Gestalt Therapy: Excitement and Growth in the Human Personality, Frederick S. Perls, Ralph Hefferline, Paul Goodman, Dell Publishing Co., 1951, 24th printing, Softcover, 8x5x1″, 483pp. is the seminal text setting forth the theoretical foundations of Gestalt therapy.

VERY GOOD condition – The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact with occasional underling in the first 60 pages, but none noticed after that. Covers show some wear (see photos) and there is creasing in the spine, but binding is tight and square.

“Gestalt Therapy: Excitement and Growth in the Human Personality,” authored by Frederick S. Perls, Ralph Hefferline, and Paul Goodman, and published by Dell Publishing Co. in 1951, is  largely recognized for introducing innovative concepts and techniques into the realm of psychotherapy.

The central premise revolves around the idea of ‘wholeness’ and understanding individuals in their entirety, within the context of their environment. The authors propose that people perceive experiences as organized, structured wholes (‘gestalts’), and the way they process these experiences impacts their behaviors and mental well-being.

The authors introduce the idea of ‘awareness continuum,’ asserting that change happens through increased awareness and understanding of one’s immediate experience. By fostering self-awareness, individuals can change their behaviors, which, in turn, influences their environments.

Moreover, the book contains an instructional section presenting the reader with various experiments designed to foster self-awareness and personal growth.

“Gestalt Therapy: Excitement and Growth in the Human Personality” remains a classic in the field of psychology, providing a foundation for subsequent advancements in Gestalt therapy and offering valuable insights into human behavior and personal growth.