Gestalt Experiments in the Counselling Room

Gestalt Experiments in the Counselling Room is a one-day experiential workshop for counsellors who are curious about bringing more immediacy and creativity into their sessions.

Gestalt experiments are not techniques to apply or interventions to master, but ways of playing with what is already present. As Joseph Zinker writes, “To experiment is to play with the possibilities of ourselves.” This course offers a gentle, practical introduction to what that can look like in everyday counselling practice.

The day will focus on how experiments can help move therapy out of “aboutism” — talking about experience — and into present, embodied awareness. As Erving and Miriam Polster suggest, “Most people settle for ‘aboutism’ as their customary approach to problem solving. The Gestalt Experiment brings the individual’s action system right into the room.”

Through short teaching inputs, simple demonstrations, and low-pressure experiential exercises, participants will have opportunities to notice how experiments can emerge in the here-and-now, be co-created with the client and supported by the counsellor. The emphasis will be on awareness and curiosity, working within one’s own comfort and competence.

This is not a comprehensive training in Gestalt therapy, but a chance to taste and explore the use of experiments in a way that feels accessible, ethical, and adaptable to different counselling approaches.

By the end of the day, participants will:

• Have a clearer sense of what Gestalt experiments are (and what they are not)

• Explore simple ways of working beyond “talking about”

• Reflect on when and how experiments might be appropriate in their own work

• Increase awareness of their own presence and creativity in the counselling room

This course is suitable for counsellors and therapists who are interested in experiential ways of working, whether they are new to Gestalt ideas or simply curious about adding a little more play and immediacy to their practice.

FACILITATORS

LUCY BALL

Lucy is a counsellor at Somerset Counselling Centre. She teaches at the Gestalt International Study Center. She is also an organisational consultant, coach and coach supervisor.

GAYNOR SHARP

Gaynor is a Gestalt therapist based in Edinburgh working with couples and individuals. She trained at the Edinburgh Gestalt Institute. Gaynor also coaches work dyads, teams and leaders in organisations.

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Host or Publisher Somerset Counselling Centre