Integrating Gestalt Therapy When Working with Children

Workshop Overview

Gestalt Theory emphasises that the whole of anything is greater than the sum of its parts. The word Gestalt means “whole, pattern or form” i.e. the way something is “put together.” It views a person as a totality of mind, body, emotions and spirit. 

Gestalt psychology is a theory of perception that emphasises present time and the processing of entire patterns and configurations, and not merely individual components when trying to make sense of the world around us. It views individuals as unique and experiencing reality in a way of their own. 

The Integrating Gestalt Therapy When Working with Children CPD workshop gives insight into the complex concepts behind Gestalt Theory that work well within the domain of child and adolescent counselling.  

The workshop simplifies the complex concepts behind Gestalt Therapy and will help you build practical tools to provide emotional support to children and adolescents.  

Is this workshop for you?

This workshop is for you if you are a psychologist, registered counsellor, educator, social worker or other mental health practitioner working with children. 

Dates and Registration

Class of 2024 April: 30 April @ 18:00 South Africa Standard Time (SAST)

Participants are required to attend a live online workshop (from 18:00 – 19:30). Thereafter, participants will be required to complete an assessment comprising of reading a journal article and answering a 15-question multiple choice questionnaire. The multiple-choice questionnaire needs to be completed within 5 days.  

Certification

This CPD workshop has been designed for psychologists and registered counsellors. It also has value for educators, social workers and other mental health practitioners working with children. Once you have completed the course, you will receive a digital certificate of completion. 

The certificate serves as evidence of your new skills and knowledge and can be used to demonstrate your commitment to professional development. 

Attend a live online session, or watch the recording, and complete an online reading and assessment. 

HPCSA registered professionals will receive 3 CPD points [3 CEU Continuing Education Units points] upon successful completion of the workshop.

Workshop Overview

• Introduction: Introduction of topic and overview of workshop 
• Definition of Gestalt Theory.
• Underpinnings from Gestalt Theory: 
  • Holism 
  • Awareness 
  • Here and Now 
  • Dialogue and Relationship 
  • Phenomenological Field 
  • Experimentation 
  • Contact Cycle of Experience and Boundary Disturbances 

• Tools and interventions:  
  • Relationship ideologies: How to build relationships with children from Gestalt perspectives.  
  • Play interventions: Why we play, how play responds to gestalt, how play assists us in understanding contact boundary disturbances, how play assists in understanding their field, types of play, and sand tray.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the workshop participants will:

• Understand basic concepts from Gestalt that can be used in counselling adolescents and children. 
• Gain practical tools which can be included in work with the emotional support of children and adolescents. 
• Be able to use Gestalt theory to view a child and adolescent as a whole person within the dynamic systems in which they are growing up.  

Workshop Presenter

Dr Serahni Symington is a registered counsellor with HPCSA under the Psychology Board. She enjoys working from a Gestalt Perspective, but more so works holistically with people from all walks of life. 

Serahni lectures part-time and facilitates modules in Family Counselling, Crisis and Trauma Counselling, and Research Supervision as well as supervises counsellors in training for HPSCA.