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Somatics and Gestalt Why We Talk Funny Published by the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland for its Members • Vol. 11 No. 1 • Fall/Winter 1987 Somatics and Gestalt Why We Talk Funny by Paul Shane (5) the "combination" schools that syn­ by James Kepner Today, there is a growing therapeutic thesize various methods into new dis­ The Author Expresses his movement that blends the verbal inter­ ciplines: Lomi Work (Rolfing + Gestalt), Peevishness action of "traditional" psychotherapy Hakomi Therapy (Gestalt + somatotype analysis), Rubenfeld Synergy One of my biggest peeves about our with attention to physical process. This GIC community is a simple one: We talk trend goes by various names, depend­ (Feldenkrais + Alexander Technique + Gestalt), and Keleman's energetics funny. It is a not uncommon joke at the ing on whether the primary focus is the Institute from workshop participants, mind or the body: body-based psy­ approach (Bioenergetics + Gestalt + somatotype analysis). students, and faculty like myself who are chotherapy, body therapy, bodywork, sticklers for precise language, that we use somatic psychology, or just plain, old Moving throughout this ocean of too much jargon and "psycho-babble:' somatics. thought, sometimes as a wave and oth­ While I appreciate the importance of er times as a deep undertow, is Gestalt For ease of discussion, the entire field having a technical language to help therapy. Gestalt cannot be considered a can be loosely divided into five major experts and students communicate about body therapy per se, yet its principles groups or schools of thought: theoretical issues, it seems to me that and philosophy are somatically orient­ fuzziheadedness often goes with the use (1) Reichian therapy (Wilhelm Reich) ed; that is, the body and bodily of Gestalteze: "Stay with your feelings;' and its offshoots of Bioenergetics (Alex­ experience have an essential place in "Focus on what is;' "Pay attention to ander Lowen), Core Energetics (John Gestalt work. Pierrakos) and Radix; your experience;' "Be in the here and Given the multitude of different modal­ now;' "Let's have some contact;' and the (2) the manipulation schools of Struc­ ities and techniques, the situation ubiquitious issue of "boundaries:' tural Integration (Rolfing) and its many appears confusing ... and it is. The pur­ Recently, however, I have had a number bootleg variations (18 at last count), pose of this article is to attempt a little of experiences in a different sphere that Cranial-Sacral Therapy, Trager Psycho­ clarity by examining the interaction have helped me to appreciate just why Physical Integration and the various between Gestalt therapy and the somat­ our jargon is so problematic, and why massage and pressure point techniques ics field as a whole. it is difficult to avoid. including Swedish, Esalen, Acupressure, Neuro-Muscular Therapy, Jin Shin Do, Early Influences and Turning Points The Author Confesses to Gibberish Shiatsu; I have been studying Tai Chi Chuan, A basic question one must ask when a Chinese martial art, for about two and (3) the movement schools of confronting this melting pot of therapeu­ a half years. Tai Chi is quite different Feldenkrais' Functional Integration, tic technique is, "How did this all come from the more well-known karate forms Alexander Technique, Aston-Patterning, about, anyway?" The early development Rolfing Movement-Integration, Gurdjieff of martial art. In Tai Chi, rather than of body-oriented psychotherapy can be relying on external force and muscular dance movements, Arica Psy­ attributed to four major characters and chocalisthenics, early Encounter Group power to disable your opponent, you the growth of the Esalen Institute in Big must develop an "internal" focus which exercises, Laban-Bartenieff movement Sur, California. The first contributor, and studies, Dance Therapy, Mezieres Meth­ is often called "vital energy:' It is very perhaps founder of this kind of therapy, subtle and takes many years of practice od, Continuum Movement and the mar­ was Wilhelm Reich, whose character tial arts; to use effectively in combat. It is diffi­ analysis and armoring principles began cult to teach as well as to learn because (4) the energy schools of acupuncture, in the late 1920's as an advancement of much of what needs to be learned is an Reiki, Polarity Therapy, and the Eastern traditional psychoanalysis. He eventually internal sensation of deep relaxation and breathing methods to stimulate energy departed this exploration in favor of the concentration, in addition to the precise flow-Chi (China), Ki (Japan) or Prana orgone energy work in the physical movements and body placement of any (lndia)-Tai Chi Chuan, and the differ­ sciences; the original character analyt- athletic skill. ent styles of yoga; (Continued on page 10) (Continued on page 14) 2 Growing Staff for the Review Gestalt Review EDITOR: In the last issue, I wrote of my desper­ In this Issue JAMES I. KEPNER, Ph.D. ate need for an assistant in preparing the The growth of the staff is evidenced MANAGING EDITOR: Review. My request was answered four­ SHIRLEY LOFFER fold, so I am pleased to welcome four in the growth of this issue of the Review. Paul Shane's article, "Gestalt and Somat­ ASSOCIATE EDITORS: new staff members to the Review. JOANN CALVE ics;' examines the past and present MARNIE GLASER Shirley Loffer, the Review's new influences of Gestalt practice in the PAUL SHANE development of body therapies during EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: managing editor, has worked in publish­ SANDRA ZELVY ing for many years. In addition to ten the last 60 years. We also have a lively and challenging discussion of Gestalteze PRINTING: years with a law publishing company ACADEMY GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION where she is currently Director of Infor­ by Jim Kepner who asks, "Why do we talk so funny and what does it mean?" The Gestalt Review is a periodical published twice mation Services, Shirley has been a free­ yearly by the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland for its lance editor in the fields of members. psychotherapy and organizational Lynne Kweder steps outside the usu­ BOARD OF GOVERNORS development for 15 years. She has FRANCES S. BAKER, Ph.D. al theme of her "CIC from the Inside JOHN D. CARTER, Ph.D. worked with several members of GIC's Out" column to answer the question, DONNA L. CUMMINGS, M.B.A. professional staff on articles and books "What is Gestalt?" Lynne has also con­ RAINETTE EDEN FANTZ, Ph.D. C. WESLEY JACKSON, JR., Ph.D. about Gestalt theory and methods. tributed to the inauguration of a new LYNNE M. KWEDER, M.P.A. column on organization and systems ROXANNE MILLER, M.A. Three associate editors have also CLAIRE STRATFORD, M.S.W. development that will be directed by JODY TELFAIR-RICHARDS, Ph.D. joined the Review-Paul Shane, Marnie Robert Kolodny. Robert outlines three LESTER P. WYMAN, Ph.D. Glaser, and Joann Calve. Paul Shane is purposes for the OSD column and wel­ MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE a certified Rolfer and member of CIC. comes your ideas and articles. JAY BRINEGAR Paul's background in journalism and cur­ SHERI CLAMPITT rent interest in bodywork have joined DARRELL COOK MARNIE GLASER forces in this issue's feature article, Marnie Glaser's "Membership Notes" LYNNE KWEDER "SomatiCs and Gestalt:' is alive with opportunities to enjoy mem­ CAROL IORJLLO bers' social events, learn more about CAROL LAZERICK ROXANNE MILLER Many of you know Marnie Glaser from Gestalt practice, and "tell all" in the ROSEMARIE PAIN! her many contributions to CIC, includ­ Members' Resource Guide. Roxanne MARYBETH TEKAVEC ing participation on the Membership Miller Freeman has written her reflec­ Subscription to the Gestalt Review is acquired Committee. When not planning mem­ tions on the first annual Physical Proc­ by becoming a member at CIC and is not available ess Refresher, and invites you to join next on a subscription only basis. CIC membership also bership events or writing "Membership includes discounts on books, reduced rates at con­ Notes" for the Review, Marnie attends year's gathering. ferences and with early registration at workshops, the third-year Individual Track of the special free evening workshops for members, and invitations to membership parties and events. Basic Three Year Post Graduate Program and The Review offers several other invi­ membership is $30 for individuals and $50 for family works as a school psychologist. membership. For organizational membership, con­ tations to be more involved with GIC­ tact Sandy Zelvy 216/421-0468. Send membership enjoying fine cuisine at the January fees to: The Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, 1588 Joann Calve began her career as a Membership Potluck, joining Donna Hazel Drive, Cleveland, Ohio 44106-1791. See the journalist, then entered health care pub­ Membership Application or Renewal form on page Rumenik and Joseph Zinker in this 8 of this issue of the Review. lic relations. She moved to Cleveland a year's Community Workshops, and year ago to work in public relations for CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THE SPRING/SUMMER learning more about CIC training pro­ GESTALT REVIEW: DEADLINE-MARCH 15, the Mt. Sinai Medical Center and has grams during an evening in April with 1988. FOR THE FALL/WINTER ISSUE­ found her membership in CIC a great Mary Ward and Claire Stratford. SEPTEMBER 15, 1988. All submissions should be way to make new friends in Cleveland. typed, doubled-spaced, with at least one-inch mar­ gins. The pages should be numbered and include the name of the author and the article on each page. And we are ever grateful that Sandy And, as always, we welcome your sug­ Shorter articles and columns may be up to 10 pages gestions and comments, and most par­ and major articles up to 20 pages. Send to Gestalt Zelvy continues as the Review's editori­ Revie1v, James Kepner. Editor, Gestalt Institute of al assistant-making clean and clear ticularly, your contributions to the Cleveland, 1588 Hazel Drive, Cleveland, Ohio typed copy of our hieroglyphic handwrit­ Review's articles, columns, and 44106-1791.
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