Publication Date

2017

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Study Type

Qualitative

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School for Social Work

Keywords

Gestalt therapy, Gender identity, Psychotherapist and patient, Therapeutic alliance, Anti-oppressive practice, Gender

Abstract

This study seeks to explore How does Gestalt therapy training influence therapists in navigating clinical encounters involving gender identity? Gestalt therapists’ responses noted the importance of authenticity, contact, ability to question biases, self-examination, personal responsibility, and the therapist’s sense of their own gender identity privilege and oppression. Gestalt therapy is contrasted with anti-oppressive practice principles, in which there are congruent philosophies between Gestalt therapy and anti-oppressive practice principles. Participants’ and this author’s recommendations for future research include further research on the efficacy of Gestalt therapy training in working with varying identities, as well as gathering perspectives from people of marginalized identities to share their experiences of therapy from Gestalt-trained therapists. Study limitations included this researcher being a white, cisgender, class privileged, able-bodied male, and most participants were white and cisgender men and women therapists with privilege to attend Gestalt institutes. Clients’ perspectives were not available for this study.

Language

English

Comments

v, 72 pages. Includes bibliographical references (pages 53-57)

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