Gestalt Group Therapy

“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
—The Gestalt concept of Holism

There are many different kinds of groups, some interactive, directive, theme-focused or general. I am talking about Gestalt therapy groups of 6 to 8 individuals at a time. A group system is analogous to a family/social system an individual is born into. Each member brings all of who he is to the group. This blending of personalities and interests co-creates the tenor of the group experience.

The group and its group member are in constant flow, instinctively and creatively adjusting to perceived group norms. Eventually and desirably, the group evolves and matures; genuine differences are welcomed, expressed, and processed in a supportive group environment. Groups provide powerful opportunities for personal growth; Group topics and members may be challenging, inspiring, insightful, but always contact-full.

Groups provide opportunities for experimenting with ideas, behaviors or personality quirks; they are fun, like a Kindergarten teaching about living in the world well and as productive members.

I have been providing Gestalt group therapy more than 20 years. When I began, I had received extensive training in conducting trauma/incest treatment groups as well as groups for children of War and Concentration camp survivors. Later I added several other kinds of groups to my repertoire. Women’s groups were and still are popular and one such group lasted for 10 years.

Today, I have committed to continue offering mixed gender, mixed issue groups; I like to work with long-term groups because they and I relish the growth that takes place, the camaraderie and positive memories. Sometime people leave, others join, the group readjusts, and every one continues “doing their thing”, with never a dull moment.

True to Gestalt therapy theory, I am non-directive; I allow the group process emerge and develop. There are challenges as everyone projects their often unaware assumptions, attitudes and beliefs onto others including myself. This is the stuff of group process that bring joy from learning who we truly can become, interconnected with, responsible for co-creating a life worth living.

Time:

90-minutes one evening per week, 12 week increments, 1 month break before reconvening

Fee:

$35.—to $40.—depending on size of group

Clients’ comments:

“My group experience with Helga has greatly enhanced my professional ability to work with my substance abusing clients and their families.

More importantly (to me!), at a personal level is has enabled me to enjoy the process of becoming more of who I really am and then savor the results.”

Carole Seifert MA, LCDP
Medical Assisted Recovery, Inc.
Warwick, RI

“I have been seeing Helga Matzko since 1990 and credit my personal and professional development to the process of the Ten Multi-phasic Transformation Process statements as practiced in the years of group therapy that I have had the privilege to attend. The tenets of Gestalt therapy and life coaching practiced in the group experience has been invaluable.”

Larry Dutra
Program Supervisor
Senior S.A. Counselor
North Cottage Program, MA