Values of Connection

Robert G. Lee, Ph.D., co-editor of The Voice of Shame (Jossey-Bass, 1996) and editor of The Secret Language of Intimacy (Gestalt Press, 2008), has worked with couples for over thirty years, conducted groundbreaking couple research, and trained and presented internationally. He dances, swims, lives and practices psychotherapy in Boston.

“Only by seeing ourselves and others as interconnected, parts of a shared field of thought culture, and experience, can we begin to address the complex issues of what it means to live well in our modern world. The Values of Connection is timely and most welcome—it is a significant addition to the growing Gestalt literature. Its chapters will enrich discussion, support teachers, inform students, stimulate those who practice therapy, and deepen general understanding of contemporary Gestalt thinking."- Malcolm Parlett, Ph.D.,Visiting Professor of Gestalt Psychotherapy, University of Derby, UK“With The Values of Connection, Gestalt therapy theory has compass and map to navigate through ‘a noisy multitude of competing standards in our pluralistic world,' as one of the authors says. A book to read and read again." - Carol Swanson, LCSW, Co-Founder, Portland Gestalt Training Institute“The places of values in the literature on Gestalt therapy has been largely vacant until now. Still, Gestalt is built on a set of values that has been implicit in our theory and which underpins our practice as therapists. In this important new book, Lee and an impressive array of writers lay a solid foundation for a fertile dialogue on ethics that is both rooted in our field theoretical tradition and opens new horizons for its further development—a must-read for all practitioners.” - Frank M. Staemmler, Dipl. Psych, Editor, International Gestalt Journal“This book casts a fresh light on ethics. Through highlighting Gestalt therapy’s revolutionary, relational stance we are given both a foundation for working with others and a direction which opens the possibility for individuals to live well in their society and for society to welcome the richness of individual diversity.”- Margherita Spagnuolo Lobb, Instituto di Gestalt, Siracusa, Italy

• Part I: Theory: From a Field Perspective.Lee, Ethics: A Gestalt of Values/The Values of Gestalt - A Next Step. Jacobs, Ethics of Context and Field: The Practices of Care, Inclusion and Openness to Dialogues. Ullman, Living Ethically in an Interdependent World: Situating Ourselves and Naming our Values. Part II: Clinical Applications.Cardoso-Zinker, The Story of Daniel: Gestalt Therapy Principles and Values. Kramer, Lee, The Relational Ethics in the Treatment of Adolescents. Murray, Pugh, & Clance, The Ethics of Touch and Imagery in Psychotherapy: A Gestalt Resolution. Lee, Working with Couples: Application of Gestalt's Values of Connection. White, A Special Case for Gestalt Ethics: Working with the Addict - An Update. Part III: Widening the Lens.Geltman, Lee, The Relational Ethic of Understanding in Groups: A Conversation. Lichtenberg, On Treating Agents of Oppression. Parks, Lee, Men's Relational Needs Through the Trauma and Recovery From Adversarial Divorce: A Conversation. Part IV: Cultural Reflections.Wheeler, Shame and Belonging: Homer's Iliad and the Western Ethical Tradition. Copsey, Finding a Voice: Listening to the Mental Health and Spiritual Needs of the New Communities of East London. Wheeler, The Fragility of Goodness: How the Jews of Bulgaria Survived the Holocaust - A Gestalt Field Perspective.