Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Gestalt Theoretical Psychotherapy -
a comparison from the angle of 'self-determination'.Select the abstract of the article you want to read by clicking on the title:
Gestalt therapy and Gestalt theory - what do they have in common?
Gestalt theory as a clinical-psychological theory of selforganization.
Gestalt theory and theory of autopoiesis - are they compatible?
Psychological diagnostics and appraisement from a Gestalt theoretical
perspective
Wolfgang Metzger, taoism and Zen-buddhism
Ethical implications of Gestalt theory. Exemplified for the case
of psychological work in a prison
Epistemologically differentiating Perls' verdict 'mind-fucking'.
Productive thinking and psychotherapy
On the problem of values in psychotherapy.
Is there any future for psychotherapy?
Phenomenal Order in Psychic Disorders
On the scientific point of view of Gestalt Theoretical Psychotherapy
Psychoanalytic concepts in the light of Gestalt theory - An analysis
of selected defence mechanisms
A critical examination of some theoretical assumptions and constructs
in Gestalt therapy
Gestalt Theory and Individual Psychology - a fruitful convergence
Gestalt theoretical contributions to psychopathology
"Back to the phenomena" - Philosophical phenomenology
and Gestalt Theoretical Psychotherapy
The
mind-body problem in Sigmund Freud's theory of drive from a gestalt theoretical
view
Gestalt Theory and Psychopathology
A taxonomy of mental disorders in the tradition
of the Lewin school?
And don't miss the full text articles in the Gestalt
Archive!
Irene PAULS, Hans-Jürgen WALTER:
Kognitive Verhaltenstherapie und Gestalttheoretische Psychotherapie - ein Vergleich
unter dem Aspekt 'Selbstbestimmung' [Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Gestalt Theoretical
Psychotherapy - a comparison from the angle of 'self-determination'].
Gestalt Theory, 3 (1981), No. 3/4, pp 207-216.
The concept of self-determination in 'cognitive behavior therapy' and Gestalt
theory by all means are compatible. The concept of self-determination in 'cognitive
behavior therapy' can become a precising part of the concept of self-determination
in Gestalt theory. On the other hand the concept of self-determination in Gestalt
theory may offer to 'cognitive behavior therapy' a more extensive framework on behalf
of a fuller image of man.
Hans-Jürgen WALTER:
Was haben Gestalt-Therapie und Gestalttheorie miteinander zu tun? [Gestalt therapy
and Gestalt theory - what do they have in common?]
Gestalt Theory, 6 (1984), No. 1, pp 55-69.
Some Gestalt theorists will have nothing to do with the 'unspeakable' Fritz PERLS
and Gestalt therapy which he was the first to call by that name. On the other hand,
several Gestalt therapists, although emphasizing that PERLS received impulses from
Gestalt theory for the development of his method of therapy, consider other influences
to be more important and going beyond an allegedly unpolitical Gestalt theory which
is 'limited to perceptual psychology'.
The opinion is held that neither position does justice to Fritz PERLS' Gestalt therapy.
It is shown that the decisive concepts on which PERLS bases both his criticism of
psychoanalysis, from which he comes, and his own approach have their origin in Gestalt
theory and that it would mean denying one's own central positions were Gestalt theory
to dissociate itself from Fritz PERLS' Gestalt therapy.
In order to delimit 'Gestalt palaver' following theoretical statements of PERLS
(which showed faults with regard to the theory of cognition) it is suggested to
use the term 'Gestalt-theoretical psychotherapy'.
Hans-Jürgen WALTER:
Gestalttheorie als klinisch-psychologische Theorie der Selbstorganisation [Gestalt
theory as a clinical-psychological theory of selforganization].
Gestalt Theory, 7 (1985), No. 4, pp 260-272.
On the basis of the epistemological standpoint of Gestalt theory - i.e. critical
realism - , the psychological Gestalt theory is interpreted as a theory of human
self-organization. At the latest with WERTHEIMERs demonstration that in perceptual
processes the perceived parts change during the formation of perceptual wholes,
but also already with the - from a critical-realistic perspective inevitable - insight
that man's direct phenomenal experience should be treated with the same dignity
as the physical reality, Gestalt theory developed to a theory of legitimate influence
of one person on another. It is disclosed by a number of contributions (in particular
by LEWINs force-field analysis of the life space, by METZGERs description of the
'way from top down' in the distinction between different Gestalt qualities, and
by BISCHOFs analysis of epistemological views which can be characterized as 'semi-naive
realism') that mechanistic ways of thinking and beliefs about man and world form
the basis of many mental disturbances. Furthermore, these contributions identify
Gestalt theory for more than 30 years as a clinical-psychological approach, which
is capable of providing the psychotherapist with the tools to assist client's self-organization
in overcoming these disturbances.
Hans-Jürgen WALTER:
Sind Gestalttheorie und Theorie der Autopoiese miteinander vereinbar? [Gestalt
theory and theory of autopoiesis - are they compatible?]
Gestalt Theory, 10 (1988), No. 1, pp 57-70.
The attempts of STADLER & KRUSE to equate the epistemological position of
Gestalt theory and 'radical constructivism' (according to MATURANA, VARELA, ROTH
and others) is critically analyzed. It seems that their attempt appears only successful
if quotes are tendentially selected, and if concepts are contaminated or their content
is shifted away from its normal usage. Once again one gets the impression that this
attempt proves the position that it would be more precise to use the term contaminism
or confusionism instead of 'radical constructivism'.
Marianne SOFF:
Psychologische Diagnostik und Begutachtung unter gestalttheoretischem Blickwinkel
[Psychological diagnostics and appraisement from a Gestalt theoretical perspective]
Gestalt Theory, 12 (1990), No. 1, pp. 33-45.
The training of diagnostic skills plays a major role in the academic coursework
for psychologists. The underlying processes of this skill are viewed here from the
point of view of Gestalt theory. This reveals that some integral aspects of this
skill are often neglected at the universities. Aas a result of this analysis recommendations
are formulated for the future training of psychologic diagnosticians.
Rainer KÄSTL:
Zur Beziehung von Wolfgang Metzger zu Taoismus und Zen-Buddhismus [About the
relation between Wolfgang Metzger, taoism and Zen-buddhism]
Gestalt Theory, 12 (1990), No. 3, pp 141-149.
In his book 'Schöpferische Freiheit' Wolfgang METZGER (1962) refers to taoism
and empathically recommends the study of Zen-buddhism. Some of his central ideas
concerning the work with living beings, the problem of reality, and the body-mind-problem
are compared with core positions of Zen-buddhism and taoism, in order to show that
fundamental theoretical and philosophical ideas in these eastern schools of thought
resemble positions of Gestalt theory or are even equivalent to them.
Waltraud ZILLIG:
Ethische Implikationen der Gestalttheorie. Erläutert am Beispiel psychologischer
Arbeit im Gefängnis [Ethical implications of Gestalt theory. Exemplified
for the case of psychological work in a prison] Gestalt Theory, 14 (1992), No.
3, pp 174-195.
Aspects of the Gestalt theoretical image of man and some implications of critical
realism for the view of man as a social being are described. Hence it follows that
the ethically required consideration of the fellow-creature results under definable
conditions from the dynamics of the whole group. The structuring of the phenomenal
field in case of appropriate behavior is discussed by following KÖHLERs concept
of 'requiredness' and WERTHEIMERs 'structural requirements of the situation".
A 'mechanistic' moral consisting of rules and restrictions is opposed to a 'productive'
understanding of ethics, in which 'freedom' is considered as a fundamental condition
to allow new rules of behavior emerging immediately from the structural demands
of a new situation. Finally - following W. METZGER - essential values within a Gestalt
theoretical view of ethics are described, their reasons are pointed out, they are
analysed with regard to their consequences, and discussed referring to psychological
work in prison.
Hans-Jürgen WALTER:
Zur erkenntnistheoretischen Differenzierung des Perls'schen Verdikts 'Mind-fucking'
[Epistemologically differentiating Perls' verdict 'mind-fucking'].
Gestalt Theory, 14 (1992), No. 4, pp 266-279.
Fritz PERLS, the founder of 'Gestalt Therapy', has denounced 'explanatoriness'
and interpreting as 'dummy activity' and 'mind-fucking'. By means of practical examples
it is shown that this 'verdict' is inappropriate, not only with regard to psychotherapeutic
intervention, but also, generally, to human experiencing and action. However, it
may be understood as an exaggerated reaction against the common misuse of the human
ability to think (to explain, to interpret, to plan, to intervene, to construct,
etc.) which leads to typical mental disorders.
Following on from critical realism and phenomenology as represented by the Gestalt
theorists, KÖHLER (American edition 1938), WERTHEIMER (1991), METZGER (1963,
1969), THOLEY (1980) and others, it is shown that it is necessary to take into account
the 'immediately existing reality' (objects, persons, thoughts, emotions, sensations)
just as much as the 'represented reality' (results of thinking, constructions, interpretations),
not only for a proper understanding of psychosomatic inter-relations of human health
and illness, but also, generally, as a pre-condition for learning from experience
and for acting and deciding responsibly within complex connections of life (past,
present, and future).
Wolfgang ZÖLLER:
Produktives Denken und Psychotherapie [Productive thinking and psychotherapy]
Gestalt Theory, 15 (1993), No. 3/4, pp 217-226.
From its beginnings Gestalt theory has made efforts to work out the inherent
laws of psychic proceedings. In doing so it made use of a phenomenal method and
of the experiment. In addition to the field of perception it was especially that
of productive thinking, the exploration of which could corroborate the final and
holistic position of Gestalt theory.
It is just the observations made in the investigation of productive processes of
thinking that can give a lot of impulse and hints for psychotherapeutic work. A
really growth-oriented therapy develops according to steps of development similar
to productive and progressive thinking. What it is all about is a process of change
aimed in the direction of a 'good Gestalt', supported step by step by self-responsibility
and insight.
Thomas FUCHS:
Was wissen Klienten? Überlegungen zur Frage, wie psychotherapeutisches Geschehen
angemessen untersucht werden kann [What do clients know? Some considerations
about how it could be possible to assess adequately what is happening in psychotherapy].
Gestalt Theory, 16 (1994), No. 2, pp 77-88.
Principles of Gestalt and Field theory are applied to the study of psychotherapeutic
processes. Methodological aspects proposed in the work of THOMAE are included. The
article outlines the contribution of the client's perspective to the assessment
of psychotherapy.
Gerhard STEMBERGER:
Zum Werteproblem in der Psychotherapie [On the problem of values in psychotherapy].
Gestalt Theory, 17 (1995), No. 3, pp 184-195.
Discusses the issue of values in psychotherapy, comparing the ethical relativism
of M. Kruell's (1991) systemic-constructivist approach with the Gestalt theory
positions of W. Koehler (1968) and M. Wertheimer (1991). According to Gestalt
theory, individuals can determine the appropriateness of their values and evaluations
by gaining insight into the demands of a given situation. It is the task of
psychotherapy to promote such insight.
Hans-Jürgen WALTER:
Hat Psychotherapie noch Zukunft? Oder: Zum Problem der Ordnung in der Psychotherapie
[Is there any future for psychotherapy? Or: On the problem of order in psychotherapy].
Gestalt Theory, 17 (1995), No. 4, pp 238-259.
A detailed critique of how GRAWE et al. (1994, pp. 121-127) are viewing the future
of psychotherapy, attacking the current influence of its main protagonist with sharp-witted
polemics, is followed by a rather brief summary of how PIERINGER (1994) views the
future of psychotherapeutic theory and practice.
In the last chapter the concept of PIERINGER turns out to be the inspiring structural
ground for the author's discussion of the quest for an adequate order of practice
in psychotherapy research and application.
Michael RUH:
Phänomenale Ordnung bei psychischen Störungen: Zur Aktualität der
Thesen Heinrich Schulte's. [Phenomenal Order in Psychic Disorders. On the Actuality
of the Theses of Heinrich Schulte.]
Gestalt Theory, 18 (1996), No. 1, pp 19-51.
Heinrich SCHULTEs theory of the paranoid ideas of reference and delusion formation
is explicated. The theses of SCHULTE can be used as a general model of the formation
of current psychotic disorders. It is argued that a phenomenological and relational
approach is necessary to understand these disorders. The common quality of psychotic
symptoms - as seen by the diagnostician or therapist - is described as a disorder
of contact. The formation of psychotic symptoms can be understood as an attempt
of the individual to transform the unlivable chasm between "I-and-the-others"
into a livable psychic state. Finally some aspects of psychoanalytic and psychiatric
research and theory in psychotic disorders are discussed from a Gestalt theoretical
point of view.
Wolfgang ZÖLLER:
Zum wissenschaftlichen Standpunkt der Gestalttheoretischen Psychotherapie. [On
the scientific point of view of Gestalt Theoretical Psychotherapy.]
Gestalt Theory, 18 (1996), No. 4, pp 257-275.
This article describes and compares the fundamental theoretical positions of
the Gestalt theory and the corresponding conclusions for a psychotherapy with other
basic psychological positions which have developed a clinical treatment or a psychotherapy
from their theories. One part of this article outlines the epistemological point
of view of Gestalt theory - Critical Realism - and its importance for psychotherapy.
Another part discusses differences and common grounds between Gestalt Theoretical
Psychotherapy on the one hand, psychoanalysis, Adlerian and Jungian psychotherapy
on the other.
Thomas FUCHS, Michael RUH, Marianne SOFF & Bernd GERSTNER:
Psychoanalytische Konzepte im Lichte der Gestalttheorie - Eine Analyse am Beispiel
ausgewählter Abwehrmechanismen. [Psychoanalytic concepts in the light of
Gestalt theory - An analysis of selected defence mechanisms.]
Gestalt Theory, 19 (1997), No. 3.
Psychoanalysis and Gestalt theory have theoretical and conceptual links regarding
their dynamic conceptualization of psychic processes. Defence mechanisms play
a major role in theory and therapy of both schools.
The defence mechanism "projection" in its classical psychoanalytic
sense and a more complex defence mechanism, the so-called "projective identification"
(KLEIN, 1947) are compared with the Gestalt-theoretical view of these concepts.
For this purpose, the epistemological orientation of Gestalt theory - Critical
Realism - is outlined. Exemplified by a simple case study, possible effects
of a projection on the phenomenal world and the transphenomenal world are described.
Compared to the psychoanalytical perspective, Critical Realism provides a broader
system-view and a clearer distinction between "inside" and "outside".
The phenomena "projection" and "projective identification"
can be explained systematically in Gestalt-theoretical terms without referring
to "historical solutions", such as early childhood traumata or the
Oedipus complex. The possibility of past events influencing the present behaviour
of a person is by no means denied, but there has to be a clear distinction between
the systematic approach and the historical analysis. The psychoanalytic explanations
emphasizing early childhood experiences remain vague and hypothetical. We have
to be cautious in connecting present pathological phenomena in adult persons
with hypothesized early developments. At least some of the theoretical assumptions
of FREUD and KLEIN have to be corrected in the light of empirical developmental
psychology. In contrast the Gestalt-theoretical approach tries by means of phenomenological
methods to identify the important personal and contextual conditions that may
contribute to the understanding of a person's behaviour. This corresponds to
a view of man that is principally capable of recognizing the "demands of
the situation" (WERTHEIMER) and behaving according to the needs of the
situation, rather than being permanently trapped between pleasure and denial.
Analyzes theoretical assumptions and constructs of Gestalt therapy. A brief
discussion delineation of the relationship between Gestalt theory and Gestalt
therapy is presented. A critical evaluation of the constructs and models of
"organism-environment filed," homeostasis and the "contact-cycle" of Gestalt
therapy are examined. Alternative approaches of Gestalt therapy are suggested.
.
Traces some of the convergences between Gestalt Theory and the individual psychology
approach using 14 publications of Alfred Adler that were edited and introduced
by Wolfgang Metzer in the 1970's, as well as other publications from these psychological
orientations. Adler's termini "inferiority" and "social interest" are analyzed
in light of Gestalt Theory.
Early Gestalt theoretical contributions in the field of psychopathology have
attracted increased interest over the last years. Five years ago the SCHULTE/WERTHEIMER
thesis on paranoia (1924) was called back to mind by Michael RUH at the 9th
Scientific Convention of the GTA in Osnabrück. RUH pointed out the topicality
and potential of this thesis for understanding not only paranoic but also other
severe psychic disturbances. From there a vivid discussion about the foundations
and implications of this thesis took its course within the psychotherapy section
of the GTA which still continues. Independently from that but at the same time
- also five years ago - Kevin CROCHETIÈRE, Nealy VICKER, James PARKER,
D. Brett KING und Michael WERTHEIMER from the University of Colorado made a
contribution to the annual convention of the American Psychological Association
in New York which presented and discussed early applications of Gestalt theory
in the field of clinical psychology and psychopathology (also including the
SCHULTE thesis). This indicates renewed interest for a field of application
of Gestalt theory which was in fact of great interest and importance for the
founders of Gestalt theory and in which they stimulated and influenced scientific
and research work of several of their students and other sympathizing psychiatrists
and psychotherapists. But as a matter of fact, though Gestalt theory based or
influenced work in this field was continued and developed over these last eight
decades in many countries, its promising approach and findings have not yet
found the broad resonance, integration and advancement which it deserved.
In an introductory overview some rudimentary information is given about the
early beginnings of Gestalt theory application in the field of psychopathology
and about its further development. Three of the early writings on psychopathology
- inspired and influenced by Max WERTHEIMER - are presented briefly: The article
by SCHULTE 1924 on paranoia and the two articles by Erwin LEVY on a case of
mania (1936) and on the formal disturbance of thought (1943). Some comments
on these writings are given focussing on some characteristics of the Gestalt
theoretical approach to psychopathological disturbances. Finally an outline
of basic characteristic ideas of a Gestalt theoretical psychopathology is presented,
pointing out and discussing how these refer to the five interconnected meta-theoretical
concepts of Gestalt theory listed by METZGER (the epistemological, psychological,
psychophysical, methodological und system-theoretical concept).
Discusses the interrelationship between phenomenology and philosophy, psychology,
and psychotherapy. The program created by Husserl (1985) advancing the concept
"back to the phenomena," which corresponds to the object of Gestalt psychology
to perceive human experience in an nonprejudical manner is addressed. It is
inferred that the phenomenological approach may help to overcome apparent alternatives
of scientific theories and to integrate nomothetic and idiographic attempts.
The author observes that Husserl's transcendental reduction was subject to criticism.
Addresses the themes of intersubjectivity and the ethical turn of epistemology
with regard to their meaning for the therapeutical setting.
Provides a short overview of development and meaning of Siegmund Freud's theory
of (sexual) drive and discusses the basic definition of drive. Suggests that
Freud cannot explain convincingly the connection between physical and mental
components of drive and that he fails in his intention to found psychoanalysis
in a biological way. Nevertheless credits Freud with being the first to investigate
the effects of drive on the mind. Presents the gestalt theoretical approaches
by Lewin and Metzger, which offer two possibilities to solve the mind-body problem
in a logical and consistent way.
Gestalt psychology does provide some potentially fruitful
insights into psychopathology. In the concept oif isomorphism, Gestalt theory
acknowledges the interrelation between brain functioning and behavior, and
specifies the interrelation of both psychogenic and somatogenic sources
of psychopathology. Further, Gestalt theory emphasizes the perspective,
that for healthy functioning, an individual must find a meaningful place,
role and function in society and, that the lack of meaningful functioning
as a 'social part' is a source of pathology. In discussing the differences
to Perls' Gestalt therapy and reviewing psychoanalytic concepts, this article
focuses on the important role the Gestalt theory takes in understanding
problems of psychopathology.
Gerhard STEMBERGER:
Eine Taxonomie psychischer Störungen in der Tradition der Lewin-Schule?
[A taxonomy of mental disorders in the tradition of the Lewin school?]
Gestalt Theory, 23 (2001), No. 3, pp. 216-226.
Some key concepts of Matthew Maibaum's suggestions for a Lewinian taxonomy
of psychiatric disorders are summarized in German language, followed by
a discussion of a preliminary question for such an endeavor: Can the construction
of a taxonomy of psychiatric disorders be compatible with Kurt Lewin's
call for adopting the Galileian instead of the Aristotelian mode of thought?.
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