As of August, 2020, Dr. Maggard is re-establishing the Gestalt Institute of Kentucky, originally founded by Robert L. Harman, Ed.D. in Lexington in the late 1970’s. Dr. Maggard (Elmer) is a 1984 certificand of the 300-hour training program Dr. Harman (Bob) offered in the tradition of his trainer, James S. Simkin, Ph.D., of Big Sur, California.
Gestalt therapy is an approach to personal growth and healing through present-centered awareness and an “experimental attitude” in the context of a therapeutic relationship. Clients discover how to observe and trust their feelings, sensations and emotions and to re-own parts of themselves that have been lost or suppressed in other relationships.
The institute will offer therapy workshops, dream workshops, and training for therapists, coaches, educators and clergy. Pending certification from APA and/or KPA for continuing education credits introductory and dream workshops should begin in the spring of 2026..
Gestalt Forum
Gestalt is a German word roughly meaning “form” or “configuration.” For us to notice or recognize (see, hear, smell, taste, touch) anything it has to stand out (be different from) its background. So to know, understand and appreciate anything, be it an object, a person, a work of art, a religious belief or a political movement we have to look behind and below and all around whatever is in the foreground.
The purpose of the Gestalt Forum is to plan and organize discussions, seminars, presentations and projects to “cross the divides” that are plaguing our country (the USA) and many other countries as we approach the second quarter of the 21st century. From a Gestalt perspective there should be enough room in the world for everybody. Through forums that allow people of different beliefs, backgrounds and life-situations to get together and learn to understand each other we can reunite.
The background for all of our experience is our genetic nature. Our beliefs about how to survive arise out of the interaction between that nature and the world into which we’re born. So to understand why we differ in our personal and political beliefs we have to understand human nature and the stories of each other’s lives.
The Gestalt Forum therefore entertains discussions, ideas and research on human nature. With that knowledge as background, people on both sides of the divide safely can share their personal narratives about how and why they came to have their beliefs, opinions and values.
By listening to each other’s narratives we can narrow the divide, strengthen ourselves and our families, and arrive at common ground. We must, because divided we fall. For ourselves and our children we need to find ways to stand together.
Southfork Counseling 