Who has never wondered what love actually is?

Everyone has, of course!

And what does a typical Gestalt therapist think about it?

Let us take a look!

In Gestalt therapy love is regarded as a dynamic process «here and now» that calls for full presence, openness and a readiness to reveal oneself.

It is not merely a feeling but an interaction grounded in mutual respect, understanding and acceptance of each other with all our qualities and shortcomings.

Gestalt stresses the idea that love means seeing and accepting your partner while preserving your own individuality.

On the whole, Gestalt therapy sees love as a path to mutual growth and deeper self-knowledge, emphasising the principles of presence, mutual acceptance and preserved individuality.

We have gathered 10 ideas about love for you, based on the work of well-known Gestalt therapists.

Be inspired!

«Love is a meeting of two wholenesses, where each preserves its uniqueness yet remains open to change through interaction.» — Inspired by Fritz Perls.

«True love begins where nothing is expected in return.» — In the spirit of Laura Perls.

«In love, as in Gestalt, we strive for wholeness and integration, recognising every moment together as a unique opportunity for growth.» — Suggested by Erving and Miriam Polster.

«Love is not about finding the perfect partner, but about seeing an imperfect partner accurately.» — Following the ideas of Ralph Heinz.

«In order to love another, you first have to meet yourself at the contact boundary of your own experience.» — Reflecting the views of Daniel Stern.

«Love is the ability to say ‘yes’ to our partner’s life experience, even when that stirs fear or uncertainty in us.» — Expressing the thoughts of Stephen Gilligan.

«In love we give not our resources or our capabilities, but our presence ‘here and now’.» — Inspired by Gary Yontef.

«True love requires openness to meeting ‘otherness’, an acceptance of what lies beyond our own ‘I’.» — In the spirit of Lawrence Nopen.

«Love is not just affection; it is responsibility, the choice to be accountable for your own contribution to the relationship.» — A revelation from Lynne Jacobs.

«In the Gestalt approach to love, what is key is not only the mutual satisfaction of needs but also the joint creation of meaning and beauty in our relationship.» — Suggested by the work of Robert Resnick.