Object Relations in Gestalt Therapy

by Gilles Delisle

Overview

This book focuses on the psychoanalytic theory of object relations in order to integrate certain pertinent elements of Fairbairn's theory of object relations, to achieve the proposed revision by Perls et al. of Gestalt therapy's theory of the Self.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781780490359
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	01/01/2013
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.80(d)

Table of Contents

Introduction — Historical Considerations — Fifty years of Gestalt therapy — Theorising and knowledge in psychology — Integration in psychotherapy: epistemological and methodological considerations — A comparative analysis of the Perls, Hefferline, and Goodman theory of Self and Fairbairn’s endopsychic structure in terms of Greenberg and Mitchell’s (1983) four fundamental problems — Propositions for an Object Relational Gestalt Therapy — Epistemological and methodological preconditions for a Gestalt therapeutic system — The linear-sequential vision of the Self in Perls, Hefferline, and Goodman: a critique — The Self and object relations: a revision of Perls, Hefferline, and Goodman — Gestalt psychotherapy: from object relations to hermeneutic dialogue — Neuroscientific perspective of ORGT: neurodynamics of the Self in therapeutic dialogue — ORGT and evidence-based practice — Case Studies — Introduction to the Case Studies — Bob — Brian — Jade — Appendix

Editorial Reviews

"Gilles Delisle’s unique contribution to understanding personality pathology has been widely respected within the global Gestalt community for more than two decades. This engaging, scholarly text builds on his earlier works to articulate the core epistemological and methodological principles guiding his integration of Gestalt and object relations, and to illuminate theoretically and professionally his dynamic, relational approach to working with pathology. The core arguments are robustly and rigorously articulated to produce a rich, stimulating account of the ways in which the combination of Gestalt and object relations can work synergistically to enhance practice and effectiveness. The theory holds up to scrutiny in the light of contemporary neuroscience and in-depth case studies illuminate theory in action over time. This text is a delightful read, and accessible not only to Gestalt and Object Relations practitioners but also to those with little knowledge or experience of either. Indeed, it is highly recommended for all counsellors and psychotherapists looking for fresh, yet profound ways of working with challenging issues and processes."

Belinda Harris

"Inspired by the need to respond more efficiently to the problems faced daily at the clinic, the author has revised the theory of the Self developed by Perls, Hefferline, and Goodman, but has preserved, in its entirety, the holistic perspective adopted by Gestalt therapy. He has woven together epistemological and methodological considerations about Gestalt therapy, resulting in both the revision of its own concepts and their integration with many elements of the theory of Object Relations presented by Fairbairn. The author also makes many salient observations on how research in neuroscience has given support to clinical practice. Without ignoring or diminishing the importance of the human discovery he invites the Gestalt therapist to enrich himself with the DSM considerations, enabling a higher degree of comprehension related to etiology, phenomenology, epidemiology and to the specific treatment for personality disorders."

Professor Virginia Martins Costa

"Inspired by the need to respond more efficiently to the problems faced daily at the clinic, the author has revised the theory of the Self developed by Perls, Hefferline, and Goodman, but has preserved, in its entirety, the holistic perspective adopted by Gestalt therapy. He has woven together epistemological and methodological considerations about Gestalt therapy, resulting in both the revision of its own concepts and their integration with many elements of the theory of Object Relations presented by Fairbairn. The author also makes many salient observations on how research in neuroscience has given support to clinical practice. Without ignoring or diminishing the importance of the human discovery he invites the Gestalt therapist to enrich himself with the DSM considerations, enabling a higher degree of comprehension related to etiology, phenomenology, epidemiology and to the specific treatment for personality disorders."

"Gilles Delisle’s unique contribution to understanding personality pathology has been widely respected within the global Gestalt community for more than two decades. This engaging, scholarly text builds on his earlier works to articulate the core epistemological and methodological principles guiding his integration of Gestalt and object relations, and to illuminate theoretically and professionally his dynamic, relational approach to working with pathology. The core arguments are robustly and rigorously articulated to produce a rich, stimulating account of the ways in which the combination of Gestalt and object relations can work synergistically to enhance practice and effectiveness. The theory holds up to scrutiny in the light of contemporary neuroscience and in-depth case studies illuminate theory in action over time. This text is a delightful read, and accessible not only to Gestalt and Object Relations practitioners but also to those with little knowledge or experience of either. Indeed, it is highly recommended for all counsellors and psychotherapists looking for fresh, yet profound ways of working with challenging issues and processes."

From the Publisher