Integrating Gestalt psychotherapy into social work practice with adult oncology patients

ABSTRACT

This article will provide an examination of Gestalt psychotherapy and its application to adult cancer patients. Gestalt psychotherapy can be utilized as a psychosocial intervention targeted to meet the needs of oncology patients. The following article will examine Gestalt therapy theory and review basic principles to utilize in clinical practice. The authors will highlight the populations to which Gestalt has been applied, and additional case vignettes will demonstrate concrete ways to incorporate this theory into practice with oncology patients.

Keywords:

• Clinical interventions
• Gestalt psychotherapy
• oncology social work

Acknowledgments

The authors express sincerest gratitude to our friend and colleague, Dr. Alison Snow, for her guidance and support throughout the writing and editing of this article. In addition, we acknowledge the exceptional instruction and education provided by The Gestalt Center for Psychotherapy and Training in New York, NY.