Competency Development Program for
Coach Certification
A Self-Guided Exploration
Have you thought about GISC Coach Certification, but you have questions about the experience? Explore the resources in this Self-Guided Exploration to further your understanding of GISC's Coach Certification program.
Program Details
- Our Live-Online programming has been highly praised for the level of intimacy and engagement that has been integrated into each program.
- The Live-Online format eliminates the time and cost of travel, making the program more affordable and with less disruption to family and nighttime routines.
- We are very careful to maintain a low participant-to-faculty/mentor coach ratio and limit the program to a maximum of 15 participants (which means you should apply now to secure your spot).
- There are several ways to manage the cost of the program, including early application and early payment discounts, various grants, and payment plans.
Key CDPCC Concepts
Cycle of Experience
Gestalt is focused on building skill in the process of perceiving, deciding, acting, and learning and improving. This process is called the Cycle of Experience. The Cycle of Experience describes an interactive cycle that moves from awareness through contact, action, integration, and closure, providing both a framework and a template to observe for competence and areas that need further development. Watch this brief overview of the concept.
Polarities
Polarities are the natural process of opposites. There is a tendency to move to one side and call it a good thing
and to call the other side bad. Our stance is that both ends of every polarity are important, depending on the circumstance. Growth and development is the stretching to incorporate the whole spectrum. Watch this brief overview of the concept.
Tying it all together: Gestalt Coaching
The practice of professional coaching has grown dramatically over the past 20+ years, with a proliferation of professionals and articles. During this time, there have been only a few coaching articles that draw upon Gestalt principles for their theoretical base. This article focuses on two foundational Gestalt principles, contact and awareness, to demonstrate that Gestalt theory can offer a significant contribution to the field of professional coaching.
Experience a Sample Coaching Session
This sample coaching session, conducted with a volunteer from our recent virtual open house, demonstrates how Gestalt principles are used in coaching and is illustrative of one of the teaching methods used during the program.
What are our graduates saying about their experience with CDPCC?
A GISC Coach's Story #1
Lorna Jayne Norris, ACC, discusses her experience with the program and how it supported her goal to develop a successful coaching practice. 
A GISC Coach's Story #2
Angelique Anderson, ACC, describes her decision to enroll in the program and how the program sparked an evolution in her career.
A GISC Coach's Story #3
Barb Wrigley discusses her experience with the program and how that has influenced her career and her practice, Hearts Harvest.
A GISC Coach's Story #4
Les Schwab, MD, describes his experience with the program and how that has influenced his career.
Do you have questions about the program?
Schedule a 30-minute program consultation with GISC President, Laurie Fitzpatrick to learn more about our coach certification program and ask any questions you might have.
Additional Information
Program Faculty
Program faculty for CDPCC 2025 will be drawn from:
Stuart N. Simon, (Co-Director) LICSW, MCC
Jamie Morin, (Co-Director) PhD, PCC
Allison Iantosca, PCC
The final configuration of this year's faculty will be dependent upon the total number of program participants in order to maintain a low faculty-to-participant ratio. To learn more about GISC faculty and read short bios, click the button below.
Learn More & Apply Now!
Are you ready to take the next step in your coaching career and become a GISC Certified Coach? Click the button below to go to the program page where you will find:
- A link to apply online
- Information about the cost of the program
- Additional details about the Competency Development Program for Coach Certification

Are you employed in Massachusetts?
*Massachusetts organizations: up to
$3,000 tuition reimbursement is available for qualifying organizations. Click the button below for information about how to apply for these grants from the state.
