Research & Science

Projects                          Studies

Links to the subject of research & science

Webster University Vienna

Short description of completed projects:
Project: Lucid dreaming as therapy for anxiety disorders and nightmares
The goal of the project consists in the evaluation of the therapy concept of lucid dreaming during the treatment of anxiety disorders and nightmares. With the help of accompanying  psychological methods, the extent of interference and changes during the course of therapy shall be assessed and objectified. Furthermore, relations to psychological variables can be created, which allow insight into the interaction between mental and physical well-being and provide valuable findings for sleep medicine as well as the creation of effective therapy approaches.

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Sleep- and dream behaviour of patients with eating disorders
(financed by Austrian National Bank (ÖNB)
The aim of the project was to examine the sleep and dream behaviour of patients with eating disorders (Anorexia and Bulimia) during a therapy program that lasted for several weeks. Besides sleep and dream diaries, two screening methods were used to describe the sleep-wake-cycle (actigraphes) and the REM/non-REM sleep (sleep masks or REM glasses). The goal of the study is to quantify changes in sleep and dream happenings during the week-long therapy and to describe differences between Anorexia and Bulimia patients.  The results of the study will offer new possibilities for the diagnosis and also the creation of therapy approaches  for eating disorders.
Info: brigitte.holzinger@chello.at

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Teachings

Webster University Vienna
Gestalt therapy, Webster University Vienna
Preliminary Course Syllabus

Psych 4600
Gestalttherapy
Webster University Vienna

Dr. Brigitte Holzinger
Tel. 319 90 42

 

This seminar will provide both theory and practice on gestalttheory and gestalttherapy dreaming. It covers:
Roots of “Gestalt”: Gestalttheory and Gestaltpsychology – a school of perception;
How Gestalttherapy was developed – beginnings and principles;
Basics of Gestalttherapy;
Current developments in the US and the German speaking countries;
Experiental exercises

This course tries to convey Gestalt in theory and practice. Besides talks and discussions, basic exercises of Gestalttherapy practice (i.e. exercises in awareness, contact, dialogue) will be “experienced”.

Prerequisite for student(s)
This is an advanced level psychology course. Participants should have taken “Introduction to Psychology” and two other previous courses in psychology. If you are unsure if you meet the competency requirements, please clarify with the instructor in the first class meeting. Also bring an interest in the topic and a willingness to get involved.

Course statement of objectives
To understand the history of Gestalttherapy
To understand the differences between Gestalttherapy and Psychoanalysis
To “have a taste” and experience Gestalttherapy.

Required Texts
FEDER Bud (1992): Peeling the Onion. Available in the bookstore.

Teaching Aids
Videos, Books and Exercises.

Literature
HENLE, M. (1986): 1879 and All That. Essays in the Theory and History of Psychology. New York: Columbia University Press.
PERLS, F; HEFFERLINE, R; GOODMAN, P. (1951): Gestalt Therapy. New York: Julian Press. KORB, M. P., GORRELL, J. and VAN DE RIET, V. (1989): “Gestalt Therapy: Practice and   Theory” Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

As textbook, I suggest: PERLS, F; HEFFERLINE, R; GOODMAN, P. (1951): Gestalt Therapy. New York: Julian Press. It will be available in the Webster bookstore as recommended reading and literature for the paper presentations.

Grading for this course will be based on, however not determined by, comprehensive self-evaluations by the participants. This means that the participants will evaluate their own contributions to the seminar, their personal learning process, and the amount of and the nature of one’s personal work invested in the course. The instructor will take final esponsibility to determine grades for the participants.

Info: brigitte.holzinger@chello.at  

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Links to the subject of research & science

Princeton Engineering Anomalies Research (PEAR)
Dale Graff

Webster University Vienna

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