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A one-year part-time course beginning September 2026
Explore the essentials of Gestalt therapy through a rich blend of theory, experiential learning, and group process.
This foundation course is ideal for those beginning their therapeutic journey or seeking personal and professional growth in a supportive learning environment.
Who is it for?
You might be starting out in psychotherapy or counselling, working in a helping or care profession (e.g. education, health, social work) or exploring whether the Gestalt modality fits you.
Is previous training required?
No previous Gestalt training is required - although prior experience of counselling, personal therapy, or related professional work is welcomed.
Course format (2026 - 2027)
- 8 weekend workshops (Sat–Sun)
- 3 long weekend workshops (Fri–Sun)
- Sessions run 9:30am – 5:30pm
- All in-person in Manchester
- 18–20 September (3 days)
- 17 - 18 October
- 14-15 November
- 12-13 December
- 16-17 January
- 19-21 February (3 days)
- 20-21 March
- 24-25 April
- 15-16 May
- 19-20 June
- 9-11 July (3 days)
Assessment & progression
- Two optional written assignments (required if planning to continue to the Accredited Diploma)
- Ongoing feedback from trainers
- Peer support & optional study groups encouraged
Course overview
The Foundation Course in Gestalt Counselling/Therapy at MGC provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles, practice, and philosophy of Gestalt therapy. It is designed for people who are curious about psychotherapy, training in the helping professions, or deepening their self-awareness and relational skills.
This is a one-year, part-time course is delivered in-person, guided by a team of experienced Gestalt trainers. The programme includes 150 training hours across 11 weekends, with integrated experiential work, theory, skills practice and group process
Certificate of Completion is awarded to all trainees who attend the course in full.
Completion also fulfils the first year of MGC’s Accredited 4-Year Training in Gestalt Psychotherapy, next intake: 2026/2027 (GPTI pathway)
What you'll learn
- Contact & awareness
- Projection, transference & countertransference
- Embodiment, Sensation, Retroflection
- Field theory & phenomenology
- Dialogue & theory of self
- Group Process & Experimentation
-
Endings & new beginnings
Course leaders & trainers
Your learning will be guided by experienced trainers from the MGC Training Team.
Additional support is provided by assistant trainers working towards GPTI accreditation. All team members are committed to ethical, relational, inclusive practice, aligned with GPTI and UKCP standards
Joe Appleby
UKCP Registered Gestalt Psychotherapist and Supervisor
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Catherine Havard
UKCP Registered Gestalt Psychotherapist, and Training and Supervising Member of the Gestalt Psychotherapy Training Institute
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Carole Smith
UKCP Registered Gestalt Psychotherapist, and a Training and Supervising Member of The Gestalt Psychotherapy Training Institute (UK)
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Course fees
- £3,400 if paid in full
- £3,550 if paid in instalments
- Fees include all workshops, course handouts/training materials and GPTI trainee membership.
- Not included: travel, accommodation, recommended reading, personal therapy (optional, but recommended), and essay marking (£120 total if submitting both)
How to apply
Send to mgc@mgc.org.uk: your CV, a cover letter explaining your interest in the course and how you meet the entry criteria and two references (not friends, family or current/past therapists)
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview. You must also complete the Working with Vulnerable People Declaration (see prospectus).
For more information, please download the 2026/2027 Foundation Course prospectus.
