Christianity And Gestalt Therapy

Christianity and Gestalt Therapy is a unique integration written for psychotherapists who want to better understand their Christian clients and Christian counselors who want a clinically sound approach that embraces Christian spirituality. This book explores critical concepts in phenomenology and how they relate to both gestalt therapy and Christianity. Using mixed literary forms that include poetry and story, this book provides a window into gestalt therapy for Christian counselors interested in learning how the gestalt therapeutic model can be incorporated into their beliefs and practices. It explores the tension in psychology and psychotherapy between a rigid naturalism and an enchanted take on life. A rich mix of theory, philosophy, theology, and practice, Christianity and Gestalt Therapy is an important resource for therapists working with Christian patients.

This substantially revised and updated edition of a widely used textbook covers the major approaches to counseling and psychotherapy from a Christian perspective, with hypothetical verbatim transcripts of interventions for each major approach and the latest empirical or research findings on their effectiveness. The second edition covers therapies and techniques that are increasing in use, reduces coverage of techniques that are waning in importance, and includes a discussion of lay counseling. The book presents a Christian approach to counseling and psychotherapy that is Christ-centered, biblically based, and Spirit-filled.

This contemporary counseling approach seamlessly meshes with pastoral theology! Gestalt therapy is designed to be simple, free of jargon, and emotionally liberating--ideal for pastoral counseling in the context of a variety of faiths. This primer is designed to give pastors and rabbis a working knowledge of the basic techniques and attitudes pioneered by Dr. Fritz Perls. Pastoral Counseling: A Gestalt Approach shows how this holistic approach, with its emphasis on the here and now, is a natural counterpoint to pastoral theology. This comprehensive book gives specific instructions on using Gestalt techniques to increase the depth of the pastoral care and counseling you provide. Pastoral Counseling explains the basic goals of Gestalt work, which are to achieve spontaneity and expressiveness and to move toward personal authenticity. It also reveals how you can employ these techniques to help you and your congregation move toward realizing your God-given potential. Pastoral Counseling illustrates Gestalt theories from several perspectives, including: theory and techniques case studies a folk tale session transcripts a sermon Pastoral Counseling guides you toward a broader understanding of the simple power of the holistic approach. Pastors and priests, rabbis, and other members of the clergy who engage in counseling will find its simple wisdom refreshing amidst the desert of dry theory. Gestalt counselors will find its pastoral perspective enlightening in their work with clients.

This book is a practical, professional reference on the practice of Gestalt Therapy (GT) by Philip Brownell, a leading practitioner and scholar in the field. The book covers the philosophical basics of GT and contrasts it with various types of psychotherapeutic approaches. The book also provides guidelines on how to apply GT principles to therapeutic practice with clients. Lastly, the authors cover training on a post-graduate level, certification, and continuing education issues relevant for the practicing therapist. Key Features: Explains Martin Buber's use of "dialogue" in gestalt therapy and how to practice in a dialogical manner Compares and contrasts the features of a gestalt system of diagnosis with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) Provides GT treatment planning and case management practices

'By Way of the Heart comes from the pen of an experienced master. Anyone who reads it will find a sure guide along a path that leads to wholeness, enlightenment and to God.' - William Johnston, S.J.