The Training Programme
Gestalt Therapy Sydney offers a comprehensive training programme in the Gestalt approach over a minimum of four years. Within this programme there is a planned exit point after first year.
Introduction to the Gestalt Approach (Year 1). This programme offers a dynamic introduction to the fundamental principles of a Gestalt way of working for professionals and interested people. People who successfully complete this course will receive a Certificate in Gestalt Therapy or a Graduate Certificate in Gestalt Therapy that details the hours and content of the course.
Gestalt Therapy Training Course (Year 2-4). This course further develops the trainee’s therapy skills. Trainees who successfully complete this course will be issued with an Advanced Diploma of Gestalt Therapy. This award enables graduates to join the professional association GANZ (Gestalt Australia and New Zealand) as Associate Members. Completion of additional clinical supervision hours, as required by GANZ, lead to Full Membership.
Training format
Training is undertaken in a group setting. Weekly group tutorial sessions consist of theoretical, methodological presentations, experiential learning activities and skills development. Workshops/residentials consist of experiential learning activities, skills development and supervision. Experiential learning activities, in group, dyad or triad configurations, make up approximately 65% of the Program. At least 25% of the Program will comprise skills development and supervision.
The particular format of tutorials, workshops and residentials will be outlined to each training year at the commencement of each term or activity.
The progress of each trainee and provide feedback to trainees, including any concerns regarding their development at the time when these concerns become apparent.
Trainers are expected to debrief with other members of core faculty from time to time.
All trainers abide by the GANZ Code of Ethics.
Characteristics of the GTS Training Programme
Theoretical focus
The GTS Program emphasises a comprehensive understanding of the theory, philosophy and methodology of the Gestalt Approach. Trainees are expected to maintain an on-going reading regime throughout their training, consistent with an adult learning model.
Experiential focus
During the training programme, participants will be given the opportunity to develop skills in applying gestalt methods in a way that builds to beginning level practitioner competence, with individuals, couples and families, and groups. Training staff will provide supportive feedback in live sessions where participants can work on their own personal and professional issues.
Integrated learning of theory and practice
The training programme explicitly accentuates the relationship between concept and practice. The trainers will introduce participants to Gestalt therapy in a semi structured way that will make sense of theory as participants develop their practical skills.
Practical learning processes will involve trainees listening, responding and intervening with cohort members and people beyond their cohort. Specific tasks will be presented which aim at staged integration of theoretical and practical learning.
Learning processes also involve trainees engaging in group processes. During these processes they will be encouraged to use the skills of counselling to engage with other group members, interact with the group members at a system level and make process observations that will influence the group direction.
Peer group development
While personal development occurs through participation in our demonstrations and practice, time is also set aside for group interaction. Participation in the group builds a learning community and trainees have an opportunity for personal development and are witness to and participate in Gestalt group process.
Assignment completion and extensions
There are two assignments for each training year, due prior to the mid-year and end-of-year residentials, respectively. The due date for assignments allow for marking and processing times relative to assessment of completion of subjects prior to the next subject in that stream. Late assignments may jeopardize progression. Extensions may be applied for, via the Year Co-ordinator who will decide on appropriate action.
The GTS 2010 Curriculum and Course Outline
The philosophy of our curriculum is:
- to provide a collaborative and respectful learning environment in which to teach the theory and to train in the methodology;
- to develop professional skills in the practice of the Gestalt Approach; and,
- to support the development of the trainee’s personhood and individual style through the connection, experience, personal growth and integration.
At GTS we are proud of our comprehensive and well respected 4 year training program which has been accredited by GANZ (Gestalt Australia and New Zealand) – the peak body representing Gestalt Therapy practitioners in this region of the world. Our experienced and highly qualified (both professionally and academically) faculty of trainers, all of whom are Clinical Members of GANZ, have demonstrated over many years their commitment to the development, training, research and practice of Gestalt Therapy at local, national and international levels.
The collaboration between faculty and trainees in establishing an adult learning environment and community is a cornerstone of the GTS Program. We are committed to ensuring that each trainee receives the highest quality training in both ‘contemporary’ and ‘leading edge’ theory and methodology, and the application of Gestalt Therapy while supporting the development of each trainee’s unique style of practice.
Our program is based on a developmental and competency model of learning. Learning tasks and outcomes focus on four areas of training – personal development, theory, methodology and practice.
The GTS program is designed so that each training year builds on the previous training year and each training year is a module in its own right. Progress from one training year to the next is based on the successful completion of all tasks and requirements for each training year. The Year 1 training program is an introductory course. Trainees may wish to exit at the end of any training year before completing the full 4 year ‘qualification’ program.
Dates of 2010 Residentials and Workshops are:
Commencement Residential: Feb 12-14
Term 1 tutorials: commence the week beginning Monday, 22 February
Mid-Semester I Workshop: May 15 & 16
Term 2 tutorials: commence the week beginning Monday, 10 May
Mid-Year Residential: July 16-18
Term 3 tutorials: commence the week beginning Monday, 19 July
Mid-Semester II Workshop: Sept 18 & 19
Term 4 tutorials: commences the week beginning Monday, 18 October
End-of Year Residential: Nov 12-14
Tutorial Evenings
Year One will be held on Wednesdays 6-9pm
Year Two will be held on Tuesdays 6-9pm
Year Three will be held on Thursdays 6-9pm
All tutorial terms are 5 consecutive weeks in duration
Overview of the GTS Training Program for 2010
Year 1
Year 1 – focuses on developing an understanding of the gestalt perspective of the human condition and development. Particular attention is given to the historical antecedents of the Gestalt Approach, ‘awareness of contact’ as a cornerstone of health, understanding the person in their life space (field theory), the Gestalt view of ‘the self’ and ‘the self’ as connecting the person in their life space to health and well-being. Trainees are also introduced to the ethics of gestalt practice.
Year 2
Year 2 – focuses on connecting Gestalt theory to its methodology as a health promoting and growth-oriented approach to professional practice. Particular attention is given to understanding phenomenology and its application, the dialogical/relational approach and the change process. The year ends with experimentation, a cornerstone of methodology in Gestalt therapy. The practicum provides opportunities to apply the methodology in a small group and group environment. Ethics and practice standards are also considered the Year 2 program.
Year 3
Year 3 – focuses on understanding the practice of Gestalt therapy in the wider field of character development, mental health and well-being, the body, sexuality and the human condition, anddiagnosis. The practicum provides opportunities for further skills development in a small group and group environment. Ethics and complaints are also considered in the Year 3 Program.
Year 4
Year 4 – focuses on integrating the theoretical and methodological understandings of Year 1-3 and considers particular topics across theoretical, clinical and practice issues. The practicum focuses on further development and consolidation of therapeutic style and orientation. Preparation and review of final presentations and clinical assessment form part of the Year 4 Program