Gestalt interventions benefitting children and adolescents: A literature review

Gestalt therapy is a therapeutic approach used by many groups. Quite often, qualitative and quantitative research for Gestalt has focused on adult populations. This literature review has explored research on the benefits of a Gestalt approach with children and adolescents. Gestalt research has benefited children and adolescents in the following areas: emotional self-expression, conflict resolution, contact with therapists, well-being, self-esteem, communication skills, decreased depression, child anxiety, parent anxiety, and trauma symptoms. The findings suggest that evidence of effective Gestalt interventions with children and adolescents is still developing. Eight studies after the year 2000 have reported effectiveness with this population. Implications for Gestalt practice and research with children and adolescents are explored.