Creating Connections and Fostering Self-Growth: Gestalt Group Counseling for Military Spouses

Military spouses face unique concerns and challenges during wartime and at peacetime. Because of the distinct stressors military spouses encounter, the need for accessible mental health services is imperative. However, self-care and self- growth are often low priorities for this population. Group counseling provides a milieu for military spouses to support one another and to work through common issues. In particular, Gestalt group counseling provides an opportunity for creating connections, fostering self-growth, and learning coping skills. Gestalt group counseling may offer a space where military spouses feel supported and connected to other military spouses, as well as a venue to explore relational difficulties and foster self-growth. The purpose of this article is to describe a promising group counseling approach for military spouses. The authors will examine therapeutic factors of group therapy and specific Gestalt therapy interventions within the context of counseling this population.