Explain what gestalt therapists mean by “bracketing the therapist’s own impressions” and how this is used in working with clients.

What will be an ideal response?


As the therapist observes the client, the therapist begins to formulate a theory about what is going on with the client that often leads to a diagnostic narrative about the client based on these observations. The therapist also experiences countertransference—the way the client drags the therapist into dealing with his or her own unfinished business. In gestalt therapy, both of these must be “bracketed” and set aside temporarily to keep from forming premature judgments about the client or losing the process and getting disoriented by one’s own issues.

Counseling

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In a consultation, structure and focus are used to confirm what is heard. This occurs in the

a. neutral mode b. approach mode c. transition mode d. none of the above

Counseling

Inpatient treatment for anorexia nervosa typically focuses initially on which of the following?

a. resolving the underlying emotional challenges that contributed to the eating disturbance b. healing interpersonal challenges with the individual’s family and peers c. changing the individual’s eating behavior d. providing skills for relaxation and coping that do not involve disordered eating

Counseling

A distinguishing characteristic of a sound therapeutic alliance is

(a) shared goals created in collaboration with the client. (b) client’s access to an extensive support system. (c) an emphasis on personal growth and spirituality. (d) a clinician who uses caring confrontations.

Counseling

Which one of the following theories was created by Fritz and Laura Perls?

a. Gestalt b. Transactional analysis c. Solution-focused d. Psychodrama

Counseling