Developing Gestalt Counselling

`In this eminently sensible, practical and thought-provoking book, Jennifer Mackewn takes gestalt light years forward towards a synthesis and integration of psychological styles and away from what she describes as "Perlism". I agree with her: this is a book for therapists, not principally for gestaltists... In inviting the reader to "pick and choose" from the many and varied, always practical, hands-on approach chapters... Jennifer Mackewn hopes we will both enjoy her book and find it of use. This reader, commending the book to you all, has no doubt that both her hopes will be fulfilled' - Self & Society Describing contemporary integrative Gestalt counselling and psychotherapy, this book addresses 30 key issues which will help both trainee and practising counsellors examine and improve crucial areas of their work. The field theoretical and relational model which underpins the book suggests that therapy is a complex process which requires therapists to be intuitive and self-aware while engaging in a number of interrelated therapeutic tasks. The importance of meeting clients person-to-person in a meaningful relationship is highlighted. Jennifer Mackewn encourages counsellors to focus on areas that they may feel need special attention, and shows them how to blend their skills into a subtle and versatile art form. The book covers vital aspects of Gestalt counselling and psychotherapy, such as: appreciating the significance of beginnings; understanding the client's context; the dialogic relationship; contact and awareness; exploring life themes and support systems; and experimental and creative methods.

This volume contains 30 useful hints and reminders to help both students and professionals in counselling examine and improve key areas of ther work. 'Developing Gestalt Counselling' encourages counsellors to focus on areas that they feel need special attention by covering topics such as: relationship and dialogue, assessment in the Gestalt approach; contact, awareness, proactivity, and responsibility; and experimental and creative methods.

Explains the fundamentals of the behavioral theory that is based on an integrated view of the personality. For the student and the professional.

`In this eminently sensible, practical and thought-provoking book, Jennifer Mackewn takes gestalt light years forward towards a synthesis and integration of psychological styles and away from what she describes as "Perlism". I agree with her: this is a book for therapists, not principally for gestaltists... In inviting the reader to "pick and choose" from the many and varied, always practical, hands-on approach chapters... Jennifer Mackewn hopes we will both enjoy her book and find it of use. This reader, commending the book to you all, has no doubt that both her hopes will be fulfilled′ - Self & Society Describing contemporary integrative Gestalt counselling and psychotherapy, this book addresses 30 key issues which will help both trainee and practising counsellors examine and improve crucial areas of their work. The field theoretical and relational model which underpins the book suggests that therapy is a complex process which requires therapists to be intuitive and self-aware while engaging in a number of interrelated therapeutic tasks. The importance of meeting clients person-to-person in a meaningful relationship is highlighted. Jennifer Mackewn encourages counsellors to focus on areas that they may feel need special attention, and shows them how to blend their skills into a subtle and versatile art form. The book covers vital aspects of Gestalt counselling and psychotherapy, such as: appreciating the significance of beginnings; understanding the client′s context; the dialogic relationship; contact and awareness; exploring life themes and support systems; and experimental and creative methods.

Skills in Gestalt Counselling & Psychotherapy, Second Edition is a practical introduction to the application of the Gestalt approach at each stage of the therapeutic process. Taking the reader through these stages, the book focuses on skills which arise out of Gestalt theory as well as those invoked by the therapeutic relationship. As well as offering guidance on practice issues affecting counsellors such as assessment and treatment considerations, using a variety of Gestalt techniques, and developing client awareness, this fully updated edition has been expanded to represent new developments in the psychotherapy field. New material includes: - the implications of neuroscience and psychotherapy outcome research for the therapeutic relationship - new chapters exploring action research, disturbed and disturbing clients, and Gestalt supervision and coaching - short-term work in primary care and the NHS. This is an ideal text for use on counselling and counselling skills courses, especially those training in Gestalt, and recommended reading for anyone who uses Gestalt skills in their work.

This practical guide to the Gestalt approach has successfully introduced thousands of trainee therapists to the essential skills needed in Gestalt practice. Now in its third edition, the book includes: · New chapters on working with trauma, and building client resources · New material on depression and anxiety · Expanded content on working with more challenging client issues · Integration of leading ideas from contemporary trauma therapies. The authors offer practical guidance on the entire process of therapy including setting up the therapeutic session, creating a working alliance, assessment and treatment direction, managing risk, supervision, adopting a research approach, and managing difficult encounters.

Simon Cavicchia has oriented Clarkson’s seminal work of Gestalt Counselling in Action within a more contemporary context, adding voices of significant and divergent thinkers as counter-point and extensions of the author’s work. Michael Clemmens, Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, USA This popular and well written book which is now in its 4th edition provides an accessible and thorough introduction to the Gestalt approach. Danny Porter, Manchester Gestalt Centre Now 24 years old with over 40,000 copies sold worldwide, Petruska Clarkson’s classic text is the definitive introduction to Gestalt therapy. This fourth edition, updated by Simon Cavicchia, covers the latest in Gestalt theory, research and practice. It includes: An extended case study running through the book to help you understand the process of therapy and the techniques used in each of the phases. Learning features and case examples translating theory into practice. New ‘reflection sections’ showing you the most recent developments in the field. New material on the relational turn and research. As a student of Gestalt therapy, this is the one book you need to buy; it offers a uniquely practical and accessible approach to an often complex topic. Petruska Clarkson was a professor and fellow of the British Association for Counselling and Fellow of the British Psychological Society. Petruska sadly passed away in 2006. Simon Cavicchia is a primary tutor on the MSc in Gestalt Psychotherapy and Joint Programme Leader of the MSc in Coaching Psychology/MA in Psychological Coaching, both at Metanoia Institute, London.

First published 1951. A series of experiments in self-therapy designed to develop an awareness of self and a growth of the personality