Personal Growth Groups can be a further means to learn about Gestalt principles and practice. They offer a safe, supportive atmosphere for continued learning about oneself and about one's relationships with others. Current offerings and meeting schedules are listed below. Other groups on other themes may be offered throughout the year; sign up to receive SpotNews.
Fees for Personal Growth Groups are $18 per hour, billed in advance. Membership in a limited-session Personal Growth Group constitutes a commitment to the entire program; refunds will not be given for early withdrawal, and members are billed for scheduled sessions whether they attend or not.
All applicants will have a personal interview with the group leaders. Participation in a Gestalt Experience weekend workshop may be suggested. Permission to communicate with a participant's individual psychotherapist may be requested.
Fridays, 9am-5pm (One session per month; 8 sessions)
Mary Ann Kraus, PsyD Bio
This personal and beyond-the-personal development group is oriented from Gestalt and integral (Ken Wilber's work) perspectives. We will access and work within a variety of realms of experience: body, emotion, mind, spirit. We will explore intrapersonal, interpersonal, and group development, as well as work in relation with community and the larger world. Using an emergent/resonant design, we will focus on both developmental work and discussion of that work. Theoretical concepts will be investigated and readings will be suggested.
Mondays, 7-9pm (12 sessions)
Gary Saltus, DO FACOS Bio
Nancy Wadsworth, PhD, LISW Bio
This group offers a unique opportunity designed for adults who are carrying substantial extra weight (50 lbs. or more), and who are interested in exploring healthy ways to take it off permanently. The group will also benefit those who are already using a weight-loss program and are in the process of transitioning to a new body and lifestyle. Gestalt methodology provides a holistic, multidimensional approach that imparts support and guidance. We will use group process to create a climate of acceptance and respect in which we will explore the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of your healing to bring you to a body size and lifestyle that you can maintain.
Wednesdays, 10am-12pm, every other week (Ongoing; 4-month commitment required)
Debra Dunkle, PhD, LISW Bio
This group is for mental health practitioners in private practice who would like to further explore such familiar issues as isolation, self-care, and the financial ambiguities or discomforts of self-employment. In this group, you can focus on you in a setting with other professionals, and can give and receive support for this strange and liberating career.
Tuesdays, 7:00-9:30pm, every other week
Amy Luzar, MSSA, LISW Bio
Lester Wyman, PhD, LISW Bio
Are you finding that your practice with clients can be an isolated experience?
Looking for opportunities to discuss your work with clients with other professionals?
Concerned about counter-transference issues with no one to talk to?
Interested in dialoging about ethical dilemmas in your practice?
This is a personal/professional development group for practitioners seeking opportunities for:
Tuesdays, 7-9:30pm, every other week (Ongoing; 10-session commitment required)
Amy Luzar, MSSA, LISW Bio
Lester Wyman, PhD, LISW Bio
This group provides opportunities for members to examine their personal and interpersonal styles and to expand their ways of making connection with others in a safe and supportive environment.