Paul Whitehead

"Change occurs when one becomes what he is, not when he tries to become what he is not. Change does not take place through a coercive attempt by the individual or by another person to change him, but it does take place if one takes the time and effort to be what he is - to be fully invested in his current positions." Arnold Beisser The paradoxical theory of change is a key cornerstone of Gestalt therapy, but its message is radical and deeply unintuitive. We live in a culture driven by the...

In this piece, I bring together a vivid experience from a long Buddhist retreat seven years ago with a much more ordinary image: my living room, where I’m writing now. Along the way I’ll explore images, perception, and how they connect with my practice of therapy. I hope you’ll stay with me. A Mountain Shrine: Amitabha over the Sea I’m about six weeks into a four-month retreat in the mountains of Spain. I’m in the middle of my ordination retreat – the retreat in which I’m being ordained into...

When life feels overwhelming, thinking harder isn’t always the answer. Gestalt therapy invites you to reconnect with your body, emotions, and senses. If traditional talk therapy hasn’t reached the heart of your experience, this gentle, embodied approach might be the shift you’ve been seeking.