What does Gestalt therapy aim to shift in a client?

Gestalt therapy is known for its emphasis on helping individuals achieve greater awareness of their thoughts, feelings, and actions in the present moment. The aim is primarily to enhance their understanding of themselves and their relationships with others, leading to a more integrated sense of self. One of the core objectives of Gestalt therapy is often to support clients in shifting from an external locus of control, where they may feel that their life experiences and outcomes depend largely on external factors or others, to an internal locus of control, where they recognize their ability to influence their own experiences and outcomes.

This internal locus of control fosters empowerment and responsibility, encouraging clients to take ownership of their feelings and decisions. Recognizing and asserting one's agency is central in Gestalt therapy, as it helps clients build resilience and a sense of self-efficacy. In contrast, while other options may represent areas of focus within therapy contexts, they do not specifically capture the essence of Gestalt therapy's main goal as effectively as the shift in locus of control does.