The Empty Chair ─ Tales from Gestalt Therapy

Through eight compelling stories, we get to know the Gestalt therapist Vikram Kolmannskog and some of his clients. These include the businessman Carl who is suffering from chronic burnout, the overwhelmed Marianne who belives she may have been the victim of sexual assualt, the challenging Annette, Lawan, and Jo who are seeking to break with the dominant gender norms in society, former prisoner Jonny who is now encircled by his own self-made wall of isolation, and the beautiful Ask, who falls in love and others fall in love with – including the therapist Vikram.

Through these tales of psychotherapy we see how both suffering and healing can occur. With increased awareness and through dialogue, we can experience more of ourselves, the other, and our world. We become more whole – a good definition of health.

Many will find this book rewarding. Stories about current phenomena in our lives and societies will appeal to a general audience. In addition, the book works as an introduction to Gestalt therapy for all those who are curious. It can also offer new perspectives and knowledge to therapy students and practicing therapists.

Vikram Kolmannskog is a Gestalt therapist and writer based in Oslo, Norway. He has a private practice, and teaches and researches as associate professor at the Norwegian Gestalt Institute. He has also trained as a lawyer with specialisation in human rights, and social scientist with a doctoral degree in sociology of law.