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Gestalt Therapy helps people focus on their thoughts, feelings and behaviour to better understand the way they are able to communicate and relate to other people. It offers support to help explore feelings and to deeply understand personal relationships so clients can begin to make practical changes.

CP Journal icon  Our featured book

Skills in Gestalt book cover image

Skills in Gestalt: Counselling & Psychotherapy 

 

This is our most ‘accessible’ book on Existential Therapy, a notoriously difficult therapeutic approach in Counselling & Psychotherapy. It introduces trainees to the six key existential therapies with a focus on practical, face-to-face work with clients.

"Gestalt therapy is often misrepresented and misunderstood, so I was delighted to read this clear and well-written book. This is an all-inclusive, whistle-stop tour of how to practice contemporary Gestalt. The book guides the reader step by step through the practice, starting with assessment and moving on to creating a working alliance, managing risk, undertaking research and many other topics. It is written in simple language, with exercises to engage the reader, alongside examples and case studies. I recommend this as a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about contemporary Gestalt theory and practice."

- Anne Gibert, Gestalt psychotherapist and supervisor 

 

CP megaphone Recommended reading 

 

The counselling and psychotherapy hub is full of useful links, book chapters, interactive videos and more. Here are a few books to add to your collection of resources:

 

Gestalt Counselling in Action book cover image

Gestalt Counselling in Action

Now 24 years old with over 40,000 copies sold worldwide, Petruska Clarkson's classic textbook offers the definitive introduction to the theory and practice of Gestalt. This fourth edition brings in the latest Gestalt theory, research and practice whilst preserving the author's lively and authoritative style.

"An excellent overview of Gestalt Therapy. Up to date, and illustrated with a wealth of case material." 

-- Mr John Perry, School of Medicine, Southampton University 

Read about the fundamentals of the Gestalt approach here 

sample chapter

 

 

An Introduction to Gestalt book cover image

An Introduction to Gestalt

The new comprehensive introduction to Gestalt therapy from top authors in the field, this fills a gap for an accessible Gestalt text that will be relevant to coaching trainees as well as those in the counselling and psychotherapy field.

"An excellent introduction to Gestalt Therapy. Explanations are clear and easy to understand and the personal illustrations and examples from the author are very helpful."

-- Mrs Julie Wyman, Devon Counselling College 

 

Gestalt Counselling in a nutshell book cover image

Gestalt Counselling in a Nutshell

As part of the well-established Counselling in Nutshell Series, this book provides a concise and accessible introduction to the key elements of the theory and practice of Gestalt Therapy for the absolute beginner. The book introduces:

  • the origins of the approach 
  • the key theory and concepts
  • the skills and techniques important to practice.

A fantastic book to get stuck into if you're looking to top up your knowledge!