Encountering Object Relational Gestalt Therapy as presented by Gilles Delisle

"Abstract: In the context of Gestalt psychotherapy being situated within an evolving psycho- logical therapies profession, I present a discussion, along the lines of an appreciative enquiry, around some of the key concepts and illuminating features of Delisle’s ORGT model, based on Delisle’s delivery of his approach over a two-day workshop I attended in March 2011. Starting from the foundations of Gestalt psychotherapy to current influences, I make reference to some of the strengths and limitations of Gestalt theory and practice highlighted by Delisle, and reflect on the enduring elements of Fritz Perls’ legacy. I consider the principal discussion points in relation to working with clients with borderline personality disorder and underscore two features of Delisle’s model: the use of hermeneutics, which includes an element of interpretation; and working with past experience, as one of the parts of the four-dimensional field presented by Delisle. I include reference to the underpinning developmental theory within Mentalisation Based Therapy (MBT) and neurobiological explanations within neuroscience on some of the neural functioning patterns of borderline personality disorder, drawing links to concepts of Delisle’s model. The impetus for writing this article was primarily a profound experience I had during an exercise at Delisle’s workshop, and my enjoyment of the conceptual nourishment that the theoretical material offered, as well as my appreciation of Delisle’s efforts to include a developmental theory of health and pathology into Gestalt theory and practice. Overall, my reflections are a deliberation of Gestalt theory and practice at the juncture of now. Key words: Object Relational Gestalt Therapy (ORGT), development, contact, field, attach- ment, mentalisation, capabilities, neuroscience, Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual (PDM), borderline personality disorder."