Gestalt Soul Care is a network partner of Pathways Transformational Network. Together, they collaborated to develop the Trauma-Informed Spiritual Direction Training program. This course integrates Gestalt principles with spiritual direction, fostering awareness, presence, and wholeness in those seeking to accompany others on their spiritual journeys. The curriculum includes experiential learning, theoretical grounding, and supervised practice.
Course Duration: 2 years
Target Audience: This program is designed to create well-formed, self-aware spiritual directors who integrate Gestalt principles in a way that fosters deeper presence, transformation, and holistic accompaniment.
Pre-requisites:
Candidate eligibility determined during pre-registration process.
Learning Objectives/Outcomes:
- Understand and integrate Gestalt Soul Care fundamentals.
- Cultivate presence and active listening through awareness-based practices.
- Apply Gestalt principles to spiritual accompaniment and discernment.
- Use metaphor, imagery, and resistance as tools for spiritual insight.
- Practice ethical, trauma-informed spiritual direction with clear boundaries.
- Incorporate body-based and Gestalt techniques in spiritual direction.
- Demonstrate competency through supervised direction sessions.
- Develop a personal, integrated framework for Gestalt-informed direction.
Modules/Topics Covered:
- Semester 1: Introduction to Spiritual Direction & Gestalt Theory
- Semester 2: The Gestalt Approach to Spiritual Accompaniment
- Semester 3: Advanced Spiritual Direction Skills & Gestalt Applications
- Semester 4: Integration, Supervision, and Practicum
Program Schedule:
- Delivered over 2 year period - Oct 8-11, 2025, Jun 3-6, 2026, Oct 21-24, 2026, May 19-22, 2027
- Mode: Live online sessions, in person retreats and small group practicums.
- Time Commitment: 4 In Person retreats, Bi-Monthy 90 min Zoom Classes
Cost & Registration:
- Tuition: (TBD)
- Click here to pre-register.
Certification: Participants who complete all sessions will receive Certificate of Completion.
Testimonials/Past Participant Quotes:
“One of the most engaging programs I’ve attended—I enjoyed the opportunity to apply the principles within the course.” – Jane D.