This course explores the basics of Gestalt Therapy theory & practice, and the 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 unconscious messages and processes. Through lecture, demonstration and discussion, participants will gain experience in how to observe, organize, and utilize information to assess a patient’s level of functioning and direct and enhance therapeutic communication and intervention.

• 15 Hours

• Instructor: Connie Newman, LMHC, LP, LCAT

This seminar focuses on developmental theory and its practical application to Gestalt Therapy. We will explore techniques, approaches, and interventions designed to engage and systematically develop a client’s presenting issues with the goal of revealing underlying themes and creative adjustments, and their relationship to early developmental experiences.

• 15 Hours

• Instructor: Senzon, LP & Tucker, ACSW, LP/Justin Laird, LP& Jennifer Griesbach, LCSW

This course outlines the intake process & utilizes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual as a guide for appropriate diagnosis. With the instructor's supervision, participants conduct practice clinic intake interviews, and submit written intakes. Emphasis is placed on the client’s psychosocial case history, diagnostic assessment, and mental status exam. 

• 15 Hours

• Instructor: Jordan Dann, LP, CIRT, SEP, Justing Laird, PhD, LP & Jeff Allison, LCSW

This course offers an introduction to Gestalt dreamwork through an exploration of various Gestalt perspectives on dreamwork, including those of Fritz Perls, Isadore From, Erving & Miriam Polster, and Rainette Fantz. We will discuss readings from each of these Gestalt teachers, as well as exploring and working together with course participants' dreams, and engaging in brief dreamwork practicum experiences followed by theoretical discussion.

• $150

• 15 Hours

• Instructor: Susan Jurkowski, LCSW, LP & Jennifer Griesbach, LCSW

This course will address the issues that form the conceptual framework of Gestalt Therapy, how they are operationalized, and the integrative experience of the process. Topics will include: field theory, body as ground, contact boundary/creative adjustment, defenses/process of interruption, support and frustration, layers and impasse, presentness and presence, and uncertainty and emergence.

• 10 hours

• Instructors: Alan Cohen, LCSW, LP & Johanna Barrett, LCSW

This seminar consists of lectures discussing the contributions of different psychoanalytic and existential theories to develop an understanding of character. We will look at the etiology and treatment of schizoid, oral, and symbiotic character styles, and provide a framework for understanding and treatment of a client's presenting issues.

• 10 Hours

• Instructors: Jim Mulry, LCSW, LP & Jack Worthy, LMHC

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. Emphasis will be placed on difficult issues that arise in treatment, and participants will be encouraged to use case material to examine both effective and ineffective interventions.

• 10 Hours

• Instructor: Jim Mulry, LCSW, LP & Jack Worthy, LMHC

Faculty members will do a live therapy demonstration with a trainee, in front of a small group, providing the opportunity to observe and discuss the application of Gestalt theory to Gestalt therapy practice. Faculty member demonstrations vary, to allow exposure to as many Faculty as possible.

• 5 hours per semester

In this 4-day intensive workshop, trainees work in practicum/therapists dyads, in both small and large groups, under the observation of a supervisor. As trainees observe each other’s work, in a collegial and supportive atmosphere, the unique individual style of each training therapist is defined and supported.

• 50 hours

In practicum, trainees are provided with the opportunity to work as patient or therapist, under the moment-to-moment supervision of a faculty member.

• 10-15 hours per semester

This course will focus on countertransference/transference and resistance issues. Candidates are taught how to enter and understand the world view of the client from the perspective of Gestalt, intersubjective, existential, and communication theory. Encompassing theorists ranging from Martin Buber to Gianni Francesetti, emphasis will be placed on the contributions of gestalt and existential theorists on the development of a relational theory of psychoanalysis, Case vignettes will be used to identify moments in the therapist/client relationship that clarify or move past resistance and interruptions in contact.

• 10 Hours

• Instructors: Arleen Maiorano, LCSW, LP and Justin Laird, PhD, LP

Each candidate is required to present a case formulation in Gestalt terms, utilizing a client that has been seen in their ongoing supervised caseload for at least one year. A comprehensive research paper summarizing this presentation will be submitted and discussed with other seminar participants. The paper will include a psychosocial history, mental status exam, and an analysis of treatment focusing on the patient/therapist relationship and ethical and psychodynamic issues that have emerged in the course of treatment.

• 10 Hours

• Instructors: Susan Jurkowski, LCSW, LP & Justin Laird, PhD, LP

This course will focus on bringing core Gestalt psychotherapy theoretical concepts into action. Phenomenology, aesthetics, kinesthetic resonance, retroflection, etc. will be elaborated on and practiced experientially together. We will draw from readings by Laura Perls, Michael Vincent Miller, Jean-Marie Robine, Ruella Frank, Gianni Francesetti and others to deepen theoretical concepts. We will use experiential exercises to bring to life each theme of focus.

• 10 Hours

• Instructors: Jeffrey Allison, LCSW & Jennifer Griesbach, LCSW