you relate to yourself and others, if you feel out of touch with your emotions, or if you’re seeking a more embodied, experiential way of working — Gestalt therapy may offer exactly what you need.