Chapter 8

Question 1

Name one or more prominent figures that subscribed to the Gestalt therapeutic approach.

Answer 1

Fritz Perls
Laura Perls
Erving Polster
Miriam Polster

Question 2

Name two to three basic tenants of the theory.

Answer 2

Phenomenological inquiry: This involves putting aside our own internal biases and exploring the client’s subjective experience. The therapist teaches the client to describe their experience rather than to explain it.

Holism: The belief that the client is composed of many parts including thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, spirituality, and behaviors.

Environmental Support: The therapist helps the client to regain health through raising the client’s awareness of their environment.

Question 3

Name an art therapist that subscribed to this theory.

Answer 3

Violet Oaklander

Question 4

Describe a technique used in Gestalt therapy.

Answer 4

Empty chair technique: This involves the client pretending that they are talking to a person. The client expresses feelings and thoughts to the imaginary person.

Question 5

Describe an art intervention that adheres to this theory.

Answer 5

After engaging in the empty chair technique, the client is asked to express their experience using paint and paper. After the person has completed the art piece, a reflection on feelings, thoughts, physical sensations, behavior, and spirituality is discussed.