About the course

This is the paradox: change occurs spontaneously when you let go of agendas and goals. ‘What is, is, and one thing follows the next’ is a Gestalt take on Existentialist notions of Being and Becoming. We examine Beisser’s contribution to the theory and practice of change.
Course includes: 62 minutes video presentation by Steve Vinay Gunther, 19 core readings, 12 additional readings (8 audio files), 3 related books, 82 item quiz, Completion certificate for 12 CPE points.

Course content

  • 62 minutes of video presentation by Steve Vinay Gunther
  • 17 core readings
  • 5 additional readings (8 audio files)
  • 3 related books
  • 82 item quiz
  • Completion certificate for 12 CPE points
  • Subtitles in 30 languages

Course curriculum

    1. Cooke, M. (2007). Paradoxical Theory of Change. httpwww.playtherapyonline.netStudentsCooke-Moynene-Paper1.html.

    2. Neutze, D. (1998). Moving Towards Wholeness. Paragate, Winter 1998.

    3. Sternick, A. (2019). Paradoxical decisions Apply self-humor, improvisation, and affirmation. Positive Psychology News. httpspositivepsychologynews.comnewsalex-sternick2019012839564

    4. Wilson, R.R. (2006). The Anxiety Disorder Game. Psychotherapy in Austrtalia, 12(2), 36-45.

    1. Beisser, A. (2001). Paradoxical theory of change. The Gestalt Journal, 24(2), 87-92.

    2. Denes, M. (1997). Paradoxes in the therapeutic relationship. The Gestalt Journal, 20(2), 75-92.

    3. GO Center. (2021). The influence of Tao, zen and Buddhism on Gestalt coaching. httpswww.linkedin.compulseinfluence-tao-zen-buddhism-gestalt-coaching-go-center

    4. Jacobs, L. (2020). Engaged surrender The polarity of dialogue in Gestalt therapy. Gestalt Review, 24(2), 163177.

    5. Marmgren, L. (1998). Change Some speculations based on comparing Gestalt and complexity theory. Gestalt Review, 2(1), 28-47.

    6. Maurer, R. (2003). Using the paradoxical theory of change in organizations. Gestalt Review, 7(3), 252-260.

    7. Roubal, J., Francasetti, G. (2022). Field theory in contemporary Gestalt therapy Part two Paradoxical Theory of Change Reconsidered. The Gestalt Review, 261 p.1-33

    8. Seltzer, L. (1986). Chapter 4 Gestalt Therapy. Paradoxical Strategies in Psychotherapy A Comprehensive Overview and Guidebook. New York John Wiley and Sons. Pp72-83.

    9. Seltzer, L. F. (1984). The role of paradox in Gestalt theory and technique. The Gestalt Journal, 7(2), 31-42.

    10. Stevens, J.O. (1975). Hypnosis, intention and wakefullness. In J. O. Stevens (ed.)., Stevens, Gestalt Is (pp. 247-259). Real People Press.

    11. Stevenson, H. (2010). Paradox- A Gestalt theory of change for organizations. Gestalt Review, 14(2), 111-126

    12. Van Dusen, W. (1958). Wu Wei, No-Mind and the Fertile Void in Psychotherapy . In A. Molino (Ed.), The couch and the tree Dialogues in psychoanalysis and Buddhism (pp. 8793). essay, North Point Press.

    13. Yontef, G. M., & Fuhr, R. (2005). Gestalt therapy theory of change. In A. L. Woldt & S. M. Toman (Eds.), Gestalt therapy History, theory, and practice (pp. 118). Sage Publications.

    1. Acceptance & commitment therapy skills and training. Acceptance. www.ACTSkills.com.

    2. Farrelly, F. (2005). Live in Leeds - Interview with Dave.

    3. Farrelly, F. (2005). Live in Leeds - Interview with Judy.

    4. Farrelly, F. (2005). Live in Leeds - Interview with Nancy.

    5. Farrelly, F. (2005). Live in Leeds - Interview with Polly.

    6. Farrelly, F. (2005). Live in Leeds - Interview with Sue.

    7. Farrelly, F. (2005). Live in Leeds (1).

    8. Farrelly, F. (2005). Live in Leeds (2).

    9. Farrelly, F. (2005). NLP Interview.

    10. Katie, B. (2019). What is is. In The work of Byron Katie- An introduction (pp. 5–10).

    11. Olney, D. (1990). Introduction to SAT workshop. httpsaliveandreal.comIntro_to_SATDick.html, Accessed 25.02.23

    1. Beisser, A. (1989). Flying Without Wings. Doubleday, New York. (pp168-172)

    2. Lampert, R. The case for going gentle. The Gestalt therapy page.

    1. Video lecture on Paradoxical Theory of Change - 62 minute

    1. 14. Paradoxical Theory of Change • Assessment 51 • Concept Map

    2. 14. Paradoxical Theory of Change • Assessment 52 • Reflection Form

    3. 14. Paradoxical Theory of Change • Assessment 53 • 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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