Course Philosophy

The course seeks to develop a sense of personal agency and unique style, married with skills and knowledge. Being an experiential therapy, Gestalt education entails a significant amount of personal exploration and a willingness to ‘Risk Being Alive'. However, the program is not solely therapeutic, and participants need to have the self support to handle the intensity of the training process.

The aim is to equip each person with a strong theoretical and philosophical grasp of Gestalt, as well as assist them to a point of personal integration and readiness to work with others in a Gestalt framework. A climate of authenticity is fostered during the course and each person is supported in their personal growth. A deepening of awareness and responsibility is facilitated, and creative experimentation is encouraged.

Gestalt therapy supports people to live without recipes, to find their own creative way through life; the training echoes this approach. Rather than give students a set of recipes on ‘how to do therapy', the learning is how to trust in the process.

Knowledge and skills are essential in Gestalt practice, and are underpinned by a fundamental faith in human resilience and the ability of people to uncover their own truths. The ‘empty vessel' model of learning is discouraged, and students are encouraged to have faith in their own wisdom rather adopt theories or beliefs without question.