Rather than focus on what failed about that situation, and the political ground from which developed the co-regency of cognitive and psychodynamic approaches, others outside of Germany would do well to consider the ascension of these modalities as an alert. By way of response, Gestalt therapists ought to organize a campaign of advocacy in behalf of Gestalt therapy.

Advocacy is promotion, patronage, recommendation, and defence. To advocate is to speak in favor of, to actively support.

The defence of Gestalt therapy requires not only persuasive philosophical argument, but also solid research. Furthermore, this research needs to be made known, which means that Gestalt researchers and writers need to bridge from reporting in Gestalt journals to writing up their results in the broader field. Gestaltists need to publish in mainstream professional journals. Furthermore, since graduate students utilize the internet for research, Gestalt writers need to find online outlets in which to feature their work. While growth in the use of the worldwide web by Gestalt practitioners continues to increase, a recent development in Asia marks a significant, encouraging advancement.

In Korea a group of Gestalt practitioners recently created The Korean Research Association for Gestalt Therapy. Dr. Inn Youn reports the following areas of interest and focus for their research:

1. the treatment of juvenile delinquency, the divorced , the sexually abused, and the grieving
2. the prevention of school violence, education of people preparing for marriage
   
3. theory-related issues

1. dialogue between self psychology and gestalt psychology
2. dialogue with hypnosis
3. integration with art therapy
4. development and application of Gestaltistic playtherapy.
   

Their intention is to conduct qualitative research and to develop their own electronic journal in which to communicate their findings. They are to be commended and recommended.

Traditionally, respected research has taken place in academic venues, where established scholars receive grant money to support their work. The kinds of research conducted, and the usefulness of that research, has not always benefitted clinical practice due to the sterile conditions of its design; consequently, more research is being conducted off campus where the context, or field, is much more complex. Such research is very useful and translates more directly to praxis. With such a trend, the table has been set for the grassroots infrastructure of Gestalt training institutes around the world to take on the example of the Koreans and embark upon active research. One appropriate response to the situation in Germany is to dedicate a portion of energy and resources in each major training institute to just such a thing.

Advocacy is also promotion. Gestalt therapists need to become as wise as serpents even as they try to remain as innocent as doves. While many would never conceive of some Gestalt therapists being innocent, they might agree that Gestalt therapists tend to be idealistic - some might even say pharisaical. As if pushing off the society in general and the profession of clinical psychology was not enough, many criticize one another, outlining citeria for the proper, or correct manner of practicing Gestalt therapy. The idea of promotion seems too commercial and beneath the dignity such people attach to Gestalt therapy. Yet, Gestalt therapy is relatively uknown to the younger generations training for careers in mental health, and it has already been misunderstood by the large percentage of the currently established generation. While Gestalt therapists fiddle, the Rome of opportunities to reach new people for Gestalt therapy is burning.

How are new Gestalt therapists to emerge unless the uninformed comprehend the value of Gestalt therapy theory and practice, and how are they to comprehend unless someone speaks to them about it? How does such communication take place in a culture of technology and multimedia unless established Gestalt therapists dedicate themselves to going where potential converts can be made and imparting by commonly used means some kind of explanation and recommendation about Gestalt therapy?

A certain attitude attends the gaining of such an audience. We could learn a lesson from the evangelical church. One prominent preacher once claimed that if you want people to listen to you, then set yourself on fire and they will come and watch you burn! You can't believe something about which you haven't heard, so it's time for Gestalt therapists to set themselves on fire and when they get some attention, to be ready with a clear statement of the value and relevance of Gestalt therapy. In Portland, Oregon, Steve Zahm, Jon Frew, and Elaine Breshgold are making such an impact. They teach in the doctoral program at Pacific University, but they face annual skepticism about Gestalt therapy. Recently, the program experienced a change in leadership and the new director, an ardent behaviorist, attended a Gestalt workshop to evaluate what he'd heard was going on. He challenged Steve on various points, and Steve provided a cogent apology for Gestalt therapy. Coupled as it was with the experience of Gestalt therapy and the enthusiasm of the student body, the new director began to see that what was taking place was credible and valuable.

Advocacy is patronage. That's like going to a friend's barber shop to get a haircut instead of just shopping at any old place. It's support. Gestalt therapists would do well to celebrate what they have in common with one another and to quit finding reasons to disagree. Instead of splitting off into smaller groups with virtually no impact, the trend toward associating in larger groups creates more resources and could be used to exert increased professional and political power. Accordingly, the recent development of various national and international Gestalt associations is to be applauded. The EAGT is one such group, as are the AAGT and GANZ. In some countries, such as Japan, there is a surge of interest in creating similar associations; such efforts ought to find patronage among established associations. The common connection through our theory and the similar fate we share should help us to support one another. Furthermore, this kind of advocacy must transcend mere words. We need to look for ways in which associations of Gestalt therapists can nourish one another. As an example, the AAGT and the EAGT have have begun "sending" representatives to one another's conferences, and the AAGT is careful not to plan a conference in direct competition with the EAGT. This is also in recognition that individual Gestalt practitioners have begun active participation in several associations at once.

Finally, advocacy is recommendation. It's a simple thing to tell a friend or colleague that you think they would like Gestalt therapy. It does, however, require that one come out of the professional closet wherever one's professional life may lead. It requires that one be willing to be seen as odd. It means that one is willing to have his or her recommendation go ignored or disrespected, but this is where a spirit of advocacy really begins. Without the ability to recommend, all the rest is so much lint in the belly button of life.