Photo: Bridget Ahern

Photo: Bridget Ahern

Relational Gestalt Practice Study Circle

A series of 4 Long weekends in the Months of April, June, July and August 2026.

The Relational Gestalt Practice study series provides a structured opportunity to engage with Gestalt principles through both theoretical study and experiential practice. Participants will learn from three perspectives: as Initiator (Explorer), Reflector (Supporter), and Witness (Engaged Observer). This approach is especially relevant for those in the helping professions who wish to integrate relational presence into their practice.

We will convene for four non-residential retreats (Friday–Sunday). Partner practice sessions between retreats are an integral part of the design, supporting continuity and integration of learning.

The study emphasizes cultivating embodied presence, emotional awareness, and the capacity to “be with” another person, rather than directing or attempting to change them. The program supports participants in expanding their self-awareness and strengthening their ability to form authentic, resilient relationships.

The format will include

  • Structured exercises that allow participants to work with one another in dyads & triads

  • One open seat session with Dorothy with Channel 2 discussion afterwards

  • Didactic presentations and discussions

  • Monthly Partner Practices

  • Online resource guide 

  • Gestalt Practice Library & Resource Center (GPLRC) - Group members will be automatically enrolled as a member of the GPLRC for 2026. The $120 membership fee is included in the Study Circle tuition.

Elective exercises & opportunities

  • Weekly Tuesday evening Gestalt Practice check in group - offered by an assistant 

  • WhatsApp check-in group facilitated by Elizabeth Fries 

This model requires us to be present and in touch with our body and our emotional experiences and to have the ability to “be with” another, rather than direct, manage, fix, or change.

We will attend to increasing our capacity for self-awareness and expanding our ability to make good contact in our relationships, both personal and professional.

The program will be open to participants with significant previous experience in gestalt workshops with Dorothy, Chris Price, and Sharon Terry, and must have recent participation in open seat workshops.

Dates & Times

Long Weekends (Friday 1pm-7pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, & Sunday 9am-4pm - in person)

April 17-19, 2026
June 5-7, 2026
July 10-12, 2026
August 7-9, 2026

*Please note the schedule is different on each day

Webinar (on zoom)

May 13, 2026 6:30-9pm PT

I ask that you commit to this group with the intention of attending all sessions, though I am open to hearing from you if you have conflicts that would cause you to miss one session.

Group Location

Aptos, CA

Tuition

$2,770

Scholarship available upon inquiry. Please email registration@dorothycharles.com.

To secure your place in the RGP Study Circle, a $350 non-refundable deposit (via check or PayPal) is required at registration. The remaining balance is due April 1st before the start of the series.

Pay in full at registration and save $150 (total: $2,620).

Interest Form

Click here to complete the interest forms due by January 15, 2026. A brief interview will be a part of the process to make sure the program will be a good fit. Participants of the 2024-2025 Study Group are asked to complete this application form as well. If you were accepted into last year’s Study Group and apply for this one, you are accepted into this study group and will not need to interview as long as you register before the group is full.

**Covid policy: Because of the continued prevalence of COVID, to protect everyone's health, we ask that all participants provide proof of a negative antigen test taken on the Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday before the start of group. Vaccination is encouraged. Masking is welcomed for self-protection. If you have symptoms of illness, we ask you not to attend.**