Letter from Duey Freeman - GIR Transitions & New Leadership

Gestalt Community,
  
In the mid 80's Beth Protho, who founded the Gestalt Institute of the Rockies transitioned from being the Director of the Institute to move to Florida. After she left, the Institute struggled and waned for a bit. I decided to put effort into rekindling the Institute and often would refer to myself as the re-founder of the Gestalt Institute of the Rockies (GIR). Over time with the help of many we became vibrant, teaching many students, creating a place for people to deepen their skills as a therapist as well as deepen their lives. We hold the ideal that Gestalt is a lifestyle, not just a set of therapeutic techniques. We like any other institute have had our challenges, however, I am proud of the work we have done. I believe we have contributed significantly to the field of Gestalt Therapy and to students who have graduated from GIR. I feel most satisfied when former students express that GIR is where they learned to really become a therapist.

Now is the time for another transition. I have decided to transition out of the leadership and teaching full time at GIR at the end of this coming trimester. (If you have desire to experience my teaching at GIR please join us for the spring). I will continue to co-lead and teach at GEIR as well as continue my private practice. My desire have more flexibly in my schedule to travel, teach and mentor. I also desire time to write, relax, be with my horses, nature and those I love.

The Gestalt Institute of the Rockies will continue under the very capable guidance of Joan Rieger as director with Stephanie Joseph as faculty. I have the utmost respect, confidence and love for both Joan and Steph and know they will continue (as each have for a number of years) to bring exciting creative energy to the classes and intensives. I am grateful to them, all the students that have been a part of the institute and all the faculty that we have been blessed to have as teachers and mentors along this path the last 30 plus years.

Duey Freeman