The clinical usefulness of Gestalt therapy

Reviews the characteristics of Gestalt therapy and relates them to its clinical usefulness within the range of available psychotherapies. The author offers a personal account of the strengths and limitations of Gestalt therapy from the perspective of health service psychotherapy provision. The case of a 25-yr-old woman with recurrent dysthymia and behavioral disorder illustrates the importance of assessment and diagnosis, the use of collateral medication, deliberate management of the pace and intensity of therapeutic contact, and the use of the Gestalt technique in conjunction with a more orthodox dynamic approach.