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Philip Lichtenberg Obituary

Philip Lichtenberg, Professor Emeritus at Bryn Mawr College and Co-Founder and Faculty Member of the Gestalt Institute of Philadelphia, Passed away peacefully and naturally on May 22, 2020 at Kendal at Longwood in Kennet Square, PA. Dr. Lichtenberg was born in Schenectady, N.Y. on October 1, 1926. He grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana excelling in basketball at South Side High School. After attending Rose Polytechnic Institute and Indiana University while in the U.S. Army Air Corps, he served in post WW 2 Germany as a sergeant in the cryptography section. He completed his BS, MA and PhD degrees at Western Reserve University (now CWRU) in Cleveland. Dr Lichtenberg taught at the Bryn Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work from 1961 to 1996 and at GTIP from its founding in 1984 until 2011. He lived in Radnor Township from 1961 until 2003, when he and his wife Elsa moved to Kendal at Longwood. He was a member of many professional associations, he was a longtime supporter of the Federation of American Scientists, Union of Concerned Scientists, and the Association for Union Democracy. A practicing psychotherapist, Dr Lichtenberg published six books and many articles. His other interests included club badminton, hiking, music and theater. Dr. Lichtenberg is predeceased by his wife of nearly 70 years Elsa (Russell). He is survived by his four sons and their families: Erik R. (Carol) of Takoma Park, MD; Andrew A. (Debora) of Easton, PA, Thomas P. (Betsy) of La Honda, CA and Peter A. (Debra) of Farmington, MI, as well as eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Gifts may be made to Bryn Mawr College at Dr Lichtenberg’s request. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Main Line Media News from May 26 to May 31, 2020.

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5 Entries

Joseph Norris

March 19, 2025

One of those people one hopes will never leave. For me. my very best teacher, mentor, friendly critic and instructor in laughter. His classes at CTIP were captivating and addictive. I have missed him many years already. I will never forget 'us.'

ABG- Brazilian Association of Gestalt Therapy

May 31, 2020

Brazil, 2020.
The death of Philip Lichtenberg left a feeling of sadness in the hearts of Brazilian gestalt therapists who had the privilege of meeting him in Gestalt therapy congresses in the US, Canada, Rio de Janeiro and also in intensive training programs and workshops (held in São Paulo, and also in the International Congresses in Rio de Janeiro and in Cordoba, Argentina) .
He was a very kind person, a serious and ethical professional whose work was always done with love. He was a carrying person always interested in everything concerning the human and from this perspective oppression was one of his focus. His work included the utilization of Gestalt therapy in the realm not only pf psychotherapy, but also of social actions.
His book Psychology of Oppression was translated to Spanish and is very utilized in South America. His presentations in the Cordobas International Gestalt conference on how to work with bigotry and oppression were very impactful. Colleagues who worked with him in workshops were deeply touched by his capacity of empathy and loving connections.
His legacy will be kept alive and enriching our training programs, specially in times like we are living nowadays of intolerance towards all kinds of minorities.
In the name of many Brazilian Gestalt therapists,
Angela Schillings
Celana Cardoso Andrade
Cintia Lavratti Brandão
Fádua Helen
Jorge Ponciano Ribeiro
Lilian Meyer Frazão
Luciane Patrícia Yano
Maria Alice Q. de Brito - Lika Queiroz
Mariana Pajaro
Mônica Botelho Alvim
Sâmia Silva Gomes
Selma Ciornai
Teresinha Melo da Silveira
Present directory of the Brazilian Association of Gestalt Therapy

Present directory of the Brazilian Association of Gestalt Therapy

May 31, 2020

Brazil, 2020.
The death of Philip Lichtenberg left a feeling of sadness in the hearts of Brazilian gestalt therapists who had the privilege of meeting him in Gestalt therapy congresses in the US, Canada, Rio de Janeiro and also in intensive training programs and workshops (held in São Paulo, and also in the International Congresses in Rio de Janeiro and in Cordoba, Argentina) .
He was a very kind person, a serious and ethical professional whose work was always done with love. He was a carrying person always interested in everything concerning the human and from this perspective oppression was one of his focus. His work included the utilization of Gestalt therapy in the realm not only pf psychotherapy, but also of social actions.
His book Psychology of Oppression was translated to Spanish and is very utilized in South America. His presentations in the Cordobas International Gestalt conference on how to work with bigotry and oppression were very impactful. Colleagues who worked with him in workshops were deeply touched by his capacity of empathy and loving connections.
His legacy will be kept alive and enriching our training programs, specially in times like we are living nowadays of intolerance towards all kinds of minorities.
In the name of many Brazilian Gestalt therapists,
Angela Schillings
Celana Cardoso Andrade
Cintia Lavratti Brandão
Fádua Helen
Jorge Ponciano Ribeiro
Lilian Meyer Frazão
Luciane Patrícia Yano
Maria Alice Q. de Brito - Lika Queiroz
Mariana Pajaro
Mônica Botelho Alvim
Sâmia Silva Gomes
Selma Ciornai
Teresinha Melo da Silveira
Present directory of the Brazilian Association of Gestalt Therapy

Lilian Frazao

May 29, 2020

Philip was a wonderfull person. Beeing with him and Elsa and working with him was always nice. As I live in Brazil we had few opportunities to be together. I Will miss his kindness and his wisdom.
Lilian Frazao

Peggy Miros

May 27, 2020

A great teacher and generous with his time, gifts and personal attention. A unique thinker who made an original contribution to Gestalt theory and practice. Wish there really was time travel back to our weekend trainings.
Peggy Miros

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