1 Five major channels of resistance at Gestalt therapy

Gestalt therapy is mainly concerned experiencing, awareness and bringing unfinished business from the past into the present. Resistance to contact is a common concept in Gestalt therapy where patients develop defenses that prevent them from experiencing the present entirely. The five major channels of resistance include;

• Introjection (we passively incorporate what the environment provides & do not know what we want or need)
• Projection (we disown certain aspects of ourselves by assigning them to the environment; so we put them on others; e.g., see quality in others, we avoid responsibility for who we are)
• Confluence (a blurring of the differentiation between the self and the environment; e.g., high need to be accepted & liked)
• Retroflection (is turning back to ourselves what we would like someone else do to us; e.g., lash out & injure self because fearful of directing toward others)
• Deflection (distracting so that it’s hard to maintain a sustained sense of contact

2 Gestalt perspective and Christianity

For a long time, psychology and Christianity have had a conflicting relationship.  Although there are some instances where Christian counselors adopt psychological theories in their work, most are the time where the two disciplines are at conflict. Gestalt therapy, for example, argues that people are integrated beings. This is according to the biblical teachings where we are a complex blend of many interrelated parts that include soul, heart, mind and strength. Gestalt therapy is also aware of the role environment plays in defining human beings which are also biblical.

On the other hand, there are instances where Gestalt perspective contradicts with Christianity and biblical teachings. For example, therapists argue that freedom is an accurate reflection of who we are. This is against Christianity since Christians believe that freedom is found in Holy Spirit. There is an emphasis on us being faithful to God rather than believing in the earthly freedom that is sinful.

3 The limitations and criticisms of behavior therapy

Behavior therapy is mainly concerned with the present behavior change. Although it has been widely used, the therapy has several limitation and critics as illustrated below;

• Behavior therapy may change habits, but it does not alter feelings
• Behavior therapy ignores the important relational factors in therapy
• Behavior therapy does not provide insight
• Behavior therapy treats symptoms rather than causes
• Behavior therapy involves control &manipulation by therapist

To sum it up, one may also argue that behavior therapy merely treats the symptoms of the client’s problem. The therapy fails to give an explanation as to why change is needed, and the cause of the client’s problem is largely ignored.

4 Behavior therapy and Christianity

Behavior therapy is substantially used in the modern psychology. However, there has been contrasting information regarding the therapy and Christian’s point of view. For instance, behavior therapists argue that our actions define what we are. This is biblically acceptable since the Bible reminds Christians of the importance of guiding their thoughts.  The Bible asserts that Satan is the father of all lies and also beliefs affect Christian minds.

On the other hand, there are instances where behavior therapists conflict with Christianity. For example, they argue that human nature is inaccurate. The theory is based on naturalism and fails to recognize God as the creator. Christians believe that Holy Spirit offers guidance in making good behavior while behavioral therapists believe in the self-evaluation.

Reference

Corey, G. (2013). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. Belmont, Calif.: Wadsworth.

 
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