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Gestalt therapy – Assessment

May 24, 2025
Posted by: SEETHALAKSHMI SIVAKUMAR
Category: Mental Health

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GESTALT PSYCHOLOGY

THIS QUIZ IS PASSWORD PROTECTED. KINDLY WHATSAPP TO 91-7010702114 TO GET THE PASSWORD

PLEASE GIVE YOUR NAME IN CAPITAL WITH INITIAL. THIS WILL BE TAKEN FOR CERTIFICATE.

1 / 50

1) Gestalt therapy focuses on which time orientation?

1) Past

2) Present

3) Future

4) All equally

2 / 50

2) Deflection” is a process where a person

1) Directs attention inward

2) Avoids direct contact or awareness

3) Confronts others aggressively

4) Accepts full responsibility

3 / 50

3) Which statement is true of Gestalt therapy?

1) It ignores body awareness

2) It stresses awareness and responsibility

3) It focuses only on cognition

4) It avoids emotional work

4 / 50

4) Confluence refers to

1) Over-identification with others

2) Emotional suppression

3) Splitting

4) Assertiveness

5 / 50

5) Gestalt therapy regards “resistance” a

1) A negative response

2) A defense to be removed

3) A creative adjustment

4) An unconscious mechanism

6 / 50

6) Retroflection” means

1) Directing impulses toward self

2) Reflecting on the past

3) Blocking emotions

4) Speaking in third person

7 / 50

7) In Gestalt therapy, dreams are

1) Ignored

2) Interpreted symbolically by the therapist

3) Reenacted by the client

4) Considered meaningless

8 / 50

8) Gestalt therapy is most suitable for clients who are

1) Resistant to self-awareness

2) Highly motivated for change

3) Diagnosed with psychosis

4) Undergoing hypnosis

9 / 50

9) A major therapeutic tool in Gestalt therapy is

1) Dream journals

2) Experiments

3) Medication

4) Family trees

10 / 50

10) The “dialogue” method in Gestalt involves

1) Passive listening

2) Reading scripts

3) Interaction between parts of the self

4) Argument with therapist

11 / 50

11) Clients who intellectualize may be encouraged to

1) Analyze further

2) Talk faster

3) Move into emotional experience

4) Write reports

12 / 50

12) Gestalt experiments are

1) Rigid procedures

2) Carefully scripted

3) Spontaneous interventions for awareness

4) Behavioral drills

13 / 50

13) The therapist may ask a client to “act as if” to

1) Deny reality

2) Avoid real experiences

3) Experiment with new behaviors

4) Deceive others

14 / 50

14) Introjection” in Gestalt therapy refers to

1) Releasing suppressed emotion

2) Uncritically accepting others' beliefs

3) Pushing thoughts outward

4) Acting on impulse

15 / 50

15) Gestalt therapists focus on non-verbal communication to

1) Train acting skills

2) Diagnose illness

3) Enhance emotional expression

4) Create conflict

16 / 50

16) Role-playing in Gestalt therapy is often used to

1) Explore childhood

2) Simulate future behavior

3) Externalize inner conflicts

4) Distract from real issues

17 / 50

17) Which technique helps bring polarities into awareness?

1) Behavioral activation

2) Two-chair technique

3) Token economy

4) Reality testing

18 / 50

18) “Reversal technique” is used when a client is

1) Too expressive

2) Too assertive

3) Repressing an impulse

4) Experiencing anxiety

19 / 50

19) “Making the rounds” is a technique used to

1) Break resistance in group therapy

2) Rehearse social skills

3) Build awareness and courage in group settings

4) Analyze interpersonal issues

20 / 50

20) In Gestalt therapy, physical movements can be

1) Ignored

2) Used as indicators of emotional states

3) Considered irrelevant

4) Analyzed psychoanalytically

21 / 50

21) A Gestalt technique involving reenactment of dreams is

1) Dream role-play

2) Sleep therapy

3) Lucid dreaming

4) Psychodrama

22 / 50

22) “Staying with the feeling” helps clients to

1) Distract from emotions

2) Avoid discomfort

3) Deepen awareness and emotional expression

4) Rationalize behavior

23 / 50

23) A therapist asking a client to exaggerate a gesture is using

1) Role-playing

2) Body awareness technique

3) Exaggeration exercise

4) Relaxation training

24 / 50

24) The empty chair technique allows clients to

1) Analyze dreams

2) Experience dual roles and dialogue

3) Take a break

4) Avoid emotional pain

25 / 50

25) Which technique is unique to Gestalt therapy

1) Systematic desensitization

2) Free association

3) Empty chair

4) Cognitive disputing

26 / 50

26) The paradoxical theory of change suggests

1) Change occurs when one becomes what they are

2) Change is forced through willpower

3) Avoidance leads to transformation

4) Insight alone creates change

27 / 50

27) The “cycle of experience” includes all except

1) Sensation

2) Awareness

3) Action

4) Suppression

28 / 50

28) Gestalt therapy is experiential, which means

1) Clients read and reflect on therapy

2) Clients actively engage in experiences during sessions

3) Clients complete worksheets

4) Therapy is based on storytelling

29 / 50

29) One role of the Gestalt therapist is to

1) Diagnose mental illness

2) Interpret unconscious material

3) Help the client become more aware of their process

4) Solve client’s problems

30 / 50

30) The term "organismic self-regulation" in Gestalt therapy means

1) Biological instincts

2) The body’s ability to control emotions

3) Natural adjustment to needs

4) Sleep-wake cycle control

31 / 50

31) Gestalt therapy views dreams as

1) Expressions of the unconscious mind

2) Tools for free association

3) Representations of parts of the self

4) Random thoughts

32 / 50

32) Gestalt therapy promotes

1) Avoidance of emotions

2) Emotional catharsis without insight

3) Integration of thoughts, feelings, and actions

4) Passive reflection

33 / 50

33) Gestalt therapy emerged during

1) 1920s

2) 1940s

3) 1960s

4) 1980s

34 / 50

34) Which principle is NOT typically emphasized in Gestalt therapy?

1) Awareness

2) Responsibility

3) Diagnosis

4) Contact

35 / 50

35) A Gestalt therapist is likely to

1) Offer interpretations

2) Focus on diagnosis

3) Encourage direct experience

4) Avoid emotional expression

36 / 50

36) Top dog vs. underdog” refers to

1) A dream metaphor

2) Internal dialogue between conflicting parts of self

3) Power struggle in family therapy

4) A cognitive conflict

37 / 50

37) Gestalt therapy believes that people are best understood in

1) Isolation

2) A lab setting

3) Their environmental context

4) Diagnostic categories

38 / 50

38) "Here and now" focus in Gestalt therapy encourages

1) Ignoring current problems

2) Concentration on past trauma

3) Awareness of present experience

4) Future goal setting only

39 / 50

39) The empty chair technique is used to

1) Create behavioral change

2) Facilitate dialogue with absent persons or parts of self

3) Promote dream interpretation

4) Analyze unconscious drives

40 / 50

40) Which of the following is not a goal of Gestalt therapy?

1) Self-awareness

2) Personal responsibility

3) Cognitive restructuring

4) Living in the present

41 / 50

41) Gestalt therapy aims to help clients

1) Analyze past trauma

2) Interpret dreams

3) Become aware of what they are doing

4) Change their thoughts

42 / 50

42) In Gestalt therapy, the “self” is considered

1) Fixed and stable

2) A process that is ever-changing

3) Irrelevant

4) Determined by genetics

43 / 50

43) The whole is greater than the sum of its parts” is a principle from

1) Behaviorism

2) Psychoanalysis

3) Gestalt psychology

4) Rational Emotive Therapy

44 / 50

44) Gestalt therapy sees awareness as

1) A passive process

2) Not necessary

3) The key to change

4) A cognitive phenomenon only

45 / 50

45) The concept of “contact boundary” in Gestalt therapy refers to

1) The line between conscious and unconscious

2) The separation between therapist and client

3) The interface between self and environment

4) The physical space in therapy

46 / 50

46) Which of the following is a key concept in Gestalt therapy?

1) Self-actualization

2) Resistance to change

3) Field theory

4) Cognitive restructuring

47 / 50

47) In Gestalt therapy, the term "unfinished business" refers to

1) Tasks not completed at work

2) Unresolved past conflicts affecting the present

3) Incomplete dreams

4) Childhood fantasies

48 / 50

48) Gestalt therapy is most associated with which psychological approach?

1) Psychoanalysis

2) Humanistic

3) Behaviorism

4) Cognitive

49 / 50

49) Gestalt therapy emphasizes the importance of

1) The unconscious mind

2) Childhood experiences

3) The here and now

4) Dream analysis

50 / 50

50) Who is the founder of Gestalt therapy?

1) Sigmund Freud

2) Carl Rogers

3) Fritz Perls

4) Albert Ellis

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Gestalt therapy – Assessment

Introduction

In the diverse world of psychotherapy, Gestalt Therapy stands out as a holistic, experiential approach that focuses on a person’s present experience and personal responsibility. Developed in the mid-20th century by Fritz Perls, Laura Perls, and Paul Goodman, Gestalt therapy continues to be a powerful tool in mental health practice, offering clients a path to self-awareness, integration, and authentic living.

This article delves into the core of Gestalt therapy—its definition, underlying principles, and practical techniques—illustrating how it empowers individuals to lead more conscious and fulfilling lives.

What is Gestalt Therapy?

Gestalt therapy is a humanistic and experiential form of psychotherapy that emphasizes personal responsibility, the here and now, and the therapist-client relationship. The word Gestalt is German for “shape” or “form,” and in psychology, it refers to the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Gestalt therapy views the individual as a unified whole—emotionally, physically, socially, and spiritually—interacting constantly with their environment. The therapy focuses on what is happening in the moment rather than what is being discussed or remembered from the past.

Core Concept: Awareness

Awareness is central in Gestalt therapy. It is through becoming aware of what one is doing, how one is doing it, and how one can change it that growth and healing occur. Gestalt therapists help clients expand their awareness of their emotions, thoughts, behaviors, bodily sensations, and surroundings.

Principles of Gestalt Therapy

Gestalt therapy is based on several fundamental principles that guide both the therapeutic process and the philosophy behind it:

1. Holism

Gestalt therapy views each person as a whole—body, mind, and soul—interconnected and inseparable from their environment. Symptoms are not seen in isolation but as part of the broader experience of the person.

2. Field Theory

This principle asserts that every individual exists within a constantly changing field of relationships, environment, and circumstances. The behavior and experience of a person can only be understood in the context of this dynamic field.

3. Figure and Ground

This perceptual concept is used metaphorically in therapy. The “figure” is the focus of attention, while the “ground” is the background. Gestalt therapy helps clients bring unresolved or unconscious material from the background into the foreground for awareness and processing.

4. Here and Now Focus

Rather than digging deeply into the past, Gestalt therapy emphasizes what is happening right now. The past is explored only as it appears in the present moment experience.

5. Personal Responsibility

Clients are encouraged to take ownership of their feelings, thoughts, and actions rather than blaming others or external circumstances.

6. Self-Regulation

Gestalt therapy believes in the individual’s innate ability to find balance and healing when they become aware of their needs and blocks.

Techniques of Gestalt Therapy (with Examples)

Gestalt therapy employs a variety of creative and experiential techniques that help clients increase their awareness and integrate all parts of themselves. Below are some of the key techniques used in Gestalt therapy:

1. The Empty Chair Technique

Purpose: To resolve internal conflict or process unfinished business with others.

How it works: The client is asked to sit facing an empty chair and imagine that someone (e.g., a parent, partner, or even a part of themselves) is sitting in it. The client speaks to the empty chair, expressing thoughts and feelings. Then, the client switches chairs and responds as the imagined person or part.

Example: A client struggling with unresolved anger toward a deceased father may speak to him in the empty chair, expressing emotions that were never voiced. They may then switch seats and respond as the father, potentially gaining insight and closure.

2. Top Dog vs. Under Dog Dialogue

Purpose: To explore inner conflicts and opposing parts of the self.

How it works: The therapist helps the client distinguish between different aspects of their personality, often symbolized as the “top dog” (critical, authoritarian voice) and the “under dog” (rebellious, passive voice). The client engages in a dialogue between these parts to foster integration.

Example: A client may voice their “top dog” that demands perfection and control, then switch to the “under dog” who feels overwhelmed and inadequate. Through this dialogue, the client may recognize the inner pressure and find a healthier balance.

3. Body Awareness Exercises

Purpose: To access emotions and experiences stored in the body.

How it works: The therapist draws the client’s attention to their bodily sensations, posture, and movements to uncover unconscious emotions or patterns.

Example: A client may be asked to notice tightness in their shoulders when discussing a stressful situation. Exploring this tension may lead to recognizing suppressed anger or fear.

4. Exaggeration Technique

Purpose: To intensify and bring awareness to non-verbal behavior and body language.

How it works: The client is asked to exaggerate a gesture, movement, or tone of voice. This may reveal deeper emotions or unconscious conflicts.

Example: If a client frequently taps their foot while talking about work, the therapist may ask them to exaggerate the tapping and then explore the feelings associated with it. This could lead to insights about anxiety or frustration.

5. Dream Work

Purpose: To explore unconscious material through dreams.

How it works: Rather than interpreting dreams symbolically, the Gestalt approach asks the client to act out parts of the dream and experience them as aspects of themselves.

Example: A client dreams of a dark forest and a guiding bird. In therapy, they might be asked to “become” the bird and speak from its perspective. This may reveal a part of the self that is intuitive or protective.

6. Repetition and Reenactment

Purpose: To uncover hidden meanings in repetitive behaviors or speech patterns.

How it works: The therapist notices and points out recurring words, gestures, or behaviors, inviting the client to repeat and reflect on them.

Example: A client repeatedly says, “I don’t know” when asked about their feelings. The therapist asks them to repeat the phrase slowly and explore what it might mean or what emotion is behind the uncertainty.

Benefits of Gestalt Therapy

Increased self-awareness
Improved emotional expression and regulation
Resolution of inner conflicts
Greater personal responsibility and empowerment
Enhanced ability to live in the present
Improved interpersonal relationships

Who Can Benefit from Gestalt Therapy?

Gestalt therapy is versatile and can be helpful for individuals facing a wide range of psychological issues, including:

Anxiety and depression
Relationship conflicts
Trauma and loss
Low self-esteem
Stress and burnout
Psychosomatic complaints

It is especially effective for clients who are open to creative exploration and are ready to engage deeply with their emotions and experiences.

Conclusion

Gestalt therapy is not just a set of techniques but a powerful philosophy of human experience. Its emphasis on awareness, presence, and integration offers a profound path to self-discovery and healing. Whether you’re a mental health professional seeking to deepen your practice or an individual curious about personal growth, Gestalt therapy provides transformative insights and tools to enrich the journey of life.

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Gestalt therapy – Assessment

GESTALT PSYCHOLOGY

PLEASE GIVE YOUR NAME IN CAPITAL WITH INITIAL. THIS WILL BE TAKEN FOR CERTIFICATE.

1) Gestalt therapy focuses on which time orientation?

2) Deflection” is a process where a person

3) Which statement is true of Gestalt therapy?

4) Confluence refers to

5) Gestalt therapy regards “resistance” a

6) Retroflection” means

7) In Gestalt therapy, dreams are

8) Gestalt therapy is most suitable for clients who are

9) A major therapeutic tool in Gestalt therapy is

10) The “dialogue” method in Gestalt involves

11) Clients who intellectualize may be encouraged to

12) Gestalt experiments are

13) The therapist may ask a client to “act as if” to

14) Introjection” in Gestalt therapy refers to

15) Gestalt therapists focus on non-verbal communication to

16) Role-playing in Gestalt therapy is often used to

17) Which technique helps bring polarities into awareness?

18) “Reversal technique” is used when a client is

19) “Making the rounds” is a technique used to

20) In Gestalt therapy, physical movements can be

21) A Gestalt technique involving reenactment of dreams is

22) “Staying with the feeling” helps clients to

23) A therapist asking a client to exaggerate a gesture is using

24) The empty chair technique allows clients to

25) Which technique is unique to Gestalt therapy

26) The paradoxical theory of change suggests

27) The “cycle of experience” includes all except

28) Gestalt therapy is experiential, which means

29) One role of the Gestalt therapist is to

30) The term "organismic self-regulation" in Gestalt therapy means

31) Gestalt therapy views dreams as

32) Gestalt therapy promotes

33) Gestalt therapy emerged during

34) Which principle is NOT typically emphasized in Gestalt therapy?

35) A Gestalt therapist is likely to

36) Top dog vs. underdog” refers to

37) Gestalt therapy believes that people are best understood in

38) "Here and now" focus in Gestalt therapy encourages

39) The empty chair technique is used to

40) Which of the following is not a goal of Gestalt therapy?

41) Gestalt therapy aims to help clients

42) In Gestalt therapy, the “self” is considered

43) The whole is greater than the sum of its parts” is a principle from

44) Gestalt therapy sees awareness as

45) The concept of “contact boundary” in Gestalt therapy refers to

46) Which of the following is a key concept in Gestalt therapy?

47) In Gestalt therapy, the term "unfinished business" refers to

48) Gestalt therapy is most associated with which psychological approach?

49) Gestalt therapy emphasizes the importance of

50) Who is the founder of Gestalt therapy?

Gestalt therapy – Assessment

Introduction

What is Gestalt Therapy?

Core Concept: Awareness

Principles of Gestalt Therapy

1. Holism

2. Field Theory

3. Figure and Ground

4. Here and Now Focus

5. Personal Responsibility

6. Self-Regulation

Techniques of Gestalt Therapy (with Examples)

1. The Empty Chair Technique

2. Top Dog vs. Under Dog Dialogue

3. Body Awareness Exercises

4. Exaggeration Technique

5. Dream Work

6. Repetition and Reenactment

Benefits of Gestalt Therapy

Who Can Benefit from Gestalt Therapy?

Conclusion

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