Question 1

Gestalt therapy is practiced with a theoretical foundation grounded in:&#10;A)field theory.&#10;B)phenomenology.&#10;C)dialogue.&#10;D)all of the above.&#10;E)none of the above.

Accepted Answer

Gestalt therapy is based on three foundational principles: field theory, phenomenology, and dialogue. Field theory refers to the belief that individuals are both influenced by and influenced by their environment. Phenomenology emphasizes the importance of focusing on an individual's subjective experience, rather than analyzing their behaviors or symptoms. And finally, dialogue is a key component of Gestalt therapy, as it involves both the therapist and client actively engaging in a conversation about the client's experience. Therefore, the correct choice is D (all of the above).

Question 2

In Gestalt therapy there is an emphasis on drawing heavily on:&#10;A)cognitive techniques aimed at eliminating critical judgments of self.&#10;B)understanding and exploring ego states.&#10;C)behavioral strategies that are aimed at acquiring new interpersonal skills.&#10;D)experiential techniques aimed at intensifying here-and-now experiencing.&#10;E)both (a) and (b).

Accepted Answer

Gestalt therapy emphasizes experiential techniques aimed at intensifying here-and-now experiencing, such as focusing on the present moment and sensory experience, rather than analyzing past events or focusing on cognitive or behavioral changes.

Question 3

In Gestalt therapy, assessment is best conceived of as:&#10;A)something that is completed at the intake session.&#10;B)a behavioral description of what the client is doing.&#10;C)an ongoing process embedded in the dialogue between client and therapist.&#10;D)something that gets in the way of understanding the client's subjective world.&#10;E)a process that results in a traditional diagnosis that can be used for insurance purposes.

Accepted Answer

In Gestalt therapy, assessment is an ongoing process that is embedded in the dialogue between the client and therapist. It focuses on the subjective experience of the client and is not concerned with traditional diagnoses or insurance purposes. The therapist works collaboratively with the client to gain a deeper understanding of their present experience and patterns of behavior. The assessment process continues throughout the course of therapy as new insights and experiences emerge.

Question 4

The main goal of Gestalt therapy is:&#10;A)teaching clients how to replace dysfunctional thinking with constructive thinking.&#10;B)the restoration of awareness.&#10;C)teaching clients how to make specific behavioral action plans.&#10;D)the elimination of disabling symptoms.&#10;E)both (c) and (d).

Accepted Answer

The main goal of Gestalt therapy is to restore awareness, which means helping clients become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and actions in the present moment. While the therapy may involve some behavioral action plans, it is not primarily focused on teaching clients specific behaviors or replacing dysfunctional thinking with constructive thinking. Similarly, while the therapy may involve reducing disabling symptoms, this is not the primary goal.

Question 5

Which of the following would a Gestalt therapist be least likely to bring into a counseling session with Ruth?&#10;A)exploring polarities within Ruth.&#10;B)encouraging Ruth to create a dialogue in therapy as a way to work through unfinished business.&#10;C)asking Ruth to &#34;become a conflict&#34; rather than talk about the conflict.&#10;D)asking Ruth to pay attention to what she is experiencing in her body.&#10;E)asking Ruth to engage in free-association.

Accepted Answer

Gestalt therapy emphasizes present-moment experiences and awareness rather than free association, which is a technique used in psychoanalytic therapy.

Question 6

A Gestalt therapist would be interested in Ruth's:&#10;A)awareness of her moment-to-moment experiencing.&#10;B)contact with her therapist.&#10;C)ability to attribute meaning to what she is thinking, doing, and feeling.&#10;D)reactions to what is happening during the therapeutic hour.&#10;E)all of the above.

Accepted Answer

Gestalt therapy emphasizes on the present moment experience of the client and the therapist-client relationship. Therefore, the therapist would be interested in Ruth's awareness of her moment-to-moment experiencing (A), contact with her therapist (B), ability to attribute meaning to what she is thinking, doing, and feeling (C), and reactions to what is happening during the therapeutic hour (D). Therefore, all of the above options are correct.

Question 7

In Gestalt therapy, techniques are best considered as:&#10;A)experiments.&#10;B)strategies created by the therapist.&#10;C)planned exercises to elicit feelings.&#10;D)interventions designed to remove symptoms.&#10;E)ways to get the client past layers of resistance.

Accepted Answer

In Gestalt therapy, techniques are viewed as experiments rather than planned exercises or strategies created by the therapist. The goal of these experiments is to help the client become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the present moment. By engaging in these experiments, the client can gain insight into their patterns of behavior and make changes that promote growth and self-awareness.

Deck 6: Case Approach to Gestalt Therapy