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Abstract: In the contemporary digital age, webinars have become a fundamental mode of communication and learning. However, the virtual setting introduces unique challenges, particularly when participants choose to close their cameras. This article explores the disturbance caused by closed cameras in a Gestalt webinar through key Gestalt concepts: holism, figure-ground, awareness, here and now, field theory, creative adjustment, polarities, I-Thou relationship, the paradoxical theory of change, the fertile void, unfinished business, and resistance. By applying these principles, we gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play and potential pathways for fostering a more cohesive and inclusive virtual environment.

Holism: Gestalt therapy emphasizes the holistic nature of experience, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. In a webinar, each participant contributes to the collective energy and presence of the group. When some attendees close their cameras, it disrupts this holistic field, creating a sense of fragmentation. This lack of visual presence can make the group feel incomplete, affecting the overall experience of connectedness and unity.

Figure-Ground: In Gestalt theory, figure-ground perception is central to how we organize and make sense of our experiences. In a webinar, participants with open cameras become the ‘figure’ – the focal point of attention – while those with closed cameras recede into the ‘ground’ – the background. This can create a perceptual imbalance, where the inability to see all faces may cause discomfort and distraction for some attendees, as the missing visual information becomes an unresolved background element.

Awareness: Awareness is a cornerstone of Gestalt practice, involving a conscious attunement to one’s present experiences. Participants feeling disturbed by closed cameras can use this moment to explore their reactions. What emotions arise? What unmet needs are being highlighted? This awareness can lead to deeper self-understanding and more mindful interactions within the group.

Here and Now: Gestalt emphasizes living fully in the present moment. In the webinar, the ‘here and now’ includes acknowledging the reality of closed cameras and the feelings they evoke. Facilitators can encourage participants to express their immediate experiences, fostering a dialogue that honors the present reality and works towards a shared understanding and acceptance.

Field Theory: Field theory in Gestalt therapy posits that individuals cannot be understood in isolation but only as part of the larger context or field they are in. The webinar’s field includes the virtual environment, individual participant experiences, and the group dynamic. Recognizing how each element influences the whole can help address the disturbance. Facilitators can explore how the virtual field itself – with its technical and personal boundaries – impacts the group experience.

Creative Adjustment: Closed cameras can be seen as a form of creative adjustment – a way participants navigate the virtual environment to meet their needs. For some, closing the camera might provide a sense of privacy, reduce self-consciousness, or manage bandwidth issues. Recognizing these adjustments without judgment allows for a compassionate understanding of each participant’s choices.

Polarities: Gestalt therapy often deals with polarities, such as openness and closedness, presence and absence. The tension between participants who wish for open cameras and those who prefer them closed reflects these polarities. Embracing both ends of the spectrum can lead to a more integrated approach, where the group explores and respects different needs and preferences.

I-Thou Relationship: The I-Thou relationship, a concept borrowed from Martin Buber, emphasizes genuine, authentic interactions. In a webinar, fostering I-Thou relationships involves respecting each participant’s choices while seeking meaningful connections. Open cameras can enhance this relational depth, but even with closed cameras, facilitators can encourage verbal and non-verbal engagement that fosters presence and authenticity.

Paradoxical Theory of Change: Arnold Beisser’s paradoxical theory of change posits that change occurs when we become what we are, rather than trying to become what we are not. Applying this to the webinar scenario means accepting the current state of closed cameras and the feelings they evoke, rather than forcing change. Facilitators can support the group in embracing this reality, which paradoxically, can lead to a more natural and harmonious adjustment over time.

The Fertile Void: The concept of the fertile void represents a space of potential and creativity that arises from emptiness or absence. In the context of closed cameras, this ‘void’ can be an opportunity for creativity. How can participants engage more deeply with voice, text, or other non-visual means? This space can birth innovative ways to connect and communicate, enriching the group’s experience.

Unfinished Business: Unfinished business refers to unresolved issues from the past that intrude into the present. For some participants, the discomfort with closed cameras might echo past experiences of disconnection or exclusion. Addressing these feelings within the group context can help resolve these lingering issues, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.

Resistance: Resistance in Gestalt therapy is not seen as something to be overcome but as a meaningful response to be understood. Participants who resist turning on their cameras are expressing a form of resistance that needs to be explored. What are they protecting or expressing through this resistance? Understanding these motivations can lead to greater empathy and more effective group processes.

Conclusion: The disturbance caused by closed cameras in a Gestalt webinar offers a rich opportunity for exploration and growth. By applying Gestalt principles, we can understand the dynamics at play and support the group in finding creative and harmonious ways to navigate the virtual space. Embracing both presence and absence, respecting individual choices, and fostering authentic connections can transform this challenge into a fertile ground for deeper awareness and connection. Through this holistic and compassionate approach, the group can cultivate a more inclusive and dynamic virtual community.