Frequently Asked Questions

So what is Gestalt?

Gestalt is a German word meaning 'pattern' or 'constellation'.  A Gestalt practitioner inquires into the perceptions and beliefs people use to co-create their reality.  Working within the frame of an authentic relationship, using art and metaphor and dialogue to illuminate how people derive meaning, Gestalt explores our energetic presence in the world.  It is influenced by Zen and phenomenological inquiry and aims to illuminate a felt sense of our own 'experiential truth' based on direct experience.

What do you offer?

We offer one-to-one, couples and group therapy, plus a bi-monthly Saturday group open to everyone where people drop in for quality feedback or to sample the flow of a Gestalt group.  We also offer a regular programme of workshops as well as supervise academic studies up to doctorate level, coach, consult and deliver workshops within organisations.

What might I read to prepare me?

Free Downloads are available on Page 3 ('About the Facilitator') entitled 'A Brief Review of Gestalt Facilitation' for an appreciation of Gestalt's history, or 'Gestalt in Coaching & Consulting: A Dialogue with Holism & the Soul' for an understanding of Gestalt's application to coaching; or for the more experienced and those interested in education: 'Keeping Psychotherapy Trainees in 'Their Place' - 'How Training Institutions can Stifle Love and Breed Complience'.  Maybe come to a Saturday Group (£75) as a taster of this approach or dip into the optional pre-workshop reading cited below in Barber, P (2006) 'Becoming a Practitioner-Researcher - A Gestalt Approach to Holistic Inquiry'.

How will I experience this approach?

You will be invited to attune to the here and now and to focus upon what is foreground to your current awareness, to reflect on your current needs, to explore the support you might require to meet these current needs and to experiment with new ways of experiencing the world.  Many have described my style as high in support and challenge and laced with humour.  Maybe read the reactions of others on the Current Workshops page on this website for an extra appreciation of this way of working.

How do I book to attend a workshop or group?

Firstly please e-mail gestaltinaction@msn.com to reserve a place, then post a cheque (payable to Paul Barber) for the fee to 7 Ridgeway Road, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 6PQ.

Where might I stay as it's a two day workshop?

We have four Travelodges in and around Redhill, at Gatwick (12 miles), Dorking (9 miles) and Leatherhead (10 miles) and in Redhill itself (10 minute walk from the venue) - see www.travelodge.co.uk plus a good hotel, Nutfield House Priory www.4hotels.co.uk (2 miles).  I can also provide a list of B & Bs on request.