Who is the founder of Gestalt therapy?

The founder of Gestalt therapy is Fritz Perls. This therapeutic approach emerged in the 1940s and 1950s, largely influenced by the work of Perls, who emphasized the importance of awareness, personal responsibility, and the here-and-now experience. Gestalt therapy focuses on the individual’s experience in the present moment and recognizes the significance of the interpersonal relationship between the therapist and the client. This approach encourages clients to become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors as they occur, fostering a more authentic experience and promoting personal growth.

Fritz Perls, along with his wife Laura Perls, developed this method as a reaction against some of the traditional methodologies of psychotherapy, integrating concepts from existential philosophy, phenomenology, and field theory into the therapeutic process.

In contrast, the other figures mentioned have made significant contributions to psychology but are not associated with the development of Gestalt therapy. Carl Rogers is known for person-centered therapy, Sigmund Freud is recognized for psychoanalysis, and Albert Ellis is the founder of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). Each of these approaches differs significantly from the core principles and practices foundational to Gestalt therapy, underlining the unique contribution of Perls to the field.