of craziness to do so.
3) Describe Perls' philosophy of Gestalt Therapy.
The philosophy of Gestalt Therapy, as explained by Perls, focuses upon two psychological processes: (1) differentiation and (2) integration. Differentiation is the psychological mechanism leading to neurosis and psychosis. It is a force for separation of aspects of self from one another resulting in polarities and dualities.
However, those that view self as separate or different from others tend toward conflict and hostility. Thus, neurosis and psychosis result from inner conflict between segmented, fragmented and separated aspects of self.
The truth, however, is that self is the self and that all of these aspects need to be integrated into a functioning whole. Thus, it is psychological mechanisms that foster or facilitate integration that can be brought to bear to correct or mediate the situation of an alienated and separated self. For example, the weakness inherent in the Underdog can be integrated with the bullying and punitive tendencies of the Topdog to produce silent firmnes
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