Implementation of a study group in Gestalt therapy – experience report

Abstract

The present proposal aims to present an oral experience report on the development and implementation of a study group in Gestalt therapy, in the interior of the state of Mato Grosso.

To better understand the sociocultural reality of the municipality where the study group is taking place, I believe it's important to note that the state of Mato Grosso's main economic source is agribusiness, which influences the lifestyles of its residents. Furthermore, the city I'm referring to has an estimated population of 112,547 in 2024, according to the IBGE (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics). Among the higher education institutions in the municipality, two offer private psychology programs.

The study group began in January 2025 with two psychologists, both with clinical experience, one already a Gestalt therapist and the other interested in the approach. It should be noted that the Gestalt therapist, at the time she conceived the study group, was working as a professor at one of the city's higher education institutions, teaching Theories in Psychology – Existential Humanistic and supervising the clinical internship in psychology, using the humanistic approach.

The study group's target audience is psychology professionals and students. Meetings are fluid, depending on the reading cycle, with no pre-established frequency or duration. The same occurs in person, with theoretical discussions on previously selected literature and practical experiences related to the literature. This is why the study group was named "Gestalt Coexistences."

The goal of the professionals who created this group is to expand knowledge about Gestalt therapy theory and also to make this approach more widely known in the region, given that few professionals in the municipality have knowledge of Gestalt therapy. Therefore, the group was conceived as an alternative for disseminating knowledge and opportunities for action within this approach, in addition to strengthening professional ties.

During study group meetings, contemporary issues, the personal concerns of each participant, and the demands they face in their clinical work are discussed.

Therefore, I present this proposal for a work presentation, in the form of an oral presentation, so that this experience of implementing a study group can be shared with other Gestalt therapists who are considering implementing a study group in their region. This creates a space for discussion and exchange of experiences, thereby strengthening Gestalt therapy as a theoretical and practical approach to psychology in various regions of Brazil, including in areas far from major cities.