ABSTRACT:
The Gestalt theory of the 'Berliner Schule' (Koehler, Koffka, Wertheimer, Lewin) is a theoretical and empirical foundation for the approach to psychotherapy presented in this book. The author attempts to show that Gestalt theory is an appropriate framework which integrates the methods and merits of many other psychotherapeutic schools. Part I describes Gestalt theory, while Part II discusses the nature of a Gestalt theory of human personality and presents a 3-level- model of personality in which the middle level is a 'life space' construct which helps to explain how the 'tendency toward the good Gestalt' (the 1st level) is manifested on a concrete level (3rd level) 'Gestalt factors'. Part III uses the constructs and empirical facts presented to formulate a Gestalt theory of psychotherapy which sees such therapy as an opportunity for creative freedom.
