Lived Experiences of Gestalt Counselling Techniques by Students with Peer Relationship Problems at a Public University in Kitwe, Zambia: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Approach

The study aimed to investigate the benefits of Gestalt counselling techniques in assisting students in addressing peer relationship issues at a public university. Specifically, the study examined the use of the empty chair and body language Gestalt counselling techniques in assisting students with peer relationship challenges, employing a hermeneutic phenomenological approach. An expert purposive sampling method was employed to select four counsellors, and criterion purposive sampling for the sixteen students who had received counselling that utilized the empty chair and body language Gestalt techniques. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and retrospective record reviews, and subsequently analysed thematically. The results revealed that the majority of clients reported positive progress and were able to overcome their relationship challenges, while some experienced difficulty in engaging with the techniques. Factors contributing to the benefits of the empty chair technique included counsellor proficiency, the client's ability to employ their imagination, and the client's readiness to participate in the technique. Instances where the technique was less successful often stemmed from clients feeling uncomfortable with the method. The empty chair counselling technique was most employed in cases involving rejection, unresolved relationship challenges, the need for emoting, as well as intra and interpersonal conflicts. More findings showed that body language counselling techniques played a crucial role in the interaction between counsellors and clients, influencing the effectiveness of the counselling process. Positive results indicated that both counsellors and clients benefited from enhanced communication and gained additional insights beyond verbal expressions, leading to increased awareness. Despite this, some participants experienced challenges and discomfort when the counsellor pointed out their body language. The study recommends that counsellors utilizing the empty chair technique and body language receive comprehensive training to enhance their benefits and ensure a comfortable experience for clients. Moreover, counsellors should incorporate culturally sensitive strategies when utilizing body language to enrich the counselling process.