Post Graduate Certificate in Gestalt Therapy Theory Studies

This is the first year of the academic M.A. programme. It is a year of in-depth assimilation of Gestalt Therapy theory and practice. Individuals entering the training at this level will already have some experience of the Gestalt approach and will further develop their understanding both experientially in individual therapy and group work as well as through the study of texts and the preparation of essays and presentations.

There is a focus on:

• developing awareness of individual contact styles and how this affects dialogue
• deepening understanding of the actuality of group phenomenology (the whole is different from the sum of the parts)
• understanding the above in gestalt theoretical terms.

There are 2 modules for this year:

Module 2.1 provides theoretical development with a focus on core Gestalt therapy principles and concepts.

Module 2.2 focuses on personal and practical development. In the second half of the year, students begin skills practice and consider issues in relation to working with clients.

Annual Course Structure

Weekly Course Meetings
Wednesdays 5.30pm - 9.00pm

• 28 tutor led evenings
• 3 self-resourced evenings
• 2 apprentice led evenings
• 34 peer study sessions
• 5 weekends
• 1 five day Centre residential
• 3 tutorials (half hour)
• 1 skills practice day
• weekly personal therapy

Assignments

• 3 essays of 2500 words
• 1 self reflective assessments
• participation in shared-learning study groups and presentations

Completion of the Post Graduate Certificate, or its equivalent, is a requirement for entry to the Post Graduate Diploma programme.

Entry Requirements

• A high level of communication both oral and written
• First degree or equivalent professional qualification
• Experience of work in the fields of: mental health; social work; counselling; health; education.
• Previous individual and group therapy experience of Gestalt group work and understanding of Gestalt theory (min. 150 hours)
• 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

Completion of the Post Graduate Certificate, or its equivalent, is a requirement for entry to the Post Graduate Diploma.