Gestalt Counselling in Action
- Petruska Clarkson
- Simon Cavicchia - Metanoia Institute
Counselling in Action series
Gestalt Therapy
Simon Cavicchia has oriented Clarkson’s seminal work of Gestalt Counselling in Action within a more contemporary context, adding voices of significant and divergent thinkers as counter-point and extensions of the author’s work.
Michael Clemmens, Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, USA
This popular and well written book which is now in its 4th edition provides an accessible and thorough introduction to the Gestalt approach.
Danny Porter, Manchester Gestalt Centre
Now 24 years old with over 40,000 copies sold worldwide, Petruska Clarkson’s classic text is the definitive introduction to Gestalt therapy. This fourth edition, updated by Simon Cavicchia, covers the latest in Gestalt theory, research and practice. It includes:
- An extended case study running through the book to help you understand the process of therapy and the techniques used in each of the phases.
- Learning features and case examples translating theory into practice.
- New ‘reflection sections’ showing you the most recent developments in the field.
- New material on the relational turn and research.
As a student of Gestalt therapy, this is the one book you need to buy; it offers a uniquely practical and accessible approach to an often complex topic.
Petruska Clarkson was a professor and fellow of the British Association for Counselling and Fellow of the British Psychological Society. Petruska sadly passed away in 2006.
Simon Cavicchia is a primary tutor on the MSc in Gestalt Psychotherapy and Joint Programme Leader of the MSc in Coaching Psychology/MA in Psychological Coaching, both at Metanoia Institute, London.
This popular and well written book which is now in its 4th edition, provides an accessible and thorough introduction to the Gestalt approach. At the time she wrote this book, Petruska Clarkson brought an extensive experience both as a practitioner and trainer/supervisor to outline the theoretical and philosophical basis of Gestalt therapy. She provides an interesting framework using the cycle of awareness to explore ‘healthy’ and ‘dysfunctional’ functioning of the individual in relation to our environment. The book also outlines the developmental stages of the therapy process and provides a nice balance of theory and practice. I would recommend this as essential reading to anyone with an interest in Gestalt therapy.
An excellent overview of Gestalt Therapy. Up to date, and illustrated with a wealth of case material.
This book is slightly disappointing. The theory might be useful, to students who are studying Gestalt, but what our students would probably need from such a book would be more on the actual practice.
Students found this accessible and it suopports their understanding of gestalt methods and principles
Clearly written and appropriate to readers
Clarkson gives a good basic understanding of Gestalt principles and practice.
Excellent, practical book which enables the students to move through application of the practical skills. I have recommended this book to a colleague who teaches basic counselling skills as i think the book will benefit all students on that course. I have suggested students refer to it in Learning Disability and Mental Health practice also.
This book is excellent for either a quick reference book or for more in depth reading for Gestalt therapy would recommend this book for learners level 3 and above
A good updating of one of the original gestalt texts which focusses on tracking clinical issues through the concept of the cycle of experience.
This text provides a clear introduction to some of the important concepts within gestalt counselling. I am going to include on our recommended list for a module on therapeutic models. This will enhance students' awareness of alternative therapies and provide invaluable information for preparing academic assignments.
