An invitation to engage in relational-centred phenomenological research

In this chapter we outline an approach to research that might be usefully embraced by Gestalt therapists seeking a way of doing research that is congruent with Gestalt values and mirrors our therapeutic way of being. We lay out in broad brush strokes our relational-centred approach to engaging phenomenological research (our approach represents a general orientation for any qualitative exploration and can be used in combination with other methodologies, such as narrative or grounded theory studies—not just phenomenology). It is not our intention to persuade you to embrace relational-centred research, nor are we claiming this to be the “best” way to do research. We would just like to introduce you to the possibilities and potential of this particular way of working. We offer numerous references for you to pursue in order to get a fuller picture both of methodology and of specific research findings.