-fundamental concept in Gestalt, developed by Goodman in his Theory
of the Self. He distinguishes four main stages to every action: -
fore-contact, contacting, final contact, post-contact (or
withdrawal). This
cycle has been developed and amended by various writers, notably Zinker, Polster,
Katzeff, Smith, Salathe, Ginger, etc. Katzeff identifies seven stages:
sensation, awareness, mobilisation, action, contact, satisfaction,
withdrawal.
Ginger identifies five: fore-contact, engaging (engagement), contact, disengaging (desengagement), assimilation. Interruptions or
disturbances to the natural progression round the
cycle are often called 'resistances'.*
*excerpts with permission from Ginger, Serge International Glossary
of Gestalt Psychotherapy (Seven languages including English. Order from
FORGE at 183 rue
Lecourbe; 75015 Paris, France) Paperback 1995
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