OVERVIEW
The Certificate Training Program in Gestalt Psychotherapy is designed to provide comprehensive training in the theory and practice of Gestalt Psychotherapy. It is a three-level program and takes a minimum of three years to complete. A variety of teaching modalities are utilized including didactic presentations, experiential sessions, practicum formats, and supervisory case seminars.
Each academic level (Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced) consists of a weekly training group, five day-long courses, and a 3-day residential training intensive. In addition, at the Advanced level, trainees participate in a case seminar. Two years of personal psychotherapy are also required. The program allows maximum flexibility for other professional commitments.
TRAINING GROUP
A major emphasis of the program is the experiential Training Group. This practicum provides the opportunity to observe, experience and practice Gestalt Psychotherapy under the supervision of training staff. It serves to integrate training and method and allows trainees to translate theoretical course work into practice.
In the Training Group, Beginning level trainees experience Gestalt Psychotherapy as clients and observe Intermediate and Advanced level trainees in their work as therapists. Intermediate and Advanced level trainees work as both clients and therapists. All participants are involved in the supervisor's discussion and critique of the work.
The Training Groups meet from October through May, for two and a half hours each week. Trainees have a choice of Tuesday evening or Friday morning groups.
COURSE WORK
Trainees are required to take five courses per year. These courses are relevant to teach training level. Courses are approximately six hours and held on five Saturdays throughout the training year. Trainees may audit previously completed courses without fee. Descriptions
All trainees are required to attend all third level colloquium presentations held in late Spring.
3 DAY INTENSIVE TRAINING RETREAT
An intensive training retreat in the methods of Gestalt psychotherapy is held annually in the Spring. The residential setting provides an extended time frame for an in-depth experience of the Gestalt approach.
CASE SEMINAR
Trainees participate in at least one year of case seminar supervision which is required in the third level of training. The three hour seminar, composed of four to six trainees, meets with a staff supervisor for approximately eight sessions. Participants make case presentations of private sessions utilizing audio recordings. The emphasis is on understanding the dynamics of the presented cases in an on-going therapeutic relationship.
PERSONAL PSYCHOTHERAPY
The training group is not designed to be a substitute for personal psychotherapy. All trainees are required to complete a minimum of 100 hours of personal therapy with a Gestalt psychotherapist. The applicability of previous therapy experience toward fulfilling this requirement is determined at the initial interview.
ADMISSION
The Certificate Program is open to mental health professionals including mental health counselors, social workers, psychiatric nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, marriage and family therapists, and creative arts therapists.
Candidates who are experienced practitioners not currently eligible for licensure or students pursuing a course of study leading to a license will also be considered for admission to the Training Program. Applicants must submit a written application form. Those considered for admission will be invited to a personal interview and asked to submit letters of recommendation. The interview fee is $25.
PROGRAM COMPLETION
Trainees complete the program of study upon 1) receiving passing evaluations for each of the three levels of training, 2) attending all required courses, 3) completing their personal psychotherapy requirement and 4) participating in case supervision seminar. Trainees who are eligible for licensure in a mental health profession in New York State will receive a Certificate of Completion. Those students who are not eligible for licensure will receive a Letter of Attendance.
The trainee’s advancement and graduation is predicated on evaluation by the faculty. Trainees receive ongoing written evaluations of their progress in the program.
TUITION
Tuition is $3500 per year. This includes sixty five hours of 2½ hour training group, thirty hours of coursework and tuition for the Residential Training Intensive. Fees for room and board for the Training Intensive, personal psychotherapy and Case Seminar are in addition to the tuition. Tuition payment schedule is as follows: $1500 due on August 25, $1000 due on October 1, $1000 due on January 15. The third year Case Seminar is $90 per session. Once registered, trainees are responsible for the balance of the full year’s tuition. Tuition is subject to change. Tuition may be paid by check, American Express, Master Card or Visa.
See APPLICATION FORMS
