Gestalt Approach to Working with Embodiment
A Comprehensive, In-Person Program Advancing Embodied & Relational Gestalt Practice
About The Program
GAWE is an advanced clinical training for practitioners ready to deepen their embodied presence and apply Gestalt principles in real time. Learning happens through both experientials and didactics. Across four immersive modules and three integration sessions, participants practice live, receive supervision, and cultivate embodied awareness as a force for change.
Program Co-Chairs
Michael Clemmens, PhD
Rick Hancock, MA, GPCC™, PCC, BCC
Ellen Hoffman, MA, LPCC
Faculty Also Drawn From…
Allison Bruce, MEd, LPCC-S
Renee Jennings, MA, MSW, LCSW
Arlene Luberoff, MA, CCC-SLP
Monique Rodriguez, Ph.D., LPCC-S, NCC
Giselle Ruzany, PhD, LPC, BC-DMT
Elena Ryabtseva, MS, MS, LMHC, CGT
Jackie Stevenson, MSSA, LISW, EAGALA CRT, BCC, GPCC™
Artwork by Sofia Sterling Angu
What makes this training Unique?
Live, Experiential Learning
Learn through a combination of experientials & didactics.
In-vivo supervised practice with real-time feedback
Case consultation and Wednesday follow-ups for integration
Embodied process groups facilitated by faculty
Embodied, Relational Approach
Work with the whole person in context.
Integrates embodiment with Gestalt theory and field awareness
Focuses on creative adaptation rather than symptom correction
Presence, contact, and awareness as active forces for change
Professional Depth + Personal Growth
Transform yourself and your practice.
Balances rigorous professional training with personal development
Builds on GIC’s long-standing experiential legacy
Expands embodied capacity for clinical, coaching, and group work
Who It’s For
Designed for clinicians, social workers, coaches, educators, and related practitioners with prior Gestalt experience or equivalent embodiment training.
Completion of Working with Embodiment in Gestalt Practice (Intro) is required unless an applicant demonstrates equivalent training and experience; exceptions are at the co-chairs’ discretion.
Program Schedule
Format
Four 5-day in-person modules (Wed–Sun) at the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland (Berea, OH)
Three online Integration Sessions (3 hrs each) on the Wednesday after Modules 1, 2 & 3
Limited to ~16 participants for an intimate, high-contact learning experience
Dates
Module 1: June 3–7, 2026
Integration Session: Wednesday, June 10th
Module 2: October 7–11, 2026
Integration Session: Wednesday, October 14th
Module 3: February 17–21, 2027
Integration Session: Wednesday, February 24th
Module 4: May 19–23, 2027
No Integration Session
Timing
Module Days & Times
Wednesday
1:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Thurs – Sat:
9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday:
9:30 am – 2:00 pm
Online Integration Sessions
Wednesday evening the week after each module, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Program Full
Registration is closed
Thank you for your interest!
A waitlist is available for this program.
Tuition:
$8,950
Includes ~130 CE hours and online integration sessions.
Application process:
Click “Apply Now” button to complete and submit application form *
Pay application fee on next screen **
Await invite for Zoom interview
* References required; limited cohort (16).** A non-refundable application fee of $150 is due prior to interview.
The Gestalt Institute of Cleveland (GIC) offers a Gestalt Faculty Discount (20%) for non-GIC Gestalt faculty. For further information regarding this discount please send an email to registrar@gestaltcleveland.org
F.A.Q.
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Psychologists, counselors, social workers, coaches, educators, and facilitators with prior Gestalt or embodied-practice experience who want to integrate embodiment more deeply into their work.
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Completion of Working with Embodiment in Gestalt Practice (Intro) is required unless an applicant demonstrates equivalent training and experience; exceptions are at the co-chairs’ discretion.
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Once registration is open, submit an application, provide references, and complete a Zoom interview with faculty. The cohort is limited to ~ 16 participants for individualized attention and an intimate learning environment.
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Yes — 130 CE hours for the full program (confirmation pending final approval).
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In person at the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland in Berea, OH. Participants travel from around the U.S.; see our Visit page for lodging recommendations.
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No. GAWE is an immersive, experiential, in-person training designed around embodied presence and relational practice.
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Each module runs five days (Wed 1 – 9 pm; Thu–Sat 9:30 am – 6 pm; Sun 9:30 am – 2 pm). Integration sessions are held online from 6:00pm to 9:00pm the Wednesday evenings following Modules 1–3.
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Tuition is $8,950. A non-refundable application fee is due with the application. Payment plans and a two-installment option may be available. Refunds follow GIC’s standard cancellation policy (≥ 30 days = full refund minus fee; 14–30 days = 50% refund).
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Four five-day modules over 11 months, plus three online integration sessions. Participants engage in live supervised practice, faculty-led consultation groups, and personal development groups.
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Yes. GAWE is a new advanced clinical training being offered for the first time through the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland. It draws on GIC’s long legacy of embodied practice while expanding the curriculum into a distinct advanced track.
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GIC is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive learning environment. Participants are invited to share access needs in advance so faculty can provide accommodations.
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For questions or to reach the program co-chairs, please email registrar@gestaltcleveland.org.