Home pageProgram of the Lodz School of Gestalt Psychotherapy – Stage II – School.Program Year 2 – School Stage II

Program Year 2 – School Stage II

Program Year 2 and detailed description of class topics - School Stage II - Lodz School of Gestalt Psychotherapy - Piotrkowska 125

Program and class topics – Year 2.

  1. Embodied self
  2. Man and the environment: human development in Gestalt terms
  3. Gestalt therapist in the therapeutic relationship with the client
  4. Sexuality in the therapeutic relationship
  5. Working with LGBTQ+ people
  6. Gestalt perspective in psychopathology: health vs. illness
  7. Gestalt perspective in psychopathology: personality disorders – borderline, narcissism, schizoid personality
  8. Gestalt perspective in psychopathology: neurotic and psychosomatic disorders
  9. Gestalt perspective in psychopathology: psychosis, depression
  10. Credit

1. embodied self

Gestalt psychotherapy treats people holistically. It captures his experiences in a holistic and integrated way. Reducing a person to a function of the mind deprives him of emotional sensations, and these are always accompanied by some somatic sensations. The workshop shows how to use body awareness in therapeutic work.

During the class :

  • you will learn how it is that the bodily nature is the basis of contact with the environment, including the therapist,
  • You will learn how working with the body helps to make the concept of Self more real when working with clients,
  • How the carnal aspect contributes to the realization of needs and growth,
  • you will learn about Lowen’s theory (stiffening of muscle structures) in comparison with the Gestalt approach
  • You will learn how to use your own body awareness as a tool in the therapeutic process
    You will learn how to use body awareness by the client in therapy

Literature:

  1. Barszcz M., Psychotherapy through the body, Remedjos 2018.
  2. Ginger S., Gestalt the art of contact, Jacek Santorski & Co. 2004.
  3. Kepner J., The body in Gestalt psychotherapy, Blank Cloud 1991.

2. man in the environment: human development in a Gestalt perspective

Gestalt considers the theory of development focusing on the Self of the child more than on his intrapsychic world, according to the principle that the organism is always in relational movement, in this case the relationship between the child and the caregivers/caregivers. Levels of child development occur at the boundary of contact, changing and evolving according to the development of the child’s body and the changes in the bodies of those caring for the child.

The workshop shows what happens in the relationship between the child and those who care for him, what the child needs in these relationships, the consequences of unmet needs and how this affects the child’s later contact as an adult with the world.

During the class:

  • you will learn about the next levels of child development “from we to I”,
  • You will learn what characterizes the different levels of development from the confluence phase, through the phase of introjection, projection, retroflection, to the mature contact of Self – You,
  • You will deepen your knowledge of how Gestalt views the human body-environment relationship and have the opportunity to compare it with other development theories, e.g. bond theory or character formation theory,
  • This will strengthen your awareness of how the child’s development, and what happened in the subsequent phases of Self formation, affects the psychotherapeutic process.

Literature:

  1. Bowlby J., Attachment, PWN Scientific Publishers, Warsaw, 2023
  2. Gendek Monika, In search of a secure base. The phenomenon of attachment in psychotherapy, Gestalt library, http://bibliotekagestalt.pl/2021/01/01/gendek-monika-w-poszukiwaniu-bezpiecznej-bazy-fenomen-przywiazania-w-psychoterapii-tekst/
  3. Johnson Stephen M., Styles of character, Zysk i Ska publishing house, Poznan 2022
  4. Oaklander V., Windows to our children. Therapy of children and adolescents in the Gestalt approach, Oficyna Związek Otwarty, Warsaw 2021
  5. Salonia G., Gestalt psychotherapy and theories of development, in: Gestalt psychotherapy in clinical practice. From psychopathology to contact aesthetics, HARMONY Publishing Group, Gdansk 2017

3. the Gestalt therapist in the relationship with the client

(Gestalt perspective of transference, counter-transference; dialogue, contact, I-Thou relationship co-creating contact, inter-subjectivity…)

The phenomenon of transference was first described by Z. Freud. At first he treated it as a disturbance of the analysis process, but later it became a significant element of therapy.
Perls did not deny the existence of the phenomenon, but questioned its significance.
Today, Gestalt therapists view transference as a relational, reciprocal interaction that takes place in the here and now (also called intersubjectivity)

During this workshop:

  • you will get to know the transfer as a real part of the relationship, co-created.
  • you will learn about and explore the rigid way of being in a relationship
  • You will experience ways to bring about a healthy aspect that is continuous
    updates
  • you will learn to experience the current reality, modify expectations and be in a fluid, creative way, in relationship.

Literature:

  1. “The Theory and Practice of Gestalt Therapy” Jerzy Mellibruda
  2. “Gestalt Psychotherapy” by Victor Chu
  3. “Gestalt the art of contact” by Serge Ginger

4. sexuality in the therapeutic process and in the therapeutic relationship

Studies and psychotherapeutic experiences show that people who receive therapy, for the most part, do not bring topics related to sexuality unless the topic is brought up first by the therapist_ because they consider it a taboo topic and do not want to cross the therapist_s boundaries.

In therapeutic work, it is important not to reproduce stereotypes and myths related to sexuality and to overcome our own prejudices in order to effectively help those who come to us.

People who receive help at the office have the right to expect not only respect, but also knowledge free from prejudice and stereotypical views of human sexuality. The ability to engage in sexual activity consistent with our needs and our values, as well as the ability not to engage in such activity, is fundamental.

In psychotherapy, the perception of the topic of sexuality has a wide range. It is worth taking into account that the sphere of sexuality is influenced by the cultural, social, religious context, gender and sexual identity, and the values by which the person receiving therapy functions. At the same time, in the relational experience of co-creating the therapeutic field – what the therapist brings is an important part. One’s own patterns, experiences, contact with one’s sexual aspects, contribute to the development of the therapeutic process or its inhibition.

During the class:

  • you will look at your own sexuality, your beliefs, prejudices, and what is alive in it
  • you will gain more freedom to talk and navigate the area of sexuality
  • you will learn how to experience your own aspects of sexuality while being in the role of therapist(s)
  • you will learn what to do with sensory experiences, how to use them to serve the client’s therapeutic process
  • You will become sensitive to the concept of the norm in the broader customer field
  • you will look at the client’s sexual difficulties from a Gestalt relational perspective

Literature:

  1. Francesetti, G., Gecele, M., Roubal, (2018). Gestalt psychotherapy in clinical practice: from psychopathology to aesthetics of contact. Harmonia Universalis.
  2. Resnick, S. (2004). Somatic-experiential sex therapy: A body-centered Gestalt approach to sexual concerns. Gestalt Review, 8(1), 40-64.
  3. Spagnuolo Lobb, M. (2009). Is Oedipus still necessary in the therapeutic room? Sexuality and love as emerging at the contact-boundary in a situational field. Gestalt Review, 13(1), 47-61.
  4. Kincel, A. (2020). Exploring Masculinity, Sexuality, and Culture in Gestalt Therapy: An Autoethnography.
  5. M. E. Metz, B. W. McCarthy. (2007). The ”Good-Enough Sex” model for couple sexual satisfaction. Sexual and Relationship Therapy Vol 22, No. 3.
  6. Maria Beisert. (2006). Sexuality in the life cycle. PWN.
  7. ed. B. Grabski, M. Mijas, M. Dora and G. Iniewicz. (2020). Dysfunction and gender incompatibility.
  8. ed. G. Iniewicz, M. Mijas, and B. Grabski, (2012). An introduction to LGB psychology.
  9. ed. Silva Neves, Dominic Davies, (2023). Erotically Queer: A Pink Therapy Guide for Practitioners.
  10. ed. Silva Neves, Dominic Davies, (2023). Relationally Queer: A Pink Therapy Guide for Practitioners.
  11. ed. Ayhan Alman, John Gillespie, Vikram Kolmannskog, (2023). Queering Gestalt Therapy, An Anthology on Gender, Sex & Relationship Diversity in Psychotherapy
  12. ed. Marta Dębowska, Piotr Galecki, Agata Szulc, (2019). Sex and mental health.
  13. Philippson Peter, Working with sexuality in Gestalt psychotherapy (video)
  14. Mariano Pizzimenti, webinar “Sexual diversity according to Gestalt therapy” (video)
  15. Pizzimenti Mariano, Introduction to Sexuality in Gestalt Therapy (video) [w:] <http://bibliotekagestalt.pl/2022/10/06/pizzimenti-mariano-wprowadzenie-do-seksualnosci-w-terapii-gestalt-wideo/>

5. working with LGBTQ+ people in Gestalt

We are born and live in a world that makes us assimilate that heteronorm is the natural and only correct option. Any manifestation of gender, sexual or relational diversity can be identified as something strange, unnatural and shameful.

LGBTQ+ people live in a different context than hetero and cis gender people, and this context is something that a person who provides psychological or psychotherapeutic help should be aware of. If teenagers (hetero and cis gender) grow up believing that the whole world is like them then teenagers who are not hetero and/or cis gender grow up fearing: “is there anyone similar to me?”. They don’t experience social mirroring in this area, instead they have to face the prejudices and stereotypes associated with being non-hetero and/or cis gender.

During the course, we will pay attention to people experiencing minority stress due to their gender identity, sexual identity, relationships formed, preferred sexual behavior, ethnicity.

SUBJECT AREA:

  • Basic concepts of LGBTQ+ topics;
  • Psychosexual development with special attention to the development of non-heteronormative orientation and gender identity
  • Functioning of people belonging to minority groups
  • Knowledge of the concept of minority stress and its impact on the lives and functioning of people
  • Diversity of gender identities, and sexual-romantic relationships
  • Sexual and gender identity in the socio-cultural dimension
  • Coming Out and its significance for mental health
  • Gender incompatibility in children and adolescents from the perspective of DSM IV / ICD10; DSM V / ICD 11
  • The impact of stereotypes and prejudices on the situation of LGBTQ+ people
  • Stages of the gender reconciliation process
  • Gender correction process in social, medical and legal aspects
  • Therapeutic competence to work with LGBTQ+ people
  • Specifics of psychotherapy and other forms of psychological assistance in working with LGBTQ+ people
  • Conversion interactions and their impact on mental health
  • Problems experienced by LGBTQ+ people in an inter- and intrapsychic context;
  • Psychological and sexological help and support;

After class:

  • You will understand what sexual and gender orientation and identity is and learn about its diversity
  • You will understand the effects of stigma and minority stress and its impact on mental health.
  • You will learn about the impact of the described mechanisms on the attitudes of those offering psychological help to LGBTQ+ people;
  • You will increase knowledge that will help you better understand the life situation and psychological needs of LGBTQ+ people,
  • You will learn the standards for professional outreach work with LGBTQ+ people
  • You will understand the impact of HIV/AIDS on the lives of LGBTQ+ people.
  • You will learn about the specifics of the process of helping LGBTQ+ people

Literature:

  1. Kincel, A. (2020). Exploring Masculinity, Sexuality, and Culture in Gestalt Therapy: An Autoethnography.
  2. Maria Beisert. (2006). Sexuality in the life cycle. PWN.
  3. ed. B. Grabski, M. Mijas, M. Dora and G. Iniewicz. (2020). Dysfunction and gender incompatibility
  4. ed. G. Iniewicz, M. Mijas, and B. Grabski, (2012). An introduction to LGB psychology.
  5. ed. Silva Neves, Dominic Davies, (2023). Erotically Queer: A Pink Therapy Guide for Practitioners.
  6. ed. Silva Neves, Dominic Davies, (2023). Relationally Queer: A Pink Therapy Guide for Practitioners.
  7. ed. Ayhan Alman, John Gillespie, Vikram Kolmannskog, (2023). Queering Gestalt Therapy, An Anthology on Gender, Sex & Relationship Diversity in Psychotherapy.
  8. ed. Marta Dębowska, Piotr Galecki, Agata Szulc, (2019). Sex and mental health.
  9. Mariano Pizzimenti, webinar “Sexual diversity according to Gestalt therapy” (video)

6. Gestalt perspective in psychopathology: health vs disease

“Psychopathology is a discourse on the suffering of breath, something ephemeral that cannot be put into words.
into the framework of a stable object form.”

Disease, after all, is a creative adaptation of the self to a given situation, and a symptom from a phenomenological point of view is a manifestation of a stiffened gestalt.

During this workshop:

  • you will learn the theory to distinguish what is the norm and what is pathology
  • you will learn about the concepts of health and illness in terms of Gestalt coordinates
  • you will learn the concept of disease as a stiffened Gestalt, blocked energy, staying at one pole of the continuum
  • You will learn how as therapists we accompany the recovery of the new organizing of the organism/center boundary contact.

Literature:

  1. Francesetti, G., Gecele, M., Roubal, J., & Mizerska, R. (Eds.). (2018). Gestalt psychotherapy in clinical practice: from psychopathology to aesthetics of contact. Harmonia Universalis.

7. Gestalt perspective in psychopathology: personality disorders: borderline, narcissism, schizoid

The definition of personality disorder is used not only to describe pathological experiences, but also ways of feeling, thinking and behaving. We speak of a disorder when personality traits are not amenable to change, and the individual’s functioning in the area of social life provides him with a bad feeling.

During this workshop:

  • you will learn about specific personality disorders as fixed and ingrained patterns
    behavior
  • you will get the perspective of seeing personality disorders as an adaptive process in Gestalt terms
  • you will learn the role of therapy as a process of expanding the ways of functioning of a person with a diagnosis of personality disorder

Literature:

  1. Francesetti, G., Gecele, M., Roubal, J., & Mizerska, R. (Eds.). (2018). Gestalt psychotherapy in clinical practice: from psychopathology to aesthetics of contact. Harmonia Universalis.
  2. Millon, T., Davis, R. D., Millon, C., Escovar, L., Meagher, S. E., & Grzegołowska-Klarkowska, H. J. (2013). Personality disorders in the modern world. Institute of Health Psychology. Polish Psychological Association

8. Gestalt perspective in psychopathology: neurotic and psychosomatic disorders

Psychosomatics is a natural phenomenon because humans are bodily beings. The symptom is relational, it arises in the exchange organism/environment but the impulse that initiated it did not “go” to the contact only repeated, returned to the body. Fear, on the other hand, can inspire, can protect and can warn. However, if undischarged, it can become rigid and lead to neurosis.

During this workshop you will learn:

  • the dual nature of the symptom according to Perls
  • mechanism of psychosomatic disorders
  • three stages of the somatization process
  • Perls’ understanding of anxiety and the layered concept of neurosis

Literature:

  1. Francesetti, G., Gecele, M., Roubal, J., & Mizerska, R. (Eds.). (2018). Gestalt psychotherapy in clinical practice: from psychopathology to aesthetics of contact. Harmonia Universalis.
  2. Cierpiałkowska, L. (2019). Psychopathology: Lidia Cierpiałkowska. Publisher Naukow Scholar
  3. Peris, F., Hefferline, R. E., & Goodman, P. (2022), Gestalt therapy. Stimulation and growth in human personality, Warsaw, Oficyna Związek Otwarty

9. Gestalt perspective in psychopathology: psychosis, depression

Every kind of existence is a creative adaptation in a dynamic organism/environment interaction. Also, psychosis and depression in the Gestalt perspective are experiences of cessation or impairment of the sense of being part of the ordinary world. These are the types of suffering in which the role of the therapist seems very challenging.

During this workshop you will learn:

  • what are psychotic experiences: depressive, manic, schizophrenic
  • you will seek understanding of: delusions and hallucinations, as manifestations of creative
    adaptations
  • you will learn a framework for therapeutic work in the relational field of psychosis
  • you will look at psychosis and depression from the perspective of Gestalt theory, among other things. self and relational theory
  • you will contact the atmosphere of “emptying” pieces of depressive experience

Literature:

  1. Francesetti, G., Gecele, M., Roubal, J., & Mizerska, R. (Eds.). (2018). Gestalt psychotherapy in clinical practice: from psychopathology to aesthetics of contact. Harmonia Universalis.
  2. Cierpiałkowska, L. (2019). Psychopathology: Lidia Cierpiałkowska. Publisher Naukow Scholar
  3. Peris, F., Hefferline, R. E., & Goodman, P. (2022), Gestalt therapy. Stimulation and growth in human personality, Warsaw, Oficyna Związek Otwarty

10. supervision and credit for therapeutic practice

The class will consist of a credit for therapeutic practice in front of a supervisor.