The internship is an apprenticeship in gestalt psychotherapy that provides students with the opportunity work with clients in a supportive and collegial learning environment.
ConnectGround is a community clinic in Melbourne that offers low-cost counselling and psychotherapy services. It is staffed by GTA interns and volunteers who are supervised by a highly skilled clinical team. ConnectGround provides a unique opportunity for students to gain real-world experience in working with clients in a supportive and professional setting.
Internships begin in the third year of the program and provide students with the chance to put their learning into action. Interns carry a case load of 3 clients per week and receive fortnightly group and individual supervision, as well as access to professional development opportunities. ConnectGround currently offers more than 20 internships and spaces for over 60 clients per week.
The internship is an apprenticeship in gestalt psychotherapy that provides students with the opportunity to work with clients in a supportive and collegial learning environment. This also helps grow gestalt therapists and offers vital relational support to people who would not otherwise be able to afford it.
Studying Relational Gestalt Therapy at GTA has had a profound impact on my personal life, in particular my relationships. I have experienced personal relationships transform in unexpected and beautiful ways.
Natalie, GTA Student.
Upon completing the training program, students are eligible for student membership of PACFA. To gain full membership, you will need to log 200 hours of face-to-face client contact hours. Students can count all their client contact hours for this purpose, as well as hours made up in other settings. Some interns continue in the clinic and others return post-graduation as volunteers to get more practice and meet the required hours for full membership.
Group and individual supervision are mandatory for all active interns. Students who have enough experience and opportunities to practice can apply for an exemption from the internship. In some cases, a shorter placement may be available for students who meet certain criteria.
The clinic staff at ConnectGround balance the needs of students and clients to provide high-quality counselling and psychotherapy services to the community.
