The Gestalt Therapy Institute in The Netherlands, offers the possibility to do a 3-year trajectory, that leads to a CoachCounselor diploma. For students who want to obtain a Gestalt Therapist accreditation, there is an additional year of study.

​

Central to this is the development of a professional basic attitude of dialogue and support. The Gestalt method has an essentially different approach than what is offered in the market from a Cognitive-Behavioural, Systemic and Contextual perspective. It starts from the premise that the quality of the relationship between client and counselor is the most important factor that makes the counseling have the desired effect. An approach that is too structured or protocol-based and that ignores this fact in its pursuit of effect, results and solutions will ultimately have the opposite effect and slow down or even block the guidance process.
 

The starting point is that, in any case, we essentially distinguish two types of difficulties in human existence, not just one. On the one hand, people have the task of developing personal independence, on the other hand, learning to put themselves in the shoes of others is necessary in order to be sincere. Perception of others is necessary in order to be truly meaningful. People who do not know this 'bandwidth' of life have a hard time.
 

The training focuses extensively on this human dilemma, by putting the necessary focus on the relational aspect between people: the quality of how people relate to and interact with each other, and learning to independently develop the relational capacity to help their situation (including those who are part of it) move forward.
That is why we tune in to be compassionate. We form our human attunement through contact and 'care-frontation' with others. This is about rediscovering the reality that can arise between people in the here-and-now. People live in the present and learn from the present through interaction with others. It is important to know that feelings are facts and give meaning. People learn by experience to link feelings to the situation and their own personality and to make choices from there on which direction they want to go, depending on the situation.

​

For the CoachCounselor Accreditation/ Trajectory:

Module 1: This is the foundation year.

Introduction to the experience of the Gestalt Theory and practice of awareness, contact, dialogue, and bodywork.​​

​

Total workload: 353 hours, over a period of and of which
10 months, 21 training days, 48 day parts, (1 day part is 3,5 hours. 3 hours of training, 1
hour of break, of which half is considered as contact hour)
Making a total of: 168 hours

This 168 hours include:
Practice 100
Therapeutic experiences during training 50
Theory and methodology 150
Individual learning therapy 10
Supervision 15
NVAGT hours 10

Sum 353

​

Module 2: The focus is on Gestalt Theory in Practice.

Learning to apply Gestalt theory and methodology in daily interaction
practice.

Total workload: 373 hours, of which 10 months, 21 training days, 48 day parts, 168 hours
Practice (NVAGT recognized) 100
Therapeutic experiences during training 50

Theory and methodology 150
Individual (learning) therapy (optional) 10
Supervision 35
NVAGT hours (optional) 10

Sum 373

​

Module 3: The third year that also leads to the Coach Counselor accreditation, is focused on Gestalt work with clients. A case study is required in order to conclude the year.​

​

Total workload: 388 hours, of which
10 months, 21 training days, 48 day parts, totalling 168 hours
Theory and methodology (including writing a case study) 150
Learning therapy experiences during trainings 50
Practice 100
Individual Learning Therapy 10
Supervision 35
Independent work with clients 15
NVAGT hours (optional) 10
Sum 388

​

​

Candidate students are already in possession of at least an HBO diploma MWD, SPH, CMV, SPV, V, or Psychology or equivalent. They are also expected to have a background in mental health care, youth work, youth welfare, social work, home care, case management, or any other form of professional guidance of clients, possibly as a volunteer.

​

For detailed information on the Study program, Examination procedure, Entry requirements, you can download the FULL STUDY GUIDE here