There are different directions of psychotherapy. In my work, I mainly practice gestalt therapy, which I have been learning about for the past 14 years. Gestalt therapy (GT) is a set of ideas of individuals with a broad and humane view of man. During the integration of GT into my life, I met (in person and through literature) people who believe that people will be more satisfied and function better in society if we are as self-aware as possible, accept different parts of ourselves and act authentically in relationships with others. Gestalt therapy works on these insights/beliefs.
As a therapist, I want to support the individual in becoming aware of what he is really experiencing and what is the natural way for him to express it or, to explore together where the experience is blocked or stopped. This is usually an important realization for us.
Why is this important?
We often find that the way we act as we are is not "adequate" and we want to change. However, when we try to change ourselves and when others want to change us, a dialogue is created within us, where one part tries to force the other to change, but in reality we have not accepted either of these parts.
The therapist wants to avoid this dialogue and becoming another voice pushing for change. The therapist is an individual who wants to enter into contact with us, as we are at that moment, and encourages awareness of what is. It is only from this acceptance that change can happen that originates within us. By accepting ourselves, we connect different parts of ourselves and inner conflict is reduced.
For example: nowadays we often experience an undefined fear, which we call anxiety or anxiety. With the help of research in therapy, the client and I come to the realization that it is difficult for him to express his needs. The client looks for a connection and remembers how a similar experience or experience was interrupted in the past - e.g. did not express anger to certain people, was not accepted when she was afraid, sadness could be considered shameful...
Based on this, this person can develop a pattern of holding back in similar situations and, in addition, harbors the pent-up pain that usually accompanies the feeling of being unaccepted. All this pent-up energy is felt in the present as anxiety. Anxiety is often excitement - life energy that is blocked or we don't have enough support to express.
Some websites you may be interested in:
The Slovenian Society for Gestalt Therapy: http://www.sloges.si/
The Gestalt Therapy Page: http://www.gestalt.org/
Slovenian umbrella association for psychotherapy: https://www.google.com/search?q=slovenska+krovna+zveza+za+psychotherapy&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8