GISC Advanced Practice
OD Consulting Certification

In a world where licensure and certification are becoming more and more important, we wish to help our students meet these demands while engaging in a profound learning experience.

Curriculum
The curriculum expands your ability to partner with your clients in a thought provoking, creative, and optimistic process that inspires them and/or their organizations to maximize their personal and professional potential. The curriculum will be individualized and based on Gestalt theory and practice, and the certification path is organized around the powerful Cape Cod Model of competency based change facilitation.

The certification process, which includes a series of five required workshops, and three programs from a wide choice of electives, can be undertaken at an individual pace, and customized to meet your specific learning goals. In addition to course work, a practicum requirement in the form of a special project chosen to meet individual learning goals will be completed as a demonstration of learning competence. After completion of all the course work and acceptance of the project, you will be certified for three years. Continuing education credits of a minimum of 30 documented hours will be required at 3 year intervals for renewal.

A coaching specialization is available and ten of our courses have been approved by the International Coach Federation, offering the opportunity for students to pursue two certification needs at once.

Advisor
Two of the major components of the unique qualities of GISC are its values of generosity and mentorship. We have incorporated these same values into the certification program in the form of a faculty advisor role, being filled by a member of our senior faculty to make this program a unique experience for each student. The advisor will help you design an appropriate series of courses that fulfill your specific educational goals, while at the same time meeting the certification requirements, as well as helping you choose and complete a project that demonstrates competence.

Current advisors include:
Bridget Farrands Sean Gaffney, MA Joseph Melnick, PhD Sonia Nevis, PhD Edwin Nevis, PhD Stuart Simon, LICSW Mary Anne Walk, MS MBA

Benefits

• Personal assistance of a senior faculty advisor to custom design the certification program
• Certification as OD Advanced Practice Consultant, demonstrating advanced training and experience to clients and colleagues
• Expansion of knowledge in diagnostic and intervention approaches
• Opportunity to become part of a supportive network of practitioners
• Extensive professional and personal development through practice in a safe and supportive environment
• Increased awareness, self-confidence, credibility, and market value
• Listing on GISC website upon certification
• Membership in certification online community
• Discounts on the 5 Dynamics Assessment tool

Participants
This program is designed to be of value to consultants, coaches, HR professionals, and others widening their practice into these fields. Application to the program may be made at any time, and credit will be given for appropriate programs already completed prior to enrollment. As this program is an advanced practice certification, five years of organizational experience are required for acceptance.

"I have attended two different programmes at GISC. Both have been enjoyable, challenging and full of learning for me. As a very experienced professional facilitator, Gestalt therapist and O.D. consultant I am committed to my ongoing development but find it hard to find events which really stretch me and build new perspectives and practises. A key factor in the programmes' success is the ability of the GISC team to "walk their talk" and to provide deep and authentic experiences for each participant. The learning touches both head and heart. I have been able to return from the programmes and apply my skills and learning immediately with my senior corporate clients. I would not hesitate to recommend the GISC programmes to anyone who wants to grow as a person and to also enhance their professional practise."

Victoria Cassells
Cassells Consulting, UK

"Six years ago, when I set out to do some professional development, I asked a series of colleagues what training they used most in their coaching and organizational development practices. “Gestalt” was the most frequent response.

GISC offers the best, most practical, and deepest professional training for those interested in learning how to work effectively with people. In the past five years I have attended over six programs, including the International OSD program, Cape Cod Model and its application to groups and individuals, and an excellent conference on the Future of Managing Change. The quality of the faculty is outstanding. Not only do they teach well, they have extensive experience as practitioners in the “real” world of family and business needs.

Not only have I committed time and resources to GISC programs, I have also sent colleagues and clients to the Cape Cod Model program. I use what I learned at GISC every day, and keep in my mind and heart that there is a place I can go to practice and learn new skills as the need arises. The world needs what GISC has to teach about how we can live and work together."

Sophie Parker
Sophie Parker & Associates

GISC Certification Requirements

Cost
There will be a $2,000 certification fee that will apply to administrative costs, assessment project, and a stipend for the faculty member advisor. Applicants can choose to join the certificate program at any time for $1000 which will provide them with a faculty advisor immediately to help choose programs, and 10% discount off each program taken from that point in time forward. Individual programs are to be paid for upon each program registration. The balance of $1000 certification fee is due prior to the assessment project.

“As an organizational and leadership development coach based on Cape Cod, I was thrilled to learn of GISC as a local resource. I attended two workshops last year. The take-aways for me were the opportunity to be introduced to the Gestalt model and the privilege of connecting with
a group of passionate, knowledgeable, interested, and interesting people - both participants and staff. At both workshops, I experienced several consecutive days of
non-stop intellectual and emotional challenges; and observed highly skilled faculty and facilitators in action.”

Janice Kinder, Workplace Coach