Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence in Gestalt Theory, Leadership and Training
Welcome to the
Gestalt Institute of Scandinavia,
GIS-International
Where Theory Meets Presence
Developing People Is Our Specialty
Based in Denmark, and internationally accredited, the Gestalt Institute of Scandinavia, GIS-International, offers world-class training in psychotherapy, leadership, and personal development.
With over 50 years of experience, we bring Gestalt into action — combining theory, practice, and presence to develop professionals, practitioners, and leaders across disciplines.
Join a vibrant, international community rooted in experiential learning, relational presence, academic rigor, and deep human connection.
GIS-International is the only Accredited Gestalt Psychotherapy Training Institute in Denmark that teaches in English.
Our programs bring together inspiring, experienced faculty and students from around the world — cultivating a rich, diverse learning environment rooted in presence, dialogue, and both professional and personal development
About Gestalt Therapy and Methodology
Gestalt therapy was introduced in the Nordic countries in the late ’60s. The original American approach and style has, over the years, been heavily influenced by Nordic culture and the existential tradition. Today, Nordic Gestalt therapy has developed a balanced approach of respect, empathy, and clarity in the relational, dialogical meeting between individuals.
The Three Elements in Gestalt Therapy and Methodology Are:
- The meta-theory, based on existentialism.
- The theory, based on Gestalt psychology, field theory, developmental psychology, and social and clinical psychology.
- The method, based on the phenomenological method.
Gestalt therapy and methodology are an integrative approach that bring attention to the present moment, incorporating many important therapeutic theories and practices: psychoanalysis, psychodrama, Gestalt psychology, existentialism, phenomenology, holism, and Eastern philosophy.
The Four Cornerstones of Gestalt Therapy are Awareness, Here and Now, Contact, and Responsibility.
Emphasis is placed on both body and mind, returning them to the present moment — where life takes place. Because Gestalt is experiential, the best way to discover whether it suits you is by attending an introductory seminar.
Among the Best Certified Psychotherapist Training Institutes in Europe
GIS-International Is Certified by EAGT – the European Association of Gestalt Therapy, EAP -the European Association of Psychotherapy, and DPFO – the Danish Association for Psychotherapy.
See why certifications are important
Why Choose the Gestalt Institute of Scandinavia?
Since 1976, GIS has been offering high-quality education to practitioners around the world. John Evans Porting, one of the founders, began Gestalt practice in the late ’60s and has trained many leaders and therapists.
We offer a four-year training program to become a Gestalt Psychotherapist and Organizational Consultant, and a two-year Foundation training program in personal and relational Gestalt methodology.
We have an international leadership team of trainers and therapists with extensive psychological and therapeutic experience. The training is offered in English, and seminars are available in both English and Danish.
The Gestalt Institute of Scandinavia is located on the island of Orø, close to the water and beautifully situated among fields and forests.
What Do Our Students Say?
Meet Duy, who is a participant in the four-year Gestalt program:
Meet Adina, who is a participant in the four-year Gestalt program.
Meet Adrian, who is a participant in the four-year Gestalt program.
Our Leaders
Our leaders are an international team of trainers and therapists from Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, and Australia. They all have extensive psychological, pedagogical, and managerial experience. The Danish leaders are members of the Danish Psychotherapy Association.
- 2 and 4 years – Gestalt training programs since 1976.
- Courses and Seminars – Experience our Intro-courses and Couple-seminars.
- Education for life – Gestalt Living & Learning.
- Personal Development – On the Intro-course you will discover and experience the basics of the Gestalt Therapy. You work in smaller groups most of the time. An exciting journey.
Gestalt therapy was introduced in the Nordic countries in the late 60´s. The original American approach and style has through the years been heavily influenced by the Nordic culture and existential tradition. The Gestalt form of therapy is an integrative approach that brings attention to the present moment, incorporating many important schools of thought: Psychoanalysis, Psycho-drama, Gestalt psychology, Existentialism, Phenomenology and Eastern philosophy. Emphasis is placed on both the body and mind, which are returned to the present moment where the living takes place. See recommended Gestalt books
When joining the four-year Gestalt training program, you will, after two years specialising in becoming a Certified Gestalt Psychotherapist and Gestalt Consultant. The first two years of Gestalt Foundation training, give you solid personal and professional skills, that you can use both privately and in your job.
Both our two- and four-year programs require that you already have a relevant professional education, knowledge, and practice. To enter the Therapist specialization or the Consultant specialization, specific basic education and experience are required. Furthermore, we may recommend that you attend one of our 120-hour basic courses. Contact us so that together we can assess whether your experience is — or can become — sufficient to enter directly into the training program.
The next study start is November 2025. There are possibilities to join the training-group until January 15. 2026.
Follow the link below to see the prices for both tuition and accommodation. Reduced pricing is available for private and Baltic students.
You may apply by filling out the GIS application form or by requesting it from our GIS office.
Once we receive your application, you will have a phone conversation with the GIS office to determine which study counsellor from the Training Board you will meet for an interview and feedback.
Contact us
GIS is approved and certified by The European Association of Gestalt Therapy, The European Association of Psychotherapy and the Danish Association for Psychotherapy.
GIS Articles and Gestalt News
Discover articles written by our leaders and students.
I’m worried. Babies and mobile phones…
I’m deeply worried Last week I attended 11 fantastic thesis presentations from this year’s Psychotherapist graduates from the Gestalt Institute of Scandinavia. It was very inspiring and with a recurring theme of attachment style. One thing has stayed with me, which is my deep worry about the influence of mobile
Gestalt of Today – Confrontation and support
Confrontation and support Gestalt methodology works with a healthy mix of confrontation and support. Always carefully tailored to the individual. It was Laura and Frederick Perls, who, from the 1940s onwards, developed what was to become Gestalt methodology. Their inspiration was wide and they used the best they had encountered