Gestalt Therapy: The Basics provides an accessible and concise overview of the approach and its substantial theory.
Experiential exercises, clinical vignettes and examples from everyday practice are included to enrich understanding of gestalt's theory and its clinical application. This book explores: the history of gestalt therapy, gestalt maps, philosophical beliefs, creative experimentation and ethical considerations. Useful chapter summaries are featured throughout to aid comprehension.
This book is essential reading for gestalt trainees, as well as counsellors and psychotherapists wanting to learn more about the gestalt approach.
Experiential exercises, clinical vignettes and examples from everyday practice are included to enrich understanding of gestalt's theory and its clinical application. This book explores: the history of gestalt therapy, gestalt maps, philosophical beliefs, creative experimentation and ethical considerations. Useful chapter summaries are featured throughout to aid comprehension.
This book is essential reading for gestalt trainees, as well as counsellors and psychotherapists wanting to learn more about the gestalt approach.
"In 50 years of reading gestalt therapy literature, I've never encountered an author who accomplishes what Mann does. This book stands out for its clear and comprehensive exploration of the fundamental principles of gestalt therapy, allowing curious readers to delve deeper into the implications. Mann not only articulates these "Basics" with precision but also provides vivid clinical examples, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and those seeking a profound understanding of how these principles are applied in therapy. A truly remarkable achievement."
Rich Hycner Ph.D., author of Between Person and Person: Toward A Dialogical Psychotherapy
"Although covering 'The Basics', this book is an important resource for both beginners and seasoned practitioners. Mann manages to convey the fullness and richness of gestalt theory whilst offering the detail of key maps and concepts in a well referenced and meticulous way. This is certainly a book to be dipped into and re-read over and over again."
Dr Marie-Anne Chidiac, author, Relational Organisational Gestalt and co-Founder Relational Change
"In writing The Basics, Dave Mann is like a high quality builder. Here are reliable theoretical foundations, contemporary materials, with sound therapeutic craftsmanship on display throughout. Each gestalt therapy writer has to find their own synthesis of history, clinical experience, philosophy, and practical examples. This book is a creative achievement from a seasoned writer and confident explainer. I recommend this engaging read for beginners and familiars alike, a skilful summary full of wisdom and energy."
Malcolm Parlett Ph.D, international gestalt coach and Whole Intelligence researcher
"Pull up a chair! Reading Dave Mann's book is like chatting with him while sitting around a warm fireplace. His easy, conversational style and his creative use of accessible, everyday examples allow the reader access to concepts and terms that might seem daunting at first. One comes away loving gestalt therapy, eager to learn and practice. What more can one ask?"
Lynne Jacobs, Ph.D., co-founder, Pacific Gestalt Institute
Rich Hycner Ph.D., author of Between Person and Person: Toward A Dialogical Psychotherapy
"Although covering 'The Basics', this book is an important resource for both beginners and seasoned practitioners. Mann manages to convey the fullness and richness of gestalt theory whilst offering the detail of key maps and concepts in a well referenced and meticulous way. This is certainly a book to be dipped into and re-read over and over again."
Dr Marie-Anne Chidiac, author, Relational Organisational Gestalt and co-Founder Relational Change
"In writing The Basics, Dave Mann is like a high quality builder. Here are reliable theoretical foundations, contemporary materials, with sound therapeutic craftsmanship on display throughout. Each gestalt therapy writer has to find their own synthesis of history, clinical experience, philosophy, and practical examples. This book is a creative achievement from a seasoned writer and confident explainer. I recommend this engaging read for beginners and familiars alike, a skilful summary full of wisdom and energy."
Malcolm Parlett Ph.D, international gestalt coach and Whole Intelligence researcher
"Pull up a chair! Reading Dave Mann's book is like chatting with him while sitting around a warm fireplace. His easy, conversational style and his creative use of accessible, everyday examples allow the reader access to concepts and terms that might seem daunting at first. One comes away loving gestalt therapy, eager to learn and practice. What more can one ask?"
Lynne Jacobs, Ph.D., co-founder, Pacific Gestalt Institute
Mann's highly accessible second edition brings gestalt therapy alive with his vignettes, and embodies it with the offer of experiments for the reader to play with. It serves as a wonderful reference text, one you can dip into as your fancy strikes you. Once you do that, you will want to go back for more!
Lynne Jacobs, PhD. Co-Founder Pacific Gestalt Institute, Los Angeles, USA'
Whether discovering Gestalt therapy for the first time or wanting to update previous learning, readers will find this book an indispensable companion: wide-ranging, lively, authoritative, and easy to follow. Theory and practice interweave throughout. Experiential intermissions help focus attention. The author's choice of 100 subjects is well-judged and original. An experienced and respected Gestalt practitioner, Mann demonstrates here his deep understanding of the Gestalt approach, its history, craft, and contemporary vision. The book offers stimulus, enjoyment, and support for holistic learning.
Malcolm Parlett, PhD., Former editor of the British Gestalt Journal, international trainer.
Mann has excelled in producing a second edition of this key Gestalt text that both consolidates and extends the first edition. The experiential exercises encourage you to "try on" concepts in a way that brings theory vividly alive. Whether you identify as a gestalt clinician, coach, or organisational consultant, as a novice or experienced practitioner, this book is outstanding in identifying and describing the heart of the approach.
Sally Denham-Vaughan, DPsych., Chair EAGT GPO committee, Co-Founder Relational Change, UK.
Lynne Jacobs, PhD. Co-Founder Pacific Gestalt Institute, Los Angeles, USA'
Whether discovering Gestalt therapy for the first time or wanting to update previous learning, readers will find this book an indispensable companion: wide-ranging, lively, authoritative, and easy to follow. Theory and practice interweave throughout. Experiential intermissions help focus attention. The author's choice of 100 subjects is well-judged and original. An experienced and respected Gestalt practitioner, Mann demonstrates here his deep understanding of the Gestalt approach, its history, craft, and contemporary vision. The book offers stimulus, enjoyment, and support for holistic learning.
Malcolm Parlett, PhD., Former editor of the British Gestalt Journal, international trainer.
Mann has excelled in producing a second edition of this key Gestalt text that both consolidates and extends the first edition. The experiential exercises encourage you to "try on" concepts in a way that brings theory vividly alive. Whether you identify as a gestalt clinician, coach, or organisational consultant, as a novice or experienced practitioner, this book is outstanding in identifying and describing the heart of the approach.
Sally Denham-Vaughan, DPsych., Chair EAGT GPO committee, Co-Founder Relational Change, UK.







