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Facing license exam anxiety? You're far from alone. Today, we're diving deep into how Gestalt therapy offers powerful tools for navigating overwhelming test anxiety, using the story of Rachel – a first-generation college student whose pre-existing anxiety disorder intensifies as her licensure exam approaches.

Gestalt therapy stands apart from other approaches by anchoring clients firmly in the present moment. Rather than analyzing past experiences or catastrophizing future outcomes, we explore what's happening right now in the body, mind, and emotions. For clients like Rachel, this means turning toward physical sensations of anxiety – trembling hands, racing thoughts, upset stomach – rather than running from them. Through techniques like exaggeration (intentionally amplifying physical responses) and staying with uncomfortable feelings, clients begin building tolerance and awareness that transforms their relationship with anxiety.

Language matters enormously in the Gestalt approach. When Rachel says "I should study more" or "I have to pass," she's using disempowering language that removes her sense of choice. By shifting to "I choose to study more," she reclaims agency and responsibility. Similarly, the famous empty chair technique gives voice to unspoken feelings – allowing Rachel to address family expectations or dialogue with different parts of herself, like her inner critic. For your exam prep, remember the contact boundary disturbances with the mnemonic "I pray daily for relief from class" – Introjection, Projection, Retroflexion, Deflection, and Confluence. These patterns explain how clients interrupt natural contact between themselves and their environment, blocking authentic experience.

Whether you're preparing for your own licensure exam or working with anxious clients, Gestalt offers a pathway from environmental support to self-support, from avoidance to awareness, and from "shoulds" to choices. The beauty of this approach lies in its authenticity requirement – not just from clients but from therapists too. Ready to transform your understanding of anxiety and therapeutic presence? Listen now and discover why being real might be the most powerful technique of all.

If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExams


This podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.