Course Structure in detail

There are six subject threads covered in the course: Personal Development, Phenomenology, Dialogue in the Therapeutic Relationship, Field Theory, Methods of Intervention and Experiment, Clinical Applications of Gestalt Therapy including Ethics and Values. This basic format is followed each year and is taught in greater depth and complexity in each successive level. Level Three and Four students will be supported at times to take the therapist role within the group setting.

Personal Development:

In this subject the focus is on the personal development of students as the basis for counseling and psychotherapy practice. In Gestalt practice using the “Self” as a “clean Tool” is a fundamental principle of effective therapeutic process. The emphasis on personal work gives students the first hand experience of the power and appropriateness of this therapeutic process. Students benefit both from their own work, as well as watching others work. As students advance they are able to track the application of a unit of work, and this develops an understanding of the theory. Personal development work occurs in three dimensions: in the role as client in the group setting, as part of the on-going group process, and individual one to one work with their own therapist.

Phenomenology:

This topic allows students to focus on one of the key elements of Gestalt Therapy - Phenomenology (Awareness). By heightening our awareness of how we construct our world, of our uniqueness, we can then as therapists have a respectful and empathic approach to exploring another person's world, and gain insight into the way they structure their world and give meaning to phenomena. Emphasis is also placed on the development of group process to foster professional and personal growth. Practice and supervision sessions allow the students to gain confidence in working as therapists and in managing a therapeutic session.

Dialogue:

Dialogue and the establishment and maintenance of a respectful and significant relationship between client and therapist is seen as intrinsic to the healing process. In this subject the principles and practices of Relational Dialogical Psychotherapy are examined as the basis of counseling and psychotherapy practice. This allows students to focus on one of the key elements of Gestalt Therapy - Dialogue (relationship) and the principles of dialogical psychotherapy which guide the therapist in their use of self and support in the therapeutic relationship. This subject also attends to the Gestalt Therapy models of the Contact episode, which helps the therapist map contact and the disruptions in contact in the therapy session. Emphasis is also placed on the development of group process to foster professional and personal growth. Practice and supervision sessions allow the students to gain confidence in working as therapists and in managing a therapeutic session.

Field Theory:

Students are supported to explore themselves and others in terms of perception and their issues emerging from a wider field. Support is given for maintaining openness and the appropriateness of interventions according to the tenants of holistic practice. In this subject the principles and practices of Field Theory are examined as the basis of counselling and psychotherapy practice. This allows students to focus on one of the key elements of Gestalt Therapy - Field Theory and the principles of the Field Sensitive Practice which guide the therapist in relating to the phenomenological field of the client.

Methodology and Experiment:

The aim of this subject is to enable the student to develop a solid understanding of the Gestalt Therapy Intervention methods and develop their ability to have clear clinical skills in working with individuals and groups. Gestalt involves the use of a number of elegant and powerful techniques, heightening awareness, and utilizing experiment which emerges naturally from therapeutic work on a process level. Students are encouraged to develop their own style of working within the Gestalt framework during 60 hours of supervised practice over 2 years.

Clinical Studies:

This subject explores the relationship between the Gestalt approach to diagnosis and the DSM-1V diagnostic categories. It is important that therapists be aware of the manifestations and possible origins of dysfunctions in human personality in order that these may serve as a guide for taking appropriate action. The Gestalt framework as applied to counseling is examined. Comparisons between Gestalt modalities (e.g. cognitive, behavioural, and psychodynamic) and other psychotherapies are also covered.

Ethics and Values:

This topic, taught within Clinical Studies, provides a study of the ethics and values in the practice of psychotherapy. Students are encouraged to reflect on their own personal values, beliefs and identity, facilitating self-awareness and professional responsibilities. Issues as cultural, personal and professional issues which impact on the therapeutic relationship will be discussed. Aspects of professional practice with specific reference to the GANZ Code of Ethical Behaviour are developed, in relation to the therapists' responsibilities to their clients, colleagues and to the community.