What is the primary focus of Fritz Perls' Gestalt therapy?

The primary focus of Fritz Perls' Gestalt therapy is on awareness of present experiences. This therapeutic approach emphasizes the importance of being aware of one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions in the current moment, rather than concentrating on the past or future. Gestalt therapy encourages individuals to experience their present emotions and reactions, fostering self-awareness and personal responsibility.

By focusing on the "here and now," clients are encouraged to explore their immediate experiences, which can lead to increased self-discovery and insight. This approach is based on the principle that unresolved issues often manifest through present behaviors and emotions. By cultivating awareness, clients can better understand how their past influences their current state and make conscious choices that affect their future.

The other options, while relevant to various therapeutic approaches, do not encapsulate the core principle of Gestalt therapy. For instance, resolving past traumas and developing future plans may be components of other therapeutic methods, but they do not align with the fundamental tenet of Gestalt therapy, which is centered on present awareness. Understanding cognitive distortions pertains more to cognitive-behavioral therapy. Thus, the emphasis on immediate experience is what distinctly characterizes Gestalt therapy.