7

Raoul Walenberg

Institute of special Pedagogic and Psychology

St. Petersburg, Russia

"A theoretical and practical introduction to the

philosophy and methodology of the Gestalt therapy

through the PSP approach"

an one year educational - training program structured and conducted by

PETROS THEODOROU (Gestalt psychotherapist, member of EAGT, PSP founder)

_____________________

(1) The characteristics and the nature of the program

The program is scheduled to start on October 2012 and last till June 2013.

It will be realized during this period in 7 meetings, of 20 hours each one, in pre-specified weekends (for the exact dates you may contact the Institute).

The meetings are inter-connected and not independent between them.

The program is not following the structure of the “classroom - lessons”, and also not the one of a theoretical seminar.

Instead, it develops rather as a “workshop” including alternating zones of:

... education (theory),

... direct practical (experiential) group work,

... live interaction between the participants,

... training (practice): the participants will work in practice on the different project’s aspects (there are also included demonstrations by the conductor).

So, in what follows, the word “workshop” is used to express the same idea expressed by the words “program” and “project”.

(2) To whom is the program addressed

The program is oriented toward a relational, existential and humanistic direction. It unfolds within the broader philosophical areas of phenomenology, field theory, and existential dialogue. It is addressed:

... To professional psychologists and psychotherapists of any orientation and approach, interested to explore new for them areas proposed by the program, in order to enrich their theoretical background and practical potential.

... To professionals in close to psychology and psychotherapy disciplines. Such may be persons involved in social work, education, persons who conduct or participate in groups of any kind in any frame (art, education, Organizations, etc).

... To students of both the above cases of professionals.

(3) The goals of the program regarding knowledge, skills, and growth

Theodorou’s approach PSP is actually linking the Gestalt philosophy with the art of improvisation.

Based on this conception, the program is formed on a Theodorou’s strong belief. His idea is that the improvised praxis (of any kind) combined with the Gestalt philosophy perspective, create a powerful amalgam, that may have numerous and significant benefits for the persons to whom is addressed this program. So, its goals may be sketched as following:

... Knowledge - education (the theoretical goals)

The participant will be introduced to the basic principles:

(a) of the Gestalt therapy philosophy, and

(b) of the PSP approach (some general info about PSP are included in the Appendix),

(c) of their combination.

The participant will not only listen to the theory verbally. Through innovative ways and specially designed exercises, he/she may “embody” the theoretical concepts by sensing and feeling them in through direct practical (experiential) interaction.

... skills - training (the practical goals) - part A

The participant will have the chance to watch and participate in live demonstrations regarding the Gestalt therapy methodology linked with the PSP application possibilities.

Particularly, the participant will be practically introduced and trained in original ways, in:

(a) the phenomenological perspective that can be used in approaching any kind of work having to do with other people in several frames (therapy, education, Organizations, social work, art, etc)

(b) awareness work (that can be applied in all the above cases)

(c) process work (that can be applied in all the above cases)

(d) applying the principles of the existential dialogue in relating

(d) group conducting ((that can be applied in all the above cases)

... Skills - training (the practical goals) - part b

Moreover, between the meetings, she/he will have the option to work individually (or in small subgroups with other participants) on short term assignments which will be presented in the big group of the participants.

The topics of this “homework” will be any kind of applications of the project’s material to the professional (or educational) life of the participant.

For example, if the participant’s work has to do with groups, such an assignment might be to structure some ideas of the Gestalt and PSP philosophy regarding her/his work. The assignment will be discussed in the big group and even there can be supervision by the conductor within the group (if is some practical application).

... growth

As the participant takes part in a live workshop, there will inevitably be some work on the group’s dynamics. The workshop is not a therapy group, but it provides the space for

(a) dynamic group work (also as a demo and an application of the workshop material), and

(b) for any personal issues that may emerge during the group’s life.

So the participant definitely will also benefit in terms of personal growth through both individual and group work.

(4) An important note on the program’s goals

It is clarified that at the program’s end the participant:

(a) will not have received: a full training in the Gestalt therapy and the PSP approach, and that

(b) he/she will by no means have any official authorization to work as a Gestalt psychotherapist or a PSP practitioner in any field (therapy, arts and Playback Theatre, education, etc).

It is also clarified that this project may be an educational and training one designed on an advanced level, yet still it is of an introductory nature. And so is also its training (practical) aspect.

This means that the program does not include a full, thorough and longterm training, but mostly indicative chances of practical work and participation in demonstrations carried out by other participants or by the conductor.