Frequently Asked Questions
What does the word “gestalt” mean?
“Gestalt” is a rich word with many interconnected meanings. It can connote personal health and balance, or re-integration of "lost" parts of the self, or a holistic approach that takes in body, mind, emotions and spirit. Gestalt can also refer to perception: the way your brain makes a pattern (something whole) out of randomness, as when you look at a cloud and see a bunny. Finally, the word gestalt can point to the way your needs, particularly your needs for healing, shape the way you see the world. Fritz Perls (German psychiatrist – 1893-1970) understood the word in each of these meanings when he developed Gestalt psychotherapy.
What happens at a Gestalt Pastoral Care retreat?
GPC retreats are a good way to try out Gestalt Pastoral Care in your own growth process. They are usually weekend-length, and with just six full participants and a few observer-intercessors, you will have ample time to be the focus of the group if you want. GPC retreats are non-coercive and each person’s yes or no is always respected. There are times for rest and solitude and enjoying nature. Laughter and play are usually present in good measure too. See Opening to Grace Retreats.
Is Financial Assistance available?
Limited financial assistance is available. We have limited financial aid; therefore, we must limit assistance to those with the most proven financial need as well as potential promise. The process begins with making your needs known to the retreat or training course leader of the program you wish to attend, and then completing the Financial Assistance Application Form.
Do I have to be a minister or psychotherapist to be accepted for the training?
No. Though many of our applicants are ministers, therapists, religious workers, teachers, and others associated with social service professions, we have witnessed individuals from a variety of life paths learn to integrate Gestalt Pastoral Care in wonderful and effective ways. For 14 years Tilda even taught GPC to prison inmates, who found ways to give informal help to fellow inmates.
Are private sessions available?
Yes. Each of our Gestalt Pastoral Care Ministers has a private practice. See Private Sessions.
Can you provide retreat leadership for a particular group?
Yes, we enjoy providing specialized retreats tailored to your group’s need.
In addition to our Opening to Grace retreats, we offer retreats on a variety of topics.
See Retreats For Your Group.
How can I help send someone who can’t afford a retreat or the training?
Yes indeed! Contact the leader of the Gestalt Pastoral Care program for details if you want to sponsor a friend. For general contributions to Gestalt Pastoral Care, checks should be made to Gestalt Pastoral Care, and sent to David Voigt at 625 Petitt Road, Sycamore, PA 15364 of simply visit our homepage and click on the Donate Button.
Your contributions are tax-deductible.
How can I earn CE credits through taking the GPC training?
You can earn CE units by checking with your crediting/licensing organization.
Can I get college or seminary credits for the GPC training?
Many of our trainees have received college or seminary credit for our training program. Each institution varies in how it handles this, but typically you would arrange to write a paper detailing what you have learned and submit our syllabus and our Certificate of Completion. For those working to fulfill ordination requirements, sometimes our foundational training stands in for a unit of CPE.
How can I make a general donation to Gestalt Pastoral Care?
See our Support Page. You can also simply visit our Home Page and Click on the Donate Button.
All donations are tax-deductible.
“Gestalt” is a rich word with many interconnected meanings. It can connote personal health and balance, or re-integration of "lost" parts of the self, or a holistic approach that takes in body, mind, emotions and spirit. Gestalt can also refer to perception: the way your brain makes a pattern (something whole) out of randomness, as when you look at a cloud and see a bunny. Finally, the word gestalt can point to the way your needs, particularly your needs for healing, shape the way you see the world. Fritz Perls (German psychiatrist – 1893-1970) understood the word in each of these meanings when he developed Gestalt psychotherapy.
What happens at a Gestalt Pastoral Care retreat?
GPC retreats are a good way to try out Gestalt Pastoral Care in your own growth process. They are usually weekend-length, and with just six full participants and a few observer-intercessors, you will have ample time to be the focus of the group if you want. GPC retreats are non-coercive and each person’s yes or no is always respected. There are times for rest and solitude and enjoying nature. Laughter and play are usually present in good measure too. See Opening to Grace Retreats.
Is Financial Assistance available?
Limited financial assistance is available. We have limited financial aid; therefore, we must limit assistance to those with the most proven financial need as well as potential promise. The process begins with making your needs known to the retreat or training course leader of the program you wish to attend, and then completing the Financial Assistance Application Form.
Do I have to be a minister or psychotherapist to be accepted for the training?
No. Though many of our applicants are ministers, therapists, religious workers, teachers, and others associated with social service professions, we have witnessed individuals from a variety of life paths learn to integrate Gestalt Pastoral Care in wonderful and effective ways. For 14 years Tilda even taught GPC to prison inmates, who found ways to give informal help to fellow inmates.
Are private sessions available?
Yes. Each of our Gestalt Pastoral Care Ministers has a private practice. See Private Sessions.
Can you provide retreat leadership for a particular group?
Yes, we enjoy providing specialized retreats tailored to your group’s need.
In addition to our Opening to Grace retreats, we offer retreats on a variety of topics.
See Retreats For Your Group.
How can I help send someone who can’t afford a retreat or the training?
Yes indeed! Contact the leader of the Gestalt Pastoral Care program for details if you want to sponsor a friend. For general contributions to Gestalt Pastoral Care, checks should be made to Gestalt Pastoral Care, and sent to David Voigt at 625 Petitt Road, Sycamore, PA 15364 of simply visit our homepage and click on the Donate Button.
Your contributions are tax-deductible.
How can I earn CE credits through taking the GPC training?
You can earn CE units by checking with your crediting/licensing organization.
Can I get college or seminary credits for the GPC training?
Many of our trainees have received college or seminary credit for our training program. Each institution varies in how it handles this, but typically you would arrange to write a paper detailing what you have learned and submit our syllabus and our Certificate of Completion. For those working to fulfill ordination requirements, sometimes our foundational training stands in for a unit of CPE.
How can I make a general donation to Gestalt Pastoral Care?
See our Support Page. You can also simply visit our Home Page and Click on the Donate Button.
All donations are tax-deductible.