Clark Moustakas (1923–2012): Scholar, teacher, colleague and friend.

Abstract

I enter his office filled with a keen sense of anticipation. I have been invited here, all of me. I know there is a dedicated space prepared for me, ready for whatever I bring. I sit and feel his gentle and vital presence, his soft gaze, and a leaning in, a patient waiting. There is a range of possibility open to me: an exploration of self. Then and there, whatever I say, whoever I am will be accepted and respected. For a second I feel carried away, or rather into the moment and I feel free to sit silently, to ponder, to look inward, to speak. If I burst with exuberance, we grasp hands and dance with joy; if sadness spills forth, he sheds tears with me. If outraged, he shares the injustice. We adventure together into places unknown; we find the life thread of my creativity. I feel valued and clarify my own values. I feel empowered and tap my own potency. He honors me with reverence; I celebrate my uniqueness. (Diane Blau)If one were to attempt to describe Clark Moustakas, one would utilize words that illustrate a phenomenon. He was a man of polarities. He was at once relaxed and energetic, still, yet intense activity waited to be summoned. Exceptionally academic yet delightfully playful. Composed, even-tempered, but with emotions so accessible that his face easily darkened, and his eyes would fill with tears when experiencing distress. In his company, one had the impression of time standing still, moving at top speed, in slow motion, or something in between. His presence was profound and inspiring.Core themes of Clark's thinking and writing emphasized valuing the self and one's inner life, the relational dimension and its therapeutic potential for personal growth, change, and healing. As Clark taught and wrote, people were drawn to his words. He touched many hearts as he spoke of relationship, of love, uniqueness, authenticity, creativity, of being. He carried his ideas all over the world, speaking at workshops and seminars. Moreover, he served as a model of his philosophy about how human beings relate positively and respectfully to one another.

Researcher experience as an instrument of investigation of a phenomenon: An example of heuristic research

“…His theoretical hypothesis and clinical studies contributed to the development of Play Therapy by being the pioneer of this work in the 1940's and 1950's (Blau et al, 2013;Moustakas, 1953).…”

“…Heuristic investigations have been conducted by researchers in various countries and areas such as clinical psychology, education, anthropology, sociology, and medicine (Blau, Bach, Scott, & Rubin, 2013), as well as in counseling, art therapy and psychotherapy (Kenny, 2012). The Handbook of Humanistic Psychology: Leading edges in theory, research, and practice, describes pioneer methodologies that challenge "the hegemony of the natural science approach in psychology" (Schneider, Bugental, & Pierson, 2001, p.241).…”