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. Manuscripts will not be returned, so be sure to keep a personal copy. ing and editing notations, and coordinat­ announcements. ing production with the printer. Copyright 1987 by the Gestalt Institute of Cleve­ land. All rights reserved. Any copying of material Shirley Loffer, herein, in whole or in part, and by any means, with­ out written permission, is prohibited. Jim Kepner, Managing Editor Editor

GESTALT REVIEW FALL/WINTER 1987 3 Gestalt OSD Network Consulting Approaches by Robert Kolodny to Organizational Problems This is the first installment of a regu­ by Lynne M. Kweder, lar column focusing on the organization­ OSD Faculty Member al systems development activities at the Institute. Three possible purposes for the A unique contribution of Gestalt theory and methodology to the field of organi­ column occur to me at the outset. zation development is the empowerment of the consultant with a methodology for operationalizing systems thinking in organizational interventions. It gives us tools 1. A place for the graduates of the for managing the complexity of the uniqueness of each organization with which OSD Training Program and relat­ we work, so that we do not have to revert to overly simplistic problem-solving ed workshops to report on the approaches or models. work they are doing with organi­ The Institute recently submitted a grant proposal for organizational development zations and to reflect on the consulting to human service organizations in Cleveland in which we described the applicability of a Gestalt/systems difference between the systemic approach to organizational work and the manage­ approach to organizational con­ ment problem-solving approach. Both of these approaches have merit and can be sulting. complementary when applied to the appropriate organizational issues. 2. An outlet for the OSD faculty to Following is a summary chart from the proposal that compares a "systemic make available in print some of the approach" to organizational development with a single-focus "management problem­ material they have developed over solving" approach. the program's 15 years.

3. An opportunity to illustrate for the • • • larger GIC community how Gestalt theory and methodology is applied MANAGEMENT PROBLEM· to large systems. SYSTEMIC APPROACH SOLVING APPROACH

No doubt there are other ways this Effective When: Effective When: column can be used. I encourage the • Problem is chronic • Problem is acute OSD community to call or write to me • Cause is linked to interaction between • Caused is linked to specific, limited with ideas and to send materials written components of organization area for other purposes that, with some adap­ Focus: Interaction of Organization Com­ Focus: Elements of Specific Problems tation or a new introduction, would be ponents • Looks at those components linked to a good fit for this space. • Looks at all components of organiza­ initial problem tion's internal/external environment • Deals with immediate problem at one The article on this page, prepared by • Recognizes that every organization has point in time; may overlook conse­ Lynne Kweder, is an example of a piece within it ongoing, conflicting forces quences or solutions for another part originally written for another purpose which need to be managed and can­ of organization not directly linked to which seems a fine way to inaugurate this not be permanently settled problem area column. It is by an OSD faculty mem­ ber, builds on the theoretical base creat­ Interventions: Interventions: ed in the OSD Training Program, and • Characterized by continuous assess­ • Single assessment determines types may help to clarify the special perspec­ ment and feedback which determine and sequence of activities which lead tive a Gestalt/systems approach brings the flow of activities leading to systemic to a specific change to work with organizations. It should be change especially useful to those of us who are regularly asked to describe what we do Consultant's Approach: Consultant's Approach: when we consult with organizations and • Raises awareness of organization mem­ • Identifies dimensions of problem for how it relates to other management con­ bers to dimensions of systemic issues organization sulting approaches. (inspires self-regulation) • Identifies solution for staff • Identifies solutions jointly with staff • Teaches skills related to resolution of Please send comments, ideas and • Teaches skills related to directions specific problem material to: chosen by organization members Robert Kolodny (OSD VI) Impact on Organization: Impact on Organization: 64 West 89th St. • Organization staff /board gain new • Organization staff/board learn to deal New York, New York 10024 understanding and skills to deal with with one problem area 212/873-6667 . ongoing or developmental issues (Continued on page 4)

GESTALT REVIEW FALL/WINTER 1987 4 In Praise of a Quality Life

What is intimacy and how can you cre­ of knowing another and making oneself In the workshop setting, Donna has ate more intimacy in your life? How do known. Then the participants divided explored: male and female archetypes you find the time to meet with friends, into men-only and women-only groups and the anima in men and animus in much less create new friendships? Is it for informal discussions of special issues women; becoming a therapist-the okay to be alone and what do you do of intimacy. Finally, the two groups unique developmental history that each when you are alone? What are the spe­ rejoined to discuss what they had therapist brings to his/her work and the cial small moments in your life? learned. The evening stimulated par­ themes and influences in one's life that These are some of the questions that ticipants to reexamine their definition affect psychotherapy the most; and will be explored during the 1987-88 and expression of intimacy. secrets-how they both bring together Community Workshops at GIC. These Donna Rumenik and Joseph Zinker and pull apart couples and families. Don­ monthly three-hour meetings will lead the workshops. Donna resurrected na's current interests focus on how to live introduce you to Gestalt theory and the Community Workshop series in one's life well and the process of intimacy. methods that can be applied to every­ 1981, and redesigned the meetings as She teaches intimacy skills to couples day life. This year's theme is "In Praise monthly topics growing out of an over­ and. families and is currently working on of a Quality Life:' Each meeting focuses all theme for the year. Donna K. Rume­ a book about intimacy and sexuality. on a specific topic (listed below, with nik, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and Joseph Zinker joined Donna in design­ dates and times) and uses discussion and sexuality specialist who works as a ther­ ing and leading the Community Work­ exercises to explore new ideas, experi­ apist, teacher and consultant. She is in shops in 1985. Joseph is a Ph.D. clinical ment with new behaviors, and meet and private practice with Joseph Zinker, and psychologist in private practice as ther­ interact with others. is on the faculties of Case Western apist, teacher, and consultant. An active Fifty GIC members and friends attend­ Reserve University Medical School and member of GIC for over 20 years, Joseph ed the November 1 workshop on the Cleveland State University. She has been has been a member of the Board of nature of intimacy. The meeting began associated with GIC for 11 years and has Governors and chairperson of the Three with an exploration of the meaning of taught Gestalt therapy in the U.S. and Year Post Graduate Training Program. intimacy as the capacity and experience Europe. He has explored the use of art, drama, and directed conflict in personal growth workshops and developed innovations in the use of dreamwork as theater. Joseph's Approaches to Organizational Problems (Continued from page 3) book, Creative Process in Gestalt Ther­ apy, was selected by Psychology Today MANAGEMENT PROBLEM- as one of the best books on psychother­ SYSTEMIC APPROACH SOLVING APPROACH apy for 1977. He is currently writing a Appropriate for: Appropriate for: book about couple and family therapy. • Changes in leadership • Fiscal management Donna and Joseph encourage you to • Fund raising • Mergers and joint ventures join them for one, some, or all of the • Structural problems • Marketing of new services workshops, and to bring your friends. • Breakdowns in decision-making and • Facility management The workshops are held Sunday evening communication patterns • Information systems from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at GIC; the • Conflicting activities/mission issues • Board orientations fee is $10 for GIC members and $12 for • Inter-departmental conflicts • Public relations nonmembers. The remaining dates and • Conflicting roles and responsibilities topics are: January 3, 1988 Being Alone with Yourself Impact of Management Problem-Solving February 7, 1988 Approach on Systemic Organizational Issues Enjoying Food and Staying Healthy For Recurring Organizational Issues: Can Result In: (with Lawrence White, M.D.) • Repeatedly look for single cause of • Focusing unfairly on individuals rath­ March 13, 1988 each problem as it arises er than interactions Building Friendships • Creating a solution which generates additional problems April 17, 1988 For Transitional Organizational Issues: Serenity and Silence • Organization/staff rely on old ways of Underlying Principle: coping (i.e., strategies that worked • When issues are systemic, people may May 15, 1988 before in other situations but not cur­ be replaced but issues remain the same Small Is Big: rently) or become aggravated by solution Appreciating Ordinary Events

GESTALT REVIEW FALL/WINTER 1987 5 GIC From the Inside Out: What Do You Say When They Ask, ''What Is Gestalt?'' by Lynn M. Kweder, groups and organizations, as well as "As applied to organizations, a Gestalt Executive Director individuals. What Gestalt therapists and consultant works with an organization Everywhere I go, the first question consultants do is to stimulate the inter­ as a whole. We do not assume that a people ask is, "What is Gestalt?" It is play between: rational plan will necessarily be accept­ not an easy question to answer given the DEVELOPMENTAL FORCES ed on a behavioral or feeling level in the organization. Nor do we assume that, if variety of backgrounds and orientations The "wants" of a system-how of those who ask. Our students have said the CEO or top managers make a the system wants to grow, change change, the rest of the organization will to me that the more they know about or develop constitutes the develop­ Gestalt, the more difficult it becomes to necessarily follow. We pay attention to mental energy or force of any all of the forces which make up the ener­ explain. One student suggested that I system. write this column as a way of support­ gy of the whole organization and inter­ ing our members in explaining Gestalt AND vene in ways to support integrated in simplified, layperson's language. HABITUAL PATTERNS development and change:' OF BEHAVIOR All of these words, and there is noth­ I will describe how I answer this ques­ The behaviors that the system ing about the cycle of experience, the tion, and, at the same time, would like has found useful and necessary for "here and now;' or existentialism! Some­ to invite you to submit your explanations survival in the past constitute the how, when Sonia Nevis explains the as Letters to the Editor. We need sever­ habitual patterns of behavior in cycle, she enthralls all of us with the al levels of response to the question. any system. These habitual pat­ beauty, clarity and elegance of her words There are times when a one-sentence terns may or may not continue to and the cycle takes on richness and response is all that is needed. At other be as useful in the present as they meaning for us. Rennie Fantz can mes­ times, more detail is requested. Perhaps were in the past. merize us with her poetic descriptions together we can develop a set of of working in the present, and we responses which communicate accurate­ Because each system is unique, there are resound with the depth of the meaning ly, clearly, and effectively. Here is what no formulas for the work. The skills of that concept. Patrick White speaks I say: required to artfully stimulate the forces eloquently about existentialism inspiring in each system are similar to those of a us to pursue that branch of our heritage. "Gestalt therapy is a holistic approach musician who must be in contact with When I talk about these concepts, peo­ to development and change. We assume and fully responsive to the uniqueness ple's eyes glaze over! Obviously, even the that human beings are more than sim­ of the instrument, the music as written, act of explaining what we do becomes ply the sum of our minds, bodies, emo­ his/her interpretation of that music, and a statement about the uniqueness of tions, and spirits. Comparing Gestalt the audience. Therefore, extensive train­ each of us and our integration of the with other familiar approaches may help ing is necessary to become a competent concepts. Well, now it's your turn. How to clarify what this means. Cognitive and Gestalt therapist or consultant:' do you explain Gestalt to your neighbors analytical approaches, for example, If I am speaking to organizational and friends? assume that if the individual's thoughts managers, I may also say: or understanding of him/herself change, the individual's feelings and behaviors will subsequently change as well. Behavioral approaches assume that if the behaviors of the individual are altered, then his/her thoughts and feelings will automatically follow and change also. Gestalt therapy assumes that thoughts, Invitation to Learn About GIC feelings and behaviors are integral parts April 26, 1988, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. of the whole person and must be sup­ ported to develop and change in an Mary Ward and Claire Stratford will conduct a meeting designed to answer integrated manner:' your questions about the training programs of the Gestalt Institute of Cleve­ land and how they can help you to further develop your professional skills. I usually stop with the above. However, depending upon the audience, I may go GIC's Director of Training and recent graduates of the Institute will make on to say: brief presentations and be available for informal discussion. Your questions, suggestions, and concerns will be welcome. "Because Gestalt is a systems theory, Join us for an informal evening of information, discussion, and refreshments. it is useful in conceptualizing and work­ To make a reservation, contact Judith L. Fisher at GIC (216-421-0468). ing with systems interactions in families,

GESTALT REVIEW FALL/WINTER 1987 6 Membership Notes

·by Marnie Glaser bers can become resources for one ties, crafts, sports, bodywork, spiritual another. and intellectual pursuits, etcetera, GIC has kicked off its new 1987-88 etcetera, etcetera. season, and already membership activi­ To call forth the riches from member­ ties abound! (Forgive the football ship niches, an MRG Fill-In Sheet has In the true spirit of for-example-ism, terminology-it's indigenous to the been included in this issue of the Review the Membership Committee generous­ season.) on page 7. Current members need only ly consented to compile a list of their cut it out, fill it in, and mail it by Decem­ collective services, specialties, interests, First, you are invited to join a Mem­ ber 31, 1987. If you are not a current skills, and needs. These are the kinds bership Meeting and Potluck Dinner at member (that is, if you are not current­ of things you may want to include on the Institute on Wednesday, January 13, ly enrolled in a GIC training program or your fill-in sheet: 1988, at 7:30 p.m. Bring your ideas, your have not yet paid your 1987-88 member­ concerns, your desires, your social appe­ ship fee), you may complete the Appli­ -Sex therapy -Political junkie tite, and don't forget the food! A formal -Raising raccoons -Personalized cation/Renewal form on page 8, and -Assertiveness answering invitation from Membership Chairperson send it to GIC with your membership fee. Roxanne Miller appears on page 9. training machine messages Your responses on the Fill-In Sheet will -Consultation on -Building decks and Remember our great line-up of Mem­ be collated and listed with your name gay issues garages bers' Nights this year. Rennie's (Fantz) under appropriate categorical headings -Business machine -Expert on what's sales going on in opener on "The Roles We Play;' in for easy reference. -Perennial gardens Cleveland October was wonderful! Mary Ward, The kinds of entries that can be expert -Racquetball player GI C's new Director of Training, offered included in the MRG are: -Child psychology -Polarity energy "Listening with Gestalt Ears" in Decem­ -Teaching beginning balancing ber. Those who had misplaced their 1. Services and/or products you can folk dances -Answering provide (through your work or -Therapeutic questions about Gestalt ears since last coming through massage "Words tar" GIC, or had lost them at the dry clean­ hobbies). -Tarot card -Singer seeking ers, were grateful for the chance to 2. Areas of expertise (professional or readings musicians to jam obtain a new pair in time for the otherwise) in which you are willing -Hand-made pots -Rent space at the for sale Counseling House holidays! to consult with others. -Designing office -Looking for a Each of the Members' Nights takes 3. Desires you may have to seek out space housesitter -Join a group -Gestalt realtor place at GIC and is free and open to others who share a particular psychology members and their guests. A complete interest, focus or pursuit. practice listing can be found on this page. 4. Requests for specific assistance or As you can see, there is a lot of talent February 11, 1988, is Peer Consulta­ services. in our midst which, heretofore, may have tion Night. Therapists, counselors and Your listings may span many gone unnoticed (and this is but the tip organizational consultants will have an categories-mental health and other of the iceberg)! So, don't delay or stand opportunity to consult with peers and services, product sales, practical skills, on the sidelines. Take time out to fill in! share learnings. This is being coordinat­ entertainment, social and outdoor activi- ed by Carol Iorillo and Darrell Cook. Come one, come all, but if you can't make it and you're still interested in future consultation activities of this sort, call Carol at 382-7172. Members' Night Events 1988 And now, announcing a new project being tackled by the Membership Com­ In its earliest form, the Institute was a gathering of students and profession­ mittee and Institute Staff along with your als seeking knowledge and experience that reflected the Gestalt tradition. help: Members are invited to attend special evenings with their colleagues to pre­ serve the spirit of the past in the learning community of the present. This The Members' Resource Guide year, we invite you to attend: What is the Members' Resource Guide JANUARY 13, 1988, "Membership Evening and Potluck Dinner;' 7:30 p.m. (MRG)? It will be a new section of the R.S.V.P. Roxanne Miller at 24 7-7855. 1988 GIC Membership Directory through which members can communi­ FEBRUARY 11, 1988, "Peer Consultation Night;' 8:00 p.m. cate with each other about their special Facilitators: Carol Iorillo and Darrell Cook. services, skills, knowledge, interests, MARCH 7, 1988, "Multiple Personalities;' 8:00 p.m. activities, and needs. In short, it will be Peg Wood, Beth Craig, and Rick Schiller. an organized listing of the ways mem-

GESTALT REVIEW FALUWINTER 1987 7 Members' Resource Guide Fill-In Sheet

The Members' Resource Guide will provide a When ready to fill in this sheet, please follow 4. Mail this by DECEMBER 31, 1987 to the chance for you to communicate to CIC members these guidelines: Institute. how you can be a resource for them, and how 1. Write as much as you need to make each entry Members' Resource Guide they might become a resource for you. clear. A few words or a full sentence is fine. c/o CIC 0Ne reserve the right to edit as necessary.) 1588 Hazel Drive, Before you complete this information-gathering Cleveland, Ohio 44106 sheet for the Guide, please refer to the Member­ 2. Indicate whether services offered are FREE ship Notes column in this issue of the Review or for a FEE. Note: so you will understand the task. You must be a current member of CIC to be 3. Write very legibly or type. included in the Resource Guide.

Eve. Tel. (

Address =------Day Tel. ( Street

City State Zip

Are you a current member of GIC? Dyes D not yet, but included are my completed Membership Applica­ tion/Renewal Form and membership fee. A. Services and/or products I can provide: (specify type of service and population served, if applicable, and "FEE" or "FREE")

B. Areas of expertise in which I would be willing to consult with others: (specify "FEE" or "FREE")

C. I would like to find others with whom I can share the following interests and/or activities:

D. Specific assistance, services, or items I need:

Thank you. Remember, the deadline is DECEMBER 31, 1987.

GESTALT REVIEW FALL/WINTER 1987 8 SUMMARY OF MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS: Member­ Membership Application ship and Graduate Directories, subscription to the Gestalt or Renewal Review, client referral service, discounts on books and conferences, early registration bonuses on workshops, Hospitality Houses, Members' Night programs, member­ ship events and parties, access to the Center for the Advancement of Gestalt Practice Reference Library.

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Topical Areas of Interest (check as many as you wish) Occupational Category (please check) D General Psychotherapy D Minorities D Psychology D Nursing D Education D Organization & System D Social Work D Children Development D Psychiatry D Administration & Management D Couples/Families D Medicine/Other Health Professions D Gay Issues D Substance Abuse D Religion D Men's Issues D Education D Elderly D Women's Issues DLaw D Spirituality D Management/Administration D Body Work D Hypnosis D Organization Consulting D Others ______D Behavioral Medicine D Other, specify ______

CATEGORY OF MEMBERSHIP DESIRED: We hope that you will join at the highest membership level possible. All contributions to the Institute are tax deductible. My check is enclosed for the following membership category:

INDIVIDUAL/FAMILY MEMBERSHIPS ORGANIZATIONAL MEMBERSHIPS* D Individual Member @ $ 30 D Non-Profit Organizational Member (entitles up to 4 employees to receive Member Benefits) @ $ 100 D Family Membership @ $ 50 D Non-Profit Sustaining Organizational Member D Supporting Member @ $ 100 (up to 10 employees receive Member Benefits) @ $ 250 D Corporate Member (up to 9 employees D Sustaining Member @ $ 250 receive Member Benefits) @ $ 250

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GESTALT REVIEW FALL/WINTER 1987 9 Member Announcements

Gestalt Review Editor Jim Kepner and his wife Mary Ann Kraus announce the Invitation to Members birth of their son, Braeden Kraus Kep­ ner, on October 13, 1987. The little fel­ The members of the Membership Committee pride themselves in having low weighed in at 8 lbs. 5 oz. and has meetings that are creative, contactful, and famous for fine cuisine! been known to elicit great smiles of joy We would love to have more of the membership join us. from Ma and Pa. Say Jim and Mary Ann, YOU are hereby cordially invited to "He's breaking in his parents gently but THE MEMBERSHIP MEETING AND POTLUCK DINNER firmly:' WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, AT 7:30 P.M. * * * AT THE GESTALT INSTITUTE OF CLEVELAND Philip Belzunce and Lalei Gutierrez R.S.V.P. to Roxanne Miller at 24 7-7855 journeyed to China this summer for a YOU are the primary element of the membership of the Gestalt Institute! three-week study tour on family systems If you are interested in being a more active member, and mental health care. They were most we have several options to offer you- impressed with the strength of Chinese joining other Gestalt folks at membership meetings family ties and values which result in low planning future membership events divorce rates and the near absence of adolescent problems. Phil is a psychiatric contributing to specific activities or tasks participating in membership nights and hospital consultant and Lalei is a having fun at membership parties!!! psychologist in private practice. -and we are open to finding new ways to join together that are * * * responsive to your needs and desires. So let us hear from you! Ansel Woldt has obtained Fritz Perls' The Membership Committee has a mailbox at the Institute, original tapes and manuscripts and or you can call numerous other Gestalt therapy archival Roxanne Miller at 24 7-7855 materials for the new Gestalt Therapy or Marnie Glaser at 321-0414. Research Center in the "Special Collec­ tions" Division of Kent State University Libraries. Serious researchers now have -a book on stages of development in were entertained in turn by their access to these valuable resources. remarried families. audiences' songs and dances. Jesse says * * * it was an incredible experience, full of * * * contrasts, not the least of which was Newly Certified: Marcia Manwaring between them and us. Imagine this hap­ received her certification to teach "Tech­ New Publications by GIC staff: James pening here: unattended machines nologies for Creating" D.M.A. classes. Kepner-Body Process: A Gestalt throughout the cities dispense carbonat­ Paul Shane has been certified by the Approach to Working with the Body in ed water in a real glass that is used, Rolf Institute as a Rolf practitioner. (See Psychotherapy, GIC Press, 1987. Edwin rinsed and returned by each person in his article in this issue of the Review.) Nevis-Organizational Consulting: A preparation for the next. Gestalt Approach, GIC Press, 1987. Erv­ * * * ing Polster-Every Person's Life is Worth * * * Member Edward T. Hyman announces a Novel, W.W. Norton and Co., 1987. that he is still breathing! Rainette Fantz--.!'Gestalt Approach" in And now for the sport's section­ James Fosshage and Clemens Loew's Member Neal Newman and his doubles * * * Dream Interpretation, revised edition, partner, Phil Landower, are currently PMA Publishing, 1987. The above books ranked #1 nationally by the limited Publications by Members: Walt are available for sale at the Institute. States Tennis Association in 35-and-over Hopkins-A Goal Is a Dream Taken Remember, members receive a 20% doubles. Congratulations! Seriously (poster). Gwendolyn discount! Jansma-The Blessed Ordinary: Wounds * * * and Healings. Joseph Kirschner-The * * * Interplay of Religion and Sense of Com­ If you would like your Member munity, Especially in the Oneida Com­ Jesse Gordon was one-sixth of a Announcement to appear in the next munity (1848-1881). In progress: Jessie theatrical ensemble that toured the Sovi­ issue of the Review, please send it to Carlock and Patricia Merriman­ et Union this summer. The group per­ Marnie Glaser, c/o GIC. For business The Gestalt Way with Adult Survivors of formed works on the Jewish experience announcements, consider an ad in the Incest/Sexual Abuse. Patricia Papernow for Refusniks and other Soviet Jews, and Review Classifieds!

GESTALT REVIEW FALL/WINTER 1987 10 Somatics and Gestalt (Continued from page 1) ic ·techniques were left to a small body Rubenfeld Synergy practitioner, states, His therapy experience led him to of physicians and psychiatrists that "I think it took the sixties to validate that train with Ilana Rubenfeld for three included Alexander Lowen. Lowen people were having an internal years. While training with Rubenfeld, he extended Reich's work into Bioener­ experience and that they could, in some began to understand the intricate rela­ getics. way, interact with their therapist or phys­ tionships that existed between bodywork Quietly laboring in relative obscurity ical practitioner, and that the work wasn't methods and Gestalt theory. from the 1920's to the mid-1960's, when being done entirely to them, but that they participated in the work." Mraz credits the work of the early Fritz Perls invited her out to the Esa­ pioneers of somatic therapy with crum­ len, was a biochemist-tumed-body­ Mraz, trained at CIC and by Ilana bling the traditional admonition against therapist named Dr. Ida Rolf. She began Rubenfeld, is currently completing his physical interaction with the client. at the Rockefeller Institute in New York, doctorate at Kent State University and "There was always this taboo that you researching the nature of human con­ practicing under licensed supervision. "I don't touch your client, but the ground­ nective tissue while studying yoga, think we've seen a shift in the holistic work was laid in order to allow some osteopathy, general semantics, and sys­ medical movement; it's been around for physicality to be brought into the ther­ tems theory. During the early decades years but received a real boost in the six­ apy session. As some of that taboo was of this century she developed the sys­ ties and seventies. People are now much broken down, it made a place for work­ tematic, manipulative approach termed more willing to acknowledge they want ing with the tensions within a person;' Structural Integration, later nicknamed to participate fully and not with just one Mraz said. "Rolfing:' part of their being:' He points to the While Gestalt therapy itself has never addressed body process in a hands-on way, its experiential practice and con­ While Gestalt therapy itself has never addressed body process cepts permeate, in varying degrees, most in a hands-on way, its experiential practice and concepts perme­ psychophysical approaches. Indeed, it has long been associated with the somat­ ate, in varying d~grees, most psychophysical approaches. ics field; some of the bodywork innova­ tors were either trained in Gestalt therapy or at least heavily influenced by Lastly, one needs to acknowledge the revival of Jungian work in which ther­ Gestalt ideas. Early Gestalt practitioners work of Fritz and Laura Perls and their apists and their clients re-connect with paid special attention to physical struc­ early associates. They continued to dis­ their spiritual life, and the newfound ture and experience-Laura Perls incor­ mantle the taboo against physical inter­ interest in Eastern philosophies where porated the experience from her dance action, especially in their Gestalt the spiritual combines the meditative background, while Fritz Perls was a cli­ experiments with retroflection by having and physical. "It's like we've laid the basic ent and friend of Ida Rolf (or "Mrs. the client do something to the therapist groundwork and now there's a moving Elbow" as he referred to her). The works that was being experienced; with integra­ forward. Plus, I think it's like asking the of Reich, F.M. Alexander and Charlotte tion by having a person speak as vari­ question 'What's new?' Bringing the Seiver had some influence on Perls him­ ous parts of his/her body; with body in gives a new perspective:' self. During the Esalen years, Perls con­ heightening awareness by having a per­ ducted several workshops with Ann son fully describe a sensation, exagger­ Long interested in using his own body Halprin and her San Francisco Dancers ate a facial expression or body posture to access emotions, Mraz became aware, Workshop in which Perls had the mem­ and express a feeling through movement. in the course of his early training, that bers use exaggerated body movement to one's physicality could be an interven­ complete unfinished business. Without doubt, the major turning tion modality. He began by studying Tai point in the development of body-based Chi Chuan, a Chinese meditation and Working with the Physical Gestalt work was its display at the Esalen Insti­ martial art, and by exploring the chakra Since its beginning, Gestalt therapy tute in the late 1960's and early 1970's. energy systems. "While they (chakras) has never been a stranger to the body. As Esalen was intended as a kind of had some interest, I just couldn't fit into Those heady Esalen days are long past, Hyde Park of human potential, it is no that belief system with a Western way of yet the seeds of thought have continued wonder that the early founders of these thinking. So, I kept looking around and to grow and often intertwine. We need approaches found haven there to prac­ found a Rubenfeld therapist, and the to examine the current involvement tice, teach and publish: Fritz Perls, Alex­ incredible subtleness of the work had an Gestalt has with somatics. How do ander Lowen, Ida Rolf, etc. And out of appeal for me. Early in my life I had been Gestalt principles apply when address­ Esalen in the years that followed devel­ somewhat brutalized while hospitalized ing one's physicality? Jim Kepner, direc­ oped the divergence and convergence of for polio and so I naturally wa5 drawn tor of the Physical Process Track at the the many modalities of body therapy. toward a methodology that wasn't Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, author of Tom Mraz, a Gestalt therapist and intrusive:' Body Process, and a private practition-

GESTALT REVIEW FALL/WINTER 1987 11 er, points to the fact that Gestalt makes They are better able to 'stand up; 'face of the trauma and cause an emotional a "holistic approach" truly whole. "It is things; 'stand on their own two feet: In release that may not have been availa­ very interesting, in terms of body­ one sense, these are just words. But, ble at the time of original trauma:' oriented work, to have an ability to really when you take a look at people who have A philosophical hallmark of the body­ see a person as a whole. This is some­ done their emotional homework, there's oriented approach is that one can thing I think the whole field is growing a distinct quality about them: they are change the person by changing the phys­ toward; a lot of the body-oriented ther­ in their body rather than being split ical structure-consciousness is crystal­ apies that we do still split us into parts. between what they think and how they lized in flesh. Ida Rolf once remarked We still talk about mind and body as if are:' during a training class that the body is they were separate things. One of the the personality exploded into three really important things that Gestalt has To illustrate his point, Mraz gives an example. "I might be seeing someone dimensions. And while this notion is is a way of looking at the nature of that quite valid, the early practitioners were split:' who says he is relaxed and yet only the tip of his head and heels are touching slow to grasp that all bodies do not Kepner goes on to say that there has the table. So, we begin working where change at a uniform rate. Out of this long been a gulf between theory and he is to make him aware of how tightly eventual realization, different somatic technique when working with the body he is holding on. And often he is not disciplines refined their techniques along versus working with the whole person. aware that his chronic way of being in with their expectations, and new dis­ The Gestalt approach, as it is inherent­ the world is to hold on that tightly. As ciplines formed. Today, there is a great ly holistic, offers a solution. "Most of the I work, I try to move people into the debate between the so-called "hard" ver­ theories don't have a clear notion of awareness of that place and to show sus "soft" styles. The eventual resolution what the person involves ...what is the them that there can be another way of will be, to this writer's mind, that somatic person? So that makes it difficult to inte­ being on the table, and that they can use therapists will learn to tailor their intru­ grate and alter technique on the basis that support. Often, in the process, siveness (or lack thereoO to the individu­ of some theoretical understanding. I issues emerge like, 'I have never been al's needs of the moment; both ends of think what Gestalt therapy has to offer supported; 'I have never felt safe enough the manipulative spectrum are subject is a real understanding of what is a per­ to let go; or 'If I Id go, I'm liable to lose to the law of diminishing returns. son, of the nature of the difference myself: " As people realize they've been In addition to debates and experi­ between a theory which values holism existing in a narrow range of physical ments in the depth and intensity of the versus how we experience ourselves as experience, they discover a more authen­ intervention technique, another unset­ _not whole, as split up into pieces. tic sense of being. Occasionally they feel tled question remains: after a person's deep sadness about how they've been structure changes, how is that change "And given that, what is the nature denied support by others and so, had to maintained? That is, once a somatic and meaning of experiencing ourselves supply it for themselves. Mraz is quick effect has been realized, why is it that as split into various pieces? What is the to point out that, while some clients some bodies embrace the new pattern process of moving toward a stronger work well with a physical approach, while others tend to revert back to some sense of wholeness? A lot of techniques others have some resistance to it, but all degree? This is a problem that Kepner start by working on the body, so they may receive some degree of benefit. has been wrestling with for some time. promulgate and support the split as opposed to moving toward the theoreti­ cal notion of holism:' "I think what Gestalt therapy has to offer is a real understand­ Mraz sees using the somatic-gestalt ing of what is a person, of the nature of the difference between modality of Rubenfeld and some gener­ a theory which values holism versus how we experience ourselves al body-oriented methods as a reconcili­ ation of the dichotomy between as not whole, as split up into pieces:' awareness and support. He observes that body-oriented work calls for a blending of two Gestalt "styles'!.._the approach of "Folks that have had a very traumat­ "When we do produce from a physical Fritz Perls, with its emphasis on aware­ ic or brutalized history-rape, physical standpoint-release of tension, realign­ ness, and that of Laura Perls, which abuse or extreme medical interven­ ment and so on-what supports that to accentuates the need for support along tions-are often initially resistant to continue and what supports that to go with awareness to enhance good contact. bodywork, but they soon realize that back to old patterns? Certainly there are "I think it is interesting to look at it from they can be in their body. They realize many ways to look at it and one way is both sides, such that people are able to they don't have to remove themselves that it is not just a 'physical habit; but feel, in this work, their body supporting from their body-that they can come a habit of self, which is the whole way them. They can get a sense of the way back to their body instead of only liv­ a person has organized himself:' Gestalt, they carry themselves in the world and ing in their head. Often, the sense of he says, holds the solution. the way they are able to support them­ someone touching them in a way that "The Gestalt framework clarifies the selves. It gives them a better sense of self. is not to be feared can bring flashbacks (Continued on page 12)

GESTALT REVIEW FALL/WINTER 1987 12 Somatics and Gestalt (Continued from page 11) difference between the whole and the parts. It helps give some understanding "The future of Gestalt bodywork, I believe, is in allowing our­ to how we come to experience our self selves as individuals, as a community, and as a world to under­ in the functional part of our adaptation stand how subtly we are all connected while remaining separate:' in the world. It gives a lot of techniques for experimenting with or moving experience from split-off partS more person rather than just the specific, rather than through the intensity of the towards experiencing our selves in larg­ problematic area, enables greater 'heal­ contact. The new step is to clean up the er and larger wholes. And the Gestalt ing' to occur. On an interactive level, I static that keeps us separated from our­ approach has a whole different way of envision a better understanding of what selves, from each other and from our looking at resistance as opposed to what happens when both parties are able to larger communities so that we don't have I found in other approaches-Reichian, meet a resistance within the tis­ to constantly have the volume at full Lomi, massage-that is, resistance is self sue/psychic structure and both are able blast:' to hang out in the fertile void of that area in action. Kepner feels that the new "hot stuff' rather than trying to do something to in the field now is the spread of energy "So, I began to evolve into a much that area. more appreciative stance toward people work. "The emerging trends in the as they are, much more acceptance for "While the theory has always support­ general field of bodywork are influenced people as they come in-tense or ed this creative melting into something by the energy-oriented approaches, like armored or with difficulty breathing­ new;' Mraz continues, "there has also cranial-sacral work, unwinding, acupunc­ as that is an important way in which they been the idea that the self must be con­ ture/acupressure, and psychic healing. required themselves to live in the world. fronted rather than allowed to emerge They've always been around, only now The more judgmental approach, from as our character structure is loosened. they're becoming more popular, more the Reichian for example, is that there The body teaches us that force only faddish:' Although energetic principles is this character structure that needs to qegets a counter-force which negates any sound very mystical, Kepner explains the be broken through so the real person forward progress. The subtleness of the application of energy methods in thera­ can come out. To really come at work­ interactive process of bodywork height­ py by distinguishing between external ing with people's physical process, you ens the practitioner's and client's con­ and internal work. The external arts like must literally handle them differently. sciousness of the 'I.'.fhou' connection. Tai Kwon Do spend a lot of time The body is part of them instead of sep­ Once again, our connectedness is recog­ developing physical strength and focus­ arate and that's very much from the nized along with our ability to be ing tension. In contrast, the internal Gestalt approach:' separate:' forms like Tai Chi or Aikido emphasize And, as the field of Gestalt bodywork using one's body energy to interact with Future Speculations continues to grow and spread, it will con- another's. Many body-oriented therapies There is an old saying__.!.'Prediction is use mental concentration and sensitivi­ ty similar to the internal forms. Kepner very difficult, particularly when it involves ''The time has come to begin to the future'~and both Kepner and Mraz explains this as therapy "in which you're acknowledge this when asked to talk recognize that we can be differen­ literally trying to focus or extend your about future trends in somatics work. tiated without being separated:' field or sensory capacity into the person's Mraz responds by looking at the situa­ body or through him in some way and feel his energy. Your work is not geared tion in terms of Gestalt practice. "Gestalt nect itself more closely with the medi­ per se at changing physical structure, but has always been interested in contact cal field. Mraz makes the point that the changing the whole field of the person boundaries-the place where the self study of how emotions affect the immune that may also involve the change of the exists. Much of the developmental work system and, in fact, the entire physiolog­ physical structure to change the field:' done by Fritz emphasized the manner ical system is being explored and accept­ in which boundaries enabled differenti­ ed by the medical research community. What the therapist focuses on during ation, the 'I am I and you are you: To He goes on to say that the work of the internal work is not musculature or the bastardize Robert Frost, 'Good bound­ Gestalt bodyworker of the future is find­ skeletal arrangement, but on the densi­ aries make good selves: The future of ing and educating others about the sub­ ty of the body's energy field in various Gestalt bodywork, I believe, is in allow­ tle connective links between all the areas, including muscle, fascia, viscera, ing ourselves as individuals, as a com­ diverse entities in this complexly inter­ and bone. munity, and as a world to understand twined universe. how subtly we are all connected while Again, it's in the way you think about remaining separate. "The time has come to begin to recog­ it. "We're talking really about a sensory nize that we can be differentiated with­ experience of some kind;' says Kepner. "I see this happening on the individual out being separated. That we are "This is where we can talk about it in level as clients and practitioners begin incredibly sensitive systems that learn Gestalt terms as very highly refined sen­ to recognize that working on the entire through our awareness of the contact sory skills, rather than in terms of body

GESTALT REVIEW FALL/WINTER 1987 13 energy. We can think of this as a gradu­ Reflections on a Refreshing Day ated series of more refined sensing, one that is dependent on seemingly mechan­ by Roxanne Miller Freeman ical properties: either feeling the give of Response to the First Annual your muscle with my fingertips or shak­ "Working with Physical Process Refresher" ing your leg and feeling the feedback in August 14, 1987 my arm, or watching for what moves and what doesn't. Or I can go one step We came, beyond that and extend my sensing, my and, each sensation, my sense of density into your in our own way, body. We wanted to be touched. "To make this less mumbo-jumbo is Old gestalt friends, we joined quickly - to say, 'Well, we refine our sensory abil­ Has it been fifteen months? a moment to some, ities all the time as therapists: Over the a new baby to others, many lifetimes passed. years we become more and more refined And a new day to share. at being able to work with nonverbal The same us, each having moved to a new place. information and seeing more subtlety. We came, and, each in our own way, So, to me, it isn't that mysterious:' We wanted to be touched. Six roses in the Kohler House. But, according to Kepner, the energy work should be considered more as an Oh yes ... your empty chair was there - influence and less as a direction. What Filled with your face, your feelings direction the field takes depends on how Our memories of your presence, soon practitioners learn the difference The presence of your absence ... Our new day. between technique and approach. "I Giving and receiving merged think the reason there has been such a With a Feldenkrais combo, A Table for Two - melange of eclectic work is that people Laughter, tears, embarrassment, power ... have not understood that difference. You A turtle is longer than a snake. can learn technique after technique, whether it's psychotherapy or body­ And Tom, our hero, oriented work, but if you don't have any his wise self wove gently among us organizing principle to help you under­ Hearing, helping, healing stand what it is you're working with, then For sharing the gift of yourself, we thank you. technique will drive you nuts along with We came, and, each in our own way, the person you're working on. People We wanted to be touched. collect techniques from various schools We came, and, each in our own way, of therapy and bodywork, but have never Were touched. really had the education or someone to help them understand what an integrat­ ed approach is really about. Technique is endless, but if you have an approach, THE SECOND ANNUAL you can generate technique:' If there is any preferred direction Kep­ "WORKING WITH ner would like to see, it would be toward PHYSICAL PROCESS more practitioners learning that the REFRESHER" body is indeed a whole, a living gestalt, will be announced soon. and each is different. This attitude is very much against those practitioners who think in terms of "if it's Thursday then this must be Belgium:' and the tool box. Ida Rolf shared this ing a recipe made the difference between Kepner is not alone in his desire. And fear. The Rolfing process is called the a common cook and a master chef. She, it's a problem not exclusive to body­ "Recipe'' with good reason. It is an like Fritz Perls, knew that technique is oriented therapies, nor is it a new les­ organic whole divided into individual ses­ tempting, even seductive, but that it is son. Fritz Perls, when facing the initial sions based on the inherent wisdom of blind. Perhaps the old masters knew California enthusiasm about Gestalt the body; they cannot be interchanged something that many of their students therapy, was concerned that therapists or applied arbitrarily. And she felt that and imitators have yet to learn. understand the difference between a tool the quality of the end result after follow-

GESTALT REVIEW FALL/WINTER 1987 14 Why We Talk Funny (Continued from page 1) The results of this internal focus, for example being launched across the room by a seemingly insignificant push, can Anyone who did not share a similar experiential common history be demonstrated through action by the or a common frame of reference (say, another Tai Chi player) would teacher, or described in metaphorical have no basis for understanding our conversation. language, but the actual experience can­ not be passed on directly. It is like try- ing to teach a person how to ride a bicycle by verbal description: something reputation for precise and clear lan­ This is different from our everyday and important is always missing. guage, I was very glad that there was no technical language because of the neces­ one listening to our ensuing conver­ sity of sharing internal experiences. If I The connection between this and our sation. use the word "chair," for example, we all Gestalt jargon came to me when I was have, in Alfred Korzbski's (General practicing with a fellow Tai Chi student. "Oh, I get it now. If you expand your Semantics) words, an "external referent": For two and a half years Joe, our instruc­ energy field outwards while you push, something we can point to and tor, had been telling us "don't feel the you don't feel the person:' experience at the same time. The basic person" when we were hitting or push­ "Let me try that. Like this?" (pushes) blocks of our language are thus built on ing. We had been suitably mystified by such easily shared experience in the this instruction. Even though we could "Not quite, let your aura get fuller, external world. Even abstract phrases see (and feel) the results when Joe would that's right! Extend your energy field like "reference point" are built from con­ hit "not feeling" us, at our level of under­ while you push:' cepts and definitions that grasp an standing we felt as if we were grasping obtainable common experience. at dust motes. The more we grasped, the "Try it this way, when you push me further we felt from understanding. feel as if your palm is actually pushing Additionally, much of our abstract lan­ against the tree behind me instead of me. guage is understood through definition That's it, feel the tree against your palm:' rather than experience. That is, we So, there we were, pushing each believe we can "know" things through other around my friend's drive­ "That was it! I didn't feel you that concepts which allow us to generate ver­ way, trying to "not feel" each time!" bal definitions to understand them. Thus other. This conversation would have been cognitive understanding is our ultimate virtual gibberish to any casual listener. standard. We do not demand that one What is truly amazing about this con­ experience all of the terms we are using "Not feeling'' became lumped together versation is that it made perfect sense in our definition. with a number of other Tai Chi jargon to us. Doesn't this sound like conversa­ But, words like "body energy" or phrases that we also didn't really under­ tions you have heard around the Insti­ "aura" or "feel the tree ten feet away" stand: "Yield to the strike;' or "Don't tute? Why does something that makes or "push without feeling it" are neither fight, just let the movement happen;' perfect sense to the conversants, make commonly available experiences, nor can and "Let the energy flow from your cen­ no sense at all to an outsider? ter" (shades of Obi Wan Kanobe). The they be known through concepts. Only reader can note here the similarity to A Brief Discussion of when people have had the actual such Gestalt jargon phrases as "good Kinds of Language experience does the language make contact;' "go with the energy;' and "stay sense. Such experiences are not simple with the process:' Nonetheless, even The dilemma is that the experience to come by; they take hard work and self­ though my friend and I did not get It, of my friend and I was an internal one. development to acquire. Without those we could see indirectly that our teacher We were sharing a similar internal internal experiences, these phrases, such had It, and we were suitably awed experience in that moment because we as my Tai Chi teacher's original phrase enough to keep pursuing It. "It" being were both pointedly developing and about not-feeling, are just empty contain­ in this case "not feeling'.:._and yes, I real­ working towards it. Through hard won ers waiting to be filled. They don't define ize I have already begun to drift away common experience we had built a com­ anything. Rather, they point towards from the King's English! mon frame of reference over time. We something indefinable yet which hope­ had developed words that we both knew fully can be experienced with work and So, there we were, pushing each oth­ referred to experiences we had shared dedication. er around my friend's driveway, trying to at one time or another. Anyone who did "not feel" each other. At a certain point, not share a similar experiential common Gestalt therapy is very much an one of us pushed and the other went fly­ history or a common frame of reference experiential approach. We are interest­ ing across the driveway in a fashion (say, another Tai Chi player) would have ed not only in generating intellectual vaguely reminiscent of what our teach­ no basis for understanding our conver­ understanding in our work, but also in er had been showing us. Because of my sation. creating experiences that can be point-

GESTALT REVIEW FALL/WINTER 1987 15 ed to directly so that our interventions laziness. Often, we use jargon from an are (here comes some Gestalteze) introjective mode; rather than use our grounded. It is an indicator of just how own words we use that of the teacher or We have many tools from our successful we are at CIC in giving such group, perhaps without really under­ Gestalt tradition to foster com­ a large number of students and clients standing the technical meaning. I have munication and experiential some shared internal experiential refer­ tripped over such introjective use of lan­ understanding: experiments, self­ ence points that our use of Gestalt buzz guage in myself when I am asked dur­ words does make sense, at least to ing a presentation what I mean by some awareness, observation, and an "insiders:' If you haven't had the jargon word, and find to my embarrass­ understanding of the principles of experiential exercise or the practicum ment I can't explain it! A similar lazy use good contact. process or workshop experience to pro­ of language comes from confluence, vide the internal frame of reference, how­ where rather than do the work of being ever, the words are so much meaningless clear and differentiated in our language, from our Gestalt tradition to foster com­ jargon. we rely on vague phrases which "kind munication and experiential understand­ of' convey what we mean. ing: experiments, self-awareness, The Author Presents Certain observation, and an understanding of Problems and Responsibilities the principles of good contact. We may, as Gestaltists, try to highlight One problem arises when we forget Our words need to be differentiat­ ed, clear, bright, in good form, in experiences that bring the person into that others don't share the same our frame of reference, e.g., by noting experiential referents. This is when we good relationship to the environ­ to our family when "good contact" has sound like intellectual bird-brains to col­ ment, and sent with the receiver actually occurred. leagues of different orientations (i.e., different experiential frames of refer­ in mind. Another possibility at our disposal is ence). Often words such as boundaries, to bring ourselves into others' frame of process, experience, wholism, here and reference, for example, by learning their language, or by noting what can be now, contact, and so on, don't even point It seems to me that it is particularly the way, but rather confuse and inhibit defined conceptually and what requires incumbent upon us in the CIC commu­ an experiential base. Another alternative communication. If we use experiential nity to remember that communication language with people who don't share is to find a frame of language we can is in essence another form of contact and share, a common ground to meet on. our common reference point, we are needs to be shaped by those Gestalt ignoring one of the core Gestalt princi­ This last is what I believe the world principles that characterize all good con­ needs more of. ples: awareness of the context or tact. Our words need to be differentiat­ environment within which our behavior ed, clear, bright, in good form, in good All of these require a commitment to takes place. It seems to me that much relationship to the environment, and work, to define terms, to speak clearly, of our problem with jargon is really a sent with the receiver in mind. Just as and to attend to others and to the real kind of narcissistic orientation through it is not in accord with the principles of impact of our communication. How we which we remain insensitive to the differ­ good contact to try to discuss stock deal with our jargon is a test of how well ences between our own experiential base debentures with a Bushman, it is not we can carry the values about "good con­ and that of others in our environmen­ good contact to try to talk to your psy­ tact" learned within supportive walls of tal field. This stance, despite popular choanalytic friends about "just being;' CIC, into the environment where we misconception, is not native to Gestalt or your family about "good contact" or must stand on our own two feet. This philosophy, which has always talked "family boundaries:' goes beyond Gestalt therapy. It is Gestalt about the balance of organism and in action. environment. The Author Suggests and Makes a Plea Another problem, as I see it, is when These problems are not without some Hospitality House we use experiential words because of possible solutions. We have many tools Call for Homes! The Hospitality House program has been going great guns at CIC and needs more Cleveland area homes to provide low-cost accom­ It is an indicator of just how successful we are at GIC in giving modations for out-of-town mem­ such a large number of students and clients some shared inter­ bers coming in for workshops and nal experiential reference points that our use of Gestalt buzz words training programs. If you would like to participate, please call does make sense, at least to "insiders:' Judith Fisher at 421-0468.

GESTALT REVIEW FALL/WINTER 1987 16 Classifieds Positions Available: Park Center, Inc. eastern Indiana with its headquarters in Classified Space is available in the has immediate openings for creative Fort Wayne, Indiana. Fort Wayne has a Gestalt Review for advertising position individuals who are interested in work­ population of 172,000 and is known for openings, personnel available, practice ing in a progressive and developing its family-oriented lifestyle, active com­ openings, and networking activities. organization. Park Center, Inc. is cur­ munity fine arts organizations, award­ Advertisers must be non-commercial and rently seeking professionals for the fol­ winning parks and recreation facilities, non-competitive with Gestalt Institute of lowing positions: Program Manager/ and a cost of living far below the national Cleveland offerings. Marketing Director, Ph.D. Psychologists average. Classifieds are $4.00 per line (approx­ (Indiana licensed eligible) in both adult Respond to: Interested professionals imately 38 characters per line) and and child adolescent services, Staff Psy­ should send qualifications and salary his­ should include contact address and/or chiatrists, and ACSW Clinical Social tory to: phone number. (No box numbers are Workers. Pearl Hearn, Personnel Manager available.) Please submit by March 15, Salary and Benefits: These positions Park Center, Inc. 1988, along with a check for the full offer competitive salaries based on 909 East State Boulevard amount, to: qualifications and excellent benefits. Fort Wayne, Indiana 46805 Sandy Zelvy Park Center also offers a complete (219) 482-9111 Gestalt Institute of Cleveland professional development educational * * * 1588 Hazel Drive series each year. Room to Rent: Furnished Room­ Cleveland, Ohio 44106 About Park Center: Park Center is a $160 per month, kitchen, laundry room The editors of the Gestalt Review Community Mental Health Center with privileges. Cleveland Heights near Sever­ reserve the right to make final determi­ over 250 staff members. The Center ance Center. Call after 5:30 p.m. nation on advertisements submitted for serves a three county area of north 216/382-7172. publication.

Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID CLEVELAND, OHIO ·Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, 1588 Hazel Drive, Cleveland, Ohio 44106-1791 Permit No. 3148