Simon Cavicchia has oriented Clarkson’s seminal work of Gestalt Counselling in Action within a more contemporary context, adding voices of significant and divergent thinkers as counter-point and extensions of the author’s work.

Michael Clemmens, Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, USA

This popular and well written book which is now in its 4^th edition provides an accessible and thorough introduction to the Gestalt approach.

Danny Porter, Manchester Gestalt Centre



Now 24 years old with over 40,000 copies sold worldwide, Petruska Clarkson’s classic text is the definitive introduction to Gestalt therapy. This fourth edition, updated by Simon Cavicchia, covers the latest in Gestalt theory, research and practice. It includes:

• An extended case study running through the book to help you understand the process of therapy and the techniques used in each of the phases.


• Learning features and case examples translating theory into practice.


• New ‘reflection sections’ showing you the most recent developments in the field.


• New material on the relational turn and research.

As a student of Gestalt therapy, this is the one book you need to buy; it offers a uniquely practical and accessible approach to an often complex topic.

Petruska Clarkson was a professor and fellow of the British Association for Counselling and Fellow of the British Psychological Society. Petruska sadly passed away in 2006.

Simon Cavicchia is a primary tutor on the MSc in Gestalt Psychotherapy and Joint Programme Leader of the MSc in Coaching Psychology/MA in Psychological Coaching, both at Metanoia Institute, London.