In Portland, Oregon, Steve Zahm, Jon Frew, and Elaine Breshgold are making such an impact. They teach in the doctoral program at Pacific University, but they face annual skepticism about Gestalt therapy. Recently, the program experienced a change in leadership and the new director, an ardent behaviorist, attended a Gestalt workshop to evaluate what he'd heard was going on. He challenged Steve on various points, and Steve provided a cogent apology for Gestalt therapy. Coupled as it was with the experience of Gestalt therapy and the enthusiasm of the student body, the new director began to see that what was taking place was credible and valuable.
Advocacy is patronage.
That's like going to a friend's barber shop to get a haircut instead of just shopping at any old place. Gestalt therapists would do well to celebrate what they have in common with one another and to quit finding reasons to disagree. Instead of splitting off into smaller groups with virtually no impact, the trend toward associating in larger groups creates more resources and could be used to exert increased professional and political power. Accordingly, the recent development of various national and international Gestalt associations is to be applauded. The common connection through our theory and the similar fate we share should help us to support one another.