Palliative care is a deeply sensitive field, one that requires not only clinical knowledge but also a profound understanding of emotional, psychological, and existential challenges. The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Gestalt Therapy for Palliative Care offers a unique and integrative approach to supporting individuals facing life-limiting conditions. This course is designed to help participants apply Gestalt principles within palliative contexts, enhancing the quality of holistic care.
Gestalt therapy, with its focus on awareness, presence, and relational connection, is a powerful modality for palliative care settings. This diploma introduces participants to core Gestalt techniques and applies them specifically to the psychological and emotional needs of patients in palliative care. Through experiential learning and reflective practice, the course helps participants develop the skills to support patients and families during one of the most challenging periods of life.
The OSHAA Professional Diploma in Gestalt Therapy for Palliative Care spans 30 hours of focused, in-depth learning. Participants are introduced to the foundations of Gestalt therapy and gradually guided through its practical use in end-of-life care. Emphasis is placed on therapeutic presence, emotional regulation, self-awareness, and effective communication.
The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Gestalt Therapy for Palliative Care offers a unique opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge and hands-on skills in a growing area of mental health and end-of-life support. Combining academic insight with practical tools, this course enables participants to offer compassionate and transformative care that addresses not just physical symptoms, but also the emotional and existential needs of patients and their families.
OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Gestalt Therapy for Palliative Care
Study Units
Learning Outcomes
Introduction to Gestalt Therapy and Palliative Care Principles (3 hours)
- Understand the foundational concepts of Gestalt therapy within palliative care
- Identify the core principles of holistic and person-centred end-of-life support
- Recognise the relevance of Gestalt therapy in addressing emotional and psychological needs
- Explore the integration of therapeutic approaches within multidisciplinary palliative care teams
The Therapeutic Relationship and Presence in End-of-Life Support (5 hours)
- Establish authentic therapeutic presence with individuals facing terminal illness
- Develop relational awareness to support deep emotional engagement
- Explore boundary-setting and emotional regulation in emotionally intense settings
- Understand how trust and empathy enhance the therapeutic alliance in palliative care
Grief, Loss, and Emotional Processing in Palliative Settings (4 hours)
- Recognise the different forms of grief experienced by patients and families
- Facilitate emotional expression and acknowledgement of loss
- Support anticipatory grief and unresolved emotional pain using Gestalt techniques
- Understand the stages and non-linear nature of the grieving process
Working in the Here and Now: Gestalt Awareness Techniques (5 hours)
- Apply ‘here and now’ interventions to enhance client self-awareness
- Encourage moment-to-moment exploration of thoughts, emotions, and sensations
- Support individuals in identifying internal conflicts and unfinished business
- Use mindfulness-based approaches to promote presence and grounding
Communication with Patients and Families Facing Terminal Illness (3 hours)
- Practise compassionate and clear communication in sensitive situations
- Use Gestalt-based dialogue to facilitate meaningful conversations
- Address difficult topics such as dying, regret, and closure with care
- Support emotional safety and openness in verbal and non-verbal interactions
Supporting Spiritual and Existential Exploration (4 hours)
- Identify common spiritual and existential concerns at end-of-life
- Use Gestalt inquiry to explore meaning, purpose, and personal values
- Facilitate conversations around acceptance, legacy, and life reflection
- Respect diverse belief systems and promote spiritual dignity
Creative Gestalt Interventions for Emotional Expression (3 hours)
- Integrate art, imagery, and role-play into therapeutic sessions
- Enable symbolic expression of unspoken feelings and fears
- Encourage personal storytelling and metaphor to process complex emotions
- Apply creative tools to deepen connection and support psychological release
Managing Family Dynamics and Relational Tensions (3 hours)
- Understand common family dynamics in the context of palliative care
- Navigate intergenerational conflict, caregiving stress, and emotional distance
- Facilitate open dialogue and mutual understanding among family members
- Support relational healing and promote compassionate interaction
Course Benefits – OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Gestalt Therapy for Palliative Care
- Develop specialised therapeutic skills tailored to end-of-life care environments
- Gain confidence in supporting patients through emotional, psychological, and spiritual challenges
- Learn to apply Gestalt therapy techniques that foster presence, awareness, and emotional expression
- Improve communication with patients and families during difficult and sensitive conversations
- Enhance the ability to manage grief, loss, and existential distress with compassion
- Strengthen the capacity to handle complex family dynamics and relational tensions
- Cultivate self-awareness, emotional resilience, and professional boundaries in high-stress settings
- Build expertise in using creative and experiential tools to support emotional processing
- Receive a recognised diploma that enhances your professional credibility in palliative care and therapeutic fields
- Open up opportunities for advanced roles in palliative counselling, integrative therapy, and holistic support services
The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Gestalt Therapy for Palliative Care is designed for participants who are engaged in, or preparing to work within, palliative care and emotional support roles. It is particularly suited for:
- Participants working in hospice care, oncology wards, or end-of-life support services
- Counsellors, therapists, and mental health professionals seeking to specialise in palliative contexts
- Nurses, social workers, and care coordinators aiming to deepen their therapeutic practice
- Participants with experience in bereavement services or spiritual care settings
- Those interested in applying Gestalt therapy principles to support psychological and emotional wellbeing
- Participants looking to expand their skills in communication, emotional presence, and holistic care
This course offers valuable training for those committed to providing compassionate, integrative, and person-centred support to individuals and families navigating the end-of-life journey.
