"Contact is the means by which we feed ourselves, by which we understand, orient and meet our needs…. [It] stands at the ontic center of the psychology and spiritual development unique to our human existence."
- Lynne Jacobs

Training Programs

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.

Below is a listing of our programs, all of which feature our focus on the therapeutic relationship in the therapy process. Clicking on the links will take you to a page of details, including dates, fees, and a description of the program.

  • On-going Weekend Trainings
    For people who want either a single-year or multi-year training experience. The multi-year training can lead to certification as a Gestalt therapist. Beginning and advanced groups available.
  • Residential Program: Relational Gestalt Therapy
    One week in which the background of relational theory is explicated and new theory and practice are explored. Join us this year for a special 10th Anniversary celebration, with guest faculty Donna Orange, Ph.D.,Psy.D., and Frank M. Staemmler, Dipl.-Psych.
  • Short Program: A Taste of Gestalt Therapy
    An introduction to contemporary gestalt therapy, for people new to gestalt therapy and for "old hands" who want to be updated.
  • Workshops by PGI Faculty
    Training workshops offered by PGI faculty in other venues, both national and international.
  • Supervision and Study Groups
    On-going case consultation, readings and discussion of gestalt therapy.
Locations

Most of our training takes place in West Los Angeles or Santa Monica, California.

Organizational Affiliate

If you are seeking training in a relational perspective on gestalt therapy and you live in the Pacific Northwest, consider our colleagues at the Portland Gestalt Therapy Institute. For more information contact or call (503) 224-3833.

Faculty

Lynne Jacobs, Ph.D., Lillian Norton, M.D., M.F.T., L.A.D.C., Jan Ruckert, Ed.D., Friedemann Schulz, M.F.T., and Gary Yontef, Ph.D., F.A.Clin.P.

Continuing Education

Pacific Gestalt Institute is approval by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Pacific Gestalt Institute maintains responsibility for the program and its content. As of January, 2002, APA ponsor credit is accepted for MCEP credit in California. PGI maintains responsibility for the program. PGI is also a continuing education provider approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists and Licensed Clinical Social Workers.

Non Discrimination Policy

All Students and qualified professionals are welcome without regard to gender, race, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religion, or disability.

© 2007 Pacific Gestalt Institute