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An Introduction to Gestalt
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An Introduction to Gestalt



November 2012 | 208 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd

This thoroughly revised edition of Gestalt Counselling introduces the fundamental concepts of Gestalt and systematically demonstrates how to apply and use these in practice. Taking a relational perspective, the expert authors explore how Gestalt can be used in a wide variety of 'helping conversations' from counseling, psychotherapy and coaching to mentoring, managing, consulting and guiding. After placing Gestalt in its current socio-political context, each chapter

  • Defines a major concept
  • Provides everyday examples and illustrative vignettes from a variety of settings to bring the theory to life and suggest how that concept may be usefully applied
  • Includes exercises for readers to practice themselves and with their clients

A 'running case study' featuring ongoing coaching work moves throughout the book, and boxed summaries, diagrams, checklists and sources of further reading make this the ideal text for use in training. The accessible, engaging writing style will appeal to undergraduates and graduates alike.

This book is essential reading for Gestalt-based Counseling & Psychotherapy graduate degrees, as well as for any course in the allied health professions where Gestalt is the foundation.


 
PART ONE: BACKGROUND
 
A Brief History of Gestalt
 
An Overview of Gestalt Principles and Recent Developments
 
PART TWO: GESTALT THEORY
 
The Relationship in Gestalt Practice
 
Awareness
 
Embodiment
 
Wholeness
 
The InterConnectedness and the Field
 
PART THREE: GESTALT PRACTICE
 
Assessment and the Process of Change
 
Phenomenology and Awareness
 
Working in the Dialogic Relationship
 
Promoting Healthy Process
 
Experiments
Janice Scott
With the Gestalt Counsellor: A Case Example
 
Gestalt in Organizations: The Gestaltist as Coach or Consultant

'This is an extremely clear and accessible introduction for students of counselling, as well as an increasing number of coaches and organisation consultants. The authors have succeeded not only in setting out the core principles of a Gestalt orientation, but bring these to life with case examples of Gestalt 'in use' -
Simon Cavicchia is an APECS Accredited Executive Coach, UK registered Gestalt Psychotherapist and Joint Programme Leader MSc in Coaching Psychology


'As the authors mentioned, Gestalt is nowadays - and in fact, has always been - a vibrating mix of practical ideas, psychological concepts and philosophical movements - ranging from theory of perception, through phenomenology and existentialism to Zen Buddhism. Authors kept very well with this tradition. [...] At the very end of the book you can find practical templates for working with clients - ready to use! Also additional readings after almost every chapter provide useful resource for further exploration of the key Gestalt themes. I highly recommend An Introduction to Gestalt as useful and inspirational toolbox for both coaches and therapists'

Dr. Robert Riethof, Czech Republic
The International Journal of Mentoring and Coaching

An introduction does not do this publication justice! It is so much more than what I would expect of an introduction. The theory is well presented, clearly explained and thorough.

Mr Richard Carroll
School of Health , Guildford College
January 22, 2016

This book is ideally suited to anyone in counselling training, it is a good resource for those working on personal development. The example and the case studies and the verbatim interactions between therapist and client give the reader an indication of how the theory is applied.

Ms Deana Friel
Health and Social Care , North West Regional College
March 20, 2015

An excellent introduction to Gestalt Therapy. Explanations are clear and easy to understand and the personal illustrations and examples from the author are very helpful.

Mrs Julie Wyman
Book Reviews, Devon Counselling College
July 11, 2014

This is a useful book for students to read and get a considered insight into Gestalt Theory. We encourage all our students to take an integrated approach, so although we mainly teach person-centred, CBT and Psychodynamic theory to have additional. concise knowledge about another theory has benefitted them.

Miss Linda O'Hern
School of Care & Creative Studies, Lincoln College
November 14, 2013

Whilst i quite like the book I dont think it is for all students. Some students i have recently worked with on the learning disability BSc have found it very interesting however, as they spend time examining their own values/attidtudes/belief systems and obviously self-awareness is crucial for the delivery of holistic person-centred care. I will comment on the book further when i have had the opportunity to use it more.

Mrs Jackie Robertson
School of Health, Community and Education Studies, Northumbria University
October 29, 2013

An easy to read and informative introduction to Gestalt Therapy

Mrs Julie Wyman
Book Reviews, Devon Counselling College
August 9, 2013

This book introduces and explores the fundamental concepts of Gestalt counselling. The book links theory and practice well. It enables students and practitioners interested in learning more about Gestalt theory to explore the application of theory in practice. A range of examples of helping conversations, case examples, diagrams and further reading lists reading different contexts make this book accessible to undergraduates, postgraduates and seasoned practitioners alike.

Mr DIVINE CHARURA
PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIES, LEEDS METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY
August 7, 2013

I have recommended this text to our programme leader for the Post Grad Cert in Child Adolescent.
This text is also suitable for our Humanistic Approaches in first year.

Mrs Gisela Oates
Counselling & Psychotherapy Dept, PCI College
March 12, 2013

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