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As a solution to the problems presented by approaches to teaching English composition that are almost purely cognitive in nature, an experimental course was offered for freshmen at the Miami-Dade Community College. The course was designed to be holistic and confluent, synthesizing both the cognitive and affective domains by incorporating Gestalt therapy techniques into the teaching of writing skills. Course exercises focused on the concepts of communication and awareness; organization skills were not introduced until students had developed confidence in their ability to generate worthwhile writing content. The course was evaluated in four ways, including administration of the Personality Orientation Inventory and assessment by a panel of English teachers. Findings indicated that the course had a positive effect on the students' writing skills, self-actualization, and willingness to communicate orally, and the students themselves reported greater enjoyment in writing. Course materials and exercises comprise one-third of the document; appendixes include the forms used in evaluation. (CC)