Beyond words: the function and value of silence in therapy

"Abstract: In this article, I intend to create a deeper understanding of the functions and value of silence, as well as exploring how we might work with silence to better support and enhance the therapeutic ground. I shall explore the phenomenon of silence, by looking to Western society, the wider cultural field, and to Gestalt Therapy Theory (GTT). I argue that the phenomenon of silence travels along a continuum, and requires the same amount of investigation and understanding as its relational counterpart, dialogue. I go back to our basic Gestalt theoretical tenets to see how these can support us in investigating the structure of our client’s situation even further, in order to gain a deeper understanding of their unique silent phenomenology, as well as our own. Key words: Gestalt therapy, silence, interruptions to contact, fertile void, dialogue, phenomen- ology, inclusion, groups, culture, creativity, polarities, relationship."