Key details
Format | Online via Zoom
Duration | 3 × 2-hour workshops
Time | 6.30 – 8.30 pm (AEDT)
Fees | $65 per workshop (includes GST). You can purchase tickets for individual workshops or multiple workshops in one transaction.
Facilitated by | Tony Jackson (Gestalt therapist, GTA Faculty & MD Gestalt Centre)
Workshops
- Field theory | Thu 12 Mar, 6.30–8.30 pm.
- Phenomenology | Thu 16 Apr, 6.30–8.30 pm.
- Dialogue | Thu 14 May, 6.30–8.30 pm.
About this series
Overview
Join us for a series of workshops explorating the three foundational pillars that underpin relational gestalt therapy: field theory, phenomenology, and dialogue.
These workshops offers a comprehensive introduction to the philosophical and practical foundations of gestalt thinking. Through experiential learning, you'll discover how these interconnected pillars inform a holistic and compassionate approach to personal development, relationships, and therapeutic practice.
You can choose to attend these workshops individually, or as a series. A certificate of completion is available upon request. We recommend that you attend all 3 workshops to build a holistic picture of gestalt thinking.
What are the three pillars of gestalt?
Field Theory: Field theory recognises that behaviour is a function of the person and the environment together—neither can be viewed in isolation. We are all beings situated within multiple and interrelated spheres of influence, from personal history to cultural context, from relationships to environment. Understanding ourselves as embedded in these fields supports us to be more curious about our own lives and the lives of those around us. This contextual lens shifts our inquiry from "What's wrong with me?" to "How does this make sense?", fostering humility and compassion whilst honouring the co-dependent nature of individual and environmental fields.
Phenomenology: Phenomenology invites us to explore immediate, present-moment experience with curiosity and openness—attending to our sensory experience, bodily sensations, thoughts, feelings, and the ways we make meaning. Rather than seeking to uncover what lies beneath experience, phenomenology works with presenting phenomena, allowing space for awareness and meaning to emerge. Through phenomenological inquiry, we become more attuned to the here and now, developing greater awareness and presence. In gestalt therapy, we focus on the "what" and "how" of experience rather than the "why", honouring the unique ways each person reaches out to and makes sense of their world.
Dialogue: Dialogue represents a way of being in relationship that trusts the between and is willing to surrender to what emerges there. In dialogue, meaning is not found in one person or the other, but only in the dialogue itself—in the "between" which people live together. Through dialogue, we discover who we are in relationship, exploring the intersubjective patterns that emerge and recognising that in any meeting, both parties are changed. Dialogue is built on the values of presence, confirmation, authenticity, and inclusion, creating the ground for profound relational healing and the affirmation of each other's humanity.
What can I expect?
These experiential workshops will introduce you to the building blocks of relational gestalt and their role in personal development and therapy.
They are highly interactive. You'll practise and apply key concepts through pairs and small group activities. We'll introduce you to our inquiry-based teaching methodology and explore how these three pillars weave in and out of one another, with the relational perspective at the core of each.
By the end of the series, you'll have a deeper understanding of:
- How field theory, phenomenology, and dialogue inform gestalt therapy
- How to apply the three pillars in personal and professional contexts
- The philosophical roots of gestalt theory and the role of a gestalt therapist
- Pathways to further learning with Gestalt Therapy Australia
Is this for me?
This series is designed for anyone interested in learning more about gestalt therapy—whether you're looking to apply gestalt principles to your current work, enrich your personal life, or explore the possibility of becoming a gestalt therapist.
Past participants have come from diverse professional backgrounds, including psychology, social work, youth work, counselling, occupational therapy, nursing, pastoral care, people management (HR), coaching, engineering, and consulting.
No previous experience with gestalt therapy is required. All that's needed is curiosity and a willingness to explore.
Testimonial
"I love the training you offer, it’s given me incredible growth opportunities and has supported me at work and in life in so many ways. Thank you!" Anna
About your facilitator
Tony Jackson, Managing Director, Gestalt Centre
B.Theol, BA.Psych, GradDip.Counselling, AdvDip.Gestalt Therapy, GradDip.Supervision, M.GANZ
Tony is a psychotherapist, facilitator and coach with over 20 years of experience. Tony works with people to support resilience and wellbeing and helps them develop a sense of vitality and choice in their lives. He provides supervision for psychotherapists which assists them to deepen their own personal and professional capacities. Tony also provides training for individuals and groups that focuses on building responsiveness to individual and group needs in emergent situations.
About the Gestalt Centre
The Gestalt Centre is the heart of Melbourne’s Gestalt community. We offer a four-year psychotherapy training program through Gestalt Therapy Australia, staying true to the experiential roots of Gestalt while embracing cutting-edge developments in contemporary Gestalt thinking and practice worldwide.
We also operate ConnectGround, a community-based counselling and psychotherapy clinic. ConnectGround serves as both a training facility for psychotherapists and a provider of low-cost individual and group therapy for clients. The clinic emphasises the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist as a key support for building awareness and adaptability. Psychotherapy interns and volunteers gain valuable hands-on experience, enhancing their skills and professionalism through client work.
Refund policy
Refunds are available up to 7 days before the event.
Please note:
In the unlikely event that this workshop is cancelled or postponed, registration fees will be fully refunded. Please note that the organisers are not responsible for any travel, accommodation, or other costs incurred by participants.
