 Gestalt is a German word first used in the field of psychology in 1890, and was brought to its present understanding in the work of psychologists Fritz and Laura Perls during the 1930s and 40s.
An integrated and healthy person is mostly aware of all the elements that unite and integrate to make them whole: their body, soul, intellect, spirit, and social context. A holistically healthy person is able to have good “contact” with others as well as themselves, meaning that there is a secure connection between the person and whomever or whatever which they are engaged with. Gestalt Theory focuses on the individual’s experience in the present moment, as in “I and Thou in the here and now.” This involves consideration of the Guide-Worker relationship (as we say in Gestalt Pastoral Care), the environmental and social contexts of a person’s life, and the emotional, physical, and mental self-regulating adjustments people make as a result of their overall situation . An open Gestalt is a situation that has not yet been completed or resolved, while a closed Gestalt is one that has been completed. As a certified ICF-ACC Gestalt Wellness Coach, I use Gestalt modalities to support persons in their inner work of exploring and discovering these open Gestalts needing resolution. This opens the possibility of discovering and processing whatever stands in the way of growth, and breaking free from what holds them back. I am also a commissioned Gestalt Pastoral Care Minister. Gestalt Pastoral Care is a scientifically validated amalgam of Gestalt modalities, Spiritual Companioning, and Contemplative Prayer. It is rooted in the healing stories of Jesus and trusts that God’s ongoing desire for us is wholeness and healing. Find out more at theGestalt Pastoral Care website.
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| Walt Whitman, in his poem, Song of Myself; describes himself as containing 'multitudes'. In the healing practice of GPC, we know we are complex beings with many facets and parts. As an example, you might say, “part of me wants to take a nap, and part of me wants to take a walk”. The goal of GPC is to help you love yourself as well as you love God and your neighbor. In using the GPC modality, we become aware of and introduced to any parts you may not have realized were there; and then to gently and respectfully make contact and peace with those parts. Each part has a point of view, and if they are really parts of you, they are there to help you heal and grow! I am delighted to share this poem I wrote, expressing my experience in offering Gestalt Pastoral Care work. To learn more join us for an Opening to Grace Retreat! |  |
8/20/2020
Self care....What is it really?
We all hear about it, and read the “10 steps” towards it, but sometimes these ideas seem like little more than a band-aid on a broken part. The challenge of lasting self care is to be able to uncover your deepest desires, needs, and those places that might be stuck because of an unresolved circumstance. Awareness of these parts of you is 50% of the solution!
When you practice true self care, then you are actually a better person, and are paradoxically equipped to better care for others-- it’s the win-win for all!
One way to investigate this complex maze is through the lens of Gestalt, which is a kind of “magnifying glass” to help find out what these parts of you are, and what you can learn from them. “Your body is always talking, and your body never lies…” our working goal is that of awareness, acceptance,and integration of all these parts of you. Then you will be able to embrace your wholeness, empowerment, and a full capacity for life. Gestalt is a holistic way of exploring our inner workings, discovering the answers that are within you, and then supporting you in a growth and healing journey.
You can try Gestalt several ways; one-on-one Gestalt Coaching, one-on-one Gestalt Pastoral Care, or a group retreat using Gestalt Pastoral Care called an Opening to Grace Retreat.
When you practice true self care, then you are actually a better person, and are paradoxically equipped to better care for others-- it’s the win-win for all!
One way to investigate this complex maze is through the lens of Gestalt, which is a kind of “magnifying glass” to help find out what these parts of you are, and what you can learn from them. “Your body is always talking, and your body never lies…” our working goal is that of awareness, acceptance,and integration of all these parts of you. Then you will be able to embrace your wholeness, empowerment, and a full capacity for life. Gestalt is a holistic way of exploring our inner workings, discovering the answers that are within you, and then supporting you in a growth and healing journey.
You can try Gestalt several ways; one-on-one Gestalt Coaching, one-on-one Gestalt Pastoral Care, or a group retreat using Gestalt Pastoral Care called an Opening to Grace Retreat.
About Alexandra MacCracken:
As a ICF-ACC Accredited Coach I work with groups and individuals to provide Gestalt Wellness Coaching and Gestalt Pastoral Care. Utilizing Gestalt modalities as the basis of a holistic process that pays close attention to your journey through emotions, spirit, physicality and social context. Supporting you every step of the way, I will be providing a safe, respectful and encouraging environment from which you can explore and discover the hidden parts of yourself.
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