Aggression and conflict in Gestalt therapy

(This image is taken from the site: http://jacksanfernandes.com/project_on_emotional_intelligence/aggression).

The concepts of aggression and conflict in psychotherapy depend on the vision of human nature.

Gestalt therapy sees aggression as a useful force for the human being. The scientists of this approach in fact believe that aggression is a fundamental force for the human survival.

The aggressiveness is linked to the vital energy that allows to deconstruct reality. It enables the person to come into contact with another individual. Aggressiveness thus leads to the intentionality of contact.

The conflict between individuals is the social event of aggression.

Gestalt therapy sees the conflict between individuals as a normal evolution of relations.

The conflict allows to reach a new and co-created reality, where everybody can emerge in its individuality. The conflict thus brings within it the desire of the individual to improve the relationship. It involves the confidence of the subject to self-regulate in the moment in which it occurs.

Rebellion and self-differentiation therefore are included within a normal pattern of growth.