resources/theories/Gestalt

Gestalt

1) The elements of a dream are definable only in terms of their relationship to the whole, i.e. The notes in a musical melody a) The organized whole of a dream is perceived directly b) The deeper and broader understanding of a dream results from the process of analysis of the dream parts c) The dream can be experienced as a whole, even when specific elements are missing or distorted 2) The dream as a whole entity should be perceived in a structured, orderly, closed and stable way a) Look at the dream parts and see their relationship to the whole of the dream b) The relationships among the parts of a dream are a secondary result. The analysis of the total dream is the primary function

1) The perception of component elements is combined to form a precept a) Gestalt theory is based on the concept of a dynamic field whose parts are interacting at the simultaneous moment of perception b) The dream apprehends and contains the 'order' and meaning in the resulting structure of the dream 2) The Gestalt perspective emphasizes the innate aspects of perceptual experience, behavior and intuition rather than the analytic methods of cognition and association-based perception a) Dreams are interpreted primarily by means of "insight"

1) The structured unity of experience 2) The dynamic unity of the organism-environmental field 3) The emphasis on figure-ground formation as expressing transactions between environment and subject 4) The flow of emotions as manifest content in the actual experience and action patterns of the dream

1) Relive the dream through role playing a) Assume the different roles of the dream characters and act out each of them, including 'inanimates' within the dream, such as a sore on one's knee b) Change voices and inflections for the various parts in the dream c) Let reactions to the dream be uncensored 2) After reliving the dream, ask one's self useful and pertinent questions, such as: a) What is the main feeling tone you get from the dream? b) What is the dream telling or asking you? c) Avoid the "Why" questions that stress intellectual analysis rather than the "here and now" insights of the dream

1) Through such workings with your dreams, you can become aware of certain patterns in your dreams 2) You will be able to perceive and interpret information that was disguised and unclear

1) Accepting responsibility moves a person from external-environmental support to self-support 2) Blaming others minimizes one's own responsibility and allows for 'escape'

1) Unfinished business from the past a) Unfinished business involves unexpressed feelings such as resentment, rage, hatred,pain, anxiety, guilt, rejection, etc 2) Avoidance 3) Dealing with emphasis 4) Conflicting feelings 5) Blocks to awareness

1) Use of Role-playing helps the dreamer to: a) Recognize one's own projections b) Confront one's discrepancies c) Allows for a greater awareness of inner conflicts 2) Express feelings and insights of the dream rather than analyze intellectually a) Express with exaggeration, non-verbal and body messages b) Fully "become" whatever you are portraying

1) What is the main feeling I receive from the dream; what is my general impression? 2) What is my dream telling me? 3) What are the conflicts/the unfinished business/the conflicting feelings in the dream? a) How can I work on my life to confront and deal with these challenging elements?

Corey, G. Manual for theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole Publication Company, 1982.
Fagan, J. & Shepherd, I. What is Gestalt therapy? New York: Harper and Row, 1970.
Passons, W. Gestalt approaches in counseling. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1975.
Perls, F. Gestalt therapy verbatim. Moab, Utah: Real People Press, 1969.