Short Courses for 2023

3-Part Online Class Series for Psychotherapists
Being With What Is—Living Gestalt’s Paradoxical Theory of Change

Working relationally requires us to grow our ability to meet what comes and stay present—to stay right with whatever shows up. This is simple, but not at all easy. We know that staying present and open-hearted for the fear, shame, impatience, hope, dread, judgment and everything else we humans encounter will make way for real change—but we resist! So we start right here, by welcoming the resistance…

In this unique workshop series Michelle Seely (LMFT), will teach practical and effective ways we can tend to ourselves and our patients when the very hardest emotions show up.

Learn to increase your skills, deepen your ability to embody, and make use of Relational Gestalt theory and Buddhist psychology as we weave them together allowing each to shed light on the other. You’ll have new skills to find your way back to the ground of the present moment when you feel overwhelmed or unsure of what to do in your personal life or in a client session.

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Program Highlights

The main pillars of Relational Gestalt theory can be seen as north stars—they orient us toward what is—and we can return to them again and again when we notice we have strayed into trying to control things. Buddhist teaching and stories can reorient us in the same way. With these lenses we can learn to find and to trust the wisdom in our own struggles. Phrases like “what is in the way, is the way” begin to make sense and light the path.

Each monthly session will begin with a short period of guided practice in Shamatha meditation. This eyes-open meditation practice is particularly well suited to our work as relational therapists. We will then explore Relational Gestalt theory and Buddhist psychology ideas through lecture, discussion, direct work with our own challenges, breakout exercises, Q & A, and home practice.

This Is An Experiential Class Series

Here’s What’s Included In Each Monthly 3-Hour Class Session:

  • Class resources to explore integration of Gestalt theory and Buddhist psychology
  • Discussion and small group exercises for practice and exploration of our own blocks, challenges, delights, and passions
  • Support for putting the ideas to use in your own life
  • Monthly guided meditation audios and written materials you can download and keep to continue the work after the course.
  • Guided Meditation Instruction in Shamatha meditation practice. (Shamatha is a Sanskrit word that is translated as “the practice of tranquility.”)
  • 9 CEs available for full attendance + completion of course surveys

Class Series Fee: $450
Early Bird rate of $375 until January 15, 2023
Click Below To Register Today –Pay Before January 15th and Save $75!

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Class Series Schedule:

3 Sunday mornings from 9:00 am-12:00 pm Pacific Standard Time

  • February 12, 2023: 9:00 am-12:00 pm PST
  • March 12, 2023: 9:00 am-12:00 pm PST
  • April 16, 2023: 9:00 am-12:00 pm PST

Program Requirements:

This is an intermediate level class appropriate for students who have at least one year of training at Pacific Gestalt Institute, or who have familiarity with relational gestalt theory concepts such as the paradoxical theory of change, dialogue, field theory, and the phenomenological method. If you have knowledge of Buddhist psychology but not of Gestalt and are interested in this class, or if you have any questions—please email Michelle Seely and we can discuss whether this class will be a good fit for you.

Learning Goals

Refund Policy:

Once accepted into the program, any cancellation notice must be received 30 days in advance of the program starting date and an administrative fee of $75 will apply. There are no refunds after that date or for missed days during the course.

About the Instructor:

Michelle Seely (LMFT, PGI Faculty) is a licensed therapist and accomplished teacher of gestalt and meditation who has trained and supervised licensed therapists and associates in the United States and internationally. She has served on the core faculty at the Pacific Gestalt Institute for over a decade and is a contributing author to the academic anthology, The Relational Heart of Gestalt Therapy (Routledge 2022). She has a private practice in Los Angeles.

Michelle has developed techniques that integrate gestalt theory and somatic practices with Buddhist psychology and mindfulness for a mind-body-spirit approach to therapy. She has taught Mindful Self-Compassion programs privately and with InsightLA Meditation. She is president emeritus of the Gestalt Therapy Institute of Los Angeles (GTILA), where she also served on the executive board for eight years.

Continuing Education for Psychologists, MFTs and LCSWs: 9 hours

Pacific Gestalt Institute (PGI) Provider #PCE 369

PGI is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. PGI maintains responsibility for this program and its content. The California Board of Behavioral Sciences recognizes APA approved CE providers for MFT’s and LCSW’s.

Class Series Fee: $450
Early Bird rate of $375 until January 15, 2023
Click Below To Register Today –Pay Before January 15th and Save $75!

Register Now

Faculty

Armin Baier
L.C.S.W., J.D.

Ren Barnebey
M.F.T.

Christine Campbell
M.F.T., A.T.R.

Lynne Jacobs
Ph.D.

Michelle Seely
M.F.T.

Gary Yontef
Ph.D., A.B.P.P.

Pacific Gestalt Institute

1800 Fairburn Ave
Suite 103
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Tel: 323-418-2648