Remembering Robert Resnick, PhD: The Pied Piper of Gestalt Therapy

Abstract

When thinking of Robert (“Bob”) Resnick, the phrase “larger than life” quickly comes to mind. He was indeed “large” both in physical stature and his many appetites, including a love for good food, laughter, his beloved family, many colleagues and friends, as well as the Gestalt approach. As a therapist, theorist, and trainer he had an enormous impact on Gestalt therapy and the Gestalt community worldwide.It seems almost unimaginable that he and his associates were able to start and maintain an annual European-based residential program that resulted in the training of thousands of Gestalt therapists and practitioners from a myriad of countries for 49 years. It is not an understatement to say that he and his many colleagues who were engaged in this residential program were responsible for the spread of Gestalt theory and practice throughout the world. In fact, many of those trained by him returned home to start their own institutes and training programs. As Elizabeth Estrup discusses in her description of the program (detailed in this issue), Resnick and his colleagues paid exquisite attention to every aspect of the experience from the venue to specific teachings. This annual gathering was one of his major contributions to the Gestalt approach. It is with great sadness that the 50th celebration, which he so looked forward to, was postponed repeatedly because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is comforting to know that Rita Resnick, his wife and professional collaborator, and their associates are working hard to make it a reality in the summer of 2023.But Resnick’s influence on Gestalt practitioners went way beyond his training programs. There was rarely a Gestalt event where he was not present, interacting and engaging with participants. In some ways one could say that he was the Pied Piper of Gestalt therapy. As Jay Levin discusses in his tribute in this issue, Resnick also was one of the first Gestalt practitioners to focus on the interpersonal, specifically marriage. His approach to theory was not insular. He was open to the opinions of others and welcomed their input. This is reflected in the practice of soliciting guest faculty year after year to the European residential program. These guests were invited to present live demonstrations, conducted in a respectful and open manner. In this way, attendees were exposed to different approaches and techniques.Despite his busy schedule and diverse activities, he was happy to assist in the creation of Gestalt Review in 1997 by agreeing to be an associate editor. He regularly attended the annual editorial gathering and was always willing to review submissions and offer his astute commentary. In addition, he was a consistent and reliable promoter of Gestalt Review, always eager to hand out past copies of the journal to colleagues and trainees along with subscription forms.On a personal note, we miss his humor, wisdom, and energy. The Gestalt community has lost a brilliant practitioner and an intrepid advocate. We know that we speak for many when we acknowledge this profound loss. Bob Resnick was an extraordinary and unique man and a gift to those who had the good fortune to know and work with him.