In the psychotherapy profession, there are many experts, but few true masters, and Erving Polster is certainly one of the latter. Weaving together stories from his formative experiences with Fritz and Laura Perls, and significant lessons from his five decades as a psychotherapist, Polster offers in this interview timeless wisdom for new and seasoned therapists alike.
Join Polster in this intimate conversation with psychotherapist Rafal Mietkiewicz as he explores fundamental Gestalt principles such as the paradoxical theory of change and the importance of the therapeutic relationship, while learning the pitfalls of being a new therapist, such as the dangers of imitating the masters. Enjoy the spontaneous role-play, which highlights Polster’s exceptional skill in bringing freshness and aliveness to a session with a highly self-critical client.
With surprising revelations such as, “I don’t concentrate on the here and now,” “I’m not interested in changing anything,” and, “I am there to create conflicts,” viewers will gain insight into the nuanced perspective of a brilliant, innovative, and free-thinking therapist, while getting a clear understanding of the essence of Gestalt therapy. Most importantly, you’ll get a sense of Erv Polster, the person—fully vital in his eighties—and how he brings his full self into his therapeutic work.
