The self-box as an experiment in gestalt-therapy with adolescents

Abstract

The adolescence is a period of intense transformations, self-knowledge and conflicts. This enables a search for psychotherapy embracing adolescents. The aim of this paper is to understand the experimental use of self-box in Gestalt-Therapy with adolescents. The methodological approach of the study is qualitative, with a focus on a bibliographic research that survey previous publications on the subject. For a successful clinical practice in Gestalt Therapy, the paper points out as crucial the use of experiments that promote the establishment of the therapeutic relationship, interest in the treatment, willingness to address painful experiences, and the loosening of resistances. The self-box invites the adolescent to select objects that portray their most meaningful experiences and to organize such objects in a box. In this sense, the use of self-box as an experiment in Gestalt clinic allows adolescents to recover facts about their childhood, to understand their family, to perceive their attitudes, to get in touch with their feelings and their emotions, to provide new insights and reflections on their existence, among others. It is important to carry out studies and investigations that bring new contributions to the clinical practice in Gestalt-Therapy with adolescents, providing an opportunity to share professional experiences and theoretical reflections.