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Book review

Published in ‘Therapy Today’ (Journal of British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy)

Becoming a Practitioner Researcher: A Gestalt Approach to Holistic Inquiry, by Paul Barber

Within the current (evidence-based) climate and the corresponding tendency to equate research with positivist methodology, the inspirational book is a breath of fresh air. Barber does not deny the usefulness of traditional scientific research methods, but suggests they can ‘co-exist’ with Gestalt-influenced ‘holistic’ types of inquiry. Thus he builds on the work of such writers as Reason, Rowan, Heron, and Moustakas, who stress the importance of placing the researcher ‘in the centre’ rather than aiming for an objective stance.

Written in an easy-to-read, personal style, the book is attractively laid out with many examples and reflections.

Readers of the book are encouraged to be active rather than passive and take time to reflect, both on the material in the book and on their own relevant experience. Chapter one provides an introduction to Gestalt and holistic inquiry.

The next chapter focuses on ‘Whole field analysis’ or the analysis of a team or an organisation as an integrated whole. Chapter three contains a useful overview of methods of qualitative inquiry as well as a discussion of relevant skills.

Chapter four’s focus is on ‘Exploring experience and illuminating data’, and includes a discussion of the shadow side of this type of inquiry as well as various types of bias (unconscious, perceptive and methodological).

The last chapter focuses on research design as well as analysis of generated information. At the end of chapters three, four and five there is an extended study, which helps to illustrate the application of each step of inquiry.

Overall the book shows that research does not have to be dry, but can include the spiritual and use a variety of creative methods, including art and poetry, making it a rich resource.

The reference to a ‘Gestalt Approach’ in the title may seem limiting, but it will be useful to both the novice and the seasoned researcher (of any therapeutic orientation) who is engaged in organisational consultancy or contemplating researching his or her own practice or organisation.

It would therefore be a welcome addition to the libraries of training organisations as well as those of colleges or university departments within the health/social care/counselling and psychotherapy sector.

Els van Ooijen (psychotherapist, counsellor, trainer and supervisor)

Click here to purchase direct from the author (£21 incl p&p)
Click here to purchase direct from the author (£21 incl p&p)
Today, learning from the workplace, reflection on practice, and lifelong learning are acknowledged as central to effective continuing professional development. This book is designed as an indispensable guide to anyone undertaking investigations in complex or changing organisational settings.

In contrast to strategies based on the scientific method and the use of empirical evidence, the Gestalt approach places investigators at the centre of their own practice. It aims to build a picture of awareness by prioritising how people perceive, feel and act.

By way of practical encouragement and in response to the reflections and questions raised, examples of entries within an ongoing practitioner-research journal are provided throughout the text. There are also mini case studies to clarify key points, plus three extended case studies designed to illuminate the real-life drama of being a researcher.

All professionals who work with people and groups will find this book invaluable. The models and approaches described in the text have evolved from the author’s work over many years with managers and organisational consultants, doctorate and masters students, and such people-facing professions as nursing, mental health and social workers, teachers, counsellors and psychotherapists.