{"id":158,"date":"2025-03-26T02:01:36","date_gmt":"2025-03-26T02:01:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usgestalt.org\/?p=158"},"modified":"2025-03-26T14:49:28","modified_gmt":"2025-03-26T14:49:28","slug":"158","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usgestalt.org\/index.php\/2025\/03\/26\/158\/","title":{"rendered":"Gestalt Practitioners Gathering Update &#038; Important Information For Participants"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>HERE WE GO!\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>FOR THOSE ATTENDING <\/strong><strong>OUR <\/strong><strong>GATHERING &#8230;<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>April 5, 10:00 AM &#8211; 6:00 PM, April 6, 10:00 AM &#8211; 3:00 PM<\/p>\n<p>The Westin O\u2019Hare, Chicago<\/p>\n<p>Reservations call 888-236-2427<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><em><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>We invite you to prepare for our gathering!\u00a0 <\/strong><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Please answer the three questions below and review the &#8220;Summary &amp; Vision&#8221; document at the end of this email.\u00a0 Share your responses &#8211; on our Google group (<a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"unitedstatesgestalt@googlegroups.com%20This%20is%20a%20closed%20group%20for%20people%20interested%20in%20organising%20an%20association%20for%20U.S.%20Gestalt%20practitioners.\">unitedstatesgestalt@googlegroups.com)<\/a>, directly to Cathy (<a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"mailto:cathybgray@gmail.com\">cathybgray@gmail.com<\/a>) or Charlie (<a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"mailto:aagtone@gmail.com\">aagtone@gmail.com<\/a>), or our website (<a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"https:\/\/usgestalt.org\/index.php\/ideas\/\">https:\/\/usgestalt.org\/index.php\/ideas\/<\/a>).<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em>What is your hope for the gathering?<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em>What do you hope we avoid doing?<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em>What are the 2 most important things you want to be accomplished by the end of the day Sunday?<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em>We have compiled responses from the Ideas page of our website that were submitted by 22 members.\u00a0 Please find these at the end of this email.\u00a0 Take a look at these categories and ideas.\u00a0 We need to collect this information by Tuesday\u00a0 to give us time to compile answers prior to our meeting.\u00a0 This will give us a rich ground as we begin our contacting.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Please respond by next Tuesday:\u00a0 Consider what you want in our organization and share your vision &#8211;\u00a0on our Google group (<a href=\"unitedstatesgestalt@googlegroups.com%20This%20is%20a%20closed%20group%20for%20people%20interested%20in%20organising%20an%20association%20for%20U.S.%20Gestalt%20practitioners.\">unitedstatesgestalt@googlegroups.com)<\/a>, directly to Cathy (<a href=\"mailto:cathybgray@gmail.com\">cathybgray@gmail.com<\/a>) or Charlie (<a href=\"mailto:aagtone@gmail.com\">aagtone@gmail.com<\/a>), or our website (<a href=\"https:\/\/usgestalt.org\/index.php\/ideas\/\">https:\/\/usgestalt.org\/index.php\/ideas\/<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p><strong>FOR ALL OF US &#8230; \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Our organization has quickly expanded to include 110 Gestalt practitioners\u2014with 28 attending in person and 38 joining virtually for our upcoming gathering.\u00a0 Over 40 of us will not be present at this meeting. This makes our communication critical!\u00a0 Let your voice be heard on <a href=\"https:\/\/usgestalt.org\/index.php\/ideas\/\">usgestalt.org, <\/a>or <a href=\"unitedstatesgestalt@googlegroups.com%20This%20is%20a%20closed%20group%20for%20people%20interested%20in%20organising%20an%20association%20for%20U.S.%20Gestalt%20practitioners.\">unitedstatesgestalt@googlegroups.com<\/a>.\u00a0 Consider a dialogue with a colleague attending our gathering as your proxy.\u00a0 We will feel your presence!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Donate your expertise!<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>We need help with AV set up. We will use Zoom via Apple TV and MacBook Air including external mics, speakers, and video. Our A\/V department does not exist.<\/li>\n<li>We need someone proficient in filing for incorporation following the Chicago gathering.<\/li>\n<li>We need someone to launch a better platform than Google groups for our communication needs.<\/li>\n<li>We encourage you to consider stepping forward in a leadership role.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Make A Financial Donation:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Contributions of any amount are greatly appreciated. Donate via:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Venmo:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.venmo.com\/u\/Charles-Bowman-53\">@Charles-Bowman-53<\/a>, <a href=\"mailto:aagtone@gmail.com\">aagtone@gmail.com<\/a>, xxx-xxx-9202<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mail Checks to:<\/strong> Charlie Bowman, Indianapolis Gestalt Institute, 9292 N Meridian #311, Indianapolis, IN 46260<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Thanks to those who have given generously so far we have raised $5,000!\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Andy Lapides, Ann Bowman, Ansel &amp; Nancy Woldt, Brad Larson-Sanchez, Bruce Aaron, Cara Olsen, Carol Swanson, Caroline Paltin, Cathy Gray, Charlie Bowman, Doug Graiver, Ewa Barnaby, Frank Bosco, Frank Wu, Gail Feinstein, Gary Gray, Iris Fodor, Jamie Renbarger, Janneke van Beusekom, Jennifer Gould, Justin O&#8217;Conner, Katerine Wilkinson, Kathy Clegg, Ken Hutchinson, Laurie Fitzpatrick, Lee Zevy, Liv Estrup, Marlene Blumenthal, Nancy Bristol, P. T. Wilson, Peter Cole, Rafael Cortina, Shareefah Sabur, Sherry Neubert, Susan Gregory, and Theo Stripling<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong><u>U.S. Gestalt Therapy Association \u2013 Summary &amp; Vision Document<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\ud83e\udded Mission &amp; Vision<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Evolve Gestalt Theory: Advance and apply Gestalt principles to meet today\u2019s interpersonal and global challenges.<\/li>\n<li>Foster Collaboration: Strengthen cooperation among Gestalt institutes and practitioners.<\/li>\n<li>Educate &amp; Advocate: Expand public and professional understanding of Gestalt theory in psychotherapy, coaching, mediation, and more.<\/li>\n<li>Support Practitioners: Cultivate peer support, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>\ud83d\udcda Proposed Activities &amp; Services<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Collaboration Tools:<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Quarterly Zoom meetings among institutes<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Shared universal calendar of Gestalt-informed events<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; National and regional conferences<\/li>\n<li>Educational Resources:<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Web-based materials: blogs, podcasts, videos<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; CEU-accredited classes and programs<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; \u201cTraining Squad\u201d for outreach to APA, NASW, grad programs<\/li>\n<li>Community &amp; Support:<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Peer support\/supervision groups (virtual and local)<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Mentoring programs for trainees and new practitioners<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Public membership directory and resource hub<\/li>\n<li>Research &amp; Innovation:<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Establish internal IRB for Gestalt researchers not affiliated with academic institutions<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Support development of standardized assessments for training outcomes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>\ud83e\uddd1\u200d\ud83e\udd1d\u200d\ud83e\uddd1 Organizational Structure<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Shared Leadership:<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Preference for a leadership team model (vs. sole president)<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Suggested structure: 3-person executive team, committee leads, rotating roles<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Secretary and treasurer roles can be shared<\/li>\n<li>Formation Process:<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Steering committee to guide initial development<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Transparent feedback cycles via surveys, Google Group, and open meetings<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Inclusive decision-making following April gathering outcomes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>\ud83e\uddfe Membership Structure<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Tiered Membership Options:<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Free access to Google Group and newsletter<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Low-cost entry for trainees and nonprofit workers<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Premium options with CEU benefits and directory listings<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Institutional and business memberships available<\/li>\n<li>Fee Suggestions:<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Sliding scale based on average income\/session<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Value-driven pricing to increase accessibility<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>\ud83c\udf0d Core Values &amp; Inclusion<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Commitment to:<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA)<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Open dialogue and community input<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Anti-racist, trauma-informed, and LGBTQ+ inclusive practices<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Kindness and respect in navigating differences<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>\ud83d\udcac Guiding Voices &amp; Reflections<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>\u201cLet\u2019s not let urgency circumvent relationship-building.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cBe LOUD. Be sane.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cFoster collaboration. Support Gestalt-informed education. Build community.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cHolding the heat doesn\u2019t have to sacrifice kindness.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cInclude spiritual and secular voices in our theory conversations.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Stay updated at <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/usgestalt.org\"><strong>usgestalt.org<\/strong><\/a><\/h1>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>HERE WE GO!\u00a0 FOR THOSE ATTENDING OUR GATHERING &#8230; April 5, 10:00 AM &#8211; 6:00 PM, April 6, 10:00 AM &#8211; 3:00 PM The Westin O\u2019Hare, Chicago Reservations call 888-236-2427 We invite you to prepare for our gathering!\u00a0 Please answer the three questions below and review the &#8220;Summary &amp; Vision&#8221; document at the end of &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/usgestalt.org\/index.php\/2025\/03\/26\/158\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Gestalt Practitioners Gathering Update &#038; Important Information For Participants&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-158","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usgestalt.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/158","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usgestalt.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usgestalt.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usgestalt.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usgestalt.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=158"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/usgestalt.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/158\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":163,"href":"https:\/\/usgestalt.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/158\/revisions\/163"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usgestalt.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=158"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usgestalt.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=158"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usgestalt.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=158"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}