Global Perspectives on Research, Theory, and Practice

In 1996, the internet was breaking out of its shell, and the first electronic journal for gestalt therapy appeared as a hybrid of the text-based discussion group Gstalt-L and the graphically rich, web-based journal itself. Both emerged supported by a community of people-helping groups at St. John’s University. That journal was titled Gestalt!, and its vision was to stimulate a global discussion of gestalt therapy using the electronic medium that has now become so common and essential. It did just that, and the contents of the journal included some of the richest thinking about gestalt therapy theory and practice that emerged in the lead-up to the 21st century. Gestalt! was free. It was quick. Those working with the journal were more interested in substance than style. It was relevant, and it was fun. There are errors in form, because the editors have maintained many in order to provide a realistic feel for what the journal was like. Although it no longer exists, this book reclaims the journal’s great historical value and still-significant ideas.