Gestalt Therapy: Yesterday and Today

Abstract

Reviews the book, “Gestalt Therapy: History, Theory, and Practice” (see record 2005-01930-000) edited by Ansel L. Woldt and Sarah M. Toman. The book is a basic introductory text that will engage those new to Gestalt therapy. It is designed for graduate students studying mental health, as well as for trainees at the many Gestalt training institutes around the world. In order to ensure that the book is useful to faculty members as well as to their students, the editors included educational components not found in any other Gestalt book. For example, review questions and experiential pedagogical activities are included at the end of each chapter. Editors Woldt and Toman introduce the historical underpinnings and fundamental concepts of Gestalt therapy and illustrate applications of those concepts to therapeutic practice. The book is a unique contribution to the field in that it is the first Gestalt textbook specifically designed for academic and training institute settings. Gestalt Therapy takes both a conceptual and a practical approach to examining classic and cutting-edge constructs. Each chapter proceeds from content to case applications and on to experiential exercises. The book is organized into two parts. Part I provides background, theory, and methodology; Part II examines applications of Gestalt therapy. The chapters were written by theorists and practitioners who are experts in various aspects of Gestalt therapy. Although Gestalt Therapy: History, Theory, and Practice is difficult reading at times, it is also a valuable book. It is an original book in its concepts and structure and is highly recommended for students, for beginning practitioners of Gestalt therapy, and for those who wish to know more about the theory, practice, and history of Gestalt psychology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)