Webinars on Gestalt therapy and ageing
“The Process of Self in Later Life: A Gestalt View”
recorded on 02/05/2020 h16.00-18.30
We all know about the multi-layered changes we face when ageing, from the organic, physical changes to the psychosocial ones e.g. those brought from beginning retirement.
In line with the recent neuroscientific evidence (e.g. Damasio, 1999), Gestalt therapy theorises the self as a process, an ongoing interaction, happening at the contact boundary between oneself and the environment (Perls, Hefferline and Goodman, 1951). Ageing is as much of a process as the emergent self is.
I have been exploring, reflecting and writing on what happens to the process of self whilst we age.
This webinar aims to present an overview of how the process of self may change in later life, from the Gestalt therapy lens: how we may perceive the changes that ageing brings; how this process may also change the co-creation of our relational experience with others. I will introduce some theoretical ideas and give space for a personal exploration of what this means for you.https://www.merizzi-psychotherapy.com/store/p1/“The_Process_of_Self_in_Later_Life%3A_A_Gestalt_View”.html
“Ageing Identity: The Story-Teller Self”
recorded on 14/05/2020 h16.00-18.30
In Gestalt terms, Identity is the result of the integration of the ongoing co-created experience of the process of self. The Personality function of self gives a sense of self-continuity and it allows us to verbalise our story, our autobiography (Philippson, 2009).
During the ageing process our identity is challenged by several aspects, including changes in our physical appearance/abilities, in perceiving our self, alongside the possible occurrence of psychosocial crisis as described by Erickson (1950).
The aim of this webinar is to explore how the above aspects challenge the believed stability of one’s identity, including and starting from our own, and how we may support others to enrich their identity during older age.
All participants are invited to have pictures with them of their childhood and adulthood, and a picture representing themselves in the future.https://www.merizzi-psychotherapy.com/store/p2/“Ageing_Identity%3A_The_Story-Teller_Self”.html
“Ageing and Ageism in the Therapy Room”
recorded on 30/05/2020 h16.00-18.30
Several research studies evidenced the powerful influence of ageing stereotypes on the holistic health of older people (e.g. Dionigi, 2015; Levy, 2003). Ageing stereotypes can be internalised during childhood, can become part of one’s belief system and play an influence that is outside of awareness. In terms of relational dynamics, this influence may occur through the way one perceives the other, the attitude towards them, then becoming part of the co-created relationship.
Beyond one’s passion for working with older people and years of experience, this process may still subtly influence the relationship with an older patient.
This webinar offers a space to explore the stereotypes and myths of ageing, understanding how ageing stereotypes become part of our belief system and affect our relationships.https://www.merizzi-psychotherapy.com/store/p3/“Ageing_and_Ageism_in_the_Therapy_Room”.html
About the webinars
It is well known that the Psychology of Ageing is a young discipline and it is even more so in the psychotherapy field. Literature offers numerous books and publications on how to work therapeutically with ageing clients from different therapeutic models, however little is available on Gestalt therapy and later life (e.g. Meulmeester, 2013; Woldt and Stein, 1997).
Drawing on my experience as clinical psychologist and Gestalt psychotherapist, I have recently attempted to join the two fields and explore the process of ageing from the Gestalt therapy lens.
After having successfully delivered Community Workshops on Gestalt and the process of ageing in 2018, and international webinars on the theme of ageing and ageism in 2019 (for the Russian association Psy4Psy), I have written a chapter “Gestalt therapy and later life” which will be part of the forthcoming book by Spagnuolo Lobb and Cavaleri. This was an opportunity for me to mature some theoretical ideas linked to clinical work.
The latest webinars introduced some of the most recently developed theoretical points which were further explored through experiential exercises and thought-provoking discussions with the participants. Some of their comments are:
“Thanks for delivering the workshop – I got a LOT from it… I plan to read more around this topic…”
“… exercises helped to come across so different feelings, and webinar by and large encouraged to be braver in exploration of aging…”
“I enjoyed your seminar the material presented has sparked plenty of reflections.”
“Well done for highlighting an important diversity issue and ways of working with this.”
The recorded events are available at the link below:
https://www.merizzi-psychotherapy.com/store/c2/Webinars.html