Amy Mindell on Metaskills

Amy Mindell explores the ways therapists express their attitudes and beliefs about life in her book Metaskills: The Spiritual Art of Therapy. These attitutes permeate and shape the therapist’s techniques. The therapist’s values are expressed in the interactions with the client.

Amy Mindell has seen many therapists “in action”, how their theoretical ideas and techniques have come to life in living practice. The differences between Fritz Perls, the founder of Gestalt therapy, and Dick Price, a former co-owner of Esalen, made a strong impression on Amy. She writes:

“Both men identified themselves as Gestalt therapists and used similar Gestalt tools. Yet, the way they practiced Gestalt therapy…was radically different. Perls had a confrontational and directive style while Price…was more passive, open and gentle in his interactions with his clients.” ¹

This reminds me of the different attitudes I have observed in decision-making by consent in sociocracy compared to among the Quakers. I have seen an experienced sociocracy consultant put time pressure on the person having objections, while the Quaker clerk did the very opposite, slowing down the process, thereby opening the space.

It is one thing to espouse certain values (like equivalence in sociocracy) and quite another to manifest these in practice. This stresses the importance of being aware of what we actually do in the moment, as opposed to simply trying to prescribe what to do.

The study of metaskills suggests that there is too little focus on the actual, momentary attitudes. Metaskills reflect our basic attitudes and cannot be held or grasped in the same way as our practical skills. Yet, they are as important as any particular techniques—perhaps even more so.²

Although practical skills are indispensable, it’s the unique way you bring your work to life that makes your work effective. When you are in tune with your own special way of working, you will have a greater sense of flow in your work.

Notes:
1. Amy Mindell, Metaskills: The Spiritual Art of Therapy. (First published 1995).
2. Amy Mindell, Your Unique Facilitator Style: Explore Your Special Gifts and Powers as a Facilitator, Therapist, Teacher, Coach, and Helper. (Published 2019). This book takes the ideas in the Metaskills book further and shows how Amy Mindell’s thinking has evolved over the years.