The theory of the self, to which Gestalt therapists generally refer, is a reading that Isadore From has made of the Goodman’s theory of the self. In fact, between the theory of the self by Goodman and the revision made by From there are important differences. In this article, chapter 10 of Gestalt Therapy (Perls, Hefferline and Goodman, 1951) is outlined in detail. Here Goodman presents his conception of the self and its main structures. Then, the author discusses some aspects and implications of these ideas. Differences with Isadore From’s interpretation of these concepts are examined.
Keywords: Self, spontaneity, ego, id, personality, structure