2025 Gestalt Institute of Pittsburgh Seminar Series
Register for the below seminars here.
Gestalt Therapy – Clinical Theory and Technique
Gestalt therapy continues to be a highly regarded and effective treatment modality. This seminar provides the opportunity to learn core aspects of Gestalt theory and their application with a variety of treatment concerns
It also provides an opportunity to learn more about the GIP Two Year Gestalt Training for Professionals as well as a refresher for seasoned therapists.
Friday, April 25, 2025
1:00 – 4:15 pm
Fee: $60
Register here.
3.0 Continuing Education credits
LPC, Social Work and Marriage and Family Therapists and Psychologists
Location: 1824 Murray Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Presented by: Thomas Petrone, Ed.D.
Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this seminar, participants will be able to:
- Summarize core concepts of Gestalt theory
- Describe fundamental aspects of Gestalt theory relevant to diagnosing and treatment planning with mental health clients
- Practice Gestalt intervention techniques and analyze their efficacy in applying them to specific clinical settings and populations
REGISTER here.
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.
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, nor The Gestalt Institute is funded by any entity who would benefit from the presentation of this program.
Embodied Connections: Gestalt Polarities and Differentiation in Sex Therapy
Presenter: Marisa Floro, Ph.D., LCSW, C.S.T.
Marisa Floro is a Gestalt-trained Certified Sex Therapist, whose therapeutic approach focuses on trauma-informed practice and somatic awareness.
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:45 pm
Location: 1824 Murray Avenue, Suite 201, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Fee: $110
Register here.
3.0 CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS
Psychologists, LPC, Social Work and Marriage and Family Therapists
Learning objectives:
Upon completion of this seminar participants will be able to:
- Define and apply Gestalt concepts of polarities and differentiation in sex therapy.
- Identify common polarities that arise in clients’ experiences of sexuality and desire.
- Utilize embodied and experimental techniques to help clients integrate sexual conflicts.
- Explore the therapist’s role in supporting sexual awareness and differentiation and presence in clinical work.
DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM
This seminar explores how Gestalt therapy’s emphasis on polarities and differentiation can deepen therapeutic work in sex therapy. Therapists often encounter clients struggling with internal conflicts around desire, intimacy, and erotic expression—dynamics that are shaped by introjects, cultural narratives, and relational patterns. By applying Gestalt interventions, therapists can help clients move toward greater embodied awareness, integration of sexual polarities, and differentiation in relational and sexual contexts.
Participants will examine how polarities such as autonomy vs. connection, control vs. surrender, and vulnerability vs. self-protection manifest in erotic experience. Through experiential exercises, case discussions, and guided experiments, therapists will learn to support clients in recognizing and integrating these polarities rather than remaining stuck in rigid dichotomies.
This seminar will also address the role of therapist presence, attunement, and experiment in facilitating sexual differentiation—the capacity to remain connected to one’s own erotic self while engaging with a partner. Special attention will be given to the interplay of nervous system regulation, erotic agency, and cultural influences on sexual identity.
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.
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. Floro, Dr. Petrone, nor The Gestalt Institute is funded by any entity who would benefit from the presentation of this program.
Register here.
Navigating Fear and Anxiety through the Lens of Neurodiversity
Gestalt therapy continues to be a highly creative and relational wonderful way of working. This seminar offers insight from a UK-based field perspective with a therapist who values an intersectional approach to Gestalt practice.
Presenter: Umaa Thampu MBACP (Accred)
Friday, May 23, 2025 from 1-4:15 pm
Location: This is a virtual training via ZOOM
Fee: $100
Register here.
3.0 CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS
Psychologists, LPC, Social Work and Marriage and Family Therapists
Learning objectives:
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of three core concepts of Gestalt theory in recognizing and addressing three common ethical dilemmas
- Apply two skills of Gestalt therapy as applied to the ethical decision-making process, diagnosis, and treatment planning while engaging in the provision of mental health services
- Demonstrate the use of an ethical decision-making model when providing mental health services.
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.
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 Uma, nor The Gestalt Institute is funded by any entity who would benefit from the presentation of this program.
Register here.
Figure Formation in Gestalt Therapy: How to identify and respond with therapeutic intent to the emerging work of the client
A Graduate Level Training Seminar
Presenter: Dr. Maura Krushinski, LPC, ACS, NCC
Maura Krushinski, Ed.D., LPC, NCC, is a licensed psychologist, licensed professional counselor and Gestalt therapist with over 40 years of experience in clinical practice, supervision, consultation, and clinical mental health training. She specializes in Gestalt Therapy, clinical intentionality, experiential training, counselor and therapist education, and therapist self-awareness. Dr. Krushinski is known for her engaging teaching style, blending theory with experiential learning, practical application, and personal integration to create a transformative educational experience.
Friday, May 30, 2025, from 1:00 – 4:15 pm
Fee: $140
Location: 1824 Murray Avenue, Suite 201, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
3.0 CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS
LPC, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Psychologists
Hour 1: Foundations of Figure Formation
- Theoretical roots of figure-ground perception in Gestalt Psychology/Therapy
- Understanding figure-ground dynamics in human experience
- The role of awareness in forming and shifting figures
- Identifying personal figures in the emerging moment
Hour 2: Figure Formation and Psychopathology
- Figure-ground disturbances and interruptions
- Clinical case discussions: Recognizing figure-ground rigidity in therapy
- Techniques for working with stuck or unclear figures in clients
- Practicing interventions for enhancing awareness
Hour 3: Application and Integration
- Using dialogue, experiments, and metaphor to clarify figures
- Therapist’s relational presence and awareness in supporting figure formation
- Case consultation and supervision facilitation:
- Q&A and reflections on applying figure formation in clinical work
This seminar offers a rich blend of theory, practice, and discussion, ensuring you leave with concrete skills to enhance your current or emerging Gestalt Therapy practice. Ready to deepen your therapeutic presence? Join us for this transformative seminar!
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. Krushinski, nor The Gestalt Institute is funded by any entity who would benefit from the presentation of this program.
Register here.
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. This series also includes Umaa Thampu Faculty member Gestalt Centre of London.
- 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
- Umaa Thampu MBACP (Accred)
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
Statement on Privacy Policy:
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