Social Justice Group
Gestalt Associates for Psychotherapy (GAP) has a Social Justice Group. Our aim is to engage in dialogue towards action addressing:
How Gestalt theory and practice can support social action and anti-racist work, and help heal divisions and polarizations in our country and our world.
How we together can support and increase diversity in our institute and our communities, and work to undo systemic racism and our part in it.
This page outlines some of the current efforts at GAP.
Gestalt Theory & Social Justice
The roots of Gestalt therapy are deeply entwined with political, social, and cultural movements, both in how they shape us, and how we shape them.
From gay rights and racial justice to the honoring of individual uniqueness and the pursuit of restorative practices, Gestalt therapy has long engaged with the social field. Spiritual experience, intimacy, and embodied presence are equally integral to its scope.
At GAP, we carry forward this legacy of social engagement with a deep commitment to inclusion, honoring the full spectrum of gender, sexual identity, and racial diversity. To this end, we’re growing our scholarship fund. Scholarships cover partial tuition and aim to promote diversity both in our training program, and in the larger profession of psychotherapy. Support our scholarship fund with a donation today.
Streetwork Project
Gestalt Associates for Psychotherapy has had a long relationship with Streetwork Project, a harm reduction program for homeless youth in New York City. Streetwork is a drop-in center, shelter and outreach program that connects with some of the most disenfranchised youth in our city. This linkage most recently included GAP trainees providing therapy to clients at the Streetwork programs. In the past GAP graduates were front-line staff and directors of Streetwork, and Gestalt theory and group-process has deeply influenced the program. Both harm reduction and Gestalt therapy recognize that making space to be with the other person precisely as they are opens new possibilities for growth and motivation. We are currently seeking new possibilities for community engagement.
Workbook Circles
The Social Justice Group at GAP has offered the opportunity for Workbook Circles, self-run groups taking on Me and White Supremacy by Layla Saad. The intention of these groups was to create a space for deeper process, providing support and accountability in taking on the imperative work of undoing our part in white supremacy.
Social Justice Listserv and Resources
Gestalt Associates for Psychotherapy started a listserv dedicated to social justice initiatives, information, dialogue and resources. This virtual space was created to bring together our trainees, graduate and faculty who are interested in the anti-racist efforts.
The Social Justice Group organized a virtual library of books and articles written by people of color and other groups under-represented on our curriculum. Some classes now include these items as required reading, recognizing that diversity of perspective and life-experience adds value and depth — even within a specialized area of study such as Gestalt theory.