Measuring Gestalt therapy: a critique of the Gestalt Therapy Fidelity Scale

Abstract

"Abstract: The GTFS is a 21-item measure developed by Fogarty et al. (2015, 2016, 2019) in order to measure therapist behaviours representative of Gestalt therapy (GT). The scale itself was developed as a step towards achieving evidence-based practice. It is essential that the scale can demonstrate its scientific robustness and hold up against thorough critique. The current paper offers a comprehensive critique of the scale, from the use of a fidelity scale in GT, to the scale’s initial development as well as the structure and utility of the scale. Herein a number of problems are identified and discussed, undermining the scale’s validity and reliability. For instance, theoretical inconsistency can be identified between the fidelity scale and the philosophical underpinning of GT coupled with a lack of rigour in the scientific process leading to the general nature of items. Although some validity analyses show promise for the scale, these have been performed in the absence of determining the soundness of the scale’s internal structure. Such a critique has great importance, considering the GTFS has the potential to influence future Gestalt research, therapy and supervision. Recommendations are made in order to proceed with the aim of establishing GT as an evidence-based practice. Keywords: Gestalt Therapy Fidelity Scale (GTFS), critique, scale development, evidence- based practice."