Children who have sensory integration disorders face many physical, social and emotional challenges. Unusual emotional and behavioural reactions to sensory stimuli are often displayed. These children are referred to professionals including Gestalt play therapists, although formal training in sensory integration is limited to the scope of occupational therapy. Gestalt play therapists routinely utilize sensory rich activities during therapy. This study sought to explore and describe how Gestalt play therapists establish sensory contact with children who have sensory integration disorders. A combined qualitative and quantitative approach was utilized. A questionnaire and semi-structured interviews were used to gain rich descriptive data. Participants felt that the therapeutic process with these children was markedly different than with other children. Participants who were aware of their own sensory difficulties demonstrated an increased ability to accommodate these children in therapy. A need for increased knowledge and/ or training in sensory integration was strongly expressed. / Social Work / M. Diac. (Play Therapy)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar preliminarmente a eficácia do grupo terapêutico de abordagem gestáltica no tratamento do Transtorno Depressivo Recorrente através da avaliação quantitativa dos sintomas depressivos, avaliação da qualidade de vida e adequação social. Foi um estudo aberto, exploratório, prospectivo, em pacientes que se encontravam em tratamento farmacológico para Transtorno Depressivo Recorrente, submetidos a dezesseis sessões de grupo terapêutico. Aplicou--se no início e no fim do tratamento: Entrevista Clínica Estruturada para o DSM-IV: Transtorno do Eixo I, 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey e Escala de Auto-Avaliação de Adequação Social. Sete pacientes terminaram as dezesseis semanas de tratamento. Observou-se melhora clínica em relação aos sintomas depressivos. Em relação à qualidade de vida, apresentaram melhora nos domínios da capacidade funcional; estado geral da saúde; saúde mental e dor. Perceberam-se inadequados em relação à adequação social, porém apresentaram indicadores clínicos de melhora após grupo terapêutico. Resultados sugerem que a participação no grupo terapêutico de abordagem gestáltica pode auxiliar na redução da sintomatologia depressiva, em certos domínios da qualidade de vida e em ganhos clínicos. Estudos com amostras maiores, com grupo controle e com melhor avaliação da adequação social e funcionalidade dos pacientes são necessários / The intention of this study was to make a preliminarily evaluation of the effectiveness of gestalt group therapy in the treatment of major depression through the quantitative assessment of the symptoms of depression and an assessment of quality of life and social functioning. The open study was of an exploratory nature and involved patients who were undergoing pharmacological treatment for major depression and who participated in sixteen gestalt group therapy sessions. The effectiveness of the therapeutic process was assessed by Structured Clinical Interviews at the beginning and at the end of treatment at which were applied the DSM-IV: Disorder Axis I, 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey Scale and Self-Assessment of Social Adequacy. Seven patients completed the sixteen weeks of treatment. A clinical improvement in the depressive symptoms was observed. With regard to quality of life, the patients showed improvement in their physical functioning, general health, mental health and bodily pain. They considered themselves poorly adjusted to society and presented improved clinical indicators after group therapy. The results suggest that participation in gestalt group therapy can help reduce the symptoms of depression, improve some areas of quality of life and demonstrate clinical gains. Further studies with a larger sample, the use of a control group and improved assessment methods of social adequacy and functionality are needed

The purpose of the research was to use life mapping during the intervention period in order to enhance the self-knowledge of the children in their mid-childhood years, in a children’s home. In order to reach this goal, the life mapping- and the gestalt play- therapeutic processes had been combined with, art and creativity included in the process. The study is quantitative and a standardised measuring instrument had been used for the pre-test and posttest, according to the single-system design. The hypothesis was tested by way of statistical analysis, by comparing data obtained from the pre-test and posttest. The child in a children’s home does not always know who he/she is. Because of possible trauma experienced before admission to the children’s home, self-knowledge could not be developed from within or from input obtained out of the social environment. Sometimes, a child in a children’s home, does not know why he/she was admitted. It is necessary for the child to know where he/she came from, where he/she is at present and where is he/she is going. The framework of life mapping integrates these concepts. By compiling a life map, a child obtains self-knowledge. When he/she had formed a perception of who and what he/she is and what he/she wants to achieve, the child can start working on self-fulfillment. With self-knowledge and a good perception of his/her life, the child develops a self concept, which usually contains an element of self-evaluation. The child can start leading an own life, make own choices, take responsibility for his/her own life and becomes independent, notwithstanding the circumstances of origin. The purpose is to bring back balance and a sense of self into the life of the child, which are also the purposes emphasised by both life mapping and gestalt play therapy. The literature study includes both the behaviour and emotions of the child in a children’s home. The influence on the life of the child had been investigated. Objective one was to build on the knowledge base on life mapping and gestalt play therapy processes. The processes were compared and integrated in this study. Life mapping as a concept, is known since the early 20th century, but was not applied in therapy, often. The developmental phase of a child in mid-childhood, in a children’s home had been studied. The developmental tasks in the mid-childhood are varied and is a progression of tasks from the previous phases. The synthesis, according to Erikson, during this phase, is capability. Industry versus inferiority could be seen as the “crisis” of this developmental phase. The child starts having the concept of the true self, versus the ideal self and he/she compares him/herself with others. Objective two was intervention by way of life mapping, together with the gestalt principles. This proved to have been very successful with observing the research results. Aspects of the whole life of every respondent had been included into the life maps. The fact that the life had been looked at in totality is in accordance with the gestalt concept of gestalt therapy. The respondents started owning their own personality traits and began to experiencing their uniqueness. It was thus enhancement of self-knowledge that took place. All the objectives of the study had been reached. The study resulted in an 80 percent significant change in the average self-knowledge of the respondents. / Dissertation (MSD Play Therapy(Social Work))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Social Work and Criminology / unrestricted

Please read the abstract in the section, 00front, of this document / Dissertation (MA(MW))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Social Work and Criminology / unrestricted

The objective of this research was to establish what the influence of gestalt group playtherapy on the self-esteem of primary schoolgirls in a children’s home would be. The goals of the research were to build a knowledge basis by means of a literature study and consultation with experts in the field. The aim of this knowledge basis was the needs and developmental characteristics of the middle childhood years, the characteristics and problems encountered by the children’s home child, to assess by means of an empirical study what the influence of gestalt group playtherapy on the self-esteem of the child in the middle childhood years in a children’s home would be and the nature and scope of gestalt therapy. The study also had the further aim to make recommendations for the use and appropriate application of social workers working in the field of children’s welfare, especially the children’s home. For the empirical study the dominant-less-dominant model was used. The dominant data collection measure that was used, was of the quantitative kind with a small component of qualitative study to support the last mentioned quantitative investigation. Six respondents were identified and engaged in eight group playtherapeutic sessions. Applied research was used as the researcher aimed to find a solution for the problem of low self-esteem in specific children, namely the primary school child in the children’s home. The research resorted under the sub-category of intervention-knowledge-development. This type of research focuses on the practical application of research. The research design that researcher utilized, was the quasi-experimental design where one group pretest-posttest was being used. This design is useful to assess how an independent variable would influence a specific group. The data collection methods used were questionnaires, unstructured observation and the study of respondent’s case records. Empirical data results indicated the following: - the child in a children’s home has weak self-esteem; - the child in a children’s home has problems binding with the peer group; - respondents could already identify and regulate emotions in themselves and understand that emotions are not always correctly observed and interpreted in others; - respondent were very negative towards the children’s home and their committal to the home; - gestalt group playtherapy has a significant influence on the self-esteem of the above mentioned child. The research lead to specific recommendations addressed to parents, teachers, social workers and housemothers aiding them regarding the improvement of a child’s self-esteem. / Dissertation (MSD (Play Therapy))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Social Work and Criminology / unrestricted

Made available in DSpace on 2017-06-01T18:08:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Patricia Gomes.pdf: 269827 bytes, checksum: f3abf72c3aa162638a4b9954b9a2d539 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2001-02-22 / This paper researches on the possible reasons which made the Gestalt-therapy show a fragile approach image, with no theoretical basis, and therefore easier to be dealt with since it wouldn´t demand a deep knowledge from the professional Gestalt-therapist. The author, here defining herself as heiress to this approach, rescues the Gestalt-therapy´s origin and concepts pointing out to the importance of its founders, Fritz and Laura Perls . She considers their beliefs, myths and personal values as well as their direct or indirect influence on the Gestalt-therapy´s destiny. This study, wich focus on the Gestalt-therapy very beginning, aims to clearly understand the social-cultural aspect and its demands, with the purpose of analysing the Gestalt-therapy and its concepts in a much broader context that makes it meaningful. This research is made up of interviews with three current Brazilian Gestalttherapists, who are also considered heirs, hence this autor´s brothers. The main goal for interviewing those therapists was not only to analyse their individual comprehension about Gestalt-therapy itself as theory but also to have their own opinion about the possible causes for today´s superficial approach of this therapy. This study highlits that a Gestalt-therapist needs theoretical and practical pillars that reveal and consider not only the influence undertaken by such a light Gestalttherapy approach but also that clarifies the concepts which this therapy makes use of. It is still paramount that one distinguishes between what Gestalt-therapy actually is from something that merely makes up its father s (Fritz Perls) way of being / Este trabalho investiga e discute as possíveis razões que levaram a Gestalt-terapia a ter a imagem de uma abordagem frágil, sem consistência teórica e, portanto, mais fácil de ser exercida, vez que não exigiria do profissional uma capacitação teórica ou a necessidade de estudos mais aprofundados. A autora, definindo-se como herdeira desta abordagem, resgata sua origem e concepção, apontando a importância dos pais, Fritz e Laura Perls, considerando suas crenças, mitos e valores pessoais e a influência, direta ou indireta, destes nos seus legados. Tal busca, referendada e constituída junto ao contexto da época da criação da Gestalt-terapia, objetiva compreender o cenário social e cultural e suas respectivas exigências, com vistas a inserí-la e aos seus conceitos num panorama maior que lhes conceda sentido. A pesquisa contou com entrevistas de três gestalt- terapeutas brasileiros da atualidade, considerados também herdeiros, e, por esta referência, irmãos da autora. Seus depoimentos foram registrados, tendo-se o intuito de, com esse diálogo, observar a compreensão que têm da Gestalt-terapia enquanto corpo teórico, como também suas percepções sobre as possíveis causas para a mal-dição desta abordagem, qual seja sua carência de fundamentação teórica. O estudo aponta ser necessário à formação do gestalt- terapeuta um referencial teórico-prático que revele e considere as influências sofridas pela abordagem, e explicite os construtos e conceitos por ela utilizados. É ainda de fundamental importância que se faça a distinção do que é a Gestalt-terapia daquilo que se constitui como o jeito de ser do seu pai, Fritz Perls

Made available in DSpace on 2017-06-01T18:08:58Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 livia_moura_grizzi.pdf: 1021039 bytes, checksum: 9ce28ddfd64216a4c14f32ae1f947faa (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-06-05 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The present study has as main purpose to understand the place of nonverbal communication on clinical experience of gestalt therapists of couples and families. Through the theoretical contextualization about the Gestalt Therapy of Couple and Family and nonverbal communication in gestalt approach, it was intended to build a "backdrop" for the contact with the phenomenon questioned in the survey. The access to the experience of the gestalt therapists participants was possible through their narratives, according to the concept of narrative of Walter Benjamin. These narratives were constructed and harvested in the encounter with the researcher and, later, analysed at the light of the Analítica do Sentido - methodological proposal of realization of the real, phenomenological orientation, developed by Dulce Critelli. Therefore, to achieve the objective of this work was carried out a field research, qualitative in nature and phenomenological slant. In General, it was considered that nonverbal communication in Gestalt Therapy of couple and family has an essential importance, since this mode of communication is part in the therapeutic field. In addition, it was contemplated that people usually have no conscience of this communication and, as the Gestalt Therapy works with and for the awareness, addressing the nonverbal proved crucial. However, the theme has proved of enormous theoretical shortage, and that is in this paradox that highlights the relevance and need for attention. / O presente estudo tem como proposta principal compreender qual o lugar da comunicação não verbal na experiência clínica de gestalt-terapeutas de casais e famílias. Através da contextualização teórica sobre a Gestalt-terapia de Casal e Família e da comunicação não verbal na abordagem gestáltica, pretendeu-se construir um pano de fundo para o contato com o fenômeno interrogado na pesquisa realizada. O acesso à experiência dos gestalt-terapeutas participantes foi possível através de suas narrativas, segundo o conceito de narrativa de Walter Benjamim. Essas narrativas foram construídas e colhidas no encontro com a pesquisadora e, posteriormente, analisadas à luz da Analítica do Sentido - proposta metodológica de realização do real, de orientação fenomenológica, desenvolvida por Dulce Critelli. Logo, para o alcance do objetivo deste trabalho, foi realizada uma pesquisa de campo, de natureza qualitativa e cunho fenomenológico. De forma geral, considerou-se que a comunicação não verbal na Gestalt-terapia de Casal e Família tem uma importância essencial, visto que esse modo de comunicação é parte no campo terapêutico. Além disso, foi contemplado que as pessoas, geralmente, não têm consciência dessa comunicação, e, como a Gestalt-terapia trabalha com e para a awareness, abordar o não verbal mostrou-se fundamental. No entanto, o tema revelou-se de enorme escassez teórica, e é nesse paradoxo que se destaca a sua relevância e necessidade de atenção.

Text in Afrikaans / Divorce is a prominent phenomenon that affects thousands of children in South Africa. The point of departure for this research is that children in divorce situations require therapeutic guidance in order to manage their experience of loss. The research problem formulated was concerned with the lack of guidelines for Gestalt play therapists to address those losses experienced by children during the latency period. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to provide a guideline in order to ensure a meaningful therapeutic experience for children in the latency period. In order to reach this goal, the research process was guided by qualitative research. Triangulation was used as a data collection technique, in order to achieve this goal of investigating children who experience loss and behavioural responses. The value and suitability of Gestalt therapy during the therapeutic management process was examined. Stemming from the process and integration of results obtained in the empirical investigation, guidelines consisting of six diverse phases were developed and explicated. The goal of the research was therefor achieved with the application of: A guideline for Gestalt play therapists in addressing loss through divorce in children in the latency period. / Social work / M. Diac. (Spelterapie)

In Suid-Afrika word kinders dikwels opgeneem in die Intensiewesorgeenheid na 'n traumatiese gebeurtenis. Die Kerk het die opdrag om vir hierdie kinders te sorg en wel in die vorm van pastoraat. In die praktyk ontvang kinders egter nie altyd die sorg waarop hulle geregtig is nie. Een van die faktore waarom dit nie altyd gebeur nie, is omdat daar gebruik gemaak word van 'n intervensie metode wat steun op verbale kommuniekasievaardighede. Die ses stappe van intervensienavorsing is gebruik om 'n pastorale praktykmodel in die vorm van 'n kursus te ontwikkel. Die aanvanklike praktykmodel is in gevallestudies getoets en later verfyn. Die klem van hierdie praktykmodel is die gebruik van spel as modus van intervensie vanuit 'n Gestalt benadering. Die kursus sal pastors en geestelike werkers in staat stel om effektief vir kinders te sorg. Die hoofkonsepte van die navorsing vorm die vertrekpunte van die kursus saam met praktiese oefeninge in spelterapietegnieke. / Many children in South-Africa are admitted in the Intensive Care Unit after a traumatic event. The Church is called to care for these children in the form of pastoral care. In practise children are often neglected and do not receive the care that they are entiteld to. One of the main reasons is because pastors and religious workers use an intervention method that depends mainly on the verbal skills of the child. The six steps of intervention research was used to develop a pastoral model in the form of course. The innitial intervention model was tested in case studies and refined. The focus of this model is to use play as a mode of intervention from a Gestalt approach. The course will enable pastors and religious workers to care for children more effectively. The main concepts of the research forms the basis of this model with practical excercises. / Social Work / D. Diac. (Spelterapie)

Text in Afrikaans / Divorce is a prominent phenomenon that affects thousands of children in South Africa. The point of departure for this research is that children in divorce situations require therapeutic guidance in order to manage their experience of loss. The research problem formulated was concerned with the lack of guidelines for Gestalt play therapists to address those losses experienced by children during the latency period. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to provide a guideline in order to ensure a meaningful therapeutic experience for children in the latency period. In order to reach this goal, the research process was guided by qualitative research. Triangulation was used as a data collection technique, in order to achieve this goal of investigating children who experience loss and behavioural responses. The value and suitability of Gestalt therapy during the therapeutic management process was examined. Stemming from the process and integration of results obtained in the empirical investigation, guidelines consisting of six diverse phases were developed and explicated. The goal of the research was therefor achieved with the application of: A guideline for Gestalt play therapists in addressing loss through divorce in children in the latency period. / Social work / M. Diac. (Spelterapie)