The Power of Gestalt Therapy - Introflection

On a continuum beginning with feelings and ending with behaviour, Gestalt is all about feelings and more feelings. This does not sit right with me. Being more of a cognitive-behaviourist, I do see feelings as important but they are definitely not the be all and end all of therapy.

According to Perlz, there are multiple ways in which we avoid contact with the environment. Behaviours that we have developed over the years to protect us from harm, hurt and whatnots. Or as Perlz would say, boundary disturbances.

For my assignment, we're working on 5 of the most common boundary disturbances that people face. And of course, damn this school, we're "encouraged" to work through our own shit before trying to help others. So here goes...

Introflection, for example, is when we take in what other people say/think without processing if the information rings true for us. It isn't difficult to see how this would protect us from being hurt. Especially when we're trying to learn something new or trying to please peers or authoritative figures or simply trying to fit in. In short, when we find ourselves in situations that are unfamilliar.

Trust the process - school, instructor, Kate
You "should" have money, want a conventional career, lead a "normal" life - my family and friends in Malaysia

Ok, dude...I'm sorry but this is getting to be a bit too personal and it doesn't feel comfortable anymore. Thought I could do this here without breaking a sweat but apparently something is coming up. Switch to journal mode..beep..beep...beeeeeeeeeeeeeep...

Anyways, thought I'd leave you with something to ponder and maybe reflect for yourself.

With introflection, you might sometimes be saying something but there's a nagging feeling in your body somewhere that's saying that you don't TRULY buy into it. That it doesn't sound like your own voice saying these things. Whose voice is it? Do you ever stop and think, " I sounded just like my mother for a moment right there."

Introflection might also come in the form of "internal shoulds" where you should yourself all the time. Unconsciously saying that you're not doing things right and beating yourself up quietly with this internal self-talk. The whole idea Gestalt is that all your problems will somehow manifest in your body one way or another. Aches, pains - the root of all psychosomatic symptoms.

The introjected voice could be talking about attitudes, beliefs, rules etc...anything pretty much. Anything that doesn't truly sit well with you. That you don't connect with even as you're speaking the words...

Now off you go, beautiful people. Reflect on yourself. Let me know if something profound comes up for you. Let's discuss it.

PS - It's introjection NOT introflection...doh..tsk tsk...so much for being a good therapist if I can't even remember the right word...