This is the third course on our Psychotherapy Programme and the second of three years studying towards the MA in Gestalt Therapy. During this year, students begin to develop their facilitation skills by practising Gestalt therapy in individual settings.
Who takes this course?
This course follows on directly from the Postgraduate Certificate In Gestalt Therapy (the second course on the Psychotherapy Programme. It’s also an entry point for people who’ve successfully completed the Gestalt Counselling Programme. Occasionally, students enter the programme at this point with a degree (or equivalent experience) plus an understanding of the Gestalt approach and experience as a practitioner.
What the course offers
The emphasis is on developing facilitation skills, increasing understanding of the application of theory to practice and, conversely, the reflection of practice in theory. The training group (from Year 2) stays together, both as a learning laboratory and as a support for personal reflection; skills development is supported by peer and tutor feedback. There are 2 modules for this year:
Module PYP091GS is the theory module. It centres on a critical study of Gestalt theory, particularly exploring contemporary theoretical developments in Gestalt and considering the relationship of Gestalt theory to other significant models of psychotherapy. We introduce and consider the humanistic, cognitive behavioural and psychoanalytic group therapy theories.
Module PYP092GS is the Gestalt Therapy Practice module. Students develop practice skills both in an appropriate placement (if not already working with clients) and with their peers. We give attention to the development of self in the therapeutic role and the evaluation of interventions, both with individuals and in groups. We consider the issues of difference and diversity in the context of the practice of the psychotherapy. Students also learn how to write individual and group case studies.