The One Day Conference, organised by the Gestalt Foundation, as part of its 20th anniversary celebration, took place in Athens, on 9 December 2018, in the Antonis Tritsis amphitheatre at the OPANDA cultural centre.

The theme of the Conference was “Phenomenology in Gestalt Therapy” and the event was a huge success, with a wealth of speakers and attendees from different scientific and professional backgrounds taking part.

The initiative was warmly received by Lilian Houliara (Vice-President of the Hellenic Association of Psychotherapy), Vivian Sachazi (President of the Hellenic Association of Counselling) and Kostandinos Kostas (President of the Hellenic Association of Gestalt Psychotherapy).

The event was opened by one of the main speakers, Mr. Panos Theodorou (Associate Professor of Philosophy, Department of Philosophy and Social Studies at the University of Crete). It was an honour to have Mr. Theodorou take part with his in-depth development of the theme: “Phenomenology in Gestalt Therapy: Framework, Perspectives, and the Case of the Phenomena of Emotions”.

The first part of “Phenomenology in Gestalt Therapy”, which was facilitated by Konstandinos Kostas, was introduced by Yianna Yamarellou (M.A. Clinical Psychology, Gestalt psychotherapist, trainer and supervisor, member of EAGT, holder of ECP, founder member of the Gestalt Foundation and the HAGT), who addressed the concept of “Phenomena in Greek Philosophy”. This was followed by Mr. George Diplas (P.g.D. in Pca Counselling, Gestalt trainer and supervisor, EAGT member and ECP holder, member of HAGT), who presented the subject “Freedom of the Will and Phenomenology”, before passing the baton on to Antonia Konstandinidou (M.S.c Social and Clinical Psychology, Gestalt psychotherapist, trainer and supervisor, holder of ECP, member of EAGT and founder member of HAGT), who explored the subject: “When Pain becomes Form: The Phenomenological Dimension of Gestalt therapy in Diagnosis and Psychopathology”. Despina Balliou (M.Sc. Counselling Psychology, Gestalt psychotherapist, trainer and supervisor, member of EAGT, trained in EMDR Trauma Therapy, holder of ECP, founder member of the Gestalt Foundation and HAGT), followed, with her presentation “Mother Nature is Suffering: The Eco-Phenomenological Approach in Gestalt Therapy”.

The second subject area, “Society, Research, Organizational”, facilitated by George Diplas, began with Ioanna Kato (M.Sc. Psychology, Speech Therapist, Gestalt psychotherapist, trainer and supervisor, member of EAGT and HAGT) on the theme of “Human rights in relation to Gestalt therapy” followed by Antigone Mertika (B.Sc Psychology, P.g. certificates in Counselling and Organizational Psychology from Columbia University, New York, Ph.D Clinical Psychology), who delivered her speech on “Research in Gestalt: Approaches and Variations in Clinical Practice with Scientific Research”. To close part two, Mr. George Stamatis (B.A. Law, H.S.D. (marketing), M.Ed. Adult Education, Gestalt Foundation graduate, development counsellor, trainer and coach in businesses and organizations) highlighted and emphasised the importance of Gestalt Coaching and intervention in the world of businesses and organizations.

Part three, “The Phenomenological Field in Action”, was facilitated by Katia Chatzilakou (M.Sc. Social and Clinical Psychology, Gestalt psychotherapist, trainer and supervisor, ECP holder and EAGT member, founder member of Gestalt Foundation and HAGT) and included the presentations of: Exarmenia Pappa (M.Sc.Psychology, M.Sc. Mental Health Studies, PgCert Gestalt Body Process, Certificate in Performance Studies at Birbeck College, Gestalt psychotherapist and trainer, member of EAGT and HAGT): “Contradiction as a Phenomenon of the Field”; Maria Farmaki (Infant and nursery school teacher, Psychologist, Gestalt psychotherapist, member of EAGT, HAGT and member of the Panhellenic Association for Infant and Nursery Schools): “Savouring the Pleasure of Closure”; Kostas Michailidis (B.Sc. Counselling and Psychological Science, Gestalt psychotherapist and trainer, member of EAGT and HAGT): “The surprise of the meeting: The Field takes Shape”; and Antigone Orfanou (School Psychology, M.Sc. Professional Training in Educational Psychology, Gestalt psychotherapist and supervisor, member of EAGT and HAGT, trained in the Ruella Frank model of Somatic Psychotherapy): “The Aesthetic of the Presence of Other”.

The fourth and final subject area, entitled “The Phenomenological Approach in Group Therapy”, was facilitated by Despina Balliou and commenced with a speech by Amalia Kapoulea (B.SC. Counselling and Psychological Science, Gestalt psychotherapist, member of EAGT and HAGT) on the subject of “The Phenomenological Field in the Formation Process”, followed by Elena Antoniou (B.Sc. Psychology, M.Sc. Counselling Studies, member of EAGT and HAGT), who talked about “What the Body Tells us in the Therapeutic Process”. Marietta Paraschou (B.Sc. Psychology, M.Sc. Counselling Studies, psychotherapist, member of EAGT and HAGT) carried on from here by addressing the important function of speech in the context of the therapeutic process, and the speeches came to a close with Konstandina Gkioni (Psychologist, M.Sc. Mental Health, Gestalt psychotherapist, member of EAGT and HAGT), who discussed how therapeutic interventions are fed in a group context by the phenomenological concept of Prolongation and Dimitra Chantziara (B.Sc. Psychology, Gestalt psychotherapist, member of EAGT and HAGT, trained in EMDR Trauma therapy) who presented the subject: “Approaching Phenomenologically the Ethical Issues that arise in the therapeutic process”.

There followed a lively and interesting open discussion with the audience which was enriched by the diversity of questions posed by those who participated in the exchange. The Conference came to a close with a small, celebratory gathering in the foyer of the amphitheatre, which was ‘illuminated’ by the warm and moving comments and good wishes extended by many, with regard to the road that the Gestalt Foundation has now carved!

Over 100 people turned up at the venue BOOKSTORES in central Athens for the  presentation of the Greek edition (Sideris Publications) of 'The Healing Relationship in Gestalt Therapy', written by Rich Hycner and Lynne Jacobs, third generation Gestalt psychotherapists. The presentation was facilitated by Despina Balliou (psychotherapist, trainer, supervisor and founder member of the Gestalt Foundation) who had also acted as scientific editor for the translation of the book. Other members of the panel were: Yiannis Prelorendzos, doctor of philosophy (Sorbonne University, Paris IV), professor of early and contemporary philosophy and Dean at the school of philosophy in Ioannina University; Efi Lagiou-Lignou, psychotherapist specialized in working with children, adolescents, parents – infants, and president of the Hellenic Association of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy; Yianna Yiamarelou, psychologist, psychotherapist, trainer, supervisor and  founder member of the  Gestalt Foundation; and Athanasia Karayiannopulou, theatre director and translator.

Each speaker examined the subject of the book in a very apt and thorough way, capturing the full attention of the audience, who (via previously recorded video-taped messages) also had the opportunity to see Lynne Jacobs and Rich Hycner 'in person' as they related their experience of writing the book before expressing their deep gratitude to everyone involved in the Greek translation.

We hope that everyone who has the book enjoys reading it!

On Thursday, 22 November 2018, the series of  presentations which takes place each year in collaboration with the IANOS chain of cultural centres commenced in Athens with Ioanna Kato (Psychologist, Psychotherapist and Gestalt Supervisor). The topic of the presentation was: “The Shame That Keeps Me Captive” - a phenomenon which is familiar to all of us and which appears in our lives irrespective of education, culture or age.

In her presentation, Ioanna Kato examined how shame develops in an individual, and to what extent it can create problems and/or function in a protective way. She addressed the issue in relation to when it is healthy, when it is toxic,  and how it shows itself. Finally, she focused on ways we can deal with shame. As expected, throughout the presentation the interest of those present was obvious, and the dialogue which followed was lively, with stimulating questions and responses.

The Aesthetic of Otherness, edited by Margherita Spagnuolo Lobb, has been published in digital and print formats. It presents the workshops delivered by the delegates at the September 2016, twelfth Pan-European Gestalt Psychotherapy Conference in Taormina, which was attended by more than1000 participants from all over the world. The publication was completed in collaboration with Dan Bloom, Jan Roubal, Jelena Zeleskov Djoric, Michele Cannavò, Roberta La Rosa, Silvia Tosi and Valentina Pinna. It is the first joint venture of the AAGT (Association for the Advancement of Gestalt Therapy) and the EAGT (European Association for Gestalt Therapy) - with the organizational support of the Italian Association, SIPG (Società Italiana Psicoterapia Gestalt). The theme of the conference was: ‘The Aesthetic of Otherness: Meeting at the Boundary in a Desensitized World.’ This publication includes the presentation of Yianna Yiamarelou*, entitled ‘The Beauty of Words’, and the workshop of Despina Balliou** and Exarmenia Pappa***, entitled ‘Please Mind the Gap’.

*Yianna Yamarellou, M.A. Clinical Psychology; Psychotherapist; Gestalt Trainer and Supervisor; Member of EAGT; Holder of ECP (European Certificate of Psychotherapy).

**Despina Balliou, M.Sc. Counseling Psychology, Psychotherapist, Gestalt Trainer and Supervisor; Member of EAGT; Trained in EMDR Trauma Therapy; Holder of ECP (European Certificate of Psychotherapy).

***Exarmenia Pappa, Psychologist (MSc), MSc Mental Health Studies,PgCert Gestalt Body Process (Trained by James Kepner); Gestalt Psychotherapist and Trainer; Member of EAGT and HAGT (Hellenic Association of Gestalt Psychotherapy).

The Gestalt Foundation participated in the 1st HAC One Day Conference for North West Greece on the subject of "BRIDGES UNITING COUNSELING. “We are all part of our future”- Andreas Embirikos (RIP). The Gestalt Foundation was represented by Ms. Despina Balliou, (M.Sc. Counseling Psychology, Psychotherapist, Gestalt Trainer and Supervisor), who delivered her speech on ‘Basic Principles and Concepts in Gestalt Counseling’.

 The meeting took place with great success on Saturday, October 20, 2018, in the Amphitheatre of the Pedagogy Department at Ioannina University, in collaboration with the Educational Psychology, Counseling and Research Department of the university. All the presentations gave food for thought and discussion followed with an open exchange of perspectives between the participants.

There was a great turnout and special interest for the Gestalt Foundation’s Anniversary One Day Conference, entitled: ‘GESTALT THERAPY and VOLUNTEERISM: “20 YEARS TOGETHER” - ACTION IN THE COMMUNITY’.

The event was organized in the context of celebrating the Centre’s twenty years of operation, and it took place on October 21, 2018, from 10:00 to 15:30 at Milos tou Pappa’, in the town of Larissa (Main Building, 53 Georgiadou Street). Collaboration with the local authorities was excellent, and the moving presentations of the speakers held the audience's full attention throughout.

With great success and a plethora of emotions, the educational and experiential workshop "Weaving My Ties to the World", which took place on October 12th, 13th and 14th, 2018, came to completion. Taking place at the Karapanou House, one of the most beautiful mansions on the island of Aegina, the workshop was facilitated by Despina Baliou (M.Sc. Counselling Psychology, Gestalt Psychotherapist, Trainer and Supervisor), and Exarmenia Pappa, (MSc.Psychologist,, MSc Mental Health Studies, Gestalt  Psychotherapist and Trainer). It involved experiential-somatic exercises, improvised movement, group process, process in the natural environment, and it connected, in the best possible way, Gestalt theory to the experiential work of the participants.

Supervision offers "space" and "time" for feedback, orientation, support, enquiry and guidance for the therapist, both on a theoretical and a practical level.As part of its 20th anniversary celebration, the Gestalt Foundation is launching, in Thessaloniki, a two-year supervision  training course  which is open to Gestalt therapists as well as therapists of other modalities.  The theoretical principles will be taught in five 3-day training sessions which constitute 75 hours of theory and methodology and 45 hours of hypervision.

The facilitators of the programme are distinguished Gestalt psychotherapists from abroad, with vast experience and expertise in the subject, as well as the founding members of the Gestalt Foundation: N. Levi N., J. Hewit - Evans., S. Denham - Vaughan., D. Balliou., K.Hatzilakou., A. Konstantinidou., Y. Yiamarelou. The educational programme will be conducted in English at the offices of the Gestalt Foundation in Thessaloniki (2nd floor, 109 Mitropoleos Street). Individuals who are interested in participating should submit their application  by the 15th of November 2018.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Gestalt Foundation, the following One Day Conferences will take place in Larissa, Thessaloniki and Athens :

•    Larissa: Sunday, October 21st, 2018, at 10:00, at the central building of "Milos of Pappa"
"Gestalt and Volunteerism, 20 years together - Action in the Community"

•    Thessaloniki: Sunday, November 4, 2018, at 10:00, in the auditorium ‘Nerou’ at the Manolis Anagnostakis building, Thessaloniki.
"Twenty Years Together"

•    Athens: Sunday, December 9, 2018, at 10:00, in the "Antonis Tritsis" Amphitheatre of O.P.A.N.D.A, 50, Akadimias Street, Athens.
"Phenomenology in Gestalt Therapy"

Admission to the workshops is free.
For more information, contact the Administration Office at the centres.