Psychology Lab Berlin #2 — Boundaries in Relationships

Boundaries in Relationships: Where Do I End and You Begin?

For our second Psychology Lab, we’ll explore boundaries in close relationships through two therapeutic perspectives: Gestalt Therapy and Bowen Family Systems Theory.

At the center of the discussion is the tension between: Autonomy ←————→ Connection

Gestalt asks: *How do I meet you while remaining aware that you are not me?*

Bowen asks: *How do I stay emotionally connected to you without losing my differentiated self — or cutting myself off to preserve it?*

We’ll also explore how boundaries relate to our needs: Needs = what is happening inside me. Boundaries = how I manage the meeting point between my needs and yours.

What happens when our needs conflict? When does closeness become enmeshment? When does autonomy become emotional distance? And are our ideas about “healthy boundaries” universal, or partly shaped by culture?

📚 Before the meeting

Please read these two papers beforehand — both are publicly available: Gestalt: Nana Burduli — *Contact Boundaries in Love Relationships* Bowen Family Systems: Lampis et al. — *Differentiation of Self and Dyadic Adjustment in Couple Relationships* We’ll use them as the starting point for our discussion, so please read both.

🧠 Agenda

1. Participant introductions 2. 10–15 min introduction to the topic — Gestalt, Bowen & boundaries in relationships 3. Group discussion

About Psychology Lab Berlin

Psychology Lab Berlin is a discussion club for people interested in psychology and psychotherapy. This is not a self-help workshop, therapy group, or support group. We meet to explore psychological ideas, research and different therapeutic perspectives together. You don't need to be a psychologist or therapist — just come curious, read the materials beforehand, and be ready to discuss, question and disagree.

📍 Location: Café Milagro Bergmannstraße 12, Kreuzberg

We’ll have our Psychology Lab discussion there in a cozy café setting. There’s no entrance/venue fee — the café asks that everyone orders at least one drink (tea, coffee, etc.) during the meetup. ☕️ 💶 Please bring some cash with you just in case, as card payment may not be available for smaller amounts.