Gestalt Counselling in Action

Synopsis

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 4^th 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.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Gestalt Approach

* Key Concepts: The phenomenological approach, the here-and-now, the field, and contact.
* Real Example: A therapist working with a client who feels anxious in social situations might explore the client's present moment experience and how they interact with their environment.

Chapter 2: The Therapeutic Relationship

* Key Concepts: The authentic and present therapist, the I-Thou relationship, and the importance of experimentation.
* Real Example: A therapist might share their own experiences or feelings if it serves the client's growth, but only in a way that maintains the focus on the client.

Chapter 3: Assessment and Diagnosis

* Key Concepts: The Gestalt perspective on mental health, the use of phenomenological inquiry, and the importance of holistic assessment.
* Real Example: A therapist might use creative techniques, such as drawing or role-playing, to gain a deeper understanding of a client's experiences.

Chapter 4: Intervention Strategies

* Key Concepts: The use of techniques to support contact, promote awareness, and foster growth.
* Real Example: A therapist might use hot seat exercises to help clients re-enact past experiences and learn from them.

Chapter 5: Working with the Resistance

* Key Concepts: The nature of resistance, the importance of accepting resistance, and strategies for working through resistance.
* Real Example: A therapist might help a client to understand the underlying reasons for their resistance and to find ways to move beyond it.

Chapter 6: Termination

* Key Concepts: The importance of preparing for termination, the challenges of ending the relationship, and the ongoing nature of the therapeutic process.
* Real Example: A therapist might work with a client to set realistic expectations for ending therapy and to help them prepare for the transition.

Chapter 7: Ethical Considerations

* Key Concepts: The Gestalt code of ethics, the therapist's responsibility to clients, and the importance of self-awareness.
* Real Example: A therapist might engage in supervision to ensure that their ethical practices are in alignment with Gestalt principles.