Before and After:: A Phenomenological Exploration of the Impact of a Four-Year Training in Gestalt Psychotherapy on Gestalt Psychotherapists

Gro Skottun

doi:10.24377/EJQRP.article2813

Authors

Gro Skottun Norsk Gestaltinstitutt Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24377/EJQRP.article2813

Keywords:

gestalt training, focus group, challenge, awareness, change

Abstract

This article is a shortening of my Master dissertation in gestalt psychotherapy that I conducted as a phenomenological and qualitative exploration into how a group of gestalt psychotherapists in Norway had been impacted by their gestalt psychotherapy training. The related literature and research studies in the areas of training of gestalt therapists, gestalt psychotherapy, individual and group therapy and supervision were reviewed and found to be lacking in number and quality. The data was generated through a semi -structured interview in a focus group and analysed by using a phenomenological method that is discussed. During this process the data were organised in interrelated themes around what motivated them for joining the training, their experience of being in the training and the outcome or impact of the training concluding with a description of the meanings and essence of these experiences. The findings are discussed in the light of the literature, and the limitations of the study are considered.

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Author Biography

Gro Skottun, Norsk Gestaltinstitutt

Gro Skottun (MSc) is Norwegian, trained as a social worker and gestalt psychotherapist. She is the cofounder (1986) and co leader of Norsk Gestaltinstitutt (NGI) where she also is a trainer and supervisor. She is the cofounder and co editor of Norsk Gestalttidsskrift. She has written several articles about different aspects of gestalt therapy. She also practices as a therapist where she works with individuals, couples and groups.

For contact regarding this article or related issues: www. g-skot@online.no

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