Gestalt Therapy: A Chicago Therapist’s Perspective

As a therapist practicing in the heart of Chicago, I often meet clients who feel stuck—emotionally, mentally, or even physically. They might be overwhelmed by anxiety, disconnected from themselves, or unsure of how to move forward.

One approach I frequently turn to is Gestalt therapy, a dynamic and experiential form of psychotherapy that emphasizes the here and now.

Understanding Gestalt Therapy

Gestalt therapy was developed in the mid-20th century by Fritz and Laura Perls as a response to traditional psychoanalysis. The word “gestalt” is German for “whole,” and that’s exactly what this therapy aims to achieve: a holistic understanding of the person—not just their thoughts, but their emotions, behaviors, and bodily sensations.

Related: Anxiety treatment in Chicago

Rather than digging into the past for explanations, Gestalt therapy encourages clients to focus on what’s happening in the present moment. This includes how they feel, what they’re doing, and how they’re interacting with others and their environment. The goal is to increase awareness, which leads to personal responsibility and ultimately, growth.

Key Concepts of Gestalt Therapy

Here and Now Focus: Clients are guided to explore their current experiences rather than dwell on past events.
Wholeness: Emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations are all considered part of the therapeutic process.
Self-Awareness: Through exercises and dialogue, clients become more aware of their patterns and how they affect their lives.
Creative Techniques: Therapists may use role-playing, guided imagery, or the famous “empty chair” technique to help clients express themselves.

In my Chicago practice, I’ve seen how these techniques can help clients reconnect with themselves. For example, someone struggling with anxiety might be encouraged to notice how their body feels during a panic episode, what thoughts arise, and how they respond. This awareness can be transformative.

Gestalt Therapy and Anxiety

Anxiety often pulls people out of the present. They worry about the future or ruminate on the past. Gestalt therapy helps bring them back to the now. By focusing on what’s happening in the moment, clients can begin to understand their anxiety as a pattern—something that can be observed, explored, and eventually changed.

Some Gestalt techniques I use with anxious clients include:

Body awareness exercises to identify where tension is held.
Dialogue with parts of the self (e.g., the anxious voice vs. the calm voice).
Mindfulness practices that emphasize grounding and presence.

These methods help clients feel more in control and less overwhelmed by their symptoms.

How Jungian Therapy Complements Gestalt

While Gestalt therapy is rooted in present-moment awareness, Jungian therapy dives deep into the unconscious. Developed by Carl Jung, this approach explores archetypes, dreams, and the shadow self—the parts of us we often ignore or suppress.

In my experience, Jungian therapy can be especially helpful for clients with chronic anxiety. Anxiety often stems from unresolved inner conflicts or unconscious fears. Jungian therapy helps bring these to light.

Common Jungian Techniques

Dream analysis: Dreams are seen as messages from the unconscious.
Active imagination: Clients visualize and interact with inner figures or symbols.
Exploration of archetypes: Understanding roles like the Hero, the Mother, or the Trickster can reveal hidden dynamics.

For example, a client who constantly feels anxious about being judged might be unconsciously grappling with the “Persona” archetype—the mask we wear to fit in. By exploring this, they can begin to understand their anxiety not just as a symptom, but as a signal from the deeper self.

When to Use Jungian Therapy

Jungian therapy is most commonly used for:

Long-term self-exploration
Creative blocks
Existential anxiety
Identity issues
Trauma and shadow work

It’s especially powerful for clients who are introspective and curious about their inner world. In Chicago, where life moves fast and expectations are high, Jungian therapy offers a space to slow down and reflect.

Integrating Both Approaches

In my practice, I often blend Gestalt and Jungian techniques. For instance, a client might begin with Gestalt exercises to manage acute anxiety and build awareness. As they stabilize, we might shift into Jungian work to explore deeper patterns and meanings.

This integrative approach allows clients to:

Feel grounded in the present
Understand their unconscious motivations
Develop a richer sense of self

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re navigating anxiety, seeking personal growth, or simply curious about therapy, Gestalt and Jungian approaches offer profound tools for healing. As a Chicago therapist, I’ve seen how these modalities can help people reconnect with themselves, find clarity, and move forward with confidence.

If you’re considering therapy, I encourage you to explore these approaches. You might be surprised by what you discover—not just about your anxiety, but about your capacity for transformation.