Who founded Gestalt Therapy?

Who founded Gestalt Therapy?

• A. Carl Rogers
• B. B. F. Skinner
• C. Fritz Perls
• D. Sigmund Freud

Answer: (C)

Gestalt Therapy originated from Fritz Perls, often with his wife Laura Perls, in the mid-20th century. This approach grew out of European phenomenology and gestalt psychology and emphasizes awareness of the present moment, personal responsibility, and experiencing the whole situation rather than breaking it into parts. Therapists focus on how a person perceives and interacts with their environment in the here and now, aiming to increase contact and reduce unfinished business that blocks growth. This orientation clearly differs from other major traditions: Carl Rogers developed client-centered therapy with its emphasis on unconditional positive regard and self-directed growth; B. F. Skinner is associated with behaviorism and observable actions; Sigmund Freud founded psychoanalysis with a focus on unconscious conflicts and early experiences.

Gestalt Therapy originated from Fritz Perls, often with his wife Laura Perls, in the mid-20th century. This approach grew out of European phenomenology and gestalt psychology and emphasizes awareness of the present moment, personal responsibility, and experiencing the whole situation rather than breaking it into parts. Therapists focus on how a person perceives and interacts with their environment in the here and now, aiming to increase contact and reduce unfinished business that blocks growth. This orientation clearly differs from other major traditions: Carl Rogers developed client-centered therapy with its emphasis on unconditional positive regard and self-directed growth; B. F. Skinner is associated with behaviorism and observable actions; Sigmund Freud founded psychoanalysis with a focus on unconscious conflicts and early experiences.