FAQ

What is Gestalt Therapy?

Gestalt therapy was originally created in opposition to what Fritz Perls and his wife Lore (Posner) Perls labeled the “stagnant dogmatism and determinism of psychoanalysis”. In his early years in Germany, Perls, a psychoanalyst, was greatly influenced by contemporary psychoanalytic thinkers
(or psychoanalytic deviants) Karen Horney, Wilhelm Reich and Otto Rank as well as others. Philosophically, he and his wife to be were attracted to and influenced by Friedlander's concepts of “differential thinking and creative indifference” which Perls later transformed into the important concept of creative adjustment in Gestalt Therapy.

Because of Nazi oppression, the Perls' fled Germany, then Holland and moved to South Africa, where they eventually met Jan Smuts, the author of a transformative book on Holism and Evolution (1926) in which the author examined issues of the ecological world from a Gestalt perspective.

Fritz and Lore Perls wrote a ground-breaking book Ego, Hunger and Aggression (1947) to which Lore Perls contributed one chapter. The topic was originally presented at the last Psychoanalytic Congress in Germany in the thirties. Originally, the Perls's wanted to label their new highly focused, experience-based therapy “concentration therapy”. However, due to rather obvious limitations of such a title, particularly given the historical time and circumstances, they decided on the name of Gestalt therapy.

In the late 40's to early 50's the Pearl’s moved to New York where they included intellectuals Paul Goodman and Isodore From, among others, in their circle. The book Gestalt Therapy, or commonly called the “Gestalt Bible”, by Perls, Hefferline and Goodman is their brain child and forms the foundation of Gestalt Therapy.

A basic premise of Gestalt therapy holds that all experience is phenomenologically based in the ongoing present. It examines how each individual perceives, interprets and makes meaning out of experiences. It is a dialogical therapy in which the client/therapist relationship is primary. Therapist/client examines how the person self-regulates at the contact boundary, how aware or unaware the client is of the what he does and how he does it. Gestalt therapy is descriptive, non-pejorative, empowering and aimed at the client becoming fully aware - sensorially available to experience, taking appropriate actions based on full awareness of a situation which includes sound decision-making processes and full awareness of and responsibility for potential consequences and feelings. The therapy is sometimes considered bridging the gap between phenomenology and behaviorism, for it is only behavior that can be observed which is subjectively experienced by the client and therapist.

In Gestalt therapy, behavior change occurs not when the therapist tells the patient what he should do or ought to do to feel better or become different, but by allowing the client to get in touch with what he really wants, who he really is not what he thinks he should be or do. Because of Gestalt therapy's phenomenological perspective and system's orientation, it is understood by the Gestalt therapist that regardless of the troubles an individual might present, all behavior is meaningful and has purpose. Both therapist and client can work toward raising awareness by examining the “what” and the “how” of the behavior in the safety of the therapeutic setting. When the therapist removes himself as the change agent, the client has a unique organismic opportunity to reevaluate and redirect his life into a more desirable direction as well as accept his inherent strengths and limitations.

For in-depth reading on the topic, consider Gestalt Therapy: Excitement and Growth in the Human Personality. Fredrick Perls, MD, Ralph F Hefferline, PhD, Paul Goodman, Ph.D.; Erving and Miriam Polster's book Gestalt Therapy Reconsidered; Gestalt Therapy. History, Theory, and Practice. Ed. Ansel L. Woldt; Sarah M. Torman.

Since its early beginnings fifty years ago, Gestalt therapy has constantly evolved honoring contributions and theoretical advances in cognitive, behavior and learning theories, affect, shame and relational theories, child development findings and brain research. Their individual findings consistently validate, support and enhance the philosophical and scientific foundations of Gestalt therapy. It has truly become a therapy that could be practiced effectively by most mental health practitioners of most orientations.

Coaching Beyond Recovery

What is Beyond Recovery Coaching?

Recovery Coaching is a specialty within the Coaching Profession. Beyond Recovery coaching serves individuals who are sober either from following the 12-step Program of AA, NA, OA, GA, SLA, OR some other paths. Coaching beyond sobriety enlarges the definition of “I Am an…”, to “Once a human being, always a Human being” encompassing strengths, growth potentials, complexities, and striving toward fulfillment, hope, and a joyful life without constant fear of relapsing.

What will I learn?

• You will learn to experience and appreciate working with the Beyond Recovery population from radically different perspective.
• You will learn a very different understanding of the onset, development of, and recovery from addiction
• You will learn the 10 statements Growth Process Affirmations™ (GPAs) that follow sequentially the phases of human development, and skills to reconfigure developmental lags into lasting, life affirming and growth producing positive mental attitudes
• You will learn newest findings in brain research
• You will learn skills to apply a synthesized model.

Do I need a background, either personally or professionally to learn this program?

You do not need to be a coach. Any therapist, Addiction/Recovery counselor, Family Therapist or allied Health Professional can take the program. You may or may not be in addiction recovery to attend.

Will I have supervisory support or mentoring while I am learning this program?

The description of the workshop will include post training teleclasses.

How much does this program cost?

There are different prices. They vary depending on lengths of time per teleclass, workshop, material required, and permission for use of copyrighted material.

Teleclasses are more convenient and condensed. You can participate from any place. In-person Workshops are longer and may take several days, one day at a time.

What is Life Coaching?

Life coaching assists you to be the person you want to be, to create a life that works

“The greatest thing in this world is not so much where we stand as in what direction we are moving”.
— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Life Coaching is a profession dedicated to advance human development. It begins where therapy and the DSM ends. From a Gestalt coaching perspective, life’s trials and tribulations are real and may prove challenging, however, you possess:

Sounds good, but how does it work?

Glad you are curious. If you choose me as your coach, we will form a relationship that is equally honest and straightforward. While there are huge variations between individuals, generally the following hold true.

Why should I choose you rather than another coach?

Excellent question! I can tell you that:

Personality and values aside:

What is holding you back?

Call me for an introductory free session and judge for yourself.