Gestalt therapy

Have you ever felt like a part of you was missing, but you couldn’t explain why? Maybe you’re doing all the “right” things, but something still feels off. You smile, show up, get things done… but inside, you feel a little disconnected.

That’s where Gestalt therapy comes in. It’s a gentle and powerful way to bring you back to yourself; your thoughts, your feelings, your body, and the present moment.

Instead of digging deep into the past or only talking about problems, Gestalt therapy helps you understand what’s happening right now. It teaches you to notice your emotions, listen to your body, and gently reconnect with the parts of you that might feel lost or hidden.

Let’s explore what this kind of therapy looks like, how it works, and why it might be exactly what you’ve been needing.

What is gestalt therapy?

In Gestalt therapy, your feelings, thoughts, and body are all connected. A therapist helps you notice what you feel inside and point it out as it’s happening. You learn to name your feelings, like saying “I feel sad” or “I feel excited” to understand yourself better. It’s like looking at yourself in a mirror, but inside your mind.

Why it matters

Sometimes, your brain or heart might hide big feelings, like sadness, worry, or fear. Gestalt therapy helps you bring those feelings out gently. When you notice them, you can decide what to do next. It’s like shining a light on something hidden so you can choose how to feel better.

What happens in a session?

In a session, your therapist might ask you how you feel in the moment. You might talk about your day or about dreams you had. The therapist may suggest an exercise, like noticing how your body feels when you say a hard word or move in a certain way.

For example, if you talk about being angry, the therapist may ask you to show with your hands or your face what anger feels like.

This helps you and your therapist understand what’s happening in your body and mind together.

Common Gestalt Activities

Therapists use playful exercises to help you notice your feelings:

• Empty Chair: You talk to an empty chair like it’s a person in your life. You might say things to hurt, heal, or understand a person who isn’t here.
• Guided Movement: You gently move your arms or stand up to see how your body reacts to different feelings or words.
• Here-and-Now Talk: You speak about what’s happening right now. You might say how the chair feels, how your chest feels, or how your thoughts are coming and going.

Who Can Benefit From It

Gestalt therapy is helpful if it’s hard for you to know or say what you feel. It helps when you feel stuck, not good enough, or like something inside you is missing. It can help with sadness, anxiety, relationship problems, or times when life feels confusing.

You don’t need a big problem to try it, you just need a wish to feel more whole and awake in your life.

How It Works Over Time

As you notice more of your thoughts, feelings, and body signals, you begin to feel more complete and alive. You learn to name your feelings as they come. You notice your body’s signals, like your knees tighten, your breath changes, and you learn what they mean. You practice choosing what to do with your feelings, instead of feeling stuck inside them.

Everyday Ways to Try It

You don’t need a session to practice Gestalt awareness. Try these simple steps each day:

• Check Your Body: Pause and notice how your body feels. Do your shoulders feel tight? Does your tummy feel empty or full?
• Name a Feeling: Think, “Right now, I feel…” and try to name it: sad, anxious, excited, calm, or confused.
• Move Gently: Tilt your head, stretch your arms, or wiggle a shoulder and notice what happens inside.
• Speak Out Loud: Say what you notice. For example, “I feel nervous and my heart is beating fast.” Then pause. Notice what changes after speaking.

How Meela Supports Your Journey

At Meela, you can choose a therapist who is trained in Gestalt therapy. You can have sessions in person or online, whichever feels best for you. Meela lets you read therapist profiles, check their experience, and find someone who cares about your comfort and growth. You’ll also get helpful resources to use between sessions, so you can keep practising these skills at home.

Gestalt therapy meets you where you are. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just need the willingness to learn about yourself, one moment at a time.