Research methodology

Phenomenology and aesthetic recognition of the dance between psychotherapist and client: a clinical example

luthiers — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 12:44:25 +0000

Phenomenology and aesthetic recognition of the dance between psychotherapist and client: a clinical example luthiers Wed, 11/12/2025 - 13:44

English

This article follows a first presentation of the 'dance steps' between therapist and client, which appeared in the Spring 2017 issue of this journal, and gives a clinical example of how this phenomenological and aesthetic observational tool works in practice. The research path of the tool is also sketched. This contribution is presented in the frame of reference of psychotherapists' political and social response-ability today. For the author, a main clinical problem today derives from the lack of recognition from the other, which makes bodily desensitisation evident in our clients. This brings Gestalt therapists to focus on the reciprocity of their interactions with clients, instead of on how the client makes contact, because there, in the actual dance between them, is the possibility of revitalising the contact boundary, where the self is co-created.

English

Spagnuolo Lobb, M. (2017). Phenomenology and aesthetic recognition of the dance between psychotherapist and client: a clinical example. British Gestalt Journal, 26(2), 50–56.

Research methodology

Open access

Qualitative research

Gestalt psychotherapy

https://www.academia.edu/35208454/Phenomenology_and_aesthetic_recognition_of_th…

A Single-Case Design Investigation for Measuring the Efficacy of Gestalt Therapy to Treat Depression in Older Adults with Dementia in Italy and in Mexico: A Research Protocol

luthiers — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 10:22:16 +0000

A Single-Case Design Investigation for Measuring the Efficacy of Gestalt Therapy to Treat Depression in Older Adults with Dementia in Italy and in Mexico: A Research Protocol luthiers Wed, 11/12/2025 - 11:22

English

Psychotherapy is one of the evidence-based clinical interventions for the treatment of depression in older adults with dementia. Randomised controlled trials are often the first methodological choice to gain evidence, yet they are not applicable to a wide range of humanistic psychotherapies. Amongst all, the efficacy of the Gestalt therapy (GT) is under-investigated. The purpose of this paper is to present a research protocol, aiming to assess the effects of a GT-based intervention on people with dementia (PWD) and indirect influence on their family carers. The study implements the single-case experimental design with time series analysis that will be carried out in Italy and Mexico. Six people in each country, who received a diagnosis of dementia and present depressive symptoms, will be recruited. Eight or more GT sessions will be provided, whose fidelity will be assessed by the GT fidelity scale. Quantitative outcome measures are foreseen for monitoring participants’ depression, anxiety, quality of life, loneliness, carers’ burden, and the caregiving dyad mutuality at baseline and follow-up. The advantages and limitations of the research design are considered. If GT will effectively result in the treatment of depression in PWD, it could enrich the range of evidence-based interventions provided by healthcare services.

English

Merizzi, A., Biasi, R., Álvarez Zamudio, J. F., Spagnuolo Lobb, M., Di Rosa, M., & Santini, S. (2022). A Single-Case Design Investigation for Measuring the Efficacy of Gestalt Therapy to Treat Depression in Older Adults with Dementia in Italy and in Mexico: A Research Protocol. International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health, 19 (6)(3260), 16. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063260

Research methodology

Open access

Single Case Time Series

Gestalt psychotherapy

https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/6/3260

The Therapist’s Intuition and Responsiveness: What Makes the Difference between Expert and in Training Gestalt Psychotherapists

luthiers — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 11:54:37 +0000

The Therapist’s Intuition and Responsiveness: What Makes the Difference between Expert and in Training Gestalt Psychotherapists luthiers Mon, 09/29/2025 - 13:54

English

This study aims to investigate the presence of intuition and responsiveness in early students and in experienced students and psychotherapists, which is understood as the ability to integrate bodily sensitivity and cognition of what is experienced with the patient (aesthetic relational knowing—ARK). The study compares how the therapist’s felt sense of the phenomenological intersubjective field and aesthetic relational competence differs between a group of experienced students and psychotherapists and a group of beginners. The sample consisted of 128 participants (20 M; 108 F), finally divided into two groups: “experienced students and psychotherapists” and “beginners”. The Aesthetic Relational Knowledge Scale (ARKS), a questionnaire consisting of 58 items targeting three factors (empathy, body awareness, and resonance), was administered. Statistical analyses were conducted to assess (i) differences between the two groups (through Student’s t and Cohen’s d for effect sizes), (ii) the influence of the level of training for each ARK factor using analyses of covariance for testing the possible influence of demographic variables, and (iii) logistic regressions to compare the influence of the three factors of the ARK model on the group variable with groups as a categorical variable. Significant differences between the two groups were found in body awareness and resonance. Body awareness was found to be the variable best discriminating between the beginners and the experienced students and psychotherapists. Despite being non-significant, there is a tendency suggesting that empathy appears more relevant at the beginning of training. The study shows the importance of training for the development of the therapist’s intuition and responsiveness, especially in the factors of body awareness and resonance. The results indicate the importance of assessing and supporting the aesthetic and field resonance of therapists in training, increasing quality and depth of the therapist’s responsiveness. This study is limited by a correlational design using self-report and on a limited sample, but it shows that the ARKS can monitor the effectiveness of training related to Gestalt therapeutic competencies.

English

Spagnuolo Lobb, M., Sciacca, F., Iacono Isidoro, S., & Di Nuovo, S. (2022). The Therapist’s Intuition and Responsiveness: What Makes the Difference between Expert and in Training Gestalt Psychotherapists. European Journal Of Investigation In Health, Psychology And Education, 12, 9. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe12120129

Research methodology

Open access

Non-randomized controlled trials or naturalistic study

Gestalt psychotherapy

A tool to observe the phenomenology and aesthetics of primary relationships: the “dance steps” of reciprocity between caregivers and infant/child – Pilot validity study

luthiers — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 11:29:28 +0000

A tool to observe the phenomenology and aesthetics of primary relationships: the “dance steps” of reciprocity between caregivers and infant/child – Pilot validity study luthiers Mon, 09/29/2025 - 13:29

English

This study addresses the complexity of caregiver-infant/child interactions from the theoretical frame of Gestalt psychotherapy and the field of application of Pediatric Psychology. Based on a previous empirical study on the process of reciprocity in caregiver-infant/child interactions (Spagnuolo Lobb, 2016), the authors have worked on the construction of an observational tool to look at the co-creation of meaningful experiences, switching the focus from the child to the “dance” of reciprocity between caregiver and infant/child. Considering the contextualization in the field of Pediatric Psychology, this pilot study aimed to test the tool’s application with caregiver-preterm infant dyads, but exclusively referring to moderately preterm birth condition and with lack of disability or in any case serious evolutionary compromises.

The study measured: 1. the content/construct validity of the tool, 2. its internal reliability, 3. its “sensitivity” to grasp the changing of the relational “dance” in the transition from one developmental step of the infant to another, regarding the times considered (between 6-9-12 months of corrected age), 4. co-occurrences between the behavioral flows of the infant-caregiver dyad in the three developmental stages considered. 32 expert psychotherapists were involved in measuring the instrument’s validity, and 13 caregiver-infant dyads were observed in their interactions at 6-9-12 months of corrected age of the infant. This pilot study promises to define – both for preventative and psychotherapeutic interventions – specific parental competencies for the infant’s neurodevelopment in the first year of life.

This paper is part of the “Pediatric Psychology and Related Issues” Section (Sezione “Psicologia Pediatrica e Dintorni”) by S.I.P.Ped. (Italian Society of Pediatric Psychology, Società Italiana di Psicologia Pediatrica).

English

Spagnuolo Lobb, M., Perricone, G., Iacono Isidoro, S., Di Pasqua, M. M., Marotta, S., Fontana, V., & Polizzi, C. (2023). A tool to observe the phenomenology and aesthetics of primary relationships: the “dance steps” of reciprocity between caregivers and infant/child – Pilot validity study. Journal Of Pediatric And Neonatal Individualized Medicine (Jpnim), 12(1). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.7363/120125

Research methodology

Open access

Qualitative research

Gestalt psychotherapy

L'intuito del terapeuta: uno studio gestaltico sull'estetica della situazione terapeutica

luthiers — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 11:18:59 +0000

L'intuito del terapeuta: uno studio gestaltico sull'estetica della situazione terapeutica luthiers Mon, 09/29/2025 - 13:18

Italian

L'articolo presenta una serie di studi sull'intuito del terapeuta da una prospettiva fenomenologica, estetica e di campo. Sin dalla descrizione freudiana del contro-trasfert, il ruolo degli psicoterapeuti nel processo di gestione del campo emotivo relazionale è stato riconosciuto come fondamentale. Un'evoluzione contemporanea del concetto di sensibilità intersoggettiva, sviluppata all'interno dell'approccio terapeutico gestaltico, riguarda la Conoscenza Relazionale Estetica, qui definita come "la modalità attraverso cui il terapeuta utilizza i propri sensi per comprendere l'esperienza attuale del paziente attraverso l'empatia incarnata e la risonanza". Vengono descritti tre studi su questo costrutto, che hanno sviluppato e validato una scala per descrivere l'intuito del terapeuta in questa specifica prospettiva, i cui fattori chiave sono la risonanza, la consapevolezza corporea e l'empatia.

I risultati suggeriscono implicazioni significative per la formazione degli psicoterapeuti e per la supervisione, evidenziando l'importanza del lavoro sui processi corporei e della capacità relazionale estetica nel lavoro con i pazienti. [Testo dell'editore].

This article presents a series of studies on therapist intuition from a phenomenological, aesthetic and field perspective. Since the Freudian description of counter-transference, the role of psychotherapists in the process of managing the relational emotional field has been recognized as fundamental. A contemporary evolution of the concept of intersubjective sensitivity, developed within the gestalt therapeutic approach, concerns Aesthetic Relational Knowledge, defined here as "the way in which the therapist uses his or her senses to understand the patient's current experience through embodied empathy and resonance".

Three studies on this construct are described, which developed and validated a scale to describe the therapist's intuition from this specific perspective, the key factors of which are resonance, body awareness, and empathy. The results suggest significant implications for psychotherapist training and supervision, highlighting the importance of body process work and aesthetic relational skills in working with patients. [Publisher's text].

Italian

English

Spagnuolo Lobb, M., Sciacca, F., Guerrera, C. S., & Riggio, F. (2023). L'intuito del terapeuta: uno studio gestaltico sull'estetica della situazione terapeutica. Psicobiettivo, 3, 15. Retrieved de http://digital.casalini.it/110.3280/PSOB2023-003005

Research methodology

Paid access

Gestalt psychotherapy

A Single-Case Design Investigation for Measuring the Efficacy of Gestalt Therapy to Treat Depression in Older Adults with Dementia in Italy and in Mexico: A Research Protocol

luthiers — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 09:02:14 +0000

English

Merizzi, A., Biasi, R., Álvarez Zamudio, J. F., Spagnuolo Lobb, M., Di Rosa, M., & Santini, S. (2022). A Single-Case Design Investigation for Measuring the Efficacy of Gestalt Therapy to Treat Depression in Older Adults with Dementia in Italy and in Mexico: A Research Protocol. International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health, 19(3260), 16. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063260

Research methodology

Open access

Single Case Time Series

https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/6/3260

Gestalt Therapy Research: Developing a Phenomenological, Aesthetic, Field-Oriented Approach

luthiers — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 17:12:20 +0000

Gestalt Therapy Research: Developing a Phenomenological, Aesthetic, Field-Oriented Approach luthiers Thu, 09/18/2025 - 19:12

English

The author proposes a frame of reference for Gestalt therapists who want to do research from a field perspective. She outlines fundamental aspects of phenomenological research that includes aesthetics of contact and the relational therapeutic approach. Ethical aspects of Gestalt therapy research, from the need of outcome research to the responsibility to show what we do in our practice, are described, in support of the discovery of new territories to advance our humanity. Two examples are offered: research on the construct of aesthetic relational knowing (ARK) to explore therapeutic intuition and responsiveness from a Gestalt viewpoint, and research to describe the process of change in the dyad therapist/client, seen as a “dance” of reciprocal, intentional movements that draws on attachment learnings.

English

Spagnuolo Lobb, M. (2024). Gestalt Therapy Research: Developing a Phenomenological, Aesthetic, Field-Oriented Approach. Gestalt Review, 28(1), 27. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.5325/gestaltreview.28.1.0054

Research methodology

Paid access

La qualità della relazione precoce genitori-bambino: introduzione di una scheda/intervista psico-relazionale nei bilanci di salute in età pediatrica. Primi risultati per la fascia d’età 0-36 mesi

luthiers — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 16:54:54 +0000

La qualità della relazione precoce genitori-bambino: introduzione di una scheda/intervista psico-relazionale nei bilanci di salute in età pediatrica. Primi risultati per la fascia d’età 0-36 mesi luthiers Thu, 09/18/2025 - 18:54

Italian

L'obiettivo di questo lavoro promosso da un gruppo di ricerca SIPG (Società Italiana Psicoterapia Gestalt), SIP (Società Italiana Pediatri) e SINPIA (Società Italiana Neuropsichiatri Infanzia e Adolescenza), è stato quello di creare una scheda semplice e intuitiva (Scheda Psico-Relazionale), da somministrare nei bilanci di salute pediatrici, che valuti lo sviluppo psicologico del bambino e lo sviluppo relazionale genitori-bambino, finalizzata ad una valutazione finale su due parametri di allerta. Sono state raccolte 141 schede per la fascia d'età 0-36 mesi. I risultati sono in linea con le aspettative e con i contributi teorici precedenti. Vengono discussi i limiti dello studio e i suggerimenti per la ricerca futura. Il nostro gruppo di ricerca in futuro valuterà tutta l'età pediatrica 0-14 anni.

Italian

Righetti, P. L., Generali, I., & Spagnuolo Lobb, M. (2024). La qualità della relazione precoce genitori-bambino: introduzione di una scheda/intervista psico-relazionale nei bilanci di salute in età pediatrica. Primi risultati per la fascia d'età 0-36 mesi. Quaderni Di Gestalt, 2(2), 19. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3280/qg2024-2oa18206

Research methodology

Paid access

The Aesthetic Relational Knowing of the therapist: factorial validation of the ARK-T scale adapted for the therapeutic situation

luthiers — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 16:40:54 +0000

The Aesthetic Relational Knowing of the therapist: factorial validation of the ARK-T scale adapted for the therapeutic situation luthiers Thu, 09/18/2025 - 18:40

English

Background and aims: The factorial validation study of a scale describing the therapist's intuitive knowing from a phenomenological, aesthetic, and field-oriented perspective, such as that of Gestalt therapy, is presented. The way in which the therapists use their senses to understand the patient's current experience, through embodied empathy and resonance, is termed Aesthetic Relational Knowing, and a special scale (ARK), described in its broader valence in a previous study, was constructed to assess it. The ARK-T version, validated in this study, is referred to the specific therapeutic situation, assessing the therapist's intuitive ability towards the patient, in the “here and now” of the session.

Methods: A sample composed of 209 psychotherapists (51 men, 157 women, 1 stated "other") aged 25-80 years old, 199 psychology graduates, 10 medical doctors, working in different regions of Italy, all holding a specialization in psychotherapy of different theoretical approaches, filled in the 46 items hypothesized for the composition of the ARK-T scale.
An Exploratory Factor Analysis was carried out preliminarily on the intercorrelation matrix of the items, then subsequently a Confirmatory Analysis was performed according to the Lisrel model. Item analysis was also performed and Cronbach's alpha was calculated for reliability analysis of the global score and of the factors included in the final version of the scale.

Results: Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses allowed the selection of 21 items that make up the final version of the ARK-T Scale. The main factors validated in previous studies (Body awareness, Resonance, and Empathy), operationalized in the therapeutic situation, were redefined into: Body Awareness, Intuitive Resonance, and Affective Empathy. The reliability of the scale is good for both total score (alpha=0.841) and factorial subscales.

Conclusions: By enabling the assessment of body process awareness and aesthetic-relational skills in therapy, the ARK-T scale has significant implications for the training and supervision of psychotherapists, as well as for research on the therapeutic change process.

English

Spagnuolo Lobb, M., Riggio, F., Guerrera, C. S., & Sciacca, F. (2024). The Aesthetic Relational Knowing of the therapist: factorial validation of the ARK-T scale adapted for the therapeutic situation. Mediterranean Journal Of Clinical Psychology, 12(2), 22. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.13129/2282-1619/mjcp-4144

Research methodology

Open access

Gestalt psychotherapy

Humanistic and experiential psychotherapies

https://cab.unime.it/journals/index.php/MJCP/article/view/4144

Development and validation of the Gestalt Therapy Fidelity Scale

luthiers — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 17:06:56 +0000

Development and validation of the Gestalt Therapy Fidelity Scale luthiers Fri, 08/18/2023 - 19:06

English

Objective: Three studies were conducted to develop and validate the Gestalt Therapy Fidelity Scale (GTFS), a 21-item measure of treatment adherence for Gestalt Therapy (GT).

Method: Thirty five items for possible inclusion in the GTFS were generated on the basis of a literature review. In Study 1, a Delphi methodology consulting 63 international GT experts was used to select items for the GTFS. In Study 2, six experts used the scale to rate video-based sessions of GT, and provided feedback on the usability of the scale. In Study 3, 176 participants from 18 countries used the GTFS to rate GT and not-GT video recorded sessions.

Results: The Delphi study consensus method resulted in 25 items for consideration in the GTFS. The scoring system and items were subsequently revised following further feedback from experts (Study 2). The GTFS was found to significantly discriminate between GT and not-GT based sessions (Study 3): raters scored GT sessions significantly higher than not-GT sessions. High levels of internal and inter-rater reliability were found.

Conclusion: The GTFS is supported as a psychometrically sound measure of treatment adherence for GT, and hence can be used to assess the degree to which therapists are administering GT.

English

Fogarty, M., Bhar, S., & Theiler, S. (2020). Development and validation of the Gestalt Therapy Fidelity Scale. Psychotherapy Research, 30(4), 495–509. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/10503307.2019.1571688

Research methodology

Paid access

Gestalt psychotherapy

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10503307.2019.1571688?journalCode=t…