Foundation in Gestalt Therapy Theory Studies
(leading to the award of an Advanced Diploma in Professional Development from London Metropolitan University)

Group & Individual work

This one-year course offers an excellent introduction to the experience and concepts of Gestalt Therapy. It will be of interest to those who want to gain in depth experience of individual and group practice and theory for their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits and personal development. For example those who:

• work in primary care i.e. doctors, nurse practitioners, counsellors.
• work in management and consultancy and want to develop an understanding of Gestalt and an awareness of group processes.
• work in counselling or therapy and want to gain experience of the gestalt approach to integrate into their practice.
• intend to join the M.A. programme but do not have sufficient knowledge or experience of gestalt methods or a relevant first degree equivalent.

The course provides a year of creative immersion in Gestalt Therapy Theory and application. The practical and personal learning in the training groups and in individual therapy is supported and clarified by the study of gestalt texts and the writing of essays so that students gain a lived, thorough understanding and assimilation of the theory and philosophy.

Students develop awareness of their ways of relating to themselves and to others. Within the safety and challenge of the group, they explore new and more creative ways of being and relating whilst also becoming able to discuss their experience from a Gestalt perspective.

There are three modules in the year. They are:

• Module 1: Gestalt Therapy Theory: key concepts and relating theory to everyday life
• Module 2: Gestalt Therapy Practice: direct experience of gestalt methods, and development of personal awareness.
• Module 3: Applications of Gestalt Therapy Theory: use of Gestalt Therapy Theory to analyse and consider possible interventions in particular applications such as health, social provision, coaching or organizational relationships.

Annual Course Structure:

There are three 12-week terms in the year commencing in September.

Weekly Course Meetings
Wednesdays 5:30pm to 9:00pm

• 28 tutor led evenings
• 3 self-resourced evenings
• 3 apprentice led evenings
• 34 peer study sessions
• 5 tutor led weekends

Additional Course Requirements include

• 1 five day residential
• 1 tutorial per term
• personal study time
• individual therapy (1 hour weekly)

Assignments

• 2 essays
• self and peer written assessments
• participation in study group presentation

Entry Requirements

A high level of communication skills both oral and written. Emotional maturity and life experience with a capacity and openness for personal exploration and ability to respond appropriately to feedback. A capacity and openness for personal exploration and ability to respond appropriately to feedback.

It is desirable for applicants to have a professional qualification and/or experience in the fields of mental health work, social work, counselling, education management. Consideration will be given, however, to those thinking about making a career change into psychotherapy from other backgrounds.

The Advanced Diploma in Professional Development is validated by London Metropolitan University (level three undergraduate)

For applicants to the MA Programme who do not fulfil the entry requirements of a relevant first degree or equivalent and/or previous gestalt experience, this year provides access to MA.