An eight-session, monthly supportive practice group for therapists with facilitators Laura Hawley, LCSW & Beth Filla, LCSW
Eight Fridays
October 9, November 13, December 11, 2026 and January 8, February 12, March 12, April 9, May 14, 2027
9:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. each session (USA EST)
24 CEUs available
In Person, Center City Philadelphia, PA
Overview:
We know that as therapists, our work is deeply dependent on insight into how we relate to ourselves and to other people, but it happens entirely in private. Typically, supervision depends on our own description of challenges we face, and thus is limited in its ability to reveal our strengths and areas for growth.
In this group, we will learn by watching others working, and by allowing ourselves to be observed working. Every session will include a short discussion of Gestalt theory and principles followed by practicum sessions in small groups of four facilitated by Laura and Beth. Group members will do “real work” with each other followed by attentive, specific, supportive, growth oriented feedback.
A didactic portion begins each session: lecture, discussion, experiential exercises and case consultation. The primary focus of each session is an opportunity for participants to apply learning and skills in practicum sessions during which they will rotate roles as therapist, client and observer. We will teach a mindfulness practice during the first session and recommend that participants practice it throughout the course of this program to help them develop embodied awareness.
Important details about this program
- After meeting with a facilitator and mutual agreement to continue with registration, you will be provided with a link to complete the tuition payment and registration process.
- We will meet in person in Center City Philadelphia one Friday each month, 9:30 am – 12:45 pm, October 9, November 13, December 11, 2026 and January 8, February 12, March 12, April 9, May 14, 2027.
- This is a closed group that will be limited to eight participants and open to therapists with some training or experience with somatic or person-centered approaches (i.e. Gestalt, Psychodynamic)
- We are asking that people commit to being with us for all eight sessions of the program.
- There are 24 CEUs available for attending all eight sessions.
- Tuition for the program is $1360 (which equates to $170/session) and full payment for the program is expected at the time of registration. There are two discounted spots available.
- Refund policy: Refund policy: Full refunds are available until September 3, 2026. 50% refund available until September 17, 2026. Refunds will not be provided for missed sessions.
- This is a recurring workshop and therefore eligible for continuing education credits once per license cycle.
Program Leaders
Laura Hawley, LCSW, is a queer white gender expansive woman, 62 years old. She has lived in Philadelphia for over twenty five years. Laura has had a focus on working with caregiving professionals since her own early experience with burnout as a young social worker. She sought care at and ultimately graduated from the New England School of Acupuncture.
After twenty years working as a professional acupuncturist, Laura returned to the formal practice of psychotherapy because she was interested in deepening her ability to help clients at an emotional level. Therapy with her draws on how the body holds both trauma and the profound potential for compassion, healing and balance. Laura completed the three year training at the Gestalt Training Institute of
Philadelphia (GTIP) in May 2019, where she subsequently served on the faculty and as a practicum supervisor through 2024. She is IFS informed and certified in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). She is currently participating in a Path program in Insight Dialogue at Barre Center for Buddhist Studies. She has been the process facilitator for a group of hospital clowns for the Healthy Humor Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia team since 2018.
Beth Filla, LCSW has been teaching, facilitating professional trainings, and leading somatically-oriented group experiences for more than 30 years. She earned her MSW from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice with the intention of focusing on organizational and community-based issues. She worked in public school systems and community-based and nationally-founded organizations in Philadelphia and the surrounding area. The connection between what was happening in people’s bodies and their minds was ever-present for her, and this led to a long and life-enriching experience teaching yoga, meditation and yoga philosophy in her own yoga and wellness studio for 10 years. Beth finally stopped resisting becoming a therapist in 2017.
Drawn to Gestalt because of its focus on somatic awareness and here and now presence, she completed GTIP’s three-year training program in 2021. She has served as a practicum supervisor, faculty member, and member of a variety committees since then. In her private practice in Haddonfield, NJ, she provides supervision and combines Gestalt therapy, Brainspotting, and trauma-informed breath and movement practices in her work with individuals and couples. She still teaches a weekly yoga class and facilitates Circles for people in healing roles, people in life transitions and people experiencing grief: all with the intention of creating opportunities for healing on multiple levels, in community. She lives near aging parents with her husband of many years, and three ridiculous cats.
Tuition (includes the cost of CEUs):
- $1360 (which equates to $170/session) and full payment for the program
- Two discount positions available. Inquire at the time of your discussion with a facilitator.
Interest Form: https://form.jotform.com/252074769016157
Refund policy: Full refunds are available until September 3, 2026. 50% refund available until September 17, 2026. Refunds will not be provided for missed sessions.
Continuing Education Credits
GTIP offers Continuing Education credits to: LSW, LCSW, LPC, LMFT, PSY. Should you be requesting CEUs, please indicate what license you hold and your license number on the registration form.
This session is co-sponsored by Bryn Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research for a maximum of 24 credit hours. Bryn Mawr College GSSWSR, as a CSWE accredited School of Social Work, is a pre-approved provider of continuing education for Social Workers in PA and many other states.
GTIP is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology to offer 24 hours of continuing education for psychologists. GTIP maintains responsibility for the program. The Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology requires Psychology workshop participants to furnish their license number to receive a certificate of attendance.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Christine Manturuk, Administrative Coordination, at christinem@gtip.org