The Institute is based in Christchurch with teaching centres in Dunedin, Palmerston North, and Hamilton. Recognition is made of prior learning and promotion is based on competency. There are three 4-5 day workshops per year for all trainees and also local training groups fortnightly. Attention to personal development is emphasised throughout the training, and individual psychotherapy is a requirement. Year one is devoted to personal work in a group setting with an introduction to Gestalt theory offered.
Assignments deal with personal development.
This year also enables trainees to be assessed for readiness to enter the training proper. Some people choose this year for personal work only with no intention to train. Here training begins in earnest. Pre-requisites are at least a basic counselling training and study in human development. Those wishing to graduate with a Diploma of Gestalt Psychotherapy are required to complete all five modules.