Our 4-year program consists of a combination of lecture, demonstration, practicum work and a clinical internship. Our extensive faculty is devoted to teaching the fundamentals of Gestalt therapy theory with an emphasis on hands-on experiential learning. Training candidates treat clients in our low-fee clinic and develop the beginning of a private practice while training with us and attending weekly supervision with a faculty member. In this way, training candidates gain supervised experience hours to fulfill LCSW, LP & LMC license requirements. Upon graduation, trainees may take their clinic clients into private practice. Classes take place on 20 Friday evenings from 6-9 p.m. from October through May, and include a few additional weekend seminars and workshops throughout the year.

The "Core" Curriculum:
Experiential work--including practicum, faculty demonstrations and intensive weekend workshops--forms the core of our training curriculum.
Practicum sessions provide trainees with the opportunity to work as patient or therapist, under the moment-to-moment supervision of a faculty member.
Demonstrations by Faculty provide the opportunity to observe and discuss the application of Gestalt theory to Gestalt therapy practice, after a live therapy demonstration.
Weekend and Weeklong Workshops provide an intensive training experience in a collegial and supportive atmosphere, in which advanced concepts in Gestalt therapy are explored and the unique individual style of each training therapist is defined and supported.

This course explores the basic structures of interpersonal communication, with an emphasis on the role of how body and language cues, and intuitive information, may alter and/or enhance overt communication and reveal unaware messages and processes. This course utilizes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual as a guide for appropriate diagnosis. With the instructor's supervision, participants conduct actual clinic intake interviews, and submit written case presentations. This seminar focuses on developmental theory and its practical application to Gestalt Therapy. This course explores techniques, approaches, and interventions designed to engage and systematically develop a client's presenting issues with the goal of revealing underlying emotional concepts.

Videotapes are reviewed to demonstrate issues that form the conceptual framework of Gestalt Therapy, how they are operationalized, and the integrative experience of the process. This seminar consists of lectures discussing the contributions of different psychoanalytic and existential theories to develop an understanding of character.

Using the different theories of personality discussed in Seminar 202, treatment of several basic personality styles--narcissistic, masochistic, and rigid-- will be explored through the use of videotape and lectures. Using video tapes, lectures, and a study-group structure, this seminar offers a comprehensive overview of the major basic issues in Gestalt Therapy, such as field theory, the different levels of the personality, the definition and integration of polarities, and the etiology and function of defenses.

Each candidate is required to present a case formulation in Gestalt terms, utilizing a client that has been seen in his/her ongoing supervised caseload for at least one year. A comprehensive research paper summarizing this presentation will be submitted and discussed with other seminar participants. This course will focus on countertransference/transference and resistance issues, as seen from an intersubjective and existential perspective.

Practitioner Program: Our 1-year program offers participants an introduction to Gestalt Therapy theory and practice and provides the opportunity to explore the application of Gestalt principles to allied fields. The program meets every other Friday evening from 6-9 p.m. from October through May.
Coursework: Trainees in the Practitioner Program take all coursework required in Level I of the Clinical Fellowship Program (see above) except the DSMIV-R course and weekend personal growth workshops.

Admission Requirements: Admission to all programs is based on review your application and personal interview.
Clinical Fellowship Program: Open to those licensed to practice psychotherapy: Social Workers, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Mental Health Counselors, Creative Arts Therapists, Marriage and Family Therapists, Psychoanalysts, Nurses' and Physician's Assistants. Some unlicensed applicants may be also be accepted into the non-clinical track of our program and attend coursework, but do not see clients in our clinic. To apply, complete an application form, and send additional requested materials. Once received, we will contact you to arrange a personal interview.
Practitioner Program: Anyone with an interest in Gestalt therapy may apply to our 1-year program. Those clinicians who already have an active practice but want to add to their knowledge and skills will find our program challenging and exciting. Also, people from allied fields such as business consulting, coaching, public relations, body work and others can add to their professional skill set in our Practitioner Program. To apply, complete an application form and send additional requested materials. Once received, we will contact you to arrange a personal interview. Clinical Fellowship Program:
Tuition for all Coursework: $2,650
Weekly Supervision - $30/Session (begins second semester of the first year)
Weekly Psychotherapy - (At least 2 years of individual therapy, At least 1 year of group therapy, plus one year of either group therapy or indiviudal therapy (your choice).
Fees arranged individually with therapists.
Practitioner Program:
Tuition for the all Coursework: $2,550
Weekly Psychotherapy: (group or individual) Fees arranged individually with therapist.
Payment plans that divide the annual tuition into as many as eight payments are available. Most major credit cards accepted.