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Gestalt in Practice: Awareness, Contact & Trauma-Informed Self-Regulation

Mark Baumgartner, LPC-S, LDCD, LAADC, NCC
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Date & Time

Description

This one-hour training explores the integration of Gestalt therapy and process-focused counseling techniques within a trauma-informed care framework. It reviews the foundational principles of Gestalt therapy and process-focused counseling, along with core experiential interventions adapted to support trauma-sensitive practice. Emphasis is placed on therapist presence, collaborative partnership, and the creation of safety and self-regulation as essential conditions for therapeutic work. From this foundation, patients may be invited, with consent, to experiment with new ways of relating to themselves, others, and their lived experience, often resulting in greater self-awareness, personal agency, and expanded possibilities for change.

Educational Goal

The educational goal of this workshop is to increase understanding of Gestalt psychotherapy and process-focused counseling within a trauma-informed framework. Attendees will learn to recognize trauma-specific process markers and apply regulation-focused interventions that support safety, awareness, and therapeutic change.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Describe the three foundational principles of Gestalt psychotherapy: the I–Thou relationship, here-and-now awareness, and phenomenological inquiry.

  • Explain the application of four Gestalt therapy techniques: dialogical presence, staying with the feeling, the empty-chair technique, and exaggeration.

  • Identify at least five trauma-specific process markers and how to adapt experiential interventions to remain within the client's window of tolerance.

  • Apply the seven Gestalt interregulation-first sequencing and pacing strategies to reduce the risk of re-traumatization.

Target Audience

  • Addiction Professional
  • Counselor
  • Marriage & Family Therapist
  • Nurse
  • Physician
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker

Presenters

Mark Baumgartner, LPC-S, LDCD, LAADC, NCC
Mark Baumgartner, LPC-S, LDCD, LAADC, NCC, is a licensed professional counselor and senior behavioral healthcare executive with over 30 years of experience leading outpatient and inpatient programs. In 2017, he completed postgraduate training in Relational Gestalt Therapy under Alan Berger, PhD, in Los Angeles. As Vice President of Outpatient Operations at The Meadows, Mark oversees programs serving hundreds of patients across multiple states. He previously held leadership roles at the Betty Ford Center, where he managed clinical departments and launched innovative programs. Mark’s expertise spans program development, clinical operations, team leadership, and evidence-based, patient-centered care. He is passionate about advancing behavioral health through integrated approaches and enjoys sharing his insights through education and public speaking.

Financially Sponsored By

  • The Meadows