Gestalt therapy is a form of psychotherapy developed by Fritz Perls, Laura Perls, and Paul Goodman in the 1940s and 1950s. The word “gestalt” refers to a configuration or pattern of elements so unified as a whole that its properties cannot be derived from a simple summation of its parts. In gestalt therapy, the focus is on the here-and-now experience rather than the past. The goal is for clients to become more aware of what they are doing and how they are doing it, allowing them to make meaningful changes in their lives.
Some key concepts and techniques in gestalt therapy include:
- Holism – Seeing the whole person and their relationships rather than isolating problems and symptoms
- Field theory – Focusing on the whole field or context of a person’s experience rather than just the individual
- Phenomenological method – Attending to the actual experience of the client in the present moment
- Dialogical relationship – The therapeutic relationship as a dialogue between equals, rather than expert/patient
- Awareness continuum – Helping the client move from less to fuller awareness of self, others, and environment
- Contact – The ability to connect authentically with one’s environment
- The “empty chair” technique – Role playing or dialoguing between aspects of self
- Experiments – Activities aimed at increasing awareness and interrupting stuck patterns
- Staying with the “now” – Keeping focus on the present moment rather than the past or future
- Acknowledging and “owning” feelings and experiences rather than judging or repressing them
When examining gestalt therapy from a biblical perspective, there are some points of congruence as well as some areas of divergence:
Areas of Congruence with Scripture
- Wholeness – The focus on integrating different aspects of the self resonates with the biblical idea of shalom or wholeness (Isaiah 26:3, John 10:10)
- Awareness – Becoming more aware and attuned to oneself, others, and God is valued in Scripture (Proverbs 4:23, Romans 12:2)
- Responsibility – Taking responsibility for one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors rather than blaming others is biblically sound (Galatians 6:5)
- Authenticity – The emphasis on being authentic and expressing real feelings lines up with biblical exhortations towards honesty and transparency (Ephesians 4:25)
- Acceptance – The call to accept yourself and others despite imperfections resonates with God’s unconditional love (Romans 5:8, Romans 15:7)
- Forgiveness – Letting go of past hurts and grudges is central to following Christ (Matthew 6:14-15, Colossians 3:13)
Areas of Divergence from Scripture
- Humanism – The theory relies heavily on human wisdom and self-healing abilities rather than dependence on God
- Relativism – What is considered healthy or ethical may be based on subjective, situational values rather than biblical absolutes
- Self-focus – Dwelling deeply on self, feelings, and introspection could become excessive without also focusing on God and serving others (Philippians 2:3-4)
- Mindfulness – While awareness of the present has value, Scripture also emphasizes setting hearts and minds on things above (Colossians 3:2)
- Suffering avoidance – Pain and suffering are seen as universally bad and to be avoided, whereas Scripture says suffering can produce growth (James 1:2-4, Romans 5:3-5)
- Anger encouragement – Expressing and acting on anger is encouraged, yet Scripture warns that anger does not lead to godly results (James 1:19-20)
- Spirituality – Relationship with God is largely ignored in favor of self-actualization
Key Biblical Perspectives
While gestalt therapy contains both helpful and unbiblical elements, Scripture provides a framework for relating to self, others, and God in a wise, balanced, and godly manner. Some key biblical perspectives relevant to counseling and inner healing include:
- Humanity’s need for redemption – Due to the effects of sin, humans are prone to distorted thinking, damaged emotions, and broken relationships. True and lasting inner healing comes through Christ (Isaiah 53:5, 2 Corinthians 5:17).
- Renewal of the mind – Healing involves taking flawed thought patterns captive and being renewed spiritually and mentally through God’s truth (Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 10:5).
- The healing power of grace and forgiveness – Shame, guilt, and grudges weigh people down emotionally. God’s grace and forgiveness sets people free (Matthew 11:28-30, 1 John 1:9).
- Wholeness in Christ – Ultimate wholeness is only found through an intimate relationship with Jesus, by the Spirit’s power (John 15:1-5, 2 Corinthians 3:17-18).
- The body as God’s temple – Our bodies and spirits belong to God so we honor Him in how we use them (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 1 Corinthians 10:31).
- Living according to our identity in Christ – Scripture reveals our true identity as beloved, valued children of God, which transforms how we live (Ephesians 1:5, Galatians 2:20).
- The priority of loving God and others – The two greatest commandments are to love God and love neighbors. This shapes healthy relationships (Matthew 22:37-39, John 13:34-35).
- Discerning truth from lies – Since we have an enemy who deceives, we must learn to discern truth from lies by knowing Scripture (Ephesians 6:10-18, Hebrews 4:12).
- The role of the faith community – God designed believers to live in interdependent community, which provides healing and accountability (Acts 2:42-47, James 5:16).
- Restoration through the Holy Spirit – As believers walk with Christ, the Spirit brings deep inner transformation (2 Corinthians 3:18, Galatians 5:22-23).
Evaluating Gestalt Therapy Through a Biblical Lens
When evaluated through a biblical lens, gestalt therapy contains both helpful and unhelpful elements.
On the positive side, gestalt therapy’s emphasis on self-awareness, personal responsibility, presence in the moment, and integration of different aspects of oneself can be useful starting points in a counseling process. The experiential activities may foster insight. The dialogical relationship between counselor and client resonates with biblical patterns of authentic fellowship. Focusing on current patterns rather than digging deeply into the past prevents getting stuck there.
However, the heavy emphasis on following inner wisdom versus looking outward to God and godly wisdom is problematic from a Christian perspective. Biblical counselors can acknowledge people’s inner experiences and brokenness due to sin, but point them towards Christ for redemption and renewal by the Spirit’s power. While feeling acceptance is needed, true worth and identity are found in being beloved children of God. Release from guilt and shame is found through Christ’s radical grace. Wholeness looks like lives anchored in intimacy with Jesus, rooted in Scriptural truth, centered on loving God and others, and living in light of our secure identity in Christ.
Christian counseling can affirm the desire for growth but realign the means and the goals based on God’s patterns and principles. Humanistic elements inconsistent with Scripture, such as anger encouragement or relativism regarding ethics, should be avoided. Spiritual components like prayer, Scripture engagement, confession, forgiveness, and community are vital to fill gaps left by secular counseling theories. In the end, gestalt therapy may have some strengths but requires significant adjustment to be compatible with a biblical counseling model.
