experiment

Though change is an inevitable part of life, people can intentionally or unintentionally continue patterns of behavior that do not serve their goals and objectives. The purpose of experiment is to assist client in "trying out" new behaviors or exaggerating existing behaviors to see what new possibilities for choiceful action emerges. The power of experiments is that the learning experience, though assisted by the coach, is always within the client's awareness, therefore he or she is always in a position to learn about themselves in an active, "in the moment" of choice and awareness. Using the gestalt understanding of experiment, the coach's job is to create "safe" yet challenging learning conditions in collaboration with the client about what is interesting for them to experiment with in relation to old patterns of behavior that are obstacles to new possibilities.

  

 

Research from neuroscience research suggests that new possibilities for learning come with assisting the client where to put their focus of attention on in terms of new learning. The place of experiment in gestalt work is the place where the coach guides the client, in a collaborative way to practice, intentionally and choicefully with old and new behaviors. It is out of this "playful" but intentional exploration that new possibilities to choose from emerges for the client. The place of experiment in gestalt work is one that requires skillful practice for the coach to learn how to work with the client's resistance and artfully assist the client to engage in new learning possibilities. And, it is the power of working with experiment that makes gestalt based work so masterful.
 

“I’ve studied with well known world teachers. Dorothy Siminovitch has become one of those important teachers in the world of Gestalt thinking, coaching, and system development. She supports thinking, teaching, and training in what matters for clients and training groups, and then becomes the embodiment of what she has taught others. I recommend her expertise to others, with gratitude for what she has inspired in my own development.”

Tuli Or, Coach and OD Consultant
Israel