Gestalt Therapy holds a holistic-filed perspective on human behaviors, a more positive view on resistance of a client. Resistances or symptoms are creative adjustments of a person in difficult situation.
As Joyce & Sills (2014, p.41) beautifully describe:
"This paradoxical view of change is in direct contrast with other therapy models which contract for behavioural outcomes, try to remove symptoms and see resistance as something to be overcome. In Gestalt counselling, symptoms and resistance are expressions of creative adjustments the client is making to a situation, usually where there is not enough support. Trying to remove or overcome resistance is like trying to lose or overpower an essential part of the person.
When the problem or dilemma is accepted and awareness is restored, all the different aspects and parts of the client are available as resources for natural growth and change. "
Reference:
Joyce, P., & Sills, C. (2014). Skills in Gestalt Counselling & Psychotherapy (Third edition). SAGE Publications Ltd.
