The Community Meeting Planning Committee (CMPC) provides opportunities for us to put Gestalt Therapy theory into practice while facilitating connection between all members of the GTIP community: Trainees, Alumni, Faculty, Volunteer Supervisors, and Board members. During the gatherings, we explore ways to make authentic contact across our different social locations and roles within the training program. We strive to provide lightness and fun while delving into the curiosity, fascination, and rigor of Gestalt Therapy theory.
The CMPC is composed of trainees (usually two from each cohort), a faculty member and alumni.
- During 2023-2024, we will:
- Support the creation and facilitation of the opening night experience on Friday, September 8.
- Work collaboratively with GTIP’s consultant, Spiracle Connections, to provide forums for community discussions that support the organization’s growth and DEI work.
- Reach out to you to hear what community members envision for gatherings.
- Coordinate a community event to celebrate our graduating class in May.
As a tenet of CMPC’s vision, we recognize that we are better together, more creative when we have diverse perspectives that embrace curiosity, and we vow to work together to provide transparent and genuine support to one another.
Committee Members
Gina Carfagno, MSS, LSW
Alumni
Ray Hessek, MA
2nd Year Trainee
Valerie Kellom, MSS, LCSW BCD
Board Member, Emeritus Faculty
Bat Sheva Leshed
Alumni
Bob Pileggi, LCSW
2nd Year Group Process Facilitator, Adjunct Faculty
Vision
We have learned a lot over the years about our community and are committed to the following:
- Understanding that our greater culture often conflates safety with comfort, and challenging ourselves to lean into discomfort with curiosity and support;
- Prioritizing connection over adherence to an agenda;
- Encouraging moment to moment examination of what gets in the way of connecting across difference and experimenting to find ways that all people can feel seen and heard;
- Exploring social location in thoughtful ways through community discussions, as well as providing a diverse, inclusive communal space; and
- Fostering affinity group time.