Towards a Therapy That's Like You: The Decolonial Gestalt Approach

Why is it important to choose a therapist with a decolonial approach?

Imagine that you have a garden full of plants and that they are all different. Some plants come from hot countries, others from cold countries, some like the sun a lot, others prefer shade. If a gardener decides to give all plants exactly the same amount of water and sun, some of them won't grow well; plants that like lots of water might feel good, but those that prefer less water might suffer.

A decolonized therapist is a bit like a gardener who understands that each plant has unique needs. This therapist knows that people come from different cultures and histories, and they adapt their methods to respect and value these differences. For example, he/she will understand that someone from another country may have different traditions and values, and he/she will use methods that respect those traditions. It helps people feel understood and supported regardless of their background (s).

Decolonized therapists also recognize that some traditional therapy practices may not be appropriate for everyone. So they are working to make therapy more inclusive and accessible to everyone. This means they are open to learning about different cultures and using methods that make sense for their customers.

How can Gestalt be considered a decolonial practice?

Now imagine that you have a special toolbox for gardening. Gestalt therapy is like a toolbox that adapts to the needs of each plant, that is to say, of each person. What are its tools?

1. Personalization and Respect for Differences: Gestalt therapy adjusts to the unique needs of each person, just as a gardener takes care of plants differently according to their needs. This means that the therapy respects the traditions and values of your culture.
2. Focus on the Here and Now: In Gestalt, we focus on what you are feeling and experiencing right now, like a magnifying glass that helps you see things clearly in the present. This allows you to better understand your emotions and reactions, which are influenced by your culture and history.
3. Equal Relationship: Gestalt therapy works as a dialogue between equals, where you and the therapist work together, much like partners who take care of the garden together. This creates a safe space where you can speak freely without fear of being judged.
4. Awareness of External Influences: In Gestalt, we look at how your environment and relationships affect your well-being, as if we were watching how the weather influences plant growth. It helps to understand how things like racism or family traditions can impact your mental health.
5. Integration of Cultural Experiences: Gestalt therapy listens to and respects your cultural experiences and traditions, much like a gardener who is familiar with the particular needs of each plant. This makes therapy more inclusive and tailored to your life.

By using these tools, Gestalt therapy helps to make therapy more respectful and appropriate for people of all cultures and backgrounds.

Why is it important for LGBTQIA+ and/or racialized people to go to therapy?

Think of an LGBTQIA+ or racialized person as someone walking in a forest where all roads are made for other people. Sometimes these paths can be difficult to follow because they don't match their needs or experiences. Going to therapy is like finding a guide who is familiar with the forest and who can help find or create paths that are easier to follow.

For LGBTQIA+ people, which include lesbian, gay, bisexual, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and others, life can be difficult at times. They may face mockery, misunderstanding, or even discrimination. A therapist can help them talk about their feelings, feel better about themselves, and find ways to deal with the challenges they face. Therapy can also give them tools to defend themselves against discrimination and find ways to be happy and healthy.

For people of color, meaning those who are seen as belonging to races or cultures that are different from the majority, life can also be full of challenges. They will encounter racism, which is a form of unfair treatment based on skin color or ethnicity. A decolonized therapist understands these experiences and can provide a safe space to talk about how it feels to be different or abused. This helps people feel supported and understood, and helps them find ways to manage the stress and anxiety that this can cause.

The importance of intersectional therapy

Intersectionality is a way of understanding how different parts of our identity, such as our race, gender, and sexual orientation, interact and create unique experiences. LGBTQIA+ and people of color may have particular experiences of discrimination and marginalization that are different from those of other groups. For example, a person may be discriminated against because they are black, and at the same time because they are gay. These cumulative experiences can have a significant impact on their mental health and well-being.

Studies show that therapies that take into account these different parts of clients' identities, using decolonial approaches, can help significantly improve their mental well-being. This includes practices that respect and integrate the unique cultures and experiences of clients. For example, one study found that therapies that include specific cultural practices and community perspectives can reduce stress and improve mental health for racialized and LGBTQIA+ people.

In summary:

• Choosing a therapist with a decolonial approach allows for a treatment that respects and values cultural and individual differences. This makes therapy more inclusive and suitable for everyone.
• Going to therapy is important for LGBTQIA+ and people of color because it provides a safe space for them to talk about their experiences, manage stress, and find ways to deal with life's challenges. A decolonized therapist can help these people feel understood and supported, which is crucial for their mental and emotional well-being.

As a Gestalt Practitioner, I am committed to offering support that respects your unique experiences and to using therapeutic methods that value and respect your cultures and identities.

Make an appointment with me to find out how I can help you feel understood and supported in your therapeutic journey.