Certification

PURPOSE

What does it mean?
Certification by GATLA is an indication that the institute facility has examined you and is willing to state publicly that you have shown proficiency as a Gestalt therapist.

It confers a title
The title of Gestalt Therapist is reserved only for individuals who have taken and passed the required examinations and have subsequently been certified by a Gestalt Institute. Certification by GATLA means that you can hold yourself out to the public as a Gestalt Therapist.

It indicates confidence
Certification means that the GATLA faculty has confidence in the quality of your work and that you can have confidence in your work having sought external observation and examination of the quality of your skills.

Why is it necessary?
In today's specialized world, it is increasingly important to achieve proficiency certification in one's practice. Many excellent therapists are seeking training only from GATLA and do not seek certification. Certification is only necessary if you seek the title and faculty approval of proficiency in Gestalt therapy.

REQUIREMENTS

Hours
Certification requires a minimum of 200 hours (roughly 3 years) of training. That minimum, however, does not guarantee your readiness to take the appropriate examination.

Mastery of Theory
Prior to applying for examination for certification we expect you to have a good mastery of theory. While many may have a good intuitive grasp of appropriate interventions, there is no substitute for knowing what you are doing, why, and how it relates overall to your work with a particular client. Understanding a theory as complex as that of Gestalt Therapy is not as easy as it may appear. Being able to discuss and use the theory means that you can clearly explain it, apply it in clinical work, relate parts of it to other parts, and synthesize ideas.

Clinical Proficiency
GATLA requires that you demonstrate consistent proficiency as a Gestalt therapist over time. This is done by careful observation and supervision by the faculty and the provision of repeated opportunities for a helpful and clear critique of your work with clients. Openness to discussion of your work in a supportive and non-defensive manner facilitates this process.

Self-Assessment Regarding Readiness
Below are three checklists which may be useful in evaluating your readiness for certification.

STEPS IN THE EXAMINATION PROCESS

1. A written examination (closed book, 4-hour written) on the theory of Gestalt Therapy consisting of several questions designed to assess your grasp of basic theory.
2. An oral examination covering the theory of Gestalt Therapy designed to assess the depth and breadth of your understanding of theory as well as our ability to work with and relate the concepts to each other.
3. A clinical examination in which your work will be observed live to assess your clinical skills. The clinical exam is traditionally given in a group setting with a group unfamiliar to the examinee. Such an examination tests your abilities on a number of variables such as group process, focusing on a piece of work, dealing with the anxiety of being observed by people other than the examiners. A group is a rich field in which to work.

HOW TO START THE PROCESS

Self-Evaluation
When you think you are ready for certification, we suggest that you talk to 2 or 3 faculty members who are familiar with your work. Ask them what they see as your strengths and weaknesses, and for their assessment of your readiness for examination. Don't push yourself simply because you have completed the required hours. Everyone learns in different ways and at a different pace. Ask yourself how ready you are for the examination.

Request Certification Exams
Dr. Todd Burley is in charge of the certification examination process. Let him know when you would like to start the process and set up a schedule with him. Also, be aware of some requirements for requesting the examination process:

• Fees will be charged. The examination process is time consuming and expensive for the faculty. The fee, which pays only a small portion of our expenses is $300 U.S. In cases of significant need, scholarships are available.
• The number of exams that can be given is limited. Because the faculty has limited time, we must limit the number of exams that we can give in any particular year. Exams will, therefore, be given on a first come, first served basis and the faculty's assessment of your readiness.

Faculty Assessment of Readiness
After receiving your request, the faculty will discuss their perceptions of your readiness. Obviously, their perception will be highly dependent on the opportunities they have had to observe your work and hear you discuss theory. Consequently it is to your advantage to let your work be seen and to discuss work you do or observe. The best way to learn is to put yourself out there so that you can get feedback. Although most of us are reluctant to show our poorest and most difficult work, it is still true that we learn the most from it. The faculty is sensitive to how hard it is to show our work and interested in helping, teaching, and being supportive.

Prepare for Outcome
For certification to mean something, it must be a serious enterprise for both faculty and examinee. That means that we hold high standards and there are "passes" and "fails". There is no negative connotation to not passing. While it is a disappointment for everyone when something fails, it is important to know that the faculty is supportive and wants a good outcome but can only "pass" based on good performance. In the cases where the performance is not at a passing level, the faculty is committed to helping you as much as possible to get ready to retake the exam and hope with you that you will be successful.

Reciprocity: GATLA recognizes training by a number of other Institutes around the world. If you have a particular question regarding previous training, please correspond with us.

For further information you may contact Todd Burley using the address or phone number at the top of this Web page.