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Erving Polster Quotes

We want to hear the story first and let the meaning unfold, rather than to be present with expectations of a certain significance into which all behavior is then fitted.

We want to hear the story first and let the meaning unfold, rather than to be present with expectations of a certain significance into which all behavior is then fitted.

Erving Polster
Expectations, Stories, Want
Erving Polster, Miriam Polster (1973). “Gestalt therapy integrated: contours of theory and practice”

Therapy is too good to be limited to the sick.

Erving Polster
Sick, Therapy
Erving Polster, Miriam Polster (1973). “Gestalt therapy integrated: contours of theory and practice”

The paradox is that, while a concern with past and future is obviously central to psychological functioning, to behave as though one were indeed in the past or future, as many do, pollutes the lively possibilities of existence.

Erving Polster
Past, Psychological, Paradox
Erving Polster, Miriam Polster (1973). “Gestalt therapy integrated: contours of theory and practice”

When a person has swum, traveled, run a lathe, planted flowers, ridden a motorcycle, made wine, painted a picture, parachuted, he has increased the fund from which he may draw for new figural developments. In other words, as the background of his experience becomes more diversified, it also becomes potentially more harmonious with a whole range of happenings.

Erving Polster
Running, Flower, Wine
Erving Polster, Miriam Polster (1973). “Gestalt therapy integrated: contours of theory and practice”

Fascination is a key to productivity; it unites experiences; it is even its own reward.

Erving Polster
Keys, Fascination, Rewards

Theory and knowledge remain suspect, not because of inherent worthlessness, but because of their historic isolation from action. Without theoretical orientation, however, action is vulnerable to oversimplified and glib imitativeness-even mimicry-and to the use of the gimmick.

Erving Polster
Gimmicks, Mimicry, Use
Erving Polster, Miriam Polster (1973). “Gestalt therapy integrated: contours of theory and practice”

A new question for the psychotherapist to ask is whether a theory can go beyond mere effectiveness in achieving either a so-called cure or even personal growth into its implications for the nature of an evolving society.

Erving Polster
Effectiveness, Growth, Achieve
Erving Polster, Miriam Polster (1973). “Gestalt therapy integrated: contours of theory and practice”

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