Online and In-Person Weekend Training Program

Weekend Training Program 2024/2025

Our program includes five weekend intensives of experiential and didactic training. Some of our program groups are open to those around the globe and others are designed for those in Southern California. In-person training groups will be offered this year depending on enrollment.  This program is open to licensed and pre-licensed psychotherapists only. Beginning and advanced groups are available. Trainees are assigned to training groups with people of varying backgrounds and experience, with each group limited in size to approximately twelve participants. Lecture, discussion and actual “hands-on” clinical practice with live supervision are included in each weekend to help integrate theory with practice. This is a multiyear program, but trainees enroll for one year at a time. Those who continue through to the advanced level may be eligible for the certification process as a gestalt therapist.

Like most gestalt therapy training programs, we value in-depth experiential learning. Aspects of gestalt therapy theory are complex, and without direct experience, the concepts are difficult to grasp in a useable format. Our learning process is replete with experiments, with practicing a gestalt approach with each other in small groups, and with practicing in your larger “home” groups, as well. You might also find yourself being asked to work as a “model” patient with the trainer in your home group. Inevitably, this mode of learning means you will be vulnerable at times. This is all a bit of a balancing act, because the training group is not a therapy group, yet the learning requires that we sometimes make ourselves vulnerable in similar ways to therapy. Before committing to the program, please “check-in” with yourself to consider whether you are willing to participate in such a way. If so, a rich experience awaits.

Program Highlights

Learn the theory of relational gestalt therapy which is taught systematically
and interwoven into the experiential part of the program.

• Observe demonstrations by faculty
• Function as a therapist under direct supervision of faculty in a supportive and accepting milieu
• Integrate practice and theoretical principles
• Learn and work with your “growing edge”
• Develop your own style of therapy

Our purpose is to support trainees to develop skills and competence in gestalt therapy theory and practice. We strive to integrate relational gestalt therapy principles with the unique personal style of each participant and facilitate the building of a supportive learning community. We also strongly recommend that our trainees enter their own gestalt therapy.

A list of qualified gestalt therapists practicing in your area is available upon request.

2024-2025 Weekend Training Year Schedule. The meetings are in Pacific Time.

Tuition for the year is $2300.

A $500 deposit will be required to hold your spot. You may submit your deposit with your application. The deposit is fully refundable during the application process. If you withdraw after acceptance into the program, then a $75 administrative fee applies. Any cancellation notice must be received 30 days in advance of the program starting date. There are no refunds after that date or for missed weekends during the training year.

Disclosure regarding required texts: Generally, reading materials will be provided at no cost, but in some cases students may be required to obtain books, some of which are written by presenters or faculty who may benefit from the sale of these books.

Continuing Education for Psychologists, MFTs and LCSWs: 50 CE hours
For more information about continuing education, click here to visit our
co-sponsor. 

Complete and submit your application here.

*SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION: For those who reside in the U.S., partial Need-Based scholarships in the amount of $100 – $350 per applicant are available. In order to encourage a diverse student population, we’re offering more flexible need-based scholarships to People of Color who reside in the U.S.  For those who reside outside the United States, we’re also offering an International Need-Based scholarship.  

Apply for a scholarship here.

Additional scholarships are also available through the Gestalt Therapy Institute of Los Angeles.

For questions email Stella Chesler: pacificgestaltinstitute@gmail.com.