2026 Gestalt Institute of Pittsburgh Spring Seminar Series
Melodies in Mind: Gestalt Relief for Listening Difficulties
Melodies in Mind explores how Gestalt theory offers a new lens for understanding hearing, listening, and communication. This seminar reframes hearing loss, auditory scene analysis, central auditory processing disorders, and tinnitus as whole-person experiences that integrate perception, emotion, identity, and meaning.
Participants will explore core Gestalt concepts such as figure-ground dynamics, contact boundaries, self-regulation, and the paradoxical theory of change. We will examine how these principles shed light on auditory overwhelm, tinnitus distress, and communication breakdowns in clinical practice. Through case examples, experiential sound demonstrations, and practical counseling strategies, the presentation highlights how awareness-centered, relational approaches can support both clinicians and clients navigating listening difficulties.
This program invites attendees to move beyond symptom management and consider how restoring connection with sound can also restore contact with self and others.
Friday, April 17, 2026
1:00 – 4:15 pm
Fee: $120
Register here. (Virtual and in-person options available)
3.0 Continuing Education credits
LPC, Social Work and Marriage and Family Therapists and Psychologists
Location: 1824 Murray Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 (Virtual and in-person options available)
Presented by: Elizabeth Haley, Au.D., CCC-A
Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this seminar, participants will be able to:
1. Summarize core concepts of Gestalt theory in the context of auditory processing
2. Demonstrate practical interventions that use awareness and contact to support auditory health
3. Apply gestalt principles to management of hearing loss, central auditory processing disorders, and tinnitus
Register here.
Screen, Stress, and Self: Navigating Addiction, Anxiety, and Unfulfilled Potential
Drawing on recent research, this seminar explores the psychological mechanisms behind screen addiction, its effects on emotional well-being, and the ways it can disrupt personal growth and life
satisfaction. Attendees will gain insights into the risks of prolonged digital engagement and learn strategies for achieving a healthier balance between online activities and real life fulfillment.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
5:30 – 8:45 pm
Fee: $120
3.0 Continuing Education credits
LPC, Social Work and Marriage and Family Therapists and Psychologists
Location: 1824 Murray Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Presented by: Dr. Sanj Katyal
Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this seminar, participants will be able to:
- Understand the Psychological and Neurological Roots of Screen Addiction
- Recognize the Impact of Excessive Screen Time on Emotional Health and Life Satisfaction
- Apply Research-Based Strategies to Rebalance Digital Habits and Enhance Real-Life Well-Being
Register here.
The Gestalt Institute of Pittsburgh is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor for continuing education for psychologists. GIP maintains responsibility for this program and its content. The Gestalt Institute of Pittsburgh has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5069. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. GIP is solely responsible for all aspects of the program.
Refund Policy: Cancellations up to 36 hours prior to seminar date will receive full tuition refunded minus a $30 cancellation fee.
Cancellations within 36 hours will receive 50% of tuition cost as refund.
Neither Dr. Petrone, Dr. Bridge, nor The Gestalt Institute is funded by any entity who would benefit from the presentation of this program.
Continuing Education:
The Program offers a specific number of Continuing Education Credit per seminar
The Gestalt Institute of Pittsburgh is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. GIP maintains responsibility for this program and its content. The Gestalt Institute of Pittsburgh has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5069. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. GIP is solely responsible for all aspects of the program.
Program Participants:
Each program is designed for participants who are:
- Mental health professionals holding a degree in their respective field at a Masters and/or Doctoral degree level.
- Licensed human services professionals including Psychologists, Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family therapists
- Teachers and school counselors in both educational and community settings.
- Graduate students preparing for professional careers in mental health disciplines, behavioral sciences, or in the area of human services in which Gestalt methods would be a relevant extension of basic professional competence.
- Professionals who are practicing law and specializing in mediation services
- Two Year Program participants and graduates who are not practicing mental health professionals but who are interested in further skill development
Program Faculty:
This seminar training program is staffed by the current Faculty of the Gestalt Institute of Pittsburgh and Program Graduates. The members of the faculty of the Pittsburgh Gestalt Therapy Training Program for Professionals are practicing therapists with over 40 years of experience. They have earned certificates for completing 2-year Gestalt Training programs and have participated in advanced Gestalt training for more than 30 years. They are joined by Guest faculty who are practicing Gestalt therapists and vital members of the GIP community.
- Thomas Petrone, Ed.D. Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Professional Counselor
- Maura Krushinski, Ed.D. Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Professional Counselor
- Marisa Floro, Ph.D., LCSW, C.S.T.
- Kristy Carnahan, MA. Licensed Professional Counselor
- Connie Kramer, MA Licensed Professional Counselor
- Stephanie Helsel, PhD, LPC
- Holly Lassila, DrPH, MSEd, RPh, Licensed Professional Counselor
Mission Statement: The mission of the Gestalt Institute of Pittsburgh is educate, enlighten an excite individuals and trainees about the theory, integration and application of Gestalt therapy. Our Faculty and staff provide the highest quality programs to individuals seeking training, personal development and support for their professional and personal endeavors. The Institute is guided by belief in the wholeness of human experience, adherence to the highest ethical standards and support of social justice values.
Program Description: This seminar program provides participants the time and opportunity to develop and practice foundational skills they acquired in their educational and in other professional endeavors. It supports development from basic mental health practice to becoming a more skilled and more accomplished therapist with a Gestalt approach. The program offers the opportunity for theoretical inquiry, skill development and personal growth experience necessary to integrate Gestalt theory and methodology into each therapist’s personal and professional therapeutic style.
Statement on Multicultural Considerations and Equitability:
The field-theoretical and the phenomenological tenets as well as the principles of holism take, per definition, cultural differences into consideration. Implicit in its field-theoretical understanding is the fact that human beings are not islands but impacted by social influences as well as impactful on others. With respect to the existential field, each person shares a world with others in a variety of ways contributing to meaning and value. (Kirchner, 2000). As such the Administrative staff and faculty of the Gestalt Institute of Pittsburgh are dedicated to conveying respect to all program participants without bias toward gender, physical disability, culture, ethnic origin, spiritual/religious orientation, sexual orientation or other personal differences. It is the expectation of the Gestalt Institute of Pittsburgh that all program participants will exercise the same principles.
Statement on Evaluation Process:
The Institute faculty will consider the following key elements when determining each participant’s completion of individual seminars and awarding of Continuing Education credit:
- Full attendance and participation
- Completion of seminar evaluation
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