Aggression, Time, and Understanding ─ Contributions to the Evolution of Gestalt Therapy

Aggression, Time, and Understanding is the first book of Staemmler’s writings to be published in English. In the early sections of this book, Staemmler (supported by his Buddhist wife, Barbara) comprehensively explores and questions the traditional Gestalt therapy theory of aggression and proposes a new approach to working with anger and hostility. Further sections include in-depth examinations of the topics of time (the "Here and Now" and "Regressive Processes") and understanding ("Dialogue and Interpretation" and "Cultivated Uncertainty"). From Staemmler’s "critical gaze," Dan Bloom observes, "concepts emerge as refreshed, re-formed, and revitalized constructs so we can continue to develop the theory and practice of contemporary Gestalt therapy."

Frank-M. Staemmler, Ph.D., co-founder and co-director of the Zentrum für Gestalttherapie in Würzburg, Germany, has contributed greatly to the Gestalt therapy literature, authoring over seventy articles and book chapters as well as five books, and (co-)editing six other books. Co-editor of Studies in Gestalt Therapy: Dialogical Bridges and past editor of the International Gestalt Journal, he teaches and presents internationally.

Preface. I: Aggression. Ego, Anger, and Attachment: A Critique of Perls's Aggression Theory and Method. II: Time. The Here and Now is not What it Used to Be: The Tail of the Comet, the Face of Janus, and the Infinity of Possibilities. Towards a Theory of Regressive Processes in Gestalt Therapy: On Time Perspective, Developmental Model and the Wish to Be Understood. III: Understanding. Dialogue and Interpretation in Gestalt Therapy: Making Sense Together. Cultivated Uncertainty: An Attitude of Gestalt Therapists.