Using Gestalt Techniques to Promote Meaning Making in Trauma Survivors

Abstract

Researchers traditionally focus on harmful effects of traumatic events without examining potential transformative outcomes. We highlight posttraumatic growth (PTG) as an outcome, aligning with a humanistic approach that embodies a strength-based perspective and nurturing of human capacity. We propose a trauma-informed framework using gestalt techniques to promote correctional experiences and meaning making found in PTG.