Family Counseling Approach Research Paper Assignment
Family Counseling Approach Research Paper Assignment
School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University
1
Family Counseling Approach Research Paper Assignment
Abstract
Gestalt Family Therapy (GFT), developed by Walter Kempler, emerged as an experiential
extension of his existing counseling approach. Kempler emphasized the importance of
presentmoment awareness, emotional honesty, and personal responsibility during therapeutic
sessions. This experiential focus helped establish the core principles of GFT, which encourage
honesty and direct communication to resolve conflicts that may have persisted over time. This
paper reviews the historical development of Gestalt therapy, highlights key contributors such as
Fritz Perls and Wilhelm Wundt, and examines how Kempler adapted Gestalt concepts for use in
family counseling. The integration of faith and spirituality within Gestalt Family Therapy is also
explored, demonstrating how its emphasis on truth, connection, and responsibility aligns with
Christian values. Overall, this paper presents Gestalt Family Therapy as a valuable and
transformative approach for families willing to engage in emotional honesty and present-
focused change.
Keywords: Gestalt Therapy, Walter Kempler, SYMBIS.
Part I:
Kempler’s Gestalt Family Therapy (GFT) model, developed by Walter Kempler, emphasizes
authenticity and uses it to help families confront their problems, express emotions in the
present moment, and work through challenges within their family system. GFT focuses on
honest and direct communication as the primary method for resolving relationship issues.
Rather than exploring past experiences, this approach centers on the “here and now.”
Contemporary literature highlights GFT as an influential foundation for modern experiential
therapies and a meaningful alternative to more cognitive- or systems-focused models (Nichols
2
Family Counseling Approach Research Paper Assignment
& Davis, 2020). The purpose of this paper is to explore the key principles of GFT, examine how
they apply to family counseling, and evaluate its relevance within modern therapeutic practice.
Wilhelm Wundt's (1874/1999) publication of The Principles of Physiological Psychology
introduced the rigors of scientific inquiry and established psychology as a science. He defined
psychology as the investigation of conscious processes, casting issues of mind and body back
into the realm of philosophy. His aim was the reformation of psychological investigation, and his
ammunition was the introduction of the experimental method. Though indirect, Wundt's
impact on Gestalt therapy was profound, shaping the development of all psychological
investigation and of psychotherapy specifically (Bowman et al., 2005).
Walter Kempler (1923–2004) was the central figure in the development of Gestalt Family
Therapy, although his work was shaped by several influential theorists before him. Kempler
began his professional career in psychoanalysis but eventually shifted toward family therapy,
becoming increasingly focused on the existential and emotional aspects of family life. His
approach was influenced by his interactions with Fritz Perls, Carl Rogers, and other humanistic
and Gestalt practitioners during his time at the Esalen Institute in the 1960s (GoodTherapy,
n.d.).
These relationships shaped Kempler's belief that therapy should emphasize direct experience,
emotional authenticity, and personal responsibility.
The roots of Gestalt theory extend back to the early work of Frederick (Fritz) Perls. Perls’s 1942
publication, Ego, Hunger, and Aggression—originally subtitled A Revision of Freud’s Theory and
Method—laid the foundation for what later became Gestalt Therapy. By 1951, the term
“Gestalt Therapy” gained formal recognition with the publication of Gestalt Therapy:
3
Family Counseling Approach Research Paper Assignment
Excitement and Growth in the Human Personality by Perls, Ralph Hefferline, and Paul Goodman
(Gestalt Therapy Blog, n.d.). These foundational works, along with the establishment of the New
York Institute for Gestalt Therapy, set the stage for the experiential, here-and-now orientation
that Kempler later applied to family systems.
Dissatisfied with the emotional distance he observed in psychoanalytic practice, Kempler
adapted Gestalt principles to family counseling, creating what he later called Experiential Family
Therapy. His model emphasized authentic emotional expression, direct confrontation of
emotional avoidance, and present-moment engagement among family members (Kempler,
1973). He believed that insight alone was insufficient families must experience their emotional
truth in real time to facilitate meaningful growth.
Kempler collaborated with other experiential leaders such as Carl Whitaker and Virginia Satir,
though his approach remained distinct. He uniquely emphasized responsibility, emotional
honesty, and the active involvement of the therapist in guiding family interactions. Over time,
Gestalt Family Therapy influenced later models, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT),
Symbolic-Experiential Therapy, and other experiential-integrative approaches (Nichols & Davis,
2020). His contributions positioned Gestalt Family Therapy as a foundational model in
contemporary family counseling.
This collective perspective creates momentum and becomes an engine for change. In
Gestalt therapy, the result has been movement (a) from deconstructive views of the world
toward holistic models of existence; (b) from linear causality toward field theoretical paradigms;
and (c) from an individualistic psychology toward the dialogical or relational perspective. The
4
Family Counseling Approach Research Paper Assignment
following definition of Gestalt therapy reflects the influences of a field perspective on
methodology:
“Gestalt therapy is a process psychotherapy with the goal of improving one's contact in
community and with the environment in general. This goal is accomplished through aware,
spontaneous and authentic dialogue between client and therapist. Awareness of differences
and similarities [is] encouraged while interruptions to contact are explored in the present
therapeutic relationship.” (Bowman, 1998, p. 106)
Both Gestalt Family Therapy (GFT) and Whitaker’s Symbolic-Experiential Family Therapy
emphasize emotional expression and working in the “here and now.” However, a key difference
between the two models lies in the role of the counselor. In Whitaker’s SymbolicExperiential
Family Therapy, the counselor becomes an active part of the therapeutic process, often
engaging emotionally, taking on roles, and responding spontaneously as needed. In contrast, in
GFT the counselor’s role is to guide participants toward greater awareness rather than
becoming directly involved in their emotional journey.
Through learning about Kempler’s Gestalt Family Therapy, I have come to understand
the importance of present-moment awareness and personal responsibility as guiding tools
during sessions. I also appreciate how GFT helps clients avoid dwelling on past trauma and
instead focuses on the present. Through emotional expression and honesty, the counselor
supports clients in moving through their experiences and, when needed, developing new and
healthier relational patterns.
Part II:
5
Family Counseling Approach Research Paper Assignment
When I look at Kempler’s Gestalt Family Therapy (GFT) through the lens of my Christian faith, I
find many strong connections between the two. GFT emphasizes honesty, integrity, working
through the present moment, and being open to what is happening within us and around us.
These same values are clearly reflected in Scripture. For example, honesty is emphasized in 2
Corinthians 8:21, which states, “For we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but
also in the sight of man.” Integrity is reflected in 1 Kings 9:4, which speaks about walking with
integrity of heart. GFT’s focus on staying in the present moment also aligns with Matthew 6:34,
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has
enough trouble of its own.”
In addition, the themes of love, unity, and shared responsibility that are central to Christianity
closely align with the relational focus of GFT. Scripture teaches believers to love one another as
Christ loved them, to bear each other’s burdens, and to love one another deeply in unity and
forgiveness (John 15:12; Galatians 6:2; 1 Peter 4:8). Likewise, Gestalt Family Therapy
emphasizes maintaining connection within families, expressing genuine emotions, and working
through conflict with openness and honesty. GFT helps families face the truth of their struggles
in the present moment and encourages emotional authenticity as a path toward healing—
values that align with biblical teachings on forgiveness, humility, and love for one another.
One of the assumptions in Gestalt therapy is that the human being is a whole organism
comprised of intertwined physical, psychological, and social dimensions. Perls et al. (1994, p.
30) contend that these phenomena’s integrity must be respected; they can only be broken
down analytically at the cost of destroying what is being investigated. This indicates the
importance that Gestalt therapy attaches to integrity. According to Clarkson (1991), the client’s
6
Family Counseling Approach Research Paper Assignment
behavioral, physiological, emotional, cognitive, symbolic, and spiritual characteristics can be
emphasized at different times during therapy to help integrate numerous aspects of the client.
(Boyali, 2022.)
I strongly believe GFT is a powerful approach for integrating faith into counseling because its
foundational values already reflect many Christian principles. When clients are open to the
therapeutic process, GFT can create deep and lasting transformation. Through emotional
honesty, responsibility, connection, and forgiveness, supported by faith, individuals and families
can experience meaningful healing and long-term relational change. When integrated ethically
and with client consent, faith can complement GFT by providing hope, meaning, and a moral
framework that supports the therapeutic work and deepens relational healing
Part III
1. My marriage mindset: “What’s your attitude toward marriage? Research reveals the course
of your relationship will be impacted by the combination of your two mindsets toward
marriage. Which of the five are you? Viktoria Charles Compared to most, you are cynical
about marriage. In fact, you are more than twice as likely as others to say: "You give up
identity by getting married." And you're three times more likely to say, "marriage is simply a
piece of paper." When people in this category marry, their eyes are focused on the wedding
day, and not much on what is going to happen in the 50 years that follow. So you'll want to
do some soul searching with your SYMBIS Facilitator as you consider marriage.
7
Family Counseling Approach Research Paper Assignment
I agree with how the assessment describes me. I do not believe in marriage at this point in my
life. I have been married once before, and during that relationship I felt I had to pretend to be
someone I wasn’t the entire time. In my current relationship, I also feel unable to fully be
myself. Over the past two years, the relationship has been rocky, which has led me to question
whether relationships in general are right for me.
2. My greatest insight from Love is: “Being respected, and offering each other grace along the
way.” I believe healthy relationships should be built on mutual respect and the freedom for
each person to pursue what makes them happy, both together and individually. When I
reflect on my past relationships, I realize that I rarely experienced this.
Attitude: “Your resilience level is relatively low. Adjusting to circumstances beyond your
control does not come easy. You may see the proverbial glass as half-empty and you may
struggle with having an upbeat outlook.” This feels true for both my relationship and my life
right now. I used to be uplifting and fun, but that has not been the case in recent years. I
recognize that I need to work on this.
Communication: “Just the facts. That’s what you prize most in a conversation. You like a
conversation that’s linear and purposeful and direct. No need to dance around an issue for
you.” I know who I am and am usually aware of how my partner feels. I’m generally honest,
but when conversations become uncomfortable, I tend to soften or “sugarcoat” what I say. I
don’t want to hurt the other person’s feelings, but I also want them to understand what I
want and need.
Gender: It came up that my husband wants us to spend more time doing shared activities
together, but I don’t feel the same way. He has mentioned this several times. I’m exhausted,
8
Family Counseling Approach Research Paper Assignment
and the only time he wants to connect is at night, when I’m already going to sleep around 9
p.m.
Conflict: “Because of your need for quick results, your spouse may perceive your activity
planning as somewhat rushed. Your spouse might encourage you to take a more logical
approach to activities.” This feels accurate as well. I don’t rush my decisions, but I often wait
to share them until I’ve already made up my mind and am ready to act. That doesn’t really
leave others much room to be part of the decision. I recognize that I need to work on
including them earlier in the planning process so they aren’t surprised when I communicate
my decisions.
3. I realize that I need to be more considerate of what he wants as well. He would like us to
attend church weekly, and I know it would mean a lot to him to worship together and be a
family in front of God. The challenge is that I’m not sure I want that anymore, which is why I
tend to reject the idea of going to church with him. This is something I know I need to work
on, especially since we share the same faith and should be able to worship God together in
the same place.
4. I believe SYMBIS is a valuable tool for couples who are preparing for marriage because it
helps them identify differences early and work through them together before those issues
become larger problems. It can also be helpful for married couples who are already
experiencing difficulties, as it allows each partner to better understand what the other is
upset about. This insight can motivate couples to make intentional efforts to strengthen
their marriage or, in some cases, recognize when it may be healthier to let go. I would
9
Family Counseling Approach Research Paper Assignment
definitely recommend SYMBIS, as it is a powerful eye-opener and an effective learning tool
for understanding how to work together as a married couple.
Conclusion:
Kempler’s Gestalt Family Therapy offers a powerful approach for individuals and families
who are willing to confront the truth and resolve relational issues in an honest and direct
way. Rather than dwelling on the past or encouraging clients to remain stuck in negative
emotional experiences, GFT focuses on present-moment awareness and identifying what
needs to change in order to restore balance and peace within the family system. This
process emphasizes honesty, which can be difficult and painful at times, but is often
necessary to address long-standing relational wounds and unresolved trauma.
Although Gestalt Family Therapy is not suitable for everyone, especially for clients who are
uncomfortable expressing emotions or facing difficult truths, it can be highly effective for
those who are ready and willing to engage in the work. GFT emphasizes personal
responsibility, emotional openness, self-awareness, and empathy toward others. To be
effective, the counselor must apply this approach ethically, with sensitivity, firmness, and
mindfulness, while remaining supportive throughout the process. Without skilled
therapeutic guidance, sessions can easily lose direction; however, when facilitated
appropriately, Gestalt
Family Therapy can lead to meaningful, lasting change for families
References:
Boyalı, C. (2022). Spirituality as part of the whole: Gestalt therapy’s view of spirituality.
Spiritual Psychology and Counseling, 7(2), 157–178.
10
Family Counseling Approach Research Paper Assignment
https://spiritualpc.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/03_boyali.pdf
Bowman, C. E., & Nevis, E. C. (2005). The history and development of Gestalt therapy.
In A. L. Woldt & S. M. Toman (Eds.), Gestalt therapy: History, theory, and practice (pp. 3–20).
Sage Publications.
https://www.bowmancounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Foundations-of-
Gestalt Therapy-1.pdf
History of Gestalt Therapy. (n.d.). Gestalt Therapy Blog.
https://www.gestalttherapyblog.com/blog/history-of-gestalt-therapy
GoodTherapy. (n.d.). Walter Kempler.
https://www.goodtherapy.org/famous-psychologists/walter-kempler.html
Kempler, W. (1973). Principles of Gestalt family therapy. Gardner Press.
Nichols, M. P., & Davis, S. D. (2020). Family therapy: Concepts and methods (12th ed.).
Pearson.
11
