RGT Basic (RGTB)

This is a 60-hour training spread across six months of two full working days a month. This program facilitates a deeper understanding of RGT, it’s historical development and theoretical foundation. It provides an experiential and theoretical training for counselors and therapists in working relationally using a Gestalt Therapy approach. Theoretical classes and hands on clinical practice with live supervision to integrate theory with practice will be provided. Those who demonstrate an aptitude and interest will be eligible for the four-year RGT Integrated training program.

RGT Integrated

This training program requires not less than1400 hours of training, supervision and personal therapy across four years of experiential and theoretical training. This program will cover the major schools of psychotherapy. Theoretical classes and hands on clinical practice with live supervision to integrate theory with practice will be provided. At the completion of the program trainees will be eligible for Certificate in Relational Gestalt Therapy. Our purpose is to support therapists in developing skills and competency in relational and assimilative practice and facilitate the building of a community of relational practitioners.

This training is aimed to adhere closely to the EAP’s (European Association of Psychotherapists) criteria for basic professional training, and includes the following elements:

Personal Psychotherapeutic Experience, or equivalent

This should be taken to include training analysis, self-experience, and other methods involving elements of self-reflection, therapy, and personal experience (not less than 250 hours of which 120 hours would be individual therapy) normally spread over 4 years.

Theoretical Study

There will be a general part of university or professional training, and a part that is specific to psychotherapy. University or professional courses leading to a university degree or its equivalent professional qualification in subjects relevant to psychotherapy may be allowed as a part of, or the whole of, the general part of psychotherapy theory, but cannot contribute towards the 4 years of specific psychotherapy training. Theoretical study (800 hours) during the 4 years of training specific to psychotherapy should include the following elements:

• Theories of human development throughout the life-cycle
• An understanding of other psychotherapeutic approaches
• A theory of change
• An understanding of social and cultural issues in relation to psychotherapy
• Theories of psychopathology
• Theories of assessment and intervention

Practical Training

This will include sufficient practice (not less than 300 hours) under continuous supervision (not less than 150 hours) appropriate to the psychotherapeutic modality.

Placement in a mental health setting or equivalent professional experience

The placement must provide adequate experience of psycho-social crisis and of collaboration with other specialists in the mental health field.