Gestalt Therapy: Past, Present, Theory, and Research

Orthodox gestalt therapy suffered a rather unfortunate fate; gestalt theory has been poorly articulated, and gestalt techniques have received minimal empirical validation. These weaknesses are, in part, a consequence of F. Perls's biographical history, which led to an integration of disparate theoretical models that were exacerbated by F. Perls's haphazard, idiosyncratic personal style. However, recent empirical research suggests that the 2-chair technique is superior to other therapeutic interventions for conflict splits, decisional conflict, marital conflict, and unfinished business and that the 2-chair technique is as effective as Rogerian and cognitive-behavioral therapies. Although F. Perls's techniques may have been generated largely from his idiosyncratic personality characteristics, these techniques have some validity for very specific psychological dilemmas.