ABSTRACT
The Paradoxical Theory of Change states that, ‘change occurs when one becomes what he is, not when he tries to become what he is not’ (Beisser, 1970: 77) and goes on to state that ‘one must first fully experience what one is before recognizing all the alternatives of what may be’ (ibid). Gestalt therapists do not believe that fundamental change can occur until there is a complete acceptance of the individual’s whole personhood, including embracing aspects that the client may wish to amputate from their being. This simple yet profound theory has become a guiding principle for gestalt therapists.
