In Search of Good Form: Gestalt Therapy with Couples and Families (Gestalt Institute of Cleveland Book Series) [Paperback]

Joseph C. Zinker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0881632937 | ISBN-13: 978-0881632934

With In Search of Good Form, Joseph Zinker emphasizes seeing and being with as keys to a phenomenological approach in which therapist and patient co-create and mutually articulate their own experiences and meanings. He considers Gestalt field theory, the Gestalt interactive cycle, and Gestalt concepts.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is a rich and generous book.  It is full of wisdom without being pushy, humane without being maudlin, instructive without being dull, clear without oversimplification.  Zinker's discussion of the theory and practice of working with couples and families is itself an embodiment of good form.  Both neophyte and seasoned professional of whatever theoretical persuasion are likely to enlarge their appreciation for the beautiful drama of working with couples and families as a consequence of reading it."

- Ira S. Rosenbaum, Associate Professor of Psychology, Central Michigan University

"I've never heard a Gestalt therapist so clearly articulate aesthetic principles, while at the same time embedding these principles in concrete examples and practical suggestions.  In Search of Good Form is extremely practical for practicing therapists, while also being philosophically interesting and original."

- Ilene Serlin, Saybrook Institute Graduate School and Research Center

"In this age of 'managed' care when therapy is being thought of more as a business than a profession, Zinker brings a fresh artistic perspective to couple and family therapy.  Not only does he provide a useful, down-to-earth theoretical method, but he tells us how and when to intervene."

- Joseph Melnick, The Portland Center for Conseling and Family Therapy

About the Author

Joseph C. Zinker, Ph.D., is a founding fellow of the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, where he served as chair of the postgraduate training faculty.  He teaches the Gestalt model of couple and family therapy in workshops and training programs throughout the world.  His previous book, Creative Process in Gestalt Therapy (1976) remains a classic work in the field.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Gestalt Press (May 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0881632937
• ISBN-13: 978-0881632934
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,051,075 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars an enabling, supportive reference source for therapists, April 27, 2000

By 

Hans Tilstra (Melbourne, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In Search of Good Form: Gestalt Therapy with Couples and Families (Gestalt Institute of Cleveland Book Series) (Paperback)

This book is packed, without being written to intimidate. Sections are clearly headed, inviting use of the book as a reference.

As my understanding and interests in gestalt therapy evolve, so do different sections strike me differently.

Zinker is a coach, who leans over my shoulder as I consider my approach to helping others. The tone is unequivocal: encouraging and articulate.

Zinker has been been immersed in the field to such depths that his writing shows evidence of integration of his findings. He covers gestalt therapy; a difficult topic to write about. He spells out his findings about working with families and does so in an aesthetic, almost spiritual.

Yet, I also find the book written with an intellectual rigour that invites revisiting. It's written in a can-do, leading edge manner.