Anxiety is one of the most common reasons people seek therapy, and while Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is often considered the go-to treatment, it doesn’t work for everyone. In fact, studies show that up to half of clients don’t respond well or drop out of CBT-based programs. This raises an important question—what else might help?

A research team including Pablo Herrera, Illia Mstibovskyi, Jan Roubal, and Philip Brownell set out to explore exactly that. Their study, Researching Gestalt Therapy for Anxiety in Practice-Based Settings, looked at how effective Gestalt therapy could be in treating anxiety disorders in real-world settings—not just in controlled labs.

How Was the Study Done?

The researchers used a Single-Case Experimental Design, which allowed them to observe individual progress over time. Ten clients diagnosed with anxiety participated in three phases:

• A baseline phase with no therapy
• A treatment phase using Gestalt therapy
• A follow-up phase to see if improvements lasted

They measured outcomes using validated tools like the Hamilton Anxiety Scale and the OQ-45.2, which tracks general psychological wellbeing.

What Did They Find?

The results were encouraging. Most clients showed a decrease in anxiety symptoms and a boost in overall wellbeing. The researchers also noted specific turning points during therapy—moments of increased awareness, emotional contact, or integration—that marked meaningful change.

While more research is needed, this study suggests that Gestalt therapy offers real value for people living with anxiety, especially for those who haven’t felt supported by traditional talk therapy models.

Why This Matters

As a Gestalt therapist, I often see clients who have tried other therapies and still feel stuck. Gestalt therapy works differently. It invites you into the present moment, helps you notice what’s happening in your body, mind, and emotions, and supports you to reconnect with your inner resources. It’s not about fixing—it’s about meeting what’s real.

If anxiety is part of your story, and you’re looking for a different kind of support, I invite you to reach out.

📍 Sessions available in West End, Brisbane and online across Australia

📞 Book a free initial consultation: www.terrasoultherapies.com.au

If you’re interested in reading the full study, you can access it here: Researching Gestalt Therapy for Anxiety in Practice-Based Settings