Labels are for bottles, not for people.

• Divergence in Gestalt therapy? by Timothy C. McNamara, 3/8/97
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    • An Existential Aspect of Phenomenology by Ed Riemann, 3/19/97
      
      

In your interesting discussion and references to Satre as a thinker par excellence, you conclude with a statement that seems to come unexpectedly from a diffrent quarter. I was struck by the unexpected switch in your thinking and expression, when you wrote: "I consider myself a patriot and I know Satre was a communist. Everyone is entitled to one mistake." Why this minimization of Satre at this point? As I understand it, Satre turned to the defence of Marxism on existential principles. My reading of the Perls, et al. Gestalt Therapy text is that the authors appear to be clearly socialist, if not anarchist, in the philosophic sense of the words. (I am glad that we do not have this sort of Left-wing-phobia in Australia, though, from time to time, there is an inclination to go that way). More importantly, what stands out to me in your statement is a shift toward labelling. As one leading Gestaltist (Staemmler?) said: "Labels are for bottles not for people." I have been late coming into the discussion, but am finding it very challenging and a filip to my development as a Gestalt therapist. Many thanks to the organizers and contributors.

• Some People Live in Bottles by Ed Riemann, 5/1/97