FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Does personal therapy completed before entering program count towards the two-year therapy requirement?

A: Trainees often enter the 3 Year Certificate Training Program having had previous psychotherapy experience. One year of psychotherapy with an approved Gestalt therapist can be credited toward the two-year psychotherapy requirement. At least one year of treatment must take place during the course of training.

Q: Once in program, when does therapy need to begin? Does it have to be with a Gestalt therapist? Does it have to be with a GCLI staff member or graduate?

A: The Training Group is not meant to be a substitute for psychotherapy. All trainees are expected to have at least two (2) years of their own personal treatment with an approved Gestalt psychotherapist.

It is not expected or required that a trainee be in therapy with a GCLI staff member of graduate.

We recommend that any trainee, not in therapy, upon entering the program, begin therapy before the 3-Day Residential Intensive Training. Trainees often choose a therapist early in the first year with the intention of enhancing and supporting the intensity of the training.

Q: How is participation in the 1 Year Professional Education Program (PEP) credited if one decides to enter the 3 Year Certificate Training Program?

A: Participants who complete the 1 Year PEP who wish to enter the 3 Year Certificate Program may apply their hours in the program for credit toward their psychotherapy requirement.

Q: What if a course/training group/intensive training program cannot be attended?

A: Attendance at all Certificate Training Program training groups, courses, colloquia, and residential intensive training is required.

Training Group
If you cannot attend a training group for a health or personal reason, you are allowed to miss one training group each semester.

If you require additional absences, call the Executive Director or your advisor for approval.

To ensure that you have the most comprehensive training experience, the staff has the discretion to require you to participate in an additional training group due to excessive absences during a semester.

Academic Courses
Trainees are required to attend any missed academic courses when it is again given the following year.

A library of audiotapes of every course is available on loan.

Residential Intensive Training
Trainees are required to attend three (3) Residential Intensive Training prior to graduation.

Trainees not fulfilling this requirement will attend the training the following year.

Q: How much of a time commitment is required once enrolled in the Certificate Training Program.

A: Most trainees are employed in part or full-time positions as well as managing a family life.

The program consists of three years of a weekly 2 1/2 hour training group, four (4) Saturday courses, colloquia attendance and a 3-Day Residential Intensive Training.

Training Group
GCLI offers two training groups: Tuesday, 7:30pm – 10:00pm, or Friday, 10:00am – 12:30pm.
Trainees choose a group that is compatible with their schedules for each year. Generally, trainees remain in the same group for the entire program. Training Group meets for 24 sessions, October to May, as well as an Opening and Closing All-Center meeting.

Academic Courses
Trainees at each level take four (4) Saturday courses, 9:30am – 4:30pm.

In addition, trainees attend all Colloquia presented by third Level graduating trainees. Colloquia are held on Saturdays in May.

3 Day Intensive Training Retreat
There is a 3 Day Intensive Training Retreat held in June after Training Groups and courses are completed.

Case Seminar
In the third year of training, trainees are required to attend a Case Supervision Seminar. The group meets approximately once a month for three hours.