Therapists use a variety of approaches when dealing with their patients. Each theoretical approach is well suited for diverse types, situations, needs, and patients. Gestalt theory focusses on the mind's perspective processes by helping clients stand aside from their normal way of thinking to tell the variation between what is felt and professed in that situation and what is residue from past experiences. On the other hand, Adlerian theorists believe in people's vital creative authority and their will to choose and transform their course in life. Psychologists using this approach will emphasize an individual's role and contribution to society. The differences and similarities of the two approaches will be discussed below.
The comparisons and contrasts of the two approaches can be seen through how therapists view their client's problems. Both the Gestalt and the Adlerian approaches look at a client as a whole individual whose feelings, thoughts, body sensations, and behaviors affect their total integration and interaction with the environment ( Alfred Adler n.d; Yontef, & Jacobs, 2008 ). The difference between the two approaches is that while Gestalt psychologists try to integrate clients to the environment as a whole, Adlerians focus on the social context where mistakes in logic and perception are believed to affect an individual's social relationships ( Alfred Adler n.d; Yontef, & Jacobs, 2008 ).
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When looking at treatment goals, the significant difference between the two approaches is that the Adlerian theory tries to determine the early causes of self-defeating and unhealthy life goals ( Alfred Adler n.d ). This is done to re-orient clients to healthier lifestyles. The Gestalt theory focuses on helping clients gain awareness of moment-moment experiences. Here clients can challenge them to help them accept their role and responsibility in affecting their life ( Yontef, & Jacobs, 2008 ). Clients thus learn to depend on themselves rather than depending on external support.
When looking at the process of therapy, the main difference between the two approaches is seen when Gestalt theory looks into enabling clients to work through their unfinished business from the past that impacts their view of themselves ( Yontef, & Jacobs, 2008 ). In contrast, the Adlerian approach focuses on psychologists' help by addressing the complete human experience ( Alfred Adler n.d ). Psychologists will look into both pathological and optimal experiences to restore a feeling of community as a goal for mental health among patients.
References
Alfred Adler. (n.d). Alfred Adler; Theory and application. https://alfredadler.edu/about/alfred-adler-theory-application
Yontef, G., & Jacobs, L. (2008). Gestalt therapy. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283407833_Gestalt_therapy
