Skills In Gestalt Counselling Psychotherapy

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.

`I looked forward to reading this book and was not disappointed. It reflects the best of the Gestalt approach - it is clear, challenging and refreshing. Emphasis is placed on the importance of a safe and supporting framework within which therapeutic work takes place, and this is reflected in the reader feeling a real connection with the authors. The humanistic element of Gestalt comes through clearly in this book. Not only is this an important read for those training in Gestalt but it is equally important for trainees and established therapists in the humanistic and integrated field′ - Counsellingbooks.com `This book was put on our reading list for diploma students in humanistic counselling, and it has been snapped up by the students′ - Bee Springwood, Self & Society ′Written in a clear and accessible style, this slim volume will be valued as a wise guide in attaining the necessary skills for a Gestalt flavoured clinical practice... It is in the reference material from Gestalt practitioners across the world that the authors provide a succinct integration of Gestalt theory and practice from these last fifty years. This is one of the understated but powerful aspects of the book... I recommend that all Gestalt practitioners get a copy of Skills in Gestalt Counselling & Psychotherapy for their professional library and make sure that it is mandatory reading for their students′ - Dorothy E Siminovitch, A Gestalt Guide for the Journey of Skill Development ′An informative book, well worth the money, that will enrich the practice of any practitioner′ - Stress News Skills in Gestalt Counselling & Psychotherapy is a practical introduction to the different techniques used at each stage of the counselling process. The book takes the reader through the process from beginning to termination and focuses on skills which arise out of Gestalt theory as well as those invoked by the counselling relationship. Accessibly written by experienced practitioners, the book gives clear guidelines on: establishing the relationship; assessment and goal-setting; developing the client′s awareness; maintaining the relationship and bringing the counselling to an end. The authors also examine the spiritual dimension of counselling and offer guidance on some of the special considerations affecting counsellors such as the context in which they are working, the duration of the relationship, and particular problems with which clients present. For all those training in Gestalt or who wish to sharpen their skills as practitioners, this will be essential reading.

`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 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 counselling, psychotherapy and coaching to mentoring, managing, consulting and guiding. A Each chapter contains case examples from the therapeutic world and a ′running case study′ featuring ongoing coaching work moves throughout the book, with diagrams and lists for further reading making this the ideal text for use in training. The accessible, engaging writing style will appeal to undergraduates and postgraduates alike. Charlotte Sills is a practitioner and supervisor in private practice, a tutor at Metanoia Institute and a tutor and supervisor of coaching at Ashridge CollegeBusiness School. She is the author or co-author of many books and articles on therapeutic work. Phil Lapworth is a counsellor, psychotherapist and supervisor in private practice near Bath and has written extensively in the field of counselling and psychotherapy. Billy Desmond is a Gestalt psychotherapist, executive coach and organisational development consultant. He is a member of Ashridge College and a Programme Director of Partnering and Consulting in ChangeHead of the Gestalt Department at Metanoia Insititute, and tutor and consultant at Ashridge Business School.

Gestalt therapy offers a present-focused, relational approach, central to which is the fundamental belief that the client knows the best way of adjusting to their situation. By working to heighten awareness through dialogue and creative experimentation, gestalt therapists create the conditions for a client's personal journey to health. Gestalt Therapy: 100 Key Points and Techniques provides a concise guide to this flexible and far-reaching approach. Topics discussed include: the theoretical assumptions underpinning gestalt therapy gestalt assessment and process diagnosis field theory, phenomenology and dialogue ethics and values evaluation and research. As such this book will be essential reading for gestalt trainees, as well as all counsellors and psychotherapists wanting to learn more about the gestalt approach.

New to the bestselling Counselling in a Nutshell Series, this pocket-sized book is the beginners guide to the essentials of Gestalt Therapy, from its principles to practice. Assuming no previous knowledge of the subject, the book introduces: - the origins of the approach - the key theory and concepts - the skills and techniques important to practice. Written in an accessible, jargon-free style, this book includes vivid case examples, end of chapter exercises and a glossary of terms to help aid understanding. Gaie Houston is a writer, UKCP-registered psychotherapist and senior lecturer at The Gestalt Centre, London.

This book is a collaboration of some of the best thinkers in the Gestalt therapy world and offers a high-level summary of recent and future developments in theory, practice and research.

This deeply compassionate book explores the relationship between therapist and patient and explains the method of Gestalt therapy. The author, Joseph Zinker is an active practioner and argues that therapy can be a creative process, in which patient and therapist invent and improvise strategies to change behavior.