Year One
Gestalt Therapy: Foundational Theory & Approach

In Year One students are introduced to Contemporary Gestalt with its emphasis on the interpersonal self and the restoration of a sense of belonging. Year One is a year unlike any other, where a return to creativity and spontaneity is encouraged through experiential learning within a supportive, diverse and dynamic group. The emphasis is on awareness of one’s own process with others through the interactive practice of foundational theories. In this way the Group becomes a living laboratory in which to explore how present-based awareness of yourself in relation to others leads to deeper recognition of the other. Students can expect to connect with others at the deepest level, and to discover aspects of self both mirrored in and inspired by group members. Learning acquired in Year One forms
the foundation of Gestalt therapy practice as developed across the five years.

Learning outcomes include:

• Gain familiarity with the foundational theories & methodology that birthed what we call Contemporary Gestalt Therapy

• Reclaim faith in embodied knowing – called empathy – as a natural part of the “program” of life

• Redefine spontaneity as emerging in relationship to the availability of supports in one’s environment & with others

• Learn the meaning of the “safe emergency” in which risks are defined as supported next steps in one’s own development, different from recklessness

• Learn the language of the body which is more ancient than words

• Reawaken the curiosity you had as a child and develop the ability to listen without having to know

• Develop curiosity in the “how” of who you are – your phenomenology – as it changes in different situations and with others

• Explore what happens at the boundary of experience

• Confront fear of intimacy and belonging and gain confidence in interpersonal skills.

Students are expected to complete:

• Oral and written exams

• 180 hours of experiential & didactic teaching

• A reflective journal as an ongoing personal response to the theory and practice learned in the classroom

• Personal therapy with a Gestalt psychotherapist: Students must complete a minimum of 15 hours of therapy by the end of Year One.

Successful completion of Year One includes assessment of understanding of theory, interpersonal skills including the ability to include the other and satisfactory attendance at classes.

Tuition Fee

• • $4900 plus residential fee
  • Five-Day May Residential fee of $840 includes accommodation and all meals.

*Travel arrangements are the responsibility of the individual

Frequently Asked Questions