Diagnostics in Gestalt Therapy

Traditional diagnostics, we think, have to be amplified in the Gestalt therapeutic context by a concept that takes into account continuous recursive processes in a dialogue between therapist and client (system). Referring to the basic assumptions of Gestalt therapy as formulated by its founders (even if with some contradictions and incompatibilities) and the basic existential paradox of autonomy and interdependence of human beings, we characterize the diagnostic process, formulate basic principles for the clinical diagnostic process, and outline a structure of diagnostic dimensions, phenomena of the client, and examples of possible interventions.