Use of Gestalt in Coaching: A Powerful Approach to Transformational Shift
As you know I just come alive by holding SPACE for leaders, teams and Coaches. By SPACE I mean one that has Safety, Presence, Awareness, Choices and Empathy.
I recently had the privilege of introducing the principles of Gestalt to a group of ICF Toronto coaches from diverse backgrounds. The experience was truly enriching, and I'm excited to share some key takeaways with you.
Gestalt, a German word meaning "whole," is a holistic approach to coaching that focuses on the present moment. It's about exploring the client's entire being, including their thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations, to facilitate transformational growth.
To bring Gestalt alive for the coaches, I used picture cards to illustrate key concepts, such as the importance of the "here and now" and the interconnectedness of the individual's various aspects. The design was fluid, incorporating metaphors to explain VAKOG (Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic, Olfactory, and Gustatory) and sensory wisdom.
One of the most impactful aspect that I find anout this process that it goes way beyond the surface level. It was the "whole" exercise, where coaches were asked to consider the client's entire being, including their strengths, weaknesses, hopes, and fears. This helped them understand the importance of maintaining presence to the whole, rather than just focusing on a specific aspect.
We also explored how Gestalt connects with ICF competencies, such as:
- Maintaining presence
- Offering hypothesis and Raising awareness through powerful Questioning
- Empathetic listening at 4 levels: as I call them listening to the 4Vs - Visual, Vocal, Verbal, and VIBE (Values, Intent, Beliefs, and Energy)
The session ended on a high note, with the coaches singing along to the Gestalt Prayer-
As Fritz Pearl's words guide our way forward as coaches to stay detached to the result and focus on the process and let the person emerge with their own choices, I left them with theirs and they may leave their coachees with theirs...
Here is the prayer
“I do my thing and you do your thing.
I am not in this world to live up to your expectations,
And you are not in this world to live up to mine.
You are you, and I am I, and if by chance we find each other, it’s beautiful.
If not, it can’t be helped.”
(Fritz Perls, 1969)
In conclusion, incorporating Gestalt principles into coaching can lead to profound transformational shifts. By focusing on the whole, being present in the here and now, and exploring the client's entire being, coaches can help their clients achieve deeper insights and lasting growth.
#GestaltCoaching #ICFToronto #TransformationalShift #Coaching #PersonalGrowth
About the Author
Transformational Leadership Coach | Facilitator | Woman Achiever in Entrepreneurship
I am a Transformational Leadership coach and Global Facilitator, enabling professionals to LEAD and thrive. At TPC Leadership, as a Managing Partner, I am celebrating Women Achiever in Entrepreneurship Award 2018-19. I am a Facilitator for Transformational Leadership Coaching ICF ACTP 142 Hours program with 200 plus coaches trained in India and oversees. I like to bring creativity to everything I undertake. I am a poet, podcaster and writer at heart who deeply connects with the Core of others. Being a co Author & Editor to the Books- Coaching Mantras and a Poetic journey called Elephantism and contributor to Emotions and Unfurling my heart. With almost 2 decades of experience, I am passionate about supporting Professionals from all walks of life, from top to bottom.
Having served thousands of leaders from the likes of IIM, Rolls Royce, Kronos etc.. , ICF MCC, a member of global Facilitation community. Being a certified train the trainer from Dale Carnegie & instruction designer. Facilitating various programs for global leaders & their teams. I believe that being a Coach & Facilitator, anyone can lead diverse & inclusive workspace easily & effortlessly to drive results that truly matter. I am on a mission to enable leaders build a coaching & facilitation muscle too.
I find myself as a 'Gardener' who is sowing the seeds of self-belief and removing the weeds of self-doubt, for the plants (the people) and garden (the organization) both may flourish.
Mother to a ten-year-old, I live with a family of seven with two generations who leave no stone unturned to train myself about Life skills daily!
Travelled to parts of all continents- where Fiji & Hawaii are my favourite island destinations Oceania and Americas.
