Esther Fraund

I am a Gestalt therapist, social worker, mother, wife, meditator, dancer, sports enthusiast, nature lover and much more. My interest in psychology, Buddhism and spirituality began in my early teens, which eventually led me to Boulder, Colorado in my early 20s, where I studied Buddhist Psychology (BA Contemplative Psychology) at Naropa University. It was there that I first heard about Gestalt therapy. I only experienced my first session with a Gestalt therapist years later in my 30s in Berlin. This and my contacts with Gestalt therapists in my field of work inspired me to start training as a Gestalt therapist at the IGG institute in 2017.

What attracted me to Gestalt therapy from the very beginning is its focus on the present moment and the awareness of one's own body, mind and feelings. I understand body and mind as a unit that influence each other. For me, the principles of mindfulness, which in turn have their roots in Buddhist teachings and practices, complement Gestalt therapy perfectly. I always experience Gestalt therapy as immediately contacting, lively and challenging, as I am pushed to my personal boundaries and confronted with my shadow sides or unconscious aspects.

I have more than twelve years of experience as a social worker with mentally ill people, especially in the areas of addiction, migration/refuge and trauma. I have been meditating for over 27 years and have attended numerous retreats, programs and Buddhist seminars. I also have years of experience as a meditation instructor.