Gestalt Therapy International

About the training program

The training

The training takes place within a framework of 4 years part time study. Each year develops trainees to a particular level. The application can be for personal or professional purposes.

The entire course is currently structured at approximately 888 hours of face-to-face training and 70 hours of video instruction.

• Sessions are intensive and occur four times in a year
• Students are exposed to two international trainers of outstanding experience

Whilst the training is set at a minimum number of hours, trainees are encouraged to take a self-directed learning approach. Thus a person can choose their own pace and learning style, and can invest additional hours as they wish in order to derive more benefit from the training provided.

Study groups are encouraged throughout the three years, providing a forum to extend learning and build mutual support in the study process. A manual of exercises and discussion topics is provided which can be used in the study sessions.

The Introductory Gestalt training session acquaints participants with a personal experience of Gestalt theory in practice. It provides an opportunity experience the magic of Gestalt

The Intermediate Gestalt training session takes the first steps into the basic theory of Gestalt, covering the fundamental principles and theories.

In the first year trainees are introduced to more advanced understanding of the Gestalt discipline through an integrative approach of Theory, Skills and Practice. There is a component of written work and some readings are supplied; the main focus is on establishing an initial experiential familiarity with the application of Gestalt.

In second year, training builds on the basics of the first year but emphasises the application of the principles to working with people.

By third year trainees are engaging in supervised Gestalt work, honing their skills to a high level of competence

Successful completion will lead to the issuing of a Diploma of Gestalt Therapy.

Accreditation

The training is run by Gestalt Therapy International, and accredited with Nexum University.

Course Philosophy

The training program seeks to develop a sense of personal agency and unique style, married with skills and knowledge. Being an experiential therapy, Gestalt training entails a significant amount of personal exploration and a willingness to ‘Risk Being Alive’. However, the program is not solely therapeutic and participants need to have sufficient self support to handle the intensity of the training process.

The aim is to equip each person with a strong theoretical and philosophical grasp of Gestalt, as well as assist them to a point of personal integration and readiness to work with others in a Gestalt framework. A climate of authenticity is fostered in the training and each person is supported in their personal growth. A deepening of awareness and responsibility is facilitated, and creative experimentation is encouraged.

Gestalt therapy supports people to live without recipes, to find their own creative way through life; the training echoes this approach. Rather than give students a set of instructions on ‘how to do therapy’, the learning is how to trust in the process. Knowledge and skills are essential in Gestalt practice, and are underpinned by a fundamental faith in human resilience and the ability of people to uncover their own truths. The ‘empty vessel’ model of learning is discouraged, and trainees are encouraged to have faith in their own wisdom rather adopt theories or beliefs without question.

The institute strives to treat every student as the individual they are, balancing the need for consistent standards and operating procedures with the unique needs of each person.

Training Standards

The program represents an investment of money as well as the time and personal effort required to succeed. Thus trainees can reasonably expect certain standards in the training provided to them and in the way they are treated as fee paying students.

The kind of expectations that the Institute seeks to meet include the following:

• The training timetable set by the start of the training year, with any necessary changes kept to a minimum.
• The trainers treat trainees with respect, supporting the learning process of both individuals and the group.
• Trainers have a solid background of training experience and are internationally recognised.
• Trainers adhere to a professional code of ethics.
• Trainees are not discriminated against on the basis of gender, class, cultural background, sexual preference, or any disability or belief that does not directly interfere with fulfilment of their training.
• The training program is constantly evolving to incorporate feedback, current best practice, the demands of the workplace setting, and the standards of accrediting organisations.
• Within each training year there are no ‘hidden costs’. All financial requirements are spelled out at the start of each year.

Access and Equity

We are aware of the kinds of obstacles faced by those wishing to study. It is committed to making the training accessible to people from all walks of life. This attitude is manifested in some of the following ways:

• An equal opportunity policy which supports diversity.
• The premises is wheelchair accessible.

World Class Standards

Gestalt Therapy International training is committed to providing world class training for those living in South Africa. Every aspect of the program and its delivery is oriented towards excellence, whilst at the same time striving to foster a sense of humour in a relaxed atmosphere. We pride ourselves on providing leading edge training in Gestalt therapy, supporting students through to the point of achieving competent practitioner status.

We have has high commitment to quality in all our operations. The larger focus of supporting optimal student learning is constantly reassessed.

Admission

Eligibility is determined by a number of factors including life experience, degree of self-awareness, academic back-ground, personal stability, being open to positive and negative feedback, and a capacity to reflect on and learn from experience.

This is designated as a professional program, but people who enrol come from all walks of life and it is not necessary to be a practicing health professional or psychologist to enter the course. Gestalt training has traditionally been open to a diverse range of people and this course recognises that sufficient life experience and learning can constitute an admissible prerequisite as much as a formal academic qualification.

Applications

Entry into the Introductory program is available for everyone.

Entry into the first phase program requires having completed the Introductory program (total of 12 days) and requires approval by the director.

Notes

• Training fees may be allowable as a tax deduction. This must satisfy the requirement of an educational expense undertaken to maintain or improve skills required in one’s employment or undertaken as additional training required by one’s employer.
• The issuing of a completion statement at any level involves fulfilling the requirements as outlined. Any such statement reflects hours of attendance and work completed to that level.
• Dates and presenters are not finalised until the start of the training year. Whilst every effort is made to fix the schedule, we reserves the right to change dates and presenters if necessary.
• Completion of the course involves fulfilment of all requirements including personal development.

 

MASTERS OF Gestalt Therapy - south africa

For the first time in South Africa, a certified 4 year training in Contemporary Gestalt Therapy.

First Year

Introductory Session

Session 1 – 6 days

Introduction to Gestalt principles and methods, via experiential group format. Individual demonstration work, interactive group, and explanation of Gestalt theory as relevant to the work.

Session 2 – 6 days

Further introduction of basic Gestalt principles and methods, via experiential group format. Individual demonstration work, interactive group, and explanation of Gestalt theory as relevant to the work.

Hours of training: 114

Intermediate Session

Session 1 – 6 days

• T-1 Gestalt Psychology/Awareness/Figure Ground
• T-2 Field Theory
• T-3 Responsibility

Session 2 – 6 days

• T-4 Contact & Contact Boundary phenomenon
• T-5 Polarities
• T-6 Organismic Self Regulation
• T-7 I-Thou

Course Requirements

• Essay
• Class Participation
• Process Journal
• Complete readings
• A concept map and reflection form must be completed after each training session.
• Demonstration of progression in terms of an explicit list of personal competencies.
• Completion of instructional videos
• Satisfactory attendance rate.

Hours of training: 192

Second Year

Session 1 – 6 days

• 2-1 Dreamwork
• 2-2 Phenomenology
• 2-3 The Gestalt experiment

Session 2 – 6 days

• 2-4 Middle Zone, metaphor, fantasy & Ericksonian approaches
• 2-5 Paradoxical Theory of Change
• 2-6 Art & Creative Media
• S-1 Supervision

Session 3 – 6 days

• 2-7 Style
• 2-8 The unvirtues
• 2-9 Managing a unit of work
• I-1 Interactive group
• S-2 Supervision

Session 4 – 6 days

• 2-10 Somatics
• S-2 Supervision
• E-1 Evaluation

Course Requirements

• Essay
• Class Participation
• Process Journal
• Personal Process Essay
• Reflection assignments
• Complete readings
• A concept map and reflection form must be completed after each training session.
• During the training year, 45 hours of study group time must be completed. The structure is flexible in terms of frequency and duration.
• Demonstration of progression in terms of an explicit list of personal competencies.
• Completion of instructional videos
• Satisfactory attendance rate.

Hours of training: 192

Third Year

Session 1 – 6 days

• 3-1 Shame
• 3-2 Psychopathology

Session 2 – 6 days

• 3-3 Suicide
• 3-4 Groupwork
• S-3 Supervision

Session 3 – 6 days

• 3-5 Couples and family work
• 3-6 Sexuality

Session 4 – 6 days

• 3-7 Developmental approaches
• 3-8 Character and personality systems
• S-4 Supervision
• E-2 Evaluation

Course Requirements

• Essay
• Class Participation
• Reflection assignments
• Interventions Journal
• Transcript Analysis
• Personal Process Journal
• Personal Process Essay
• Complete readings
• A concept map and reflection form must be completed after each training session.
• During the training year 45 hours of study group time must be completed.
• Demonstration of progression in terms of an explicit list of personal competencies.
• Satisfactory attendance rate.
• Required hours of casework
• Completion of instructional videos

Hours of training: 192

Fourth Year

Session 1 – 6 days

• 4-1 Ethics, practice management
• 4-2 The transpersonal
• S-5 Supervision

Session 2 – 6 days

• 4-3 Work with trauma and abuse
• G-1 Guest presenter
• S-6 Supervision

Session 3 – 6 days

• 4-4 Working with children
• G-2 Guest presenter
• 4-5 Neuroscience of attachment

Session 4 – 6 days

• 4-6 Addictions
• I-2 Interactive group
• S-7 Supervision
• R-1 Reflection process
• E-3 Evaluation

Course Requirements

• Journal of observed interventions
• Class Participation
• Personal Process Journal
• Personal Process Essay
• Essay
• Reflection and Essay on Relationship dynamics
• 70 hours of casework.
• A concept map and reflection form must be completed after each training session.
• 45 hours of study group time.
• Demonstration of progression in terms of an explicit list of personal competencies.
• Satisfactory attendance rate.
• Required hours of casework
• Completion of instructional videos

Hours of training: 192