Gestalt therapy aims for self knowledge, acceptance and growth by looking at the current existence. This theory entails concepts around what is actually currently happening rather than what has happened in the past. It focuses on the here and now, not on what should be, could be or what was. From this present centred forcus, one can become clear about ones needs, wishes, goals and values.
The concepts emphasized in gestalt therapy are creative adjustment and modification, unfinished business, Zones of awareness, creative indifference
Creative adjustment and modification: contact is necessary if change and growth are to occur. Contact is made by, seeing, hearing, smelling, touching and moving. It is made effectively by interacting with nature and other people without one losing their individuality, however people often resist contract. Resistance to contact are defences we develop to prevent us from experiencing the present. These modification are called introjection, projection, retoflection,, deflection and confluence. The therapist is to help the client to become aware of how there are blocking there contact with themselves and environment.
Unfinished business: This refers to clients who do finish things in their lives and often relates to people with growth disorder. Clients with unfinished business often resent the present and because of this are unable to focus on the here and now. For example if figures emergy from the background but are not completed and resolved, clients or individuals are left with unfinished business and this can manifest in expressed feelings such as resentment, frustration, rage, pain , anxitey, and grief.
Zones of awareness: this concept where you focus on what one is in touch with and in situations requiring such attention. It is thought that is leads to insight results in change or adjustment. This concept encourages the client to directly experience a situation