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DEVELOPING YOUR COMPETENCY

Certification
West Coast Institute For Gestalt Therapy With Children And Adolescents (WCI)

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WCI is founded to further the therapeutic approach with children and adolescents as initially developed by Violet Oaklander, Ph.D. The work of many other leading therapists and research in child development is integrated into the teachings at WCI that encompass the depth and breadth of Gestalt Therapy. Located in West Coast of California and the Santa Ynez Valley, their programmes are designed to support the use of creative and playful therapeutic interventions for children and adolescents, the support systems and community advocacy for their healthy growth and development.

The certification programme promotes the focused study and responsible practice of Gestalt theory and psychotherapy as represented by the writings of Violet Oaklander, Ph. D. and other practitioners and trainers of Gestalt Therapy specializing in clinical work with children and adolescents. Upon completion, the applicant will receive a certificate from the West Coast Institute designating the clinician as a Certified Gestalt Therapist with Children and Adolescents. Licensed (USA) / Certificated (International) professionals can enter into this programme through the West Coast Institute. The process is self-paced and participants are responsible for completions and all documentation. This programme requires demonstration of competence with both theory and clinical work.

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APPLICATION TO PROGRAMME


Interested licensed or certified clinicians or counselors can submit an application to West Coast Institute which will include a statement of your experience and interest in being a Certified Gestalt Therapist with Children and Adolescents. 
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STANDARDS FOR COMPLETION
 

Accepted applicants will be supported to accomplish the following minimal standards. Applicants are encouraged to go beyond these minimal standards to continue to develop their theoretical understanding and clinical competence.

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  • 108 hours of training programmes by recognized trainers in Gestalt Therapy with Children and Adolescents. (certificates of completion are needed with application). Click here for training roadmap.

  • 50 hours of supervision by a recognized Gestalt Therapist (applicant is responsible for arranging and paying for supervision) Documentation of that supervision must be attached and signed by supervisor(s).

  • Demonstration of theoretical competence by responding to essay questions. A reading list of resources expected to be read will be provided. Applicant determines when he/she is ready for the examination. Topics for discussion will be provided and applicant is to complete and return essays with a given time. Applicant is under his/her honor for the completion of the theoretical essays.

  • Case presentation. Applicant is to write a narrative account of a recent child/adolescent course of therapy indicating your use of the Oaklander Model and the use of projective techniques and integrative processes. An outline for that presentation will be provided for those applicants who complete the theoretical essays.

  • It is recommended that applicants participate in Gestalt Therapy training by qualified Gestalt Therapy trainers/practitioners in addition to the above training hours required in Gestalt Therapy with children and adolescents.

Training Roadmap

​BASIC TRAINING IN GESTALT PLAY THERAPY (28HR)

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  • First level of core skills training in Gestalt Play Therapy

  • Suitable for those interested to develop competency in working with children and adolescents in theoretical approach of Gestalt therapy principles as represented in the work of Violet Oaklander, Ph.D.

  • No pre-requisite needed

  • Requirement in the fulfillment of WCI Certification Programme

  • ​Two formats of training workshop available 

    • ​4-day training  workshop OR

    • Two 2-day training workshops - Basic (Part 1) and Basic (Part 2). The training curriculum is organized into two separate workshops to offer flexibility in budget and time management for participants. Please note that completion of Basic (Part 1) is a pre-requisite for admission to Basic (Part 2)

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INTERMEDIATE TRAINING IN GESTALT PLAY THERAPY (26HRS)

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  • Second level of core skills training in Gestalt Play Therapy

  • Focus of the workshop is on the continued understanding and integration of theoretical, skill development and clinical practice especially in the Gestalt view on assessment, diagnosis and treatment plans.

  • Requirement in the fulfillment of WCI Certification Programme

  • Pre-requisite: Completion of Basic Training in Gestalt Play Therapy or Summer/Winter Intensive (US)

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ADVANCED TRAINING IN GESTALT PLAY THERAPY - HEALING THE TORMENT WITHIN (26HRS)

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  • Third level of core skills training in Gestalt Play Therapy

  • Focus of the workshop is on the continued understanding and integration of theoretical, skill development and clinical practice especially in working with children and adolescents on core issues of shame and disruptive beliefs about self and others and one’s place in the world.

  • Requirement in the fulfillment of WCI Certification Programme

  • Pre-requisite: Completion of Basic Training in Gestalt Play Therapy or Summer/Winter Intensive (US)

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​MODALITY TRAINING (14HRS per modality):

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1) SAND 2) LEGO

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  • ​Each modality training workshop is stand-alone, giving participants a focused learning on the use of the modality in clinical settings

  • Suitable for those in WCI Certification Programme as well as those not in the programme but would like to add to their toolkit in engaging children and adolescents in their clinical setting

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