Alongside the developing professionalisation of psychotherapy in Europe, and expectations that psychotherapists uphold the highest standards of competence and ethical practice, equivalent attention must be given to establishing standards for therapy training.
Via extensive research and consultation EAGT has developed minimal criteria for training in Gestalt Therapy and in Gestalt supervision. The current set of standards defines the body of theoretical and practical knowledge and expertise that we expect Gestalt therapists to meet. These function as qualifying criteria for EAGT membership: full (‘ordinary’) individual membership of EAGT is based around completing a training programme that is aligned with these standards.
Establishing minimal consistent Gestalt Therapy training standards provides a baseline that supports portability of qualifications across European countries and is likely to uphold the continued professionalism, quality, credibility and ethics of Gestalt Therapy practice.
We have deliberately kept standards as minimal as possible in order to accommodate the wide diversity of social and cultural conditions in Europe and to leave the maximum space for freedom and creativity. In developing these standards EAGT members are attempting to bridge the gap between supporting freedom and autonomy of practice on the one hand, and adjusting to the requirements of the healthcare market on the other.
Minimum training standards cover:
- Training standards for therapy
- Training standards for supervision
- Accreditation requirements for Training Institutes
All Training Institutes that are full members of EAGT are granted up to five years to align their trainings with these standards. Existing members are expected to reapply for membership every five years.
EAGT is a member of the European Association for Psychotherapy (EAP), which recognises a European wide standard for psychotherapy education and training – the European Certificate of Psychotherapy (ECP). EAGT training standards meet ECP requirements.
The training standard for Institutes can be found here
Further information in our public library :