GIR Student training and certificate program
GESTALT INSTITUTE OF THE ROCKIES
CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
The Gestalt Institute of the Rockies is a teaching and learning community, nestled in the foothills of Colorado. At the Gestalt Institute, we believe Gestalt is a philosophy and a way of being, not just a set of therapeutic techniques. Our Certificate Program trains students to move beyond traditional talk therapy to enhance the depth and effectiveness of therapeutic relationships.
The Certificate Program is designed for counselors and psychotherapists in training, as well as seasoned mental health professionals, other consultants, and coaching professionals. Our Certificate Program incorporates theoretical, practical, and experiential learning using classroom instruction, group workshops, and personalized training (PT) sessions. You will learn the theory and creative process of Gestalt therapy. You will be supported to explore and dive deep into your own process and be challenged to grow and stretch both personally and professionally. We hold the belief that we cannot ask our clients to go where we ourselves have not yet gone. You will learn that the therapeutic relationship and quality of contact is paramount, and to trust the organic, co-creative process between you and your client.
CERTIFICATE CRITERIA and REQUIREMENTS
Students are eligible to receive a non-accredited Certificate in Gestalt psychotherapy by demonstrating competency in Gestalt principles while attending courses, participating in personalized training (PT) sessions, and completing assessment reviews. Students must complete all Certificate criteria before they are eligible to receive a Certificate.
Criteria 1: Completion of Courses.
Students must complete all 4 courses offered by the Institute and meet attendance requirements for every course. The Certificate Program is designed to be completed in as little as 2 years (or 4 semesters), with Students taking 1 course per semester.
1. Course Content and Length.Courses are offered during spring and fall semesters every year. Substantive material discussed during each course does not build on top of one another. Students may complete any or all courses in the order of their choice, and are not required to complete courses in any particular order. The Institute offers courses in the following substantive topics below:
Course
Course Description
Course A
Gestalt Basic Concepts, Contact & Contact Boundary Disturbances, Therapeutic Circle & Experiments, & the Cycle of Experience.
Course B
Gestalt & Working with Attachment & Development, Gestalt Somatic Process and Working with the Body.
Course C
Gestalt and Creativity, Trauma, Gestalt and physiology, & the Field of Presence.
Course D
Applications of Gestalt to Family and Couples, Systemic work, & Working Therapeutically with the inner child.
2. Individual classes.Each course consists of 2 classes per month, for a total of 8 classes per course every semester. Classes are typically held on two consecutive days per month, and each class is approximately 7 hours long.
Lectures. On the first day of class each month, Students attend lecture in a classroom-type setting. All lectures are videorecorded, regardless of whether they take place in person, or online.
Workings. On the second day of class each month, Students participate in mock therapy sessions, called “workings.” During workings, Students practice applying Gestalt concepts as a therapist and/or client to enhance comprehension. In the therapist role, Students receive live feedback; in the client role, Students bring real-life topics to the workings to deepen their personal awareness and growth. Workings are not videorecorded.
3. In-person and Online Format. Courses are offered in in-person or online format.
3.1 Course Locations. In-person classes are held at the Institute, located at 7550 W. Yale Ave., Ste. B-204, Denver, Colorado 80227. Online classes are held via Zoom videoconference.
3.2 Course Availability and Scheduling. In-person courses, and online courses, are offered on a rotating basis every semester. Course availability depends on the format in which the course is offered (in person, or online). A schedule of the Institute’s upcoming Semesters and Course availability is provided below. For the most updated information on upcoming Semester schedules and courses offered, please visit our website.
Spring or Fall Semester Online Courses Offered In-Person Courses Offered
Spring 2025 Course C Course D
Fall 2025 Course D Course A
Spring 2026 Course A Course B
Fall 2026 Course B Course C
Spring 2027 Course C Course D
Fall 2027 Course D Course A
Please note: There is no difference in substantive material between any course held in-person or online. A course offered in person during one semester will cover the same substantive material when it is offered online during a different semester.
3.3 Mix-and-Matching Course Formats. There is no requirement that Students complete all 4 courses solely in-person, or solely online. However, Students should be aware that each course is only offered in online, or in-person format, once every 2 years. Consequently, for Students who wish to complete all 4 courses within 2 years (4 semesters), mix-and-matching course formats is not recommended.
3.4 Switching Course Formats. Since in-person and online courses cover different substantive material during any given semester, Students may not switch from one course to the other once a semester has commenced.
4. Attendance Requirements.Students are expected to attend all classes for every course.
4.1 If a Student misses more than 2 classes for any given course, that course is considered incomplete, and does not count toward the Student’s Certificate Program requirements.
4.2 Although a Student may continue attending the remaining classes of any incomplete course, they must retake and complete the course to fulfill this Program criteria.
4.3 Refunds. There will be no refunds issued for any Student to fails to attend the required number of classes for each course. Students are expected to pay the full cost of any course they retake.
Criteria 2: Personalized Training (PT).
Personalized training (PT) offers the opportunity to deepen a Student’s understanding of Gestalt concepts covered in Courses; provide substantive feedback on a Student’s performance; identify areas of improvement and strengthen a Student’s application of Gestalt principles; and conceptualize cases from a Gestalt perspective.
PT Requirements. Students must complete 12 hours of individual or small-group PT with any staff member or guest faculty member of the Institute (“Institute Faculty”). It is recommended that Students participate in PT while they attend courses.
Individual and group settings. PT can be completed in an individual setting (one-on-one sessions lasting for 1 hour each), or in a small group setting (2-4 individuals in sessions lasting for 2 hours each). Students may mix-and-match PT hours in different settings, however, Students must complete at least 6 hours of individual PT out of the total PT hourly requirement.
Format. PT may be completed in-office, via telephone, and/or via Zoom. Institute Faculty may exercise discretion regarding their preferred method of completing PT hours.
Payment policies and Fees. Students are billed by Institute Faculty for PT hours. Students are expected to arrange payment for PT hours with Institute Faculty.
Students may not complete PT with any Institute Faculty with whom Student has a familial, therapeutic, or interpersonal relationship.
Criteria 3: Assessment Review and Pre-Graduation Interview.
Students must meet with a core Institute Faculty member who will assess and review the Student’s fulfillment of Certificate Program criteria, including the Student’s completion of required courses and PT. Additionally, Students must submit an in-depth written essay or video presentation on Gestalt theory.
Criteria 4: Demonstrated Competency.
Students must demonstrate the ability to learn, comprehend, utilize, and apply Gestalt theory in the classroom and during workings; throughout PT; and as part of their assessment review.
GENERAL DISCLAIMERS
1. The Institute retains sole discretion over whether a Student has satisfied Certificate Program criteria and requirements, and demonstrated the competency necessary to earn their Certificate. The Institute retains sole discretion to decline to award a Certificate to any Student who does not fulfill Certificate Program requirements, or who does not demonstrate the competency necessary to earn their Certificate.
2. Non-accreditation. The Institute’s Certificate Program, including its criteria for certification, and its Certificate in Gestalt psychotherapy, is not accredited by any local, state, or national, private or public accrediting organization.
3. Intellectual Property. Unless otherwise stated, proprietary information, trade secrets, and all materials created, distributed, or provided by the Institute are the intellectual property of the Institute. Copyright and other intellectual property laws protect these materials.
4. Confidential Information. It is a core value of the Institute that its faculty, staff, and all Students uphold fundamental principles of confidentiality concerning information shared during any activity, class, lecture, working, and any Certificate Program activity. The Institute retains the right to terminate any Student’s enrollment for failure to adhere to this value. Students are also expected to comply with all applicable legal, professional, and ethical obligations regarding the confidentiality and privacy of confidential information.
5. Registration and Records Policy. Students are responsible for registering for all required Program criteria as necessary. Students are responsible for maintaining an up-to-date record of fulfillment of Certificate Program criteria, including courses and classes attended, completion of PT hours, and fulfillment of any other Program requirement.
6. No Employment Relationship. Enrollment of any Student at the Institute does not create an employment relationship between Student and the Institute.
7. Liability Insurance. Students who are practicing Gestalt principles in therapeutic settings outside of the Institute, including Students practicing Gestalt principles on clients, are expected to carry and maintain professional liability insurance in compliance with their license, and any other state or federal law.
8. Mental Health Disclaimer. The Institute is not responsible for the mental health of any Student.
The Institute is a training institution, and does not provide nor offer personal psychotherapy services. Information provided by the Institute is intended only for educational and training purposes, and is not a substitute for personal psychotherapy advice or treatment.
Enrollment in any of the Institute’s classes, seminars, courses, workshops, and Programs does not create a therapeutic relationship between any Student and the Institute and its faculty. Students with psychotherapy needs are expected to seek therapeutic services outside of the Institute.
There may be risks associated with participating in activities provided by the Institute and its Certificate Program, including classes, seminars, courses, workings, and PT. Such risks include, but are not limited to, emotional and mental health distress. Students are expected to manage their personal mental health and therapeutic needs arising from or related to any activity provided by the Institute.
Classroom Behavior and Safety Policy. Students are expected to be kind, courteous, and respectful of others.
9. Classroom Behavior and Safety Policy. Students are expected to be kind, courteous, and respectful of others.
Non-Discrimination Statement. The Institute does not tolerate discriminatory and hateful behavior by or against any individual based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected trait. Discriminatory and hateful behavior is absolutely prohibited, and the Institute may take affirmative or remediate action as necessary to ensure that applicants, Students, employees, faculty, and staff are treated without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected trait.
Sexual Misconduct Statement. Sexual misconduct is absolutely prohibited. It is a central value of the Institute to maintain a learning space free of sexual harassment or exploitation of applicants, Students, employees, faculty, staff, and administrators. All forms of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, are prohibited. The Institute may take affirmative, investigative, or remediate action as necessary to ensure the safety of applicants, Students, employees, faculty, staff, and administrators.
The Institute retains the right to take affirmative, investigative, or remediate action, up to and including termination of a Student’s enrollment, for misconduct or any other behavior that creates an unsafe environment for the Institute, its faculty and staff, and its Students.
10. Continued Enrollment Eligibility. The Institute retains the right to dismiss or discharge any Student from any class, working, or Program activity, or terminate a Student’s enrollment:
If the health, safety, or welfare of Student, Institute faculty and staff, or any other Student is jeopardized by continuation of the Student’s enrollment and this Agreement.
If Student engages in conduct or is subject to any allegations or investigation that reflects poorly on the reputation of the Institute. Activities that reflect poorly on the reputation of the Institute include, but are not limited to, violations of law or a Student’s professional or ethical obligations, or participation by Student in academic dishonesty, sexual misconduct, discrimination, or hateful behavior.
For Student’s non-compliance with the Institute’s policies and procedures regarding classroom behavior, including disruption of trainings, workings, seminars, and other activities provided or delivered by the Institute.
If the Institute determines that the Student is unable to manage personal mental health needs which disrupts provision of training or education services at the Institute or creates an unsafe learning environment for any Student.
For non-payment of course fees, PT fees, or any other fee related to the provision of training and education services at the Institute.