▷ Needs Satisfaction Cycle

Gestalt theory provides a model for how we become aware of our needs and how we satisfy them. The needs satisfaction cycle model suggests that we can meet our needs by engaging in a full cycle of contact. with the world, moving from a state of sensation to consciousness, to energization, action, total contact, realization and finally to a state of withdrawal and break.

As in Maslow's theory, if there is any interruption or disturbance at the contact boundary, Because our needs are not being met, this can lead to a deep sense of dissatisfaction. Change is a normal, healthy and vital condition of existence for us to learn, evolve, grow and prosper.

In a healthy cycle, we come out of a state of potentiality where all possibilities exist; become aware of something that is "missing." Consciously identifying the "need" to satisfy, preparing ourselves to act, acting to satisfy that need. Enjoy the satisfaction of that need and then return to a state of rest where all possibilities exist.

How does it work?

The Gestalt cycle of change or the cycle of satisfaction of needs, is a way of understanding our changes. A need arises during an internal sensation (such as a fantasy or a memory) or an external stimulus (such as a threat), where the individual experiences something that interrupts the state of rest.

That awareness arises through a mixture of physical sensations, feelings, thoughts, and perceptions that seek to interpret the experience. If the sensation has enough attention for the individual, then the awareness of that need begins to sharpen.

Energy mobilizes in response to this awareness and motivates us to seek fulfillment or fulfill that need. Energy is released through our actions and contact is made on the edge to satisfy that need. During contact, the new experience assimilates into our being (as a new skill performed, a memory, or a feeling of accomplishment).

When the new or different has been assimilated and adapted, a change occurs within the organism. Once the original need has been satisfied, the individual returns to a state of rest withdrawing from the experience and closing the cycle.

7 stages of the needs satisfaction cycle

1. Sensitization or Sensation: use a body scanner to look for physical sensations, feelings, needs or thoughts.
2. Awareness: developing an awareness without judging a need by staying with the sensation, feeling, or thought and then letting it go; or tuning in to the needs of others
3. Mobilize energy for action: breathing exercises, stretching, preparing the muscles or approaching others with empathy.
4. Action: activity such as walking consciously that seeks contact with the need or the non-verbal attunement that it provides or the needs of others.
5. Contact: meeting the need or making contact with the needs of others.
6. Realization: the need is assimilated or integrated creating the conditions for change.
7. Withdrawal and closure: Once contact has been established and assimilated, the person can withdraw and rest (such as sleeping) as the need is no longer present. Change or transformation occurs as a result of contact with need and then a person returns to a state of rest.

What happens when there is interruption?

In Gestalt Theory, when there are interruptions or disturbances at the limits of the cycle of needs satisfaction, the person's needs cannot be met and the satisfaction. At each stage of the cycle, boundary disturbances have consequences:

1. Desensitization: it is the decrease in emotional response capacity to negative stimuli from the environment or from others.
2. Diversion: means moving the contact boundary avoiding behaviors, for example, changing the topic in a conversation.
3. Introjection: Introjection is when new experiences are fully assimilated without question or discretion.
4. Projection: it is the confusion of "Other" for what the "I" should be. It is about projecting feelings that I consider unacceptable in myself onto others, for example, someone who you have a bad day and you are angry with yourself, you may blame someone else or project anger on a loved one.
5. Retroflection: is withholding emotions or responses intended for other people, for example, if we get angry with the boss but repress our anger at work.
6. Egotism: it is when there is no effort of interaction or interaction between one person and another.
7. Confluence: it is the boundless feeling of merging with a loved one or feeling co-dependency. It is the loss of distinction between the Self and the Other. Lack of awareness at the contact limit. "You" and "I" to become "One" or soulmates. Pleasing others to the detriment of ourselves.