The competent Gestalt practitioner

"Abstract: Competence is assumed to be individual and contextual, influenced by those involved and the environment in which work takes place. The theoretical foundation of any approach, and the way it has come to be applied, influence what is recognised as competence among its practitioners. Here, the traditions of Gestalt, and the way theory and practice have developed over time, are explored from the point of view of one Gestalt practitioner. Others may have very different perspectives, and they are offered a framework for increasing awareness around these perceptions as a way of identifying what competence means in their own practice. Some observations are made about the experience of being a Gestalt practitioner in a professional field where other approaches are in the majority, and a personal view of the unique contribution Gestalt can make to society in general is offered. Key words: Competence, context, theory, practice, non-duality, presence, embodiment, training, professional values."