Gestalt therapy’s contribution to social work guidance
Gestalt therapy’s contribution to social work guidance

Summary/Abstract: Introduction: The article briefly explains the most important features of Gestalt therapy and the principles underlying Gestalt therapy. It will also discuss a study involving patients who have undergone treatment for breast cancer and who have experienced symptoms of post-COVID syndrome. Material and methods: The research is being carried out in Italy and Poland in several centres focused on helping women suffering from breast cancer and its consequences, as well as on helping families. The aim is to investigate how social workers acting as Gestalt therapists can support patients. Two hundred women aged between 40 and 60 took part in the study. The study uses a qualitative approach in the form of semi-structured interviews. Results: Based on the results of the research thus far, it can be concluded that patients treated for breast cancer with symptoms of post-COVID syndrome expect honesty, authenticity, reciprocity, tolerance, a non-judgmental attitude, responsibility and empowerment from social workers. Through human, honest and equal relationships, as well as through acceptance and understanding, the respondents gain confidence and thus achieve the conditions for change. As the respondents themselves have stated, such relationships foster awareness and responsibility. In addition, patients have reported that they would have appreciated the guidance of social workers during and after treatment in the form of Gestalt therapy. Patients have subjectively experienced alleviation of some of the symptoms of post-COVID syndrome, including moodiness, depression, nervousness, enhanced stress reactions and sleep problems. Various exercises under the guidance of a social worker acting as a Gestalt therapist induce a feeling of physical and psychological relaxation in the patients, which also improves their sleep patterns. Conclusion: For further similar research, it is necessary to apply and develop a client-oriented model of guidance in social work based on humanistic and existential values, and the therapeutic aspects of social work. Furthermore, it is necessary to adapt training programmes for social workers, which should be supported by Gestalt therapy professionals. One way to implement such a model could be to apply the principles of Gestalt therapy to the practice of guidance in social work.

• Details
• Contents