Gestalt psychology (the term "Gestalt" was
originated by Charles von Ehrenfels in 1890) is a school of thinking that
contends that the psychological makeup of an individual is based on the unity
and wholeness of behavior combined with experience. Limited analytic judgments
are permitted, but not to the detriment of the entire "organism," i.e., as long
as they do not fragment or break down the unity of the personality. Gestalt
therapy is associated with the work of Frederick (Fritz) Perls, based loosely on
concepts of unity and wholeness. Treatment (usually in groups) focuses on
attempts to broaden the awareness of self by using past experiences, memories,
emotional states, bodily sensations, etc. -- everything that could contribute to
the totality of meaningful awareness.