How long is The Training Program?

The program is divided into three components. The first two years comprise the Personal Development Training portion of the program and Year 3 and Year 4+ comprise the Professional Development Training portion of the program, which is subsequently divided into the Advanced Gestalt Leadership Training, and Advanced Gestalt Therapist Training. Note that students in Year 4+ may take from 1 to 5 years to complete the requirements of their training.

What is the schedule of classes for The Training Program?

Regular classes are scheduled from September until April excluding December. Schedules of classes are as follows:

• Year 1: Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 10 pm, 3 times per month, plus one weekend per month including Friday: 7:30 to 10 pm; Saturday: 9:30 am to 9:30 pm; and Sunday: 9:30 am to 1 pm. Contact us for a detailed schedule.
• Year 2: Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 10 pm, 3 times per month, plus one weekend per month including Friday: 7:30 to 10 pm; Saturday: 9:30 am to 9:30 pm; and Sunday: 9:30 am to 1 pm. Contact us for a detailed schedule.
• Year 3: Thursday evenings from 5:15 to 7:15 pm, 3 times per month, plus one weekend per month including Friday: 7:30 to 10 pm; Saturday: 9:30 am to 6 pm; and Sunday: 9:30 am to 1 pm. Contact us for a detailed schedule.
• Year 4+: Wednesday evenings from 5:15 to 7:15 pm, 1-3 times per month, plus one weekend per month including Friday: 7:30 to 10 pm and Saturday: 9:30 am to 6 pm. Contact us for a detailed schedule.

How much are tuition fees?

Please refer to the Tuition Fees Policy under Training for a detailed schedule of fees and payment options.

Are tuition fees tax deductible?

Tuition fees for The Training Program and the One-Year Gestalt Training Program for Professionals are eligible for tax receipts in accordance with Human Resources Development Canada, for the sole purpose of Section 118.5 and 118.6 of the Income Tax Act, as a designated institution providing courses, (other than courses designed for university credit) that furnish a person with skills for, or improve a person's skills in a recognized occupation. Receipts are issued each February.

Are students eligible for OSAP?

No. Not at this time.

Do you offer bursaries?

Yes. Currently we have two bursaries available, the GIT Bursary and the Yes. Currently we have two bursaries available, the GIT Bursary and the Marsha Baillie, Courage, Choice, and Change Award. Students entering Year 3 or Year 4+ of The Training Program and meeting eligibility requirements may apply to receive bursaries. We hope to be able to offer more bursaries and awards in the future. , Courage, Choice, and Change Award. Students entering Year 3 or Year 4+ of The Training Program and meeting eligibility requirements may apply to receive bursaries. We hope to be able to offer more bursaries and awards in the future.

Do you offer any discounts?

Yes. Students enrolled in The Training Program and the One-Year Gestalt Training Program for Professionals are eligible for 50% off of all workshops offered at the GIT with the exception of the Gestalt Evening Series. In addition, family members of students are eligible for 25% off of all workshops offered at the GIT with the exception of the Gestalt Evening Series.

 What sort of documentation will I receive for completing The Training Program?

Upon successful completion of Year 2 you will receive a Certificate of Completion of the Two-Year Training in Gestalt Theory and Methodology.

Upon successful completion of Year 3 you will receive a Certificate of Completion of a Professional Program in Advanced Gestalt Leadership Training.

Upon successful competion of Year 4+ you will receive a Certificate of Completion of a Professional Program in Advanced Gestalt Therapy Training.

Only students who have completed all of the requirements of the Advanced Gestalt Therapist Training are eligible to go on to private practice as Gestalt Therapists.

If I complete the One-Year Gestalt Training Program for Professionals, will I then be considered a Gestalt Therapist?

No. Participants are awarded a Certificate of Completion of One Year Training in Gestalt Theory and Methodology following 150 hours of course time.

Only students who have completed all of the requirements of the Advanced Gestalt Therapist Training are eligible to go on to private practice as Gestalt Therapists. However, students who have completed the One-Year Gestalt Training Program for Professionals may be eligible to enter The Training Program at the start of Year 2.

How do I find a Gestalt therapist?

You may refer to our Graduates page for a listing of Gestalt therapists in private practice. Alternatively, you may contact us to speak to someone in the office, who will be happy to provide you with a referral.

I heard that you offer student sessions for $35 per session; is that true?

 Yes. Our post-graduate students operate the Student Clinic under the direction and supervision of the Faculty of the Gestalt Institute of Toronto at a rate of $35 per session. Student therapists are available in Toronto, Barrie, Hamilton, Niagara, and Peterborough.

How do I contact the Student Clinic?

You may contact the confidential Student Clinic voicemail box by calling 416-964-9464, extention 63. The Student Clinic intake coordinator will return your call promptly and set you up with a student therapist.

Are Gestalt therapy sessions covered by insurance?

If you have an extended health care plan through your employer or insurer, you may be covered for therapy sessions with a Gestalt therapist. Usually OHIP does not cover these sessions, with the exception of Gestalt therapists who are also psychiatrists or registered psychologists. At this time we do not have a list of Gestalt therapists whose care is covered by OHIP. Check with your employer or your insurer to determine what type of coverage you may be eligible for.