Gestalt group therapy?
November 8, 2016 1:15 AM Subscribe
Any thoughts on whether the Gestalt approach, esp. in its group form, is for me?
I've been struggling with mental health issues related primarily to anxiety, rumination, and intense self-criticism. I haven't been able to afford therapy but I saw that a Gestalt group is starting near me, and the price is within my budget.
I know little about Gestalt (and what I've found so far seems opaque) and nothing about group therapy. Is there any info you can tell me to help me decide?
Thanks!
I've been struggling with mental health issues related primarily to anxiety, rumination, and intense self-criticism. I haven't been able to afford therapy but I saw that a Gestalt group is starting near me, and the price is within my budget.
I know little about Gestalt (and what I've found so far seems opaque) and nothing about group therapy. Is there any info you can tell me to help me decide?
Thanks!
Gestalt can be pretty cool, but it isn't a match for everyone. Like pretty much all therapy, it really depends on the ability of the therapist and your personal chemistry with the group. It tends to focus on the here-and-now, a.k.a. what is happening intra-personally and inter-personally while you are in the room with the therapist. Gestalt therapists also tend to use "experiments" or activities during therapy. A good therapist will always invite you to try an experiment in a way that allows to you to say no, they should never demand that you try something. If the group fits your budget and otherwise seems like it would work for you, I would definitely give it a try!
posted by Otis the Lion at 10:26 AM on November 8, 2016
posted by Otis the Lion at 10:26 AM on November 8, 2016
Yeah, there's pretty much no good research evidence to support Gestalt other than that going to psychotherapy is helpful on average (that is, averaging people with all kinds of different problems receiving all kinds of treatments). I agree wholeheartedly with rmhsinc that I would not recommend it (or any other nonmanualized treatment) for people with a specific mental disorder, including anxiety or depression. Most specific anxiety disorders have very rigorously-tested cognitive-behavioral treatments associated with them that should take about 3-4 months to resolve the issue for the majority of patients, depending on the specific diagnosis, how well your therapist is doing at sticking to the manual, and whether you are doing your homework and attending sessions. If you need some help finding a treatment like that at a sliding scale, feel free to memail me.
posted by quiet coyote at 3:17 PM on November 8, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by quiet coyote at 3:17 PM on November 8, 2016 [1 favorite]
« Older Last minute Australian/NZ wine recommendations... | Where are the catering/events sales jobs in Austin... Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by rmhsinc at 5:49 AM on November 8, 2016 [1 favorite]