ABSTRACT
As we indicated in our introductory chapter, this is a book about practice, not about theory. However, like Kurt Lewin, we firmly believe that the most effective interventions are the actualization of good theory. In each of the cases that follow, the author's work was supported by assumptions embedded in Gestalt theory, or by related theoretical approaches consistent with this approach. In this chapter we present a brief overview of the Gestalt concepts most relevant to social change interventions. This can be used as a template or guideline for analyzing and making meaning of out of the cases. You may not see direct evidence that the authors were consciously aware of these concepts as they organized and conducted their work, but we believe that you will find many of them underlying the decisions and actions that the authors made. 1
The concepts are organized into three categories: 1. Underlying Philosophical Perspective
• Holism • Optimism
2. Principles of Learning and Change • Awareness • Gestalt Cycle of Experience • Multiple Realities and the Management of Energy • Completion of Unfinished Situations • Level of System
3. Centrality of Relationship Building in Creating Change
• Dialogue and Contact • Presence and Use of Self • Integration of Strategic and Intimate Interactions • Joining in a Quest for a Superordinate Goal
The concept of holism embraces a fundamental principle: all living things actively strive for unity and completeness. This notion was of interest to Aristotle-"forms shape matter" -and other philosophers throughout the ages. It became a central aspect of the Gestalt approach through three streams: the work of Jan Christian Smuts (the South African soldier-statesman-philosopher who wrote the book, Holism and Evolution [Smuts, 1 924] ) , the perception research of the early Gestalt psychologists, and the research of Kurt Goldstein ( 1 934, 1 995) with brain damaged soldiers in World War I. Fritz and Laura Perls became familiar with Smuts's work while Fritz served as an officer in the South African Army during World War II . Laura Perls became familiar with holism while doing graduate work with Max Wertheimer, one of the first Gestalt psychologists. Fritz Perls served as an assistant to Goldstein for a while.
