Towards a More Deeply Embodied Approach in Gestalt Therapy

Journal title QUADERNI DI GESTALT
Author/s James I. Kepner
Publishing Year 2013 Issue 2013/1
Language Italian Pages 14 P. 67-80 File size 361 KB
DOI 10.3280/GEST2013-001005
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This article critiques and assesses the development of body-oriented work in gestalt therapy. Strengths of the gestalt therapy approach are highlighted as work with the actual, and holding an integral viewpoint. The author critiques limitations in the field involving a narrow epistemology of the founding perspective, the inadequacy of awareness alone for psychophysical change, the inclusion of structural concepts, and the need for physical methodology including touch and movement and other somatic methods. A brief model is offered for appreciating the multi-level complexity of a more fully embodied approach.

Keywords: Body-oriented work, gestalt therapy, epistemology, gestalt therapy training, non-dualistic approach, self, organism/environment field, figure/ground, structured ground, awareness, patterns and organization, developmental theory

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James I. Kepner, Verso un approccio più profondamente incarnato in psicoterapia della Gestalt in "QUADERNI DI GESTALT" 1/2013, pp 67-80, DOI: 10.3280/GEST2013-001005