Global Perspectives on Research, Theory, and Practice: A Decade of Gestalt! (The World of Contemporary Gestalt Therapy) - Hardcover

"We recommend this book for a number of reasons: first of all for the richness of its arguments and for its variety of perspectives, shown in brilliant and intricate ways, on Gestalt therapy theory. Secondly, some chapters consider both Gestalt and other approaches in their arguments with an admirable cultural sensibility. [...] When, as in this case, a book raises many questions, sensations and thoughts, it means that it could make a significant contribution to the field and open new, rich ways of thinking to the reader." Jelena Zeleskov Djoric & Gianni Francesetti Quaderni di Gestalt N.2015/2

Over a decade in the making, this volume brings together some of the richest thinking about gestalt therapy theory and practice that emerged in the lead-up to the 21st century. In 1996, the internet was breaking out of its shell, and the first electronic journal for gestalt therapy appeared as a hybrid of the text-based discussion group Gstalt-L and the graphically rich, web-based journal itself. The journal, supported by a community at St. Johns University, was titled Gestalt!. Its vision was to stimulate a global discussion of gestalt therapy using the electronic medium that has now become so common and essential, and it did just that. Gestalt! was free. It was quick. Those working with the journal were focused on substance over style. The editors have ensured this relevant and playful attitude shines through in this collection. There are errors in form, because the editors have maintained many in order to provide a realistic feel for what the journal was like. Although it no longer exists, this book reclaims the journal's great historical value and still-significant ideas.