About the course

We understand the dimnishing of contact - and thus ability to function as well as quality of life - as being related to Contact Boundary Phenomenon. In old language the word ‘Resistance’ was used; in Gestalt we prefer to observe the dynamics of Contact Styles, understanding them as Creative Adjustments which firstly need to be appreciated.
Course includes: 174 minutes video presentation by Steve Vinay Gunther, 22 core readings, 160 item quiz, Completion certificate for 25 CPE points.

Course content

  • 174 minutes of video presentation by Steve Vinay Gunther
  • 21 core readings
  • 0 additional readings
  • 0 related book
  • 160 item quiz
  • Completion certificate for 25 CPE points
  • Subtitles in 30 languages

Course curriculum

    1. Breshgold, E. (1989). Resistance in Gestalt therapy An historical theoretical perspective. The Gestalt Journal, 12(2), 73-102.

    2. Clarkson, P. (1989). Dysfunctions and disturbances in the cycle. In Gestalt counselling in action (pp. 41-58). Sage Publications.

    3. Cole, P. (1994). Resistance to awareness A Gestalt therapy perspective. The Gestalt Journal, 17(1), 71-94.

    4. Crocker, S. F. (1981). Proflection. The Gestalt Journal, 4(2), 13-111.

    5. Francesetti, G. (2012). Pain and beauty From the psychopathology to the aesthetics of contact. British Gestalt Journal, 21(2), 4-18.

    6. Frank, R. (2003). Embodying creativity The therapy process and its developmental foundation. British Gestalt Journal, 12(1), 22-30.

    7. Frew, J. E. (1986). The functions and patterns of occurrence of individual contact styles during the developmental phases of the Gestalt group. The Gestalt Journal, 9(1), 55-70.

    8. Harman, R. L. (1982). Gestalt therapy theory Working at the contact boundaries. The Gestalt Journal, 5(1), 39-48.

    9. Humphrey, K. K., & Bloom, D. (2018). Contact interruptions (2003). Gestalt Review, 22(1), 91-106.

    10. Joyce, P., & Sills, C. (2004) Chapter 9 Modifications to contact. In Skills in Gestalt counselling & psychotherapy (pp. 112-129).. Sage Publications.

    11. Latner, J. (1982). The thresher of time On love and freedom in Gestalt therapy. The Gestalt Journal, 5(1), 28-38.

    12. Latner, J. (1992). Contact Boundary Disturbances. In Gestalt Therapy Perspectives & Applications.

    13. Perls, F. (1981). Neurotic mechanisms. In The Gestalt approach and eyewitness to therapy (pp. 25-43). Bantam Books.

    14. Schaler, J. A. (1980). Taste factor in autonomous function. The Gestalt Journal, 3(2), 21-33.

    15. Sills, C., Fish. S., & Lapworth, P. (1996). Chapter 6 The Formation and Completion of Gestalts. Gestalt Counselling. Winslow Press. pp41-76.

    16. Simon, L. A. (1996). The nature of the introject and its implications foe Gestalt therapy. The Gestalt Journal, 19(2), 109-130.

    17. Smith, E. W. L. (1986). Retroflection The forms of non-enactment. The Gestalt Journal, 9(1), 36-54.

    18. Spagnuolo Lobb, M. (2017). From losses of ego functions to the dance steps between and client. Phenomenology and aesthetics of contact in the psychotherapeutic field. British Gestalt Journal, Vol. 26, No.1, 28–37

    19. Swanson, J. L. (1980). The morality of conscience and the morality of the organism Valuing from the Gestalt point of view. The Gestalt Journal, 3(2), 71-85.

    20. Swanson, J. L. (1988). Boundary processes and boundary states A proposed revision of the Gestalt theory of boundary disturbances. The Gestalt Journal, 11(2), 5-94.

    21. Zinker, J. (1978). Goals and aspirations. In Creative process in Gestalt therapy (pp. 96-122). New York, NY Vintage Books.

    1. Video lecture on Contact Boundary Phenomenon - 174 minute

    1. Quiz on Contact Boundary Phenomenon

    1. 6. Contact Boundary phenomenon • Assessment 24 • Concept Map

    2. 6. Contact Boundary phenomenon • Assessment 25 • Reflection Form

    3. 6. Contact Boundary phenomenon • Assessment 26 • Core Readings - Focus summaries / concept maps

About the presenter

Steve Vinay Gunther

Dr Steve Vinay Gunther

Steve Vinay Gunther has studied Gestalt therapy since 1985 and founded Gestalt institutes in Australia, South Korea, and China. Since 2000, he has been an international Gestalt trainer, teaching in Asia, Egypt, South Africa, Mexico, Colombia, and the USA.

In addition to Gestalt therapy, Steve is trained in family therapy, narrative therapy, somatic therapy, career coaching, and family constellations. He has practiced and studied meditation since 1973 and previously served as a professor of Spiritual Psychology at the Ryokan Institute in Los Angeles.

Steve pioneered relational psychology with his concept, The Unvirtues, and designed the Relational Parenting system. He is the father of five children and grandfather to four boys.

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