Queering Gestalt Therapy: An Anthology on Gender, Sex & Relationship Diversity in Psychotherapy

by Ayhan Alman (editor), John Gillespie (Editor), Vikram Kolmannskog (Editor)

The first peer-reviewed book of its kind, this important volume addresses a current gap in the field of gestalt that the practice—and psychotherapy more broadly—still suffers from pervasive hetero- and cis-normativity.

This book offers gestalt-therapy-based research and training material on gender, sex, and relationship diversity (GSRD), including chapters on a variety of GSRD issues and how therapists can become more GSRD-sensitive. The contributors position themselves across the whole spectrum of GSRD and offer their voices as an invitation to further queer the gestalt community with diverse content ranging from academic, research-oriented pieces to experiential, reflective perspectives. Featured chapters explore topics including gender-radical clients, sex and sexuality, relationship diversity, integrating GSRD and gestalt therapy, and addressing heteronormativity in gestalt therapy training.

Queering Gestalt Therapy is for everyone who is interested in gender, sex, and relationship diversity, especially as they relate to gestalt therapy practice. This book will be especially useful for therapists, supervisors, coaches, and students of gestalt therapy.

Genres: Psychology

164 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2023

About the author

Ayhan Alman is anything but a conventional psychotherapist-turned-writer. His work spans academic research, mental health, and creative storytelling, offering fresh insights into identity, purpose, and the complexities of the human experience.

While his academic work speaks to psychotherapists and researchers on topics like trauma and existential challenges, Ayhan’s creative writing distils these themes into accessible, engaging stories that resonate with anyone facing life’s uncertainties.

In a world full of noise, Ayhan’s writing offers a grounded, human perspective—combining empathy with sharp psychological insight.

Reviews

[Kimberley Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant, thoughtful and inclusive anthology on how to support gender diverse people in the therapy room. I love the blend of case studies and chapters and bringing in gestalt practice (two chair, creative work, methods etc). A refreshing read reflecting on the impact on how the binary world / social constructs impacts us all; not just within a therapeutic environment and how practitioners view themselves and ultimately clients.

Fantastic. I hope to see more books like this for practitioners. A must read for every therapist or those studying!