Meeting with a Practical Psychologist: Theory and Practice of the Gestalt Approach

On November 5, 2025, third-year students of the Psychology program at the Kazakh-American Free University met with Natalia Maksimenko, a practicing psychologist, Gestalt therapist, and supervisor. During the meeting, the main principles and goals of psychological counseling, as well as the specifics of working within the Gestalt approach, were discussed. The specialist spoke about the therapist’s role as a supporter, emphasizing the importance of awareness of the “here and now” and attentiveness to the client’s physical and emotional manifestations.

Following the theoretical part, a demonstration session was held, allowing the students to see how professional principles are implemented in practice. Following the discussion, the participants noted that the session reflected the key features of counseling: clarifying the client’s needs, establishing and maintaining rapport, active listening, empathic reflection, working with feelings, supporting the client’s autonomy, and developing their awareness and responsibility. The students emphasized that observing the counseling process in person was particularly helpful: they gained a clearer understanding of how the therapist integrates theory and practice, what questions help deepen the client’s awareness, and how a trusting rapport is built. At the end of the meeting, the participants discussed their impressions and outlined the skills necessary for aspiring counselors to advance professionally in the Gestalt approach.

Department of Pedagogy and Psychology