This article has been written in the light of 13 years of Gestalt therapy sessions and ongoing Gestalt therapy education.

Ethics is one of the most important issues in Gestalt sessions and life…

Ethics in gestalt therapy

Ethics are an essential aspect of any therapeutic approach, including gestalt therapy. Here are some key ethical considerations in gestalt therapy:

1. Confidentiality: Gestalt therapists are required to keep all information shared by their clients confidential, except in cases where the client poses a danger to themselves or others.
2. Respect for autonomy: Gestalt therapists recognize their clients’ right to make decisions for themselves and respect their autonomy. They avoid imposing their own values, beliefs, or agendas on clients.
3. Informed consent: Gestalt therapists must inform clients about the nature of the therapy, the potential risks and benefits, and the therapist’s qualifications and credentials. Clients have the right to ask questions and decide whether or not to proceed with therapy.
4. Professionalism: Gestalt therapists must adhere to professional standards and guidelines set forth by their professional organizations. They must also maintain appropriate boundaries with clients, including refraining from engaging in any sexual or romantic relationships with them.
5. Cultural sensitivity: Gestalt therapists must be aware of and sensitive to cultural differences and how they may affect the therapeutic relationship. They must avoid stereotyping or making assumptions about clients based on their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or other cultural factors.
6. Competence: Gestalt therapists must possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and training to effectively treat their clients. They must also engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with the latest research and best practices in their field.

Overall, ethical considerations are crucial to the success of gestalt therapy and to ensuring that clients receive the highest quality care possible.

Ethical approach to belongings from the gestalt point of view

In gestalt therapy, there is an ethical approach to belongings that emphasizes the importance of respecting clients’ autonomy and personal boundaries.

From a gestalt perspective, belongings are “an extension of the self“, and therefore, it is essential to honor and respect clients’ attachment to their possessions. Gestalt therapists aim to create a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their relationship with their belongings and any underlying emotional issues that may be present.

In addition, gestalt therapists encourage clients to take responsibility for their belongings and the impact they may have on others. This means acknowledging the ways in which possessions can affect relationships and taking steps to address any conflicts or issues that may arise.

At the same time, gestalt therapists recognize that possessions can also serve as a source of comfort, security, and self-expression for clients. Therefore, they work with clients to identify and explore the meaning behind their belongings and how they may be used to enhance their sense of self and well-being.

Overall, the ethical approach to belongings in gestalt therapy emphasizes respect, autonomy, and responsibility while recognizing the importance of possessions as an extension of the self.

Belongings as an extension of the self

In gestalt therapy, the concept of “belongings as an extension of the self” means that the items we own are not just physical objects, but they also carry emotional and psychological significance for us. This can be seen in the way we attach meaning, memories, and emotions to our possessions, which in turn shape our identity and sense of self.

For example, imagine a client who is attached to a piece of jewelry that was handed down from their grandmother. This piece of jewelry may have sentimental value to the client, as it reminds them of their grandmother and the love they shared. It may also represent a sense of family history and tradition, which is important to the client’s identity.

In gestalt therapy, the therapist would work with the client to explore the meaning behind this piece of jewelry and how it relates to the client’s sense of self. They may ask questions such as:

• How does this piece of jewelry make you feel?
• What memories or associations do you have with this item?
• What does it represent to you?
• How does it relate to your family or cultural background?

Through this exploration, the therapist and client can gain a deeper understanding of the emotional significance of the item and how it is connected to the client’s identity and sense of self.

Overall, the concept of “belongings as an extension of the self” highlights the emotional and psychological significance that possessions can hold for us and how they can shape our sense of identity and self.

Personal ethics and world ethics  from a gestalt therapy perspective

From a gestalt therapy perspective, personal ethics and world ethics are interconnected, and one’s personal ethics can have an impact on the wider world.

Personal ethics refer to an individual’s beliefs and values about what is right and wrong, and how they should behave in various situations. These beliefs and values are shaped by a variety of factors, including cultural and societal norms, personal experiences, and individual beliefs.

World ethics, on the other hand, refer to the broader set of ethical principles and values that guide behavior at a global level. These may include principles such as respect for human rights, environmental sustainability, and social justice.

From a gestalt perspective, personal ethics and world ethics are not separate, but are interconnected and can have an impact on one another. For example, an individual who values environmental sustainability may make choices in their personal life, such as reducing their carbon footprint or advocating for environmental policies, that contribute to a more ethical world.

Similarly, an individual who values social justice may take actions in their personal life, such as volunteering or supporting organizations that promote social justice, that contribute to a more ethical world.

Overall, the connection between personal ethics and world ethics highlights the importance of recognizing the impact that our individual choices and actions can have on the wider world, and the role that each of us can play in contributing to a more ethical and just society.

Impact of ethical living on our psychology

ethical living can have a significant impact on our psychology. From a psychological perspective, ethical behavior can promote a sense of well-being, self-esteem, and social connection, while unethical behavior can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and disconnection from others.

Living ethically involves making choices and behaving in ways that align with our values and principles, and that are consistent with societal and cultural norms. These choices can have a positive impact on our mental health and well-being by promoting a sense of purpose, meaning, and social connection. For example, engaging in volunteer work, donating to charity, or supporting social causes can promote a sense of social connection and contribute to a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

On the other hand, unethical behavior can have a negative impact on our psychology by leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and disconnection from others. For example, engaging in behaviors that are harmful to others, such as lying, cheating, or stealing, can lead to feelings of guilt and shame, and can damage relationships with others.

Overall, ethical living can promote positive psychological outcomes by promoting a sense of purpose, meaning, and social connection, while unethical behavior can have negative impacts on our psychology by leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and disconnection from others.

Making choices that do not align with our personal values

From a Gestalt perspective, making choices that do not align with our personal values can create a sense of inner conflict and tension within ourselves. This inner conflict can lead to feelings of anxiety, guilt, and shame, as well as a sense of disconnection from ourselves and others.

When we make choices that are in alignment with societal and cultural norms but not our personal values, we may feel pressured to conform to external expectations, rather than following our own inner guidance. This can result in a sense of inner dissonance, where our inner truth is at odds with the external world. This can lead to a lack of fulfillment, a sense of dissatisfaction, and a disconnection from our true selves.

A lived example of this might be a person who values environmental sustainability but works for a company that engages in practices that are harmful to the environment. Even though their actions may be in alignment with societal and cultural norms (i.e. working a job and contributing to the economy), they may feel an inner conflict and tension because their actions are not in alignment with their personal values.

Another example might be a person who values social justice but engages in behaviors that perpetuate systemic inequalities, such as making racist or sexist jokes. Even though their actions may be considered acceptable within certain societal and cultural norms, they may feel a sense of guilt or shame because their actions do not align with their personal values.

Overall, making choices that do not align with our personal values can create inner conflict and tension, leading to feelings of anxiety, guilt, and shame, as well as a sense of disconnection from ourselves and others.

The impact of an ethical personal choice on humanity

An ethical personal choice can have a positive impact on humanity in several ways. Here are a few examples:

1. Contributing to the greater good: When we make ethical personal choices, such as volunteering or donating to charity, we can have a positive impact on the well-being of others. For example, a person who volunteers at a soup kitchen is making an ethical choice that contributes to the greater good of their community by helping to address hunger and poverty.
2. Promoting social justice: Ethical personal choices can also promote social justice by challenging systemic inequalities and advocating for the rights of marginalized groups. For example, a person who speaks out against discrimination or supports organizations that promote racial or gender equality is making an ethical choice that can help to create a more just and equitable society.
3. Protecting the environment: Ethical personal choices can also have a positive impact on the environment, such as reducing our carbon footprint or supporting sustainable practices. For example, a person who chooses to bike or take public transportation instead of driving a car is making an ethical choice that can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote a more sustainable future.
4. Inspiring others: Finally, ethical personal choices can inspire others to make similar choices and create a ripple effect of positive change. For example, a person who chooses to live a minimalist lifestyle and reduce their consumption of material goods may inspire others to do the same, creating a movement toward more sustainable and conscious living.

Perls, Jung, Freud on ethics

Fritz Perls, Carl Jung, and Sigmund Freud, as founders and prominent figures in the field of psychology, each had their own perspectives and ideas about ethics.

Fritz Perls, the founder of Gestalt therapy, believed that ethical behavior stems from living in the present moment and being aware of one’s actions and impact on others. He emphasized the importance of taking responsibility for oneself and one’s choices, and encouraged individuals to live in a way that is authentic and true to themselves.

Carl Jung, the founder of analytical psychology, believed that ethics arise from an individual’s connection to the collective unconscious and the wider world around them. He emphasized the importance of balancing the needs of the individual with the needs of the collective and believed that ethical behavior comes from a sense of connection to something greater than oneself.

Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, had a more complex and nuanced view of ethics. He believed that ethical behavior stems from the development of the superego, which is responsible for regulating moral and ethical behavior. However, he also recognized that individuals may struggle with conflicts between their desires and the demands of society, and that ethical behavior may be shaped by a variety of psychological and social factors.

Overall, each of these figures had their own unique perspective on ethics, but all emphasized the importance of being aware of one’s impact on others and taking responsibility for one’s choices and actions.

Valuable sources written about Ethics:

Nikomakhos’a Etik / Aristo

Ethika / Immanuel Kant

The ethics / Benedict de Spinoza

Evolution and ethics / Thomas Huxley

Ethics for the new millenium / Dalai Lama

The Ethical Life: Fundamental Readings in Ethics and Moral Problems /
Russ Shafer-Landau

İnsan ve değerleri / Ioanna Kuçuradi

The Quest for a Moral Compass: A Global History of Ethics / Kenan Malik