Spontaneity

• Gestalt Therapy - Quotable Quotes by Brian O'Neill, 4/5/97
  • Spontaneous Dominances by J. Richard White, 4/5/97
    
    

I would be interested in learning more about the role of spontaneity in Gestalt therapy. Spontaneity plays a very central role in Moreno's writings. I believe that Gestalt and psychodrama may share some core beliefs on spontaneity and creativity. T

The following is written bt David Kipper in the fall of 1996 Journal of Group Psychotherapy, Psychodrama, and Sociometry.

In Moreno's spontaneity theory, Moreno defines four independent forms of spontaneous expression. The first is dramatic form. Here spontaneity gives newness and vivacity to feelings, actions and verbal utterances, which the individual has experienced a thousand times before. The second is the form of creative spontaneity. This kind of spontaneity creates new organisms, new forms of art, and new patterns of environment. The third form is original spontaneity. This form does not contain contributions significant enough to be regarded as creativity. Instead, it is a unique expression or variation of that which already exists. Finally the fourth form is the adequacy of the response. Spontaneous responses must be well timed, and neither too much nor too little intensity.

In fact, appropriateness of the response and its novelty are the two key components of Moreno's definition of spontaneity. Accordingly, spontaneity is an adequate response to a new situation or a new response to an old situation.

• Spontaneity and Humor by Ed Riemann, 4/9/97