Barkley PMHNP Exam Review: Gestalt
Therapy (Frederick Perls) Essentials 2026
What are the key concepts of Gestalt Therapy? -ANSWER ✔✨---1. Individual is responsible for
finding his/her own way in life
2. Individuals must accept personal responsiblity to achieve mastery
3. The now; The past is gone, future not yet arrived; need to deal effectively with life problems, making
full use of awareness of what is happening
4. Unfinished business: Nags at the person until confronted and dealth with
5. Avoidance: The means indivduals use to keep from facing unfinished business and experiencing
uncomfortable emotions
6. Layers of neuroses: Superimproved "growth disorders"
What are the therapeutic strategies of Gestalt Therapy? -ANSWER ✔✨---1. Existential encounter
between people resulting in the patient moving toward increased awareness of the self
2. Focus is on:
a. Patient feelings
b. Awareness of moment
c. Body messages
d. Energy
e. Avoidance
f. Blocks to awareness
Therapy (Frederick Perls) Essentials 2026
What are the key concepts of Gestalt Therapy? -ANSWER ✔✨---1. Individual is responsible for
finding his/her own way in life
2. Individuals must accept personal responsiblity to achieve mastery
3. The now; The past is gone, future not yet arrived; need to deal effectively with life problems, making
full use of awareness of what is happening
4. Unfinished business: Nags at the person until confronted and dealth with
5. Avoidance: The means indivduals use to keep from facing unfinished business and experiencing
uncomfortable emotions
6. Layers of neuroses: Superimproved "growth disorders"
What are the therapeutic strategies of Gestalt Therapy? -ANSWER ✔✨---1. Existential encounter
between people resulting in the patient moving toward increased awareness of the self
2. Focus is on:
a. Patient feelings
b. Awareness of moment
c. Body messages
d. Energy
e. Avoidance
f. Blocks to awareness
