Towards a notion of resistance in gestalt therapy

A primary objective of this paper is to review the concept of “resistance” as it is understood, not only in psychoanalysis but also in cognitive-behaviorial psychology and other mainstream subfields of psychology, first by underscoring aspects that have no bearing on Gestalt therapy, and then by focusing on the creative and specific approach of Gestalt therapy to resistance. It is not my intention to delve into into the origins and evolution of resistance in psychology nor in psychotherapy in general, but to offer two different meanings and, therefore two different therapeutic uses, that the mainstream psychotherapeutic approaches of psychoanalysis and cognitive-behaviorial grant the term. Gestalt therapy theory differs completely from both; when we use either of those other meanings in a Gestalt setting, we cannot say we are applying Gestalt therapy per se. Gestalt therapy considers resistance a central and constituent element in the development of identity and personality. It has its own and original way of focusing the concept in the therapeutic process; for example, when the person becomes rigid and frozen, has left awareness, or and does not answer to the here-and-now of every present moment.