Whereas Gestalt Therapy purports to apply the principles of Gestalt psychology to psychotherapeutic situations, its emphasis upon the here-and-now and upon sensations as distinct from meanings is directly contrary to the spirit and assumptions of Gestalt theory as developed by Max Wertheimer and others. When Gestalt therapy does succeed, it is by escaping its intended focus. This is not to argue that there is no therapeutic potential in a convergence of forces within the individual upon what can be called the here-and-now. Such a focus should, however, be an open gateway to past and future. The specious present has its maximum therapeutic value when it enables the individual, in some accommodated sense, to step outside of time and into eternity. (Author/JLL)