What are the similarities and differences between person centred counselling and the gestalt theory?

Answer 1

Person-centered counseling, developed by Carl Rogers, emphasizes the importance of the therapist providing unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuineness to the client. The focus is on the client's self-discovery and self-actualization. Gestalt therapy, developed by Fritz Perls, focuses on the here and now, emphasizing awareness, personal responsibility, and the integration of the whole person, including thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Both approaches value the therapeutic relationship and the client's subjective experience, but gestalt therapy is more directive and experiential, using techniques such as role-playing and empty chair work to help clients gain insight and awareness.

Answer 2

Person centered and gestalt therapy modalities work towards the similar goal of getting unstuck from negative thoughts and behaviors. In person centered therapy the therapy is client driven, in gestalt both the therapist and client are working together in an exchange.

Answer 3

Person-centered counseling and Gestalt therapy both emphasize the importance of the client-therapist relationship, focusing on the present moment experience of the client, and the subjective experience of the individual. However, Gestalt therapy places more emphasis on the role of awareness, personal responsibility, and the integration of fragmented aspects of the self, using techniques like role-playing, empty chair work, and focusing on body sensations. Person-centered counseling, on the other hand, primarily focuses on empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence in the therapeutic relationship to facilitate the client's self-exploration and growth without using specific techniques.