Purpose, Mission, and Training Philosophy

Purpose

GATLA exists to promote the application and development of contemporary Gestalt Therapy theory and practice to the highest clinical standards.

Mission

GATLA supports participants to refine their unique contributions to the therapeutic relationship in ways that are aligned with Gestalt principles. We do this by providing an open, inclusive and equitable community that is committed to experimenting, learning and teaching in a manner that is sensitive and respectful to each individual.

Training Philosophy

GATLA provides a learning community where the individual and their unique personal contribution to the therapeutic relationship is valued and refined because the person of the therapist is the “instrument.” Learning happens best in settings that bring together openness to experimenting and learning with teaching that is sensitive and respectful of the individual learner.

As psychotherapy is a rapidly evolving field in which obsolescence is easy to hide, GATLA is committed to keeping abreast of the best of evidence-based psychotherapy and solid innovations from research and clinical experience and passing this knowledge on to those who study with us.

GATLA provides the most experienced and skilled teachers available, teachers who are willing to allow their own work as psychotherapists to be seen, dissected, questioned, and compared with theoretical formulations. The work of trainees is carefully and respectfully discussed and supervised, providing timely feedback in an assimilable manner.

GATLA believes that a solid, evidence-supported theoretical base is crucial to moment-to-moment therapeutic interactions and maximizing change and growth. Because of this GATLA places an emphasis on imparting theory and research findings that are supportive of the psychotherapy process.