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Published by the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland for its Members • Vol. 11 No. 1 • Fall/Winter 1987
Somatics and Gestalt Why We Talk Funny
by Paul Shane (5) the "combination" schools that syn- by James Kepner
Today, there is a growing therapeutic thesize various methods into new dis- The Author Expresses his
movement that blends the verbal inter- ciplines: Lomi Work (Rolfing + Gestalt), Peevishness
action of "traditional" psychotherapy Hakomi Therapy (Gestalt + somatotype One of my biggest peeves about our
with attention to physical process. This analysis), Rubenfeld Synergy GIC community is a simple one: We talk
trend goes by various names, depend- (Feldenkrais + Alexander Technique + funny. It is a not uncommon joke at the
ing on whether the primary focus is the Gestalt), and Keleman's energetics Institute from workshop participants,
mind or the body: body-based psy- approach (Bioenergetics + Gestalt + students, and faculty like myself who are
chotherapy, body therapy, bodywork, somatotype analysis). sticklers for precise language, that we use
somatic psychology, or just plain, old Moving throughout this ocean of too much jargon and "psycho-babble:'
somatics. thought, sometimes as a wave and oth- While I appreciate the importance of
For ease of discussion, the entire field er times as a deep undertow, is Gestalt having a technical language to help
can be loosely divided into five major therapy. Gestalt cannot be considered a experts and students communicate about
groups or schools of thought: body therapy per se, yet its principles theoretical issues, it seems to me that
(1) Reichian therapy (Wilhelm Reich) and philosophy are somatically orient- fuzziheadedness often goes with the use
and its offshoots of Bioenergetics (Alex- ed; that is, the body and bodily of Gestalteze: "Stay with your feelings;'
ander Lowen), Core Energetics (John experience have an essential place in "Focus on what is;' "Pay attention to
Pierrakos) and Radix; Gestalt work. your experience;' "Be in the here and
(2) the manipulation schools of Struc- Given the multitude of different modal- now;' "Let's have some contact;' and the
tural Integration (Rolfing) and its many ities and techniques, the situation ubiquitious issue of "boundaries:'
bootleg variations (18 at last count), appears confusing ... and it is. The pur- Recently, however, I have had a number
Cranial-Sacral Therapy, Trager Psycho- pose of this article is to attempt a little of experiences in a different sphere that
Physical Integration and the various clarity by examining the interaction have helped me to appreciate just why
massage and pressure point techniques between Gestalt therapy and the somat- our jargon is so problematic, and why
including Swedish, Esalen, Acupressure, ics field as a whole. it is difficult to avoid.
Neuro-Muscular Therapy, Jin Shin Do, Early Influences and Turning Points The Author Confesses to Gibberish
Shiatsu; A basic question one must ask when I have been studying Tai Chi Chuan,
(3) the movement schools of confronting this melting pot of therapeu- a Chinese martial art, for about two and
Feldenkrais' Functional Integration, tic technique is, "How did this all come a half years. Tai Chi is quite different
Alexander Technique, Aston-Patterning, about, anyway?" The early development from the more well-known karate forms
Rolfing Movement-Integration, Gurdjieff of body-oriented psychotherapy can be of martial art. In Tai Chi, rather than
dance movements, Arica Psy- attributed to four major characters and relying on external force and muscular
chocalisthenics, early Encounter Group the growth of the Esalen Institute in Big power to disable your opponent, you
exercises, Laban-Bartenieff movement Sur, California. The first contributor, and must develop an "internal" focus which
studies, Dance Therapy, Mezieres Meth- perhaps founder of this kind of therapy, is often called "vital energy:' It is very
od, Continuum Movement and the mar- was Wilhelm Reich, whose character subtle and takes many years of practice
tial arts; analysis and armoring principles began to use effectively in combat. It is diffi-
(4) the energy schools of acupuncture, in the late 1920's as an advancement of cult to teach as well as to learn because
Reiki, Polarity Therapy, and the Eastern traditional psychoanalysis. He eventually much of what needs to be learned is an
breathing methods to stimulate energy departed this exploration in favor of the internal sensation of deep relaxation and
flow-Chi (China), Ki (Japan) or Prana orgone energy work in the physical concentration, in addition to the precise
(lndia)-Tai Chi Chuan, and the differ- sciences; the original character analyt- movements and body placement of any
athletic skill.
ent styles of yoga; (Continued on page 10) (Continued on page 14)
2
Gestalt Review Growing Staff for the Review
EDITOR: In the last issue, I wrote of my desper- In this Issue
JAMES I. KEPNER, Ph.D. ate need for an assistant in preparing the The growth of the staff is evidenced
MANAGING EDITOR: Review. My request was answered four- in the growth of this issue of the Review.
SHIRLEY LOFFER fold, so I am pleased to welcome four Paul Shane's article, "Gestalt and Somat-
ASSOCIATE EDITORS: new staff members to the Review. ics;' examines the past and present
JOANN CALVE
MARNIE GLASER Shirley Loffer, the Review's new influences of Gestalt practice in the
PAUL SHANE managing editor, has worked in publish- development of body therapies during
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: ing for many years. In addition to ten the last 60 years. We also have a lively
SANDRA ZELVY years with a law publishing company and challenging discussion of Gestalteze
PRINTING: by Jim Kepner who asks, "Why do we
ACADEMY GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION where she is currently Director of Infor- talk so funny and what does it mean?"
The Gestalt Review is a periodical published twice mation Services, Shirley has been a free-
yearly by the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland for its lance editor in the fields of
members. psychotherapy and organizational Lynne Kweder steps outside the usu-
BOARD OF GOVERNORS development for 15 years. She has al theme of her "CIC from the Inside
FRANCES S. BAKER, Ph.D. worked with several members of GIC's Out" column to answer the question,
JOHN D. CARTER, Ph.D.
DONNA L. CUMMINGS, M.B.A. professional staff on articles and books "What is Gestalt?" Lynne has also con-
RAINETTE EDEN FANTZ, Ph.D. about Gestalt theory and methods. tributed to the inauguration of a new
C. WESLEY JACKSON, JR., Ph.D.
LYNNE M. KWEDER, M.P.A. column on organization and systems
ROXANNE MILLER, M.A. Three associate editors have also development that will be directed by
CLAIRE STRATFORD, M.S.W. joined the Review-Paul Shane, Marnie Robert Kolodny. Robert outlines three
JODY TELFAIR-RICHARDS, Ph.D. Glaser, and Joann Calve. Paul Shane is
LESTER P. WYMAN, Ph.D. a certified Rolfer and member of CIC. purposes for the OSD column and wel-
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE comes your ideas and articles.
JAY BRINEGAR Paul's background in journalism and cur-
SHERI CLAMPITT rent interest in bodywork have joined
DARRELL COOK forces in this issue's feature article, Marnie Glaser's "Membership Notes"
MARNIE GLASER is alive with opportunities to enjoy mem-
LYNNE KWEDER "SomatiCs and Gestalt:'
CAROL IORJLLO bers' social events, learn more about
CAROL LAZERICK Many of you know Marnie Glaser from Gestalt practice, and "tell all" in the
ROXANNE MILLER
ROSEMARIE PAIN! her many contributions to CIC, includ- Members' Resource Guide. Roxanne
MARYBETH TEKAVEC ing participation on the Membership Miller Freeman has written her reflec-
Subscription to the Gestalt Review is acquired Committee. When not planning mem- tions on the first annual Physical Proc-
by becoming a member at CIC and is not available bership events or writing "Membership ess Refresher, and invites you to join next
on a subscription only basis. CIC membership also year's gathering.
includes discounts on books, reduced rates at con- Notes" for the Review, Marnie attends
ferences and with early registration at workshops, the third-year Individual Track of the
special free evening workshops for members, and Three Year Post Graduate Program and
invitations to membership parties and events. Basic The Review offers several other invi-
membership is $30 for individuals and $50 for family works as a school psychologist. tations to be more involved with GIC-
membership. For organizational membership, con-
tact Sandy Zelvy 216/421-0468. Send membership Joann Calve began her career as a enjoying fine cuisine at the January
fees to: The Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, 1588 Membership Potluck, joining Donna
Hazel Drive, Cleveland, Ohio 44106-1791. See the journalist, then entered health care pub- Rumenik and Joseph Zinker in this
Membership Application or Renewal form on page lic relations. She moved to Cleveland a
8 of this issue of the Review. year ago to work in public relations for year's Community Workshops, and
CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THE SPRING/SUMMER the Mt. Sinai Medical Center and has learning more about CIC training pro-
GESTALT REVIEW: DEADLINE-MARCH 15, grams during an evening in April with
1988. FOR THE FALL/WINTER ISSUE- found her membership in CIC a great Mary Ward and Claire Stratford.
SEPTEMBER 15, 1988. All submissions should be way to make new friends in Cleveland.
typed, doubled-spaced, with at least one-inch mar-
gins. The pages should be numbered and include
the name of the author and the article on each page. And we are ever grateful that Sandy And, as always, we welcome your sug-
Shorter articles and columns may be up to 10 pages Zelvy continues as the Review's editori- gestions and comments, and most par-
and major articles up to 20 pages. Send to Gestalt al assistant-making clean and clear ticularly, your contributions to the
Revie1v, James Kepner. Editor, Gestalt Institute of
Cleveland, 1588 Hazel Drive, Cleveland, Ohio typed copy of our hieroglyphic handwrit- Review's articles, columns, and
44106-1791. Manuscripts will not be returned, so ing and editing notations, and coordinat- announcements.
be sure to keep a personal copy. ing production with the printer.
Copyright 1987 by the Gestalt Institute of Cleve-
land. All rights reserved. Any copying of material Shirley Loffer,
herein, in whole or in part, and by any means, with- Jim Kepner, Managing Editor
out written permission, is prohibited. Editor
GESTALT REVIEW FALL/WINTER 1987
Gestalt OSD Network 3
Consulting Approaches
by Robert Kolodny to Organizational Problems
This is the first installment of a regu- by Lynne M. Kweder,
lar column focusing on the organization- OSD Faculty Member
al systems development activities at the A unique contribution of Gestalt theory and methodology to the field of organi-
Institute. Three possible purposes for the zation development is the empowerment of the consultant with a methodology for
column occur to me at the outset. operationalizing systems thinking in organizational interventions. It gives us tools
1. A place for the graduates of the for managing the complexity of the uniqueness of each organization with which
OSD Training Program and relat- we work, so that we do not have to revert to overly simplistic problem-solving
ed workshops to report on the approaches or models.
work they are doing with organi- The Institute recently submitted a grant proposal for organizational development
zations and to reflect on the consulting to human service organizations in Cleveland in which we described the
applicability of a Gestalt/systems difference between the systemic approach to organizational work and the manage-
approach to organizational con- ment problem-solving approach. Both of these approaches have merit and can be
sulting. complementary when applied to the appropriate organizational issues.
2. An outlet for the OSD faculty to Following is a summary chart from the proposal that compares a "systemic
make available in print some of the approach" to organizational development with a single-focus "management problem-
material they have developed over solving" approach.
the program's 15 years. • • •
3. An opportunity to illustrate for the
larger GIC community how Gestalt MANAGEMENT PROBLEM·
theory and methodology is applied SYSTEMIC APPROACH SOLVING APPROACH
to large systems.
No doubt there are other ways this Effective When: Effective When:
column can be used. I encourage the • Problem is chronic • Problem is acute
OSD community to call or write to me • Cause is linked to interaction between • Caused is linked to specific, limited
with ideas and to send materials written components of organization area
for other purposes that, with some adap- Focus: Interaction of Organization Com- Focus: Elements of Specific Problems
tation or a new introduction, would be ponents • Looks at those components linked to
a good fit for this space. • Looks at all components of organiza- initial problem
The article on this page, prepared by tion's internal/external environment • Deals with immediate problem at one
Lynne Kweder, is an example of a piece • Recognizes that every organization has point in time; may overlook conse-
originally written for another purpose within it ongoing, conflicting forces quences or solutions for another part
which seems a fine way to inaugurate this which need to be managed and can- of organization not directly linked to
column. It is by an OSD faculty mem- not be permanently settled problem area
ber, builds on the theoretical base creat- Interventions: Interventions:
ed in the OSD Training Program, and • Characterized by continuous assess- • Single assessment determines types
may help to clarify the special perspec- ment and feedback which determine and sequence of activities which lead
tive a Gestalt/systems approach brings the flow of activities leading to systemic to a specific change
to work with organizations. It should be change
especially useful to those of us who are
regularly asked to describe what we do Consultant's Approach: Consultant's Approach:
when we consult with organizations and • Raises awareness of organization mem- • Identifies dimensions of problem for
how it relates to other management con- bers to dimensions of systemic issues organization
sulting approaches. (inspires self-regulation) • Identifies solution for staff
• Identifies solutions jointly with staff • Teaches skills related to resolution of
Please send comments, ideas and • Teaches skills related to directions specific problem
material to: chosen by organization members
Robert Kolodny (OSD VI) Impact on Organization: Impact on Organization:
64 West 89th St. • Organization staff /board gain new • Organization staff/board learn to deal
New York, New York 10024 understanding and skills to deal with with one problem area
212/873-6667 . ongoing or developmental issues (Continued on page 4)
GESTALT REVIEW FALL/WINTER 1987
4
In Praise of a Quality Life
What is intimacy and how can you cre- of knowing another and making oneself In the workshop setting, Donna has
ate more intimacy in your life? How do known. Then the participants divided explored: male and female archetypes
you find the time to meet with friends, into men-only and women-only groups and the anima in men and animus in
much less create new friendships? Is it for informal discussions of special issues women; becoming a therapist-the
okay to be alone and what do you do of intimacy. Finally, the two groups unique developmental history that each
when you are alone? What are the spe- rejoined to discuss what they had therapist brings to his/her work and the
cial small moments in your life? learned. The evening stimulated par- themes and influences in one's life that
These are some of the questions that ticipants to reexamine their definition affect psychotherapy the most; and
will be explored during the 1987-88 and expression of intimacy. secrets-how they both bring together
Community Workshops at GIC. These Donna Rumenik and Joseph Zinker and pull apart couples and families. Don-
monthly three-hour meetings will lead the workshops. Donna resurrected na's current interests focus on how to live
introduce you to Gestalt theory and the Community Workshop series in one's life well and the process of intimacy.
methods that can be applied to every- 1981, and redesigned the meetings as She teaches intimacy skills to couples
day life. This year's theme is "In Praise monthly topics growing out of an over- and. families and is currently working on
of a Quality Life:' Each meeting focuses all theme for the year. Donna K. Rume- a book about intimacy and sexuality.
on a specific topic (listed below, with nik, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and Joseph Zinker joined Donna in design-
dates and times) and uses discussion and sexuality specialist who works as a ther- ing and leading the Community Work-
exercises to explore new ideas, experi- apist, teacher and consultant. She is in shops in 1985. Joseph is a Ph.D. clinical
ment with new behaviors, and meet and private practice with Joseph Zinker, and psychologist in private practice as ther-
interact with others. is on the faculties of Case Western apist, teacher, and consultant. An active
Fifty GIC members and friends attend- Reserve University Medical School and member of GIC for over 20 years, Joseph
ed the November 1 workshop on the Cleveland State University. She has been has been a member of the Board of
nature of intimacy. The meeting began associated with GIC for 11 years and has Governors and chairperson of the Three
with an exploration of the meaning of taught Gestalt therapy in the U.S. and Year Post Graduate Training Program.
intimacy as the capacity and experience Europe. He has explored the use of art, drama,
and directed conflict in personal growth
workshops and developed innovations in
Approaches to Organizational Problems (Continued from page 3) the use of dreamwork as theater. Joseph's
book, Creative Process in Gestalt Ther-
MANAGEMENT PROBLEM- apy, was selected by Psychology Today
SYSTEMIC APPROACH SOLVING APPROACH as one of the best books on psychother-
Appropriate for: apy for 1977. He is currently writing a
Appropriate for: book about couple and family therapy.
• Changes in leadership • Fiscal management Donna and Joseph encourage you to
• Mergers and joint ventures • Fund raising join them for one, some, or all of the
• Structural problems • Marketing of new services workshops, and to bring your friends.
• Breakdowns in decision-making and • Facility management The workshops are held Sunday evening
communication patterns • Information systems from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at GIC; the
• Conflicting activities/mission issues • Board orientations fee is $10 for GIC members and $12 for
• Inter-departmental conflicts • Public relations nonmembers. The remaining dates and
• Conflicting roles and responsibilities topics are:
January 3, 1988
Being Alone with Yourself
Impact of Management Problem-Solving February 7, 1988
Approach on Systemic Organizational Issues Enjoying Food and Staying Healthy
For Recurring Organizational Issues: Can Result In: (with Lawrence White, M.D.)
• Repeatedly look for single cause of • Focusing unfairly on individuals rath- March 13, 1988
each problem as it arises er than interactions Building Friendships
• Creating a solution which generates
For Transitional Organizational Issues: additional problems April 17, 1988
• Organization/staff rely on old ways of Underlying Principle: Serenity and Silence
coping (i.e., strategies that worked • When issues are systemic, people may May 15, 1988
before in other situations but not cur- be replaced but issues remain the same Small Is Big:
rently) or become aggravated by solution Appreciating Ordinary Events
GESTALT REVIEW FALL/WINTER 1987
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