Gestalt

Gestalt is this beautiful psychological theory, which in essence talks of how humans seek the meaning of life as a 'unified whole'.  A common phrase from Gestalt is the whole is different from the sum of it's parts.

This is a picture many may be familiar with....see what you see :)

                                  

Core concepts of Gestalt are 'awareness' and 'choice'. Life is a series of choices, and the more awareness with which those choices are made, the more integrated and aligned one is. 

All humans have the potential to be aware of their deeper emotions, thoughts, sensations and perceptions. And to make changes in ourselves and our lives, we need to develop a freedom to choose new ways of feeling, thinking and doing. Such change can only be brought about by our awareness of our current (and perhaps habitual) ways of being. This awareness in itself can bring about spontaneous change.

It's a very 'here and now' kind of process, and it uses anecdotes and stories to build that awareness.....enable insights and aha's and through the process one may experience a catharsis, and 'aha' moments......followed by an amazing feeling of getting in touch with his or her real self, (the self as opposed to the self-image) This is said to enable whats called the "mini-Satori" a peak experience which is essentially mystical in nature. I can personally vouch for this :)

While the theory is super abstract, the experience is intense.... and the pictures are fun

                                       

This is one of my favorites...it's titled 'my wife and my mother in law'
                           

                            

The pictures have two entirely separate visuals...and how we view it is said to represent how we view the world ...a gestalt therapist would be able to say more, this is but a peek :)