ABSTRACT

Through eight compelling stories we get to know the Gestalt therapist Vikram Kolmannskog and some of his clients. These include the businessman Carl who is suffering from chronic burnout, the overwhelmed Marianne who believes she may have been the victim of sexual assualt, the trans woman Annette who breaks with dominant gender norms, the prisoner Jonny who is now encircled by his own self-made wall of isolation, and the beautiful Ask, who falls in love and others fall in love with - including the therapist Vikram.

Through these tales of psychotherapy we see how both suffering and healing can occur. With increased awareness and through dialogue we can experience more of ourselves, the other and our world. We become more whole - and that is a good definition of health.

chapter One|15 pages

What is gestalt therapy?

chapter Two|11 pages

Succeeding at everything, even stressing less

chapter Three|13 pages

Three generations of betrayal

chapter Four|25 pages

Marianne’s memories

chapter Five|12 pages

Inside the walls

chapter Six|16 pages

Put on your own mask first

chapter Seven|15 pages

Freeze

chapter Eight|15 pages

The bearded lady

chapter Nine|41 pages

The empty chair