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

This course delineates the last 100 years of psychoanalysis and its evolution into its many theoretical perspectives, with the goal of providing the student with a deeper historical and conceptual foundation for practice. We will trace this evolutionary tree from Sigmund Freud and Anna Freud, Heinz Hartmann and the beginning of ego psychology, object relations (Spitz, Mahler) through the Sullivanians, Melanie Klein, the British object relational school with Fairbairn and Winnicott, Erickson and Kohut and their contributions to Identity and the Self, through to contemporary Freudian theorists i.e. Kernberg, Lacan, Schafer, Loewald and finally to the relational school of psychoanalytic thought. We will also discuss how the “humanistic” schools of psychotherapy fit into this history i.e. Rogerian, Jungian, Gestalt, Bio-Energetics etc, which although distinguished by their theories and techniques, are still historically grounded in psychoanalytic theory.

• $450

• 15 Hours

• Instructor: Jack Worthy, LMHC-D and Todd Senzon, LP-D

This course will address family issues, dynamics and treatment from a Gestalt Psychoanalytic perspective, interweaving ideas derived from Family Systems theory. We will look at the history of the development of Family Therapy, various schools of thought, emphasizing gestalt, psychoanalytic and systems thinking and modes of treatment. We will study tapes and use role play as well as supervision of actual cases to explore various treatment interventions based on solid theoretical formulations. This course requires participants to complete Level I of GAP training before registering.

• $450

• 15 Hours

• Instructor: Jordan Dann, LP, CIRT, SEP

Utilizing a psychoanalytic and Gestalt therapy framework, the interplay of social factors in the environment and issues of LGBTQIA+ identity will be discussed in depth. Students will be presented with many of the cultural issues and struggles of this population, and the creative adjustments, defenses, and coping mechanisms frequently utilized by LGBTQIA+ clients that clinicians need to understand when working with this population in a psychotherapy setting. Assessment and treatment issues will be discussed using both case material and the student’s own experiences with the LGBTQIA+ population.

• $350

• 10 Hours

• Instructor: Jennifer Byxbee, LCAT

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 explore the evolution of the concepts of Transference, Countertransference, and Resistance through the lens of the four dominant schools of psychoanalysis: Drive Theory, Ego Psychology, Object Relations, and Self Psychology. We will discuss how each school approached transference, countertransference, and resistance, and compare and contrast these approaches to Gestalt therapy’s existential, relational stance in psychotherapy. The course will use practicum sessions and instructor demonstration to support trainees in recognizing course concepts as they emerge in sessions. For optimal learning, students are encouraged to have completed reading the five assigned texts before the first course meeting. However, lectures will be organized such that trainees may participate fully even if the readings are incomplete. This course requires participants to complete Level I of GAP training before registering.

• $450

• 15 Hours

• Instructor: Jack Worthy, LMHC-D and Todd Senzon, LP-D

This course will draw from concepts of transference / countertransference / resistance as presented in previous seminars and will focus on Winnicott’s models of infant emotional development and of therapeutic interaction. Our deeper appreciation of the subtleties and breadth of Winnicott’s (and related) concepts will open links to Gestalt theory and practice especially in terms of “the use of self.”

• $300

• 10 hours

• Instructor: Todd Senzon, LP

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

Students will master the basics of research and statistics, will be able to review and critique psychological, psychoanalytic and social research articles, including research design, analysis of samples, and understanding of qualitative and quantitative data.

• $450

• 15 Hours

• Instructor: Lina Jandorf, LMHC

Intrinsic to ethical practice is the therapist’s respect both for the patient and for the complex and profound relationship, the “space between,” that is co-created by the patient/therapist meeting. We will discuss the philosophical, legal, and professional foundations that come together to form the core of current ethical practice. 

• $450

• 15 Hours

• Instructor: Arleen Maiorano, LCSW, LP

• Fridays, 6pm - 9pm

• May 23 - July 18, 2025