They are to be commended and recommended. Traditionally, respected research has taken place in academic venues, where established scholars receive grant money to support their work. Such research is very useful and translates more directly to praxis. With such a trend, the table has been set for the grassroots infrastructure of Gestalt training institutes around the world to take on the example of the Koreans and embark upon active research. One appropriate response to the situation in Germany is to dedicate a portion of energy and resources in each major training institute to just such a thing.
Advocacy is also promotion.
Gestalt therapists need to become as wise as serpents even as they try to remain as innocent as doves. While many would never conceive of some Gestalt therapists being innocent, they might agree that Gestalt therapists tend to be idealistic - some might even say pharisaical. As if pushing off the society in general and the profession of clinical psychology was not enough, many criticize one another, outlining citeria for the proper , or correct manner of practicing Gestalt therapy. The idea of promotion seems too commercial and beneath the dignity such people attach to Gestalt therapy. Yet, Gestalt therapy is relatively uknown to the younger generations training for careers in mental health, and it has already been misunderstood by the large percentage of the currently established generation.