(re)Claiming Embodied “Knowing” in Gestalt Group Therapy

Abstract

ABSTRACTGestalt group therapy, along with many forms of group therapy, fosters possibilities for past developmental hurts to reemerge in the present with the hoped-for resolution to occur in relationship. Working with developmental yearnings requires an embodied sensitivity to understand the intentionality of contact experienced in the bidirectionality of movements that occur at the contact-boundary. Often, words are employed prematurely as part of the contacting process as we seek to “language” experience. A somaesthetic approach nurtures the potential of the group incarnate where patterns of relating body forth between members, in the hope that spontaneity and vitality can be renewed and healing experienced. This is a form of group therapy, by the group, for the group, including the psychotherapist. A capacity of exquisite attention moment to moment and movement to movement within the group field supports such contacting processes.