Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This book is comprised of a series of lectures by several different practitioners of gestalt therapy. The first, and longest was more in the nature of a rap session with audience participation, given by Ram Dass. I found this first section to be the most informative and interesting. Ram Dass' presentation was given in a very informal laid-back New-Age guru style, but nevertheless conveyed a pretty clear idea of what gestalt therapy tries to achieve. It is based on mutual growth and increased awareness of both therapist and client through experiential interaction. The methods of interaction are highly intuitive and tailored to fit the particular situation. The goal is to gain an objective operational insight into living in the present moment without the obstructive attachments that bind us to both past and future.
At first I thought this was just going to be a piece of New-Age fluff, but as I got into it parts of the message began to hit areas within me that resonated in recognition or agreement. I especially liked the concept of getting in back of our thoughts to the point where we no longer identify our 'self' with our thoughts, but can objectively observe our thoughts happening. This seems to point the way to escape from the destructive buffeting of our emotions. His easy-going rap style perhaps made this technique seem easier than it is. He makes several references to Eastern esoteric practices of Hinduism and Taoism, which seem quite relevant to his conception of Gestalt therapy.
The other lectures,which dealt with womens issues and massage applications, among other topics, were mildly interesting, but failed to engage me to any great extent.
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