Online Prospectus of the Professional Trainings in Bodymind Integration 2020-2024
The Int'l Institute for Bodymind Integration (IBI, Belgium) holds a vision to be a place of excellence. A place that offers training and personal and professional development for participants that is both comprehensive and rewarding. Our emphasis is on providing our programs through a transpersonal lens of community, connectedness and deep respect for each person.
Our Professional Training courses are accredited by ICPIT (The International Council of PsychoCorporal (Bodymind) Integration Trainers and IBI is also a senior organizational member of EABP. ICPIT is the only representative organ of this work worldwide and was founded in 1988 by Jack W. Painter, PhD, the founder of Bodymind Integration (PI, EI & PHI).
This Prospectus outlines the Training Courses (in English!) leading to Certification in Pelvic-Heart Integration®, Postural® and Energetic Integration®. Welcome to join us!
NEW Training Modules "Core Strokes™-Postural Integration®" start 2020. Bodymind Integration Training
The training modules can be taken separately and lead towards certification in one of the Bodymind Integration Methods.
For details and a list of dates: see elsewhere on this website
WE WELCOME YOU IN OUR CENTERS IN FRANCE, UK, HUNGARY, BENELUX, SOUTH AFRICA, AUSTRALIA, ...
A few impressions of our Training Center in FRANCE
Impressions of our Training Center in Hungary
Accredited ICPIT Training
The Institute for Bodymind Integration (IBI) in Belgium is an accredited member of ICPIT (The International Council of PsychoCorporal (Bodymind) Integration Trainers), the sole official representative organisation worldwide for the different methods of Bodymind Integration: Postural Integration®, Energetic Integration® and Pelvic-Heart Integration®. ICPIT was founded by Jack Painter, PhD (1933-2010) in 1988 in order to create a Council of the certified Trainers and to preserve and evolve the legacy of his teachings, writings, and artifacts after his death. Bodymind Integration (also known as PsychoCorporal Integration) is a valuable contribution to mankind, to be preserved and shared with the world.
The Bodymind Concept
The „Bodymind” concept - the inseparable unity and synergy between body and mind is central to Bodymind Integration. It claims that our body is „living memory” and carries in it the signs and traces of our personal life experience as well as our familial heritage. All sorts of traumatic experiences and learned fears, impregnate our character and influence our posture. Our physical structure and posture are concrete and tangible entrances to the whole Bodymind. Bodymind Integration (also known as PsychoCorporal Integration) is an effective and respectful change process that is built on the "bodymind concept". It has applications for individuals, couples and groups, and supports effective verbal and non-verbal communication and conflict resolution through a process of release and integration.
This Training in Bodymind Integration
combines Deep Bodywork, Humanistic Psychology & Philosophy & Psychotherapy. Bodymind Integration was originally developed by Jack Painter, PhD (1933-2010) from the 1960s onwards. In our training programs, we train practicing clinicians and students in the different modalities: Pelvic-Heart Integration®, Energetic Integration & Postural Integration®, so that they can be integrated into existing practice. The program includes training focussed on personal transformation, inner process work and relational healing.. The training is conceived in a pragmatic way: highly experiential and taught in a setting with a balanced integration of theory and practice.
The third year Pelvic-Heart Integration Training : starts in Hongary on October 23rd 2019
This year is aimed at the therapy of relations as well as on group dynamics of Bodymind Integration. Deepening work Pelvic-Heart Integration. The modules are taught by ICPIT trainers and assistants and helpers. You acquire the most powerful tools and skills for combining holistic bodywork, bodymind drama, gestalt, triangle work, energy work and psychotherapy based on experience and transfer of knowledge.
YEAR 3
Part I: October 23rd-27th 2019
Part II: March 18th-22nd 2020
Part III: June 10th-14th 2020
Prices & Location : Prices are based on current costs and therefore subject to change without notice to account for changes in the cost of raw materials and other direct costs beyond our control. Location also is subject to change without notice to account for maximum comfort and best service for price.
"Core Strokes" Modular Training in France and other countries : start november 2020
Introductieductory workshops Core Strokes in Italy, Belgium, The Netherlands, UK, France, Corsica, Hongary, Australia, South-Africa,... .
One Week Training modules in Southern France, and other locations in Europe.
In "Core Stokes 1", you will learn techniques and theoretical background (mostly coming from Core Energetics after John & Eva Pierrakos and Bodymind Integration modalities after Jack W. Painter) in working simultaneously with body (physical: superficial myofascia; energetic: eg. subtle therapeutic touch), emotions, thoughts, will and spirituality. By participating in the various training modules you can build up credits for the final certification in one or all of the Bodymind Integration modalities.
PLANNED MODULES IN 2020
Module CORE STROKES I : 9-15 November 2020 - Contact Margarita Prokunina - mprokunina@gmail.com
Contact us for places and dates for Introduction Workshops
Het tweede jaar Core Strokes in Zuid-Frankrijk en andere landen: 2021
In 2021 worden Core Strokes 1, 2 en 3 aangeboden. Je ontwikkelt verder je vaardigheden in het therapeutisch werken met diep lichaamswerk en psychotherapeutische technieken. Reichiaanse invloeden en invloeden uit de Core Energetica en Bodymind Integration worden verweven. Verder blijven de levendige humanistische filosofie en psychologie met Oosterse en Westerse inspiratiebronnen een belangrijke inspiratiebron. Je bouwt stapsgewijs verder aan je competenties via opeenvolgende opleidingsmodules (kunnen op verschillende plaatsen in Europa gevolgd worden)
2021
Core Strokes II : 10-16 Mei 2021 in Zuid Frankrijk - contacteer Margarita Prokunina
Core Strokes I (Herhaling): Na het deelnemen van een Herhaling Core Strokes 1 ontvang je het tussentijds certificaat "Core Strokes Level 1".
Module II: 13-19 September 2021 in Zuid Frankrijk (1 uur van Toulouse) - contacteer Margarita Prokunina - Deze module kan gevolgd worden door zij die succesvol Module I gevolgd hebben.
Module II of III: 8-14 November 2021 - Zuid Frankrijk - Contacteer Margarita Prokunina - Deze module kan gevolgd worden door zij die succesvol Module I of II gevolgd hebben.
Prijzen & Locatie : Prijzen zijn gebaseerd op huidige kosten en daarom onderhevig aan verandering zonder voorafgaande melding om de veranderingen in rekening te nemen aangaande de kost van ruwe materialen en andere directe kosten buiten onze controle. Locatie is onderhevig aan verandering zonder voorafgaande melding, afhankelijk van tevredenheid of negatieve evaluatie van deelnemers en staf.
This year continues with specialized work from Postural Integration and Body-oriented Psychotherapy. You now work as a Postural Integration Practitioner in training (i.t.) with training clients under supervision (u.s.)
2023 POSTURAL INTEGRATION CERTIFICATION and New CORE STROKES modules, introductory workshops and study workshops.
The program is put together in such a way that it leads to ICPIT Certification in Postural Integration®. Provided that additional modules and supervision are taken one can also work towards the diploma for Energetic Integration® Practitioner.
The presuppositions of Bodymind Integration are that...
Body and mind are not separated;
There exists a fundamental connection in the world, driven by energy and consciousness;
The focus of attention is on intrinsic health or the „essential self”; pathology occurs as a consequence of the loss of connection with the essential self.
The practice of Bodymind Integration focusses on embodied, current experience;
This experience can be verbalized in a descriptive manner;
Bodymind Integration is practiced in relationship with the therapist; the therapist’s approach is relationally focused with the therapist as an active participant in the process - relating with respect, curiosity and authenticity; the work is both interpersonal and intrapersonal;
Bodymind Integration is a mutual enterprise of therapist and client that is done with curiosity; new ways of being and relating are explored that are potentially more satisfying (Experimentation); unfinished business and blocks are worked through to awareness & integration; both therapist and client change through the experience; there is no set end goal.
Given an appropriate climate, individuals discover their own process of healing and self-regulation.
ENERGETIC INTEGRATION®
Energetic Integration® (EI) is one approach to bodymind which uses techniques that work directly with the inside and outside structures of bodymind, with expansion-contraction processes of the tissues, emotions and attitudes. It is a step by step interactive process between client and practitioner in which they work toward opening bands or rings of armor (around the eyes, mouth, throat, chest, diaphragm, belly, and pelvis) which block the flow of energy and feeling and shape our character structure. You find ways to equalize the energy between the layers of character armor you have created that prevent an open, loving sharing with those around us. We also explore the energetic cycle and how we can support the emergence of cognitive clarity from this energetic flow by sharing ourselves as practitioners.
Postural Integration®
Postural Integration® (PI) is a similar careful human undertaking which respects the nature of the self as a process. It applies its methods simultaneously to the whole person, and realizes that the practitioner is always part of the change taking place. Postural Integration emphasizes the release and organization of connective tissue in the body in a systematic way. The focus is on the „Posture” - embodied feelings, experiences, attitudes, ways of thinking, inner beliefs, expressions of developmental trauma and other ’holding’ compensations in the body.
Bodymind Integration in the 21st century
ORIGINS
„Bodymind Integration” consisting of Postural Integration®, Energetic Integration® and Pelvic-Heart Integration®) (since 2007 also known as „PsychoCorporal Integration”) originated in the late 1960's with Dr. Jack W. Painter’s personal, scientific and professional research in the human potential.
Jack Painter, PhD., Founder of Bodymind Integration
Dr. Painter (1933-2010) -- who is well known as a pioneer of the human potential movement -- was a Ph.D. graduate of Emory University (Atlanta, Ga.) in Philosophy, Literature and Psychology and served as a professor at the University of Miami. Influenced by Reichian Therapy (Wilhelm Reich), Structural Integration (Rolfing) (Ida Rolf) and Gestalt (Fritz Perls) traditions he found in his own search for personal clarity and in work with his clients, that a body-anchored approach was needed to bring these traditions together in his own approach. He received Gestalt training from Marty Fromm (Miami, Florida), an early pioneer in Gestalt work with Fritz Perls, M.D., as well as workshops directly with Perls. He received a complete program of individual sessions from Dr. Ida Rolf and Dr. Bill Williams (the founder of Soma). But through constant experimentation found his own ways of touching the body. In combining touch with a Reichian approach, he studied and collaborated with Raffaele Estrada Villa,M.D., Director of the Instituto Wilhelm Reich in Mexico City. As well as sessions and sharing and colleague work with Dr. Peter Levine, author of Waking theTiger and a well-known Reichian therapist, founder of Somatic Experiencing®. From 1973 to the present, Dr. Painter has trained an extensive network of teachers (trainers) and practitioners in Postural Integration® (from 1990 onwards also in Energetic Integration® and Pelvic-Heart Integration®), not only in most of the EU countries (Belgium, Holland, France, Germany, Italy, Austria, England) but also in Switzerland, U.S., Canada, Mexico, Nicaragua, New Zealand and Australia. The group of "first generation trainers" practiced Postural Integration® essentially as a holistic deep bodywork method and as "somatics" (most of the time in 3-year/700 hour programs). This was before the umbrella term of "Body Psychotherapy" was used. Later on, the field of "Body Psychotherapy"organised itself and ICPIT became - keeping it's own identity a member of the umbrella organisation EABP (The European Association of Body Psychotherapy) - affiliated to the European Association of Psychotherapy (EAP). A 2010 survey of EABP showed that 10% of it's members had received Postural Integration® training. ICPIT (the International Council of PsychoCorporal (Bodymind) Integration Trainers) has received the full 3 golden stars for psychotherapeutic-competencies from EAP (The European Association for Psychotherapy) in 2011. Look here: http://www.psychotherapy-competency.eu/Participate/Participant_List.php (scroll down to octobre 2011). ICPIT (by which the IBI is accredited) is also an organizational member of WAPCEPC (the World Association of Person Centered, Experiential Psychotherapy and Counceling).
BODYMIND INTEGRATION - second and third generation professional trainings
With the rapid progress in the fields of medicine, psychology, philosophy, psychotherapy, not in the least coming from new insights in the neurosciences, Dr. Painter's research lead to a further conceptual and experiential integration of traditional Reichian work, neo-reichian work, trauma work, body psychotherapy, myofascial and other bodywork. By the time that his methods in Energetic Integration® and Pelvic Heart Integration® were developed in the early 1990, "a second generation of trainers" (as well as several of the "first generation trainers") were creating big training institutes (several of which now offer a 4-year training program in Bodymind Integration). Raffaele Cascone, a psychologist and psychotherapist from Naples has brought to the attention that Jack Painter himself had no interest in being recognized by the established professions, guilds, etc, which gave him the freedom not to need to conform to external limiting requirements and to fit into existing labels.
Raffaele Cascone (I), PhD Psychology- Systemic and family psychotherapist. Scientific director of the Institute for Systems Psychotherapy and Medicine. Scientific Coordinator at ICPIT. Professor at University of Palermo.
Cascone says: "When Jack gave demonstrations of his work to professionals from different bandwagons, he always made sure to use words and concepts which would prevent people to stick old names to the new concepts and the new experiences he was referring to and, since he had no interest in being recognized by the established professions, guilds, etc, he had no need to conform to external requirements and to fit into existing labels." (Private communication, 2016).
CENTRAL VISION
Central to Postural Integration®/Bodymind Integration, since its inception, is the view that
body and mind are inseparable and do not stand in a causal relationship with “each other” since they are dimensions of the same phenomena. Thus holistic psychocorporal work with awareness and consciousness is always simultaneous work with body expression, movement and energy. And conversely work with the body, including deep work with breathing and myofascia, is also simultaneous work with awareness and consciousness.
Postural Integration® is furthermore based on the notion of an „energetic flow” which is taken as the core of human experience. The promotion of this flow is considered as health, its persistent blockage is considered as illness. PsychoCorporal Integration presents a clear theory which uses but goes beyond the theories of F. Perls, MD and W. Reich, MD. It uses Gestalt claiming and experiencing as part of the process of transforming body armor.
Defining Bodymind Integration
Bodymind Integration can be understood and defined from several angles:
As an existential approach, it deals with whatever aspect of a given individual — body symptoms, sensations, feelings, images, thoughts, subtle energy, spirituality — is most accessible in this moment as a way of making contact.
Whether as a Body Psychotherapeutic approach, a Counseling approach of the Self, a Self Development approach it is a powerful way of making a profound and authentic contact with the Self in order to restore and promote energy balance and equilibrium. The therapeutic alliance in Bodymind Integration is the powerful joining of forces which energizes and supports the long, difficult, and frequently painful work of life changing healing & transformation. The conception of the practitioner here is not of a disinterested observer-technician but of a fully alive human companion for the client.
Bodymind Integration is a resource-oriented approach. It emphasises helping clients establish connection to the parts of self that are already organised, coherent and functional with interest, curiosity and exploration. It tries to work inwards from that point to the more defended, disorganized, ignored, dysfunctional or excluded aspects of a person’s being, without however making these elements the primary focus of therapy or becoming a regressive model.
Bodymind Integration treats embodiment as an intrinsic and important feature of human existence. It re-associates the spirit with the body in order to more deeply appreciate life; It helps dissociated parts of our spirit that have been fragmented from our body back into our body, re-united, re-associated.
In Bodymind Integration, a „somatic mindfulness” is encouraged which includes the detailed moment-by-moment tracking of sensations, feelings, emotions and impulses to movement, as well use of charging and discharging of energy through the working through and completion of a „natural energetic cycle.
Blockages in the natural flow of energy are dissolved through the use of both hands-on-bodywork and non-touch guidance (depending on the client’s needs), encompassing a process of titration (the bit by bit discharge and minimization of dysregulation or excess load as a result of traumatic suffering) and pendulation of internal experience ((The gently back and forth rocking between contraction and expansion, between fear and safety, between anger and calm, between grief and acceptance, between inaction and action,…) in order to mitigate overwhelming, or not yet integrated states, all while keeping the nervous system activation within a “window of tolerance.” A focus on the body (guided by 12 steps (paradigm sessions) in Postural Integration® and 12 steps (a paradigm energetic cycle) in Energetic Integration® (also included in Postural Integration®)),brings dissociated parts of our spirit that have been fragmented from our body back into our body, re-united, re-associated. Specialised work, called Pelvic Heart Integration® aims at sexual healing. All this work is a rich synthesis of many influences and sources: Reichian and Neo-Reichian Work (e.g. with breath, muscular armouring and Character defences), Gestalt Work, Peter Levine's Waking of the Tiger/Somatic Experiencing, Work with Placeholders (Mother, Father, etc.), Work with the 5-Elements (connected with emotions, energy flow, etc.),... ”
Existentialism: The Humanistic thoughts of S. Kierkegaard (1813-1855) and F. Nietszche (1844-1900)
The „awakening of the individual”
The confrontation with the myriad of „self-soothing defenses” by which individuals preserve their „sleepy complacency”
The transformation of all values into authentic values, the realisation of the human capacity to create the shape of one’s own life.
Phenomenology (Husserl, Heidegger, Merleau-Ponty, Binswanger, Boss, Laing,…), we integrate in the training that:
The human being is a “being-in-the-world”, that is, as an entity whose very fabric involves an immersion and openness to the surrounding world
The body is the primary site of knowing the world
The body and that which is perceived cannot be disentangled from each other
Through intentionality human beings “co-create” phenomena, rather than just passively register what is there
The Thesis of Dialogical Existence, developed by Martin Buber. We integrate in the training that:
Within the unfolding relationship of an ‘I’ to a ‘Thou’, the human person is born and unfolds to its full potential. When one human being addresses another human being as an “it,” both the other and oneself are diminished
The concepts developed by C.G. Jung. We integrate in the training:
The collective unconscious and the archetypes (animus; anima; persona(e), shadow, the self….)
The postulate of the reality of the soul
The process of individuation as a lifelong process of psychic growth, becoming and realization of the self.
The vision in which psychic suffering is not reduced to a pathology, but is seen as a passage in the process of individuation of the individual
Kurt Goldstein’s Holistic Theory of Organism. We apply:
The figure-ground principle from perception to the whole organism, presuming that the whole organism serves as the ground for the individual stimulus forming the figure.
Kurt Lewin’s Field Theory. In agreement with this theory, we suggest that neither nature (inborn tendencies) nor nurture (how experiences in life shape individuals) alone can account for individual’s behavior and personalities, but rather that both nature and nurture interact to shape each person.
The Gestalt-psychology / therapy of Frederick Perls:
The existential dimension and the notion of the present „here-and-now”,
The existentialist responsibility for one’s own choices as well as many creative means that are useful help in dealing with conflict situations, inner disunity and fragmentation.
Wilhelm Reich (and diverse post-reichian developments (Alexander Lowen’s Bio-Energetic Analysis, John Pierrakos’ Core-Energetics, Stephen Johnsons additions on Character Analysis, Stanley Keleman’s Formative Psychology, etc.):
The notion that the body is the living memory of the experience and family heredity, as well as keeper of withheld wounding and hereditary suffering. Specialized and original work is done with what in this tradition is called character armoring. A spiritual dimension is recognized herein.
The Concepts and Practices developed by Somatic Practitioners like Elisabeth Dicke (Bindegewebsmassage), Ida Rolf (Structural Integration): a protocol for releasing chronic myofascial contractions, Tom Myers (Anatomy Trains: detailed anatomical insights of myfascial meridians), etc. the practical know-how and know-where of deep holistic bodywork, and from Somatic Disciplines like Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais’ Functional Integration, Judith Aston Patterning, Bioenergetics, Yoga, Eastern traditions: 1) work with acupressure points and 5-elements theory for stimulating, sedating, self-regulating, etc. purposes 2) certain techniques to work with ‘fine energy’, based on polarity therapy., etc.)
L. Moreno (Psychodrama), Virginia Satir (Family Reconstruction and Sculpting), Albert Pesso (PBSP), Jack Painter (Bodymind Drama), and others:
The use of dramatization, roleplaying and dramatic self-presentation to investigate and gain insight into ones life. A variety of action methods may lead to enactment, depicting, for example, memories of specific happenings in the client’s past, unfinished situations, inner dramas, fantasies, dreams, preparations for future risk-taking situations, or unrehearsed expressions of mental state in the here and now. These scenes either approximate real-life situations or are externalizations of inner mental processes. Other members of the group may become auxiliaries, and support the protagonist by playing other significant roles in the scene in specified ways.
The field of Transpersonal Psychology:
The notion of "development beyond conventional, personal or individual levels": the exploration of "experiences in which the sense of identity or self extends beyond (trans) the individual or personal to encompass wider aspects of humankind, life, psyche or cosmos".
Other fields: We are influenced by
Inter-subjectivity (Relational Psychoanalysis (e.g. Daniel Stern), Applied to newborn infants (e.g. Colwyn Trevarthen ), theory of embodied simulation (Vittorio Gallese – mirror neurons)
Strengths based therapy (e.g. emotionally focused therapy, play therapy, narrative therapy
Elements of CBT
‘Mindfulness’
Contemporary relational themes in counseling and psychotherapy
Cranio-Sacral therapy
Raffaele Cascone, PhD, scientific coordinator of ICPIT (& Professor at University of Palermo), in the collective book "Transforming the Self with Bodymind Integration"* suggests that P.I. may be further improved by taking in consideration and integrating :
Chaos Theory (Ilya Prigogine, Isabelle Stengers – Order out of chaos)
Vinciane Despret's psychology and philosophy,
the current shift of focus in the scientific world from genetics to epigenetics and to epigenetic reprogramming;
the shift from Hans Selye’s old stress concept to Henri Laborit's discovery of the inhibition of action syndrome (l'inhibition de l'action) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hD7lMDXDvt8) and to behavioral epigenetics,
The discovery of the social engagement system. (see e.g. The listening project) (S.W. Porges)
The anticholinergic anti-inflammatory reflex (K.J. Tracey)
Broader descriptive terms for this training are: humanistic, holistic, integrative, existential and trans-personal.
Legislations
The laws regarding Therapy, Psychotherapy, Counseling, Practice, etc. are different depending on the relevant European country.
Depending on the law, someone may call themselves "therapist" "Psychotherapist" or something else. Registration with recognized professional associations or associations meets strict rules. Although body-focused approaches are on the rise throughout the world, it should be noted that in some countries or states, psychotherapists and counselors are not allowed to work with therapeutic touch.
Students should therefore be aware that certification by the International Institute for Bodymind Integration or the International Council of PsychoCorporal (Bodymind) Integration Trainers (ICPIT) does not automatically represent legal status in a country. Postural Integration®, Energetic Integration® and PelvicHeart Integration®) can be applied within their own qualifications and within the applicable rules and standards for those who are recognized as a Psychotherapist, Psychologist, Psychomotor therapist, Counselor, Social worker, physical therapist,….
Bodymind Integration - Course Outline
IMPORTANT: The Outline of the Course and the Training Curriculum is not fixed. What is outlined below as themes, theory and practice is meant to give you, the future student, an idea of what is dealt with in the training. Any description of topic or content can be slightly changed, in order for the training to remain comprehensive. Any piece of content can be taught earlier or later in the training curriculum for the same reason. Sometimes the order of the program changes because of availability of teachers. Our aim is to cover all what we propose as an outline and as a content over the period of the complete training!
Overview of the Bodymind Integration approach–embedding contemporary body-mind, mind-body, somatic and body psychotherapeutic theory and practice
Phenomenology & the Gestalt Contact Cycle– awareness and the contact boundary
Field Theory & Dialogue – being part of the bigger picture, relational themes
‘Experiment’ work– gestalt, accommodation exercises, "chair-work", Bodymind drama, Postural Integration "therapeutic touch", Fine Energy work, etc.
Creative Media –Dream-work/Metaphor & Imagery
Some of the conceptual and practical topics covered: A map of the personality; Ego functions; Energy and Consciousness; the Unconscious; Jungian Archetypes in Bodymind Integration; Reichian Character Structures and Styles; Gestalt Process, Breathing, Feeling and Movement; Diagnosis and Psychopathology; Energy Economy; The Energetic Cycle; Grounding; Core and Sleeve, Mask, Lower and Higher Self; Resistance, Anger and the upper body; Segmental Armoring; Sensing and working with Soft Energy; Anatomy and physiology; 5-Elements of Oriental Medicine; Psychosomatics; Sexuality; Group process; Illness and Death; Transference and Countertransference; Bodymind Drama; Assessment, diagnosis and Body Reading; The phases in the Bodymind Integration Therapeutic Process; The Four pillars of Postural Integration; the Art of Leadership; Trauma; Images, Beliefs and the damages they do.
Qualities of the Bodymind Integrator
The practitioner of Bodymind Integration essentially provide a space free of judgment or ‘cure’, and respectfully allow ‘what is’ to be explored and experienced more completely. Furthermore, the therapist trusts the process of the client to guide and move through the work, relinquishing any agenda in regards to the direction of the personal work. The used methods and techniques may vary depending on the need of the client or the skills of the therapist.
The experience of the practitioner in relation to the client is present and available, which in turn becomes a rich resource in the healing process. This relational approach to therapy creates the way for an authentic and meaningful meeting between therapist and client, and a fertile ground from which to grow and explore (akin to Carl Roger’s idea of ‘healing through meeting’; in the Training, the ‘meeting and healing’ also happens at the level of the touch and the cognised tissue. The client is considered the ‘expert’ on themselves – rather than the therapist. Hence, the innate wisdom of the client is encouraged and brought to the foreground.
Qualities of the therapist
In order to support the transition from “estrangement” towards integration and wholeness, the therapist himself needs to possess a number of qualities:
1) An intuitive consciousness and insight in healthy human development.
2) Knowledge of different patterns of unsolved conflicts from childhood with their specific chronic splits in body and mind,
3) The capacity to make use of a consistent frame of reference and a differentiated sensibility regarding the interrelationship of
(a) Signals in the organism that indicate vegetative streaming, muscular hypertension or hypotension,
(b) The phenomena of psychodynamic processes of transference, countertransference, projection, defensive regression, creative regression and diverse forms of resistance.
OVERVIEW OF THE TRAINING CURRICULUM IN BODYMIND INTEGRATION
General Theory and Practice of Bodymind Integration - Energetic Integration - Postural Integration - Body Psychotherapy
Overview of Bodymind Integration : Person Centred, Experiential; Integrative; Psychotherapeutic
Theoretical and Practical Foundation of Bodymind Integration
Theoretical and Practical Foundation of Energetic Integration
Theoretical and Practical Foundation of Postural Integration
Process Groups "Who am I?(Self)" "Who are You?(Other)" "Who are We?" "Developing Self, Other, Us" - Interaction, encounter, exploration, sharing.
Embodiment: Inhabiting or re-inhabiting the body in order to bring about a fuller human potential.
Natural Biological Forces for survival and for living
Biological, physiological and anatomical mechanisms for orienting, acting, immobilising,...
Introduction to Archetypes
Archetypal events: birth, death, separation from parents, initiation, marriage, the union of opposites, ...
Archetypal motifs: Deluge, Creation, ...
Archetypal figures: great mother, strong father, child (+child hero), maiden, devil, god, goddess wise old man, wise old woman, trickster, hero, Oedipus, the shadow, persona, anima (in man), animus (in woman), ....
Concepts of Neurosis, Body armouring and Emotional armouring
GENERAL INTRODUCTION IN THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF ENERGETIC INTEGRATION AND POSTURAL INTEGRATION
Entering the group -
First steps in breath, energy work and sharing
Foundations of touching and its psychological meaning
The essence of the breath wave and its developmental and psychological aspects
Contacting the natural abilities and emotional blockages in bodily being.
First practical explorations of the experience of release (relaxation) and integration of new energetic connections between different body segments
Fine energy work, meridians and points
Structure of Bodymind process work, playful learning steps in the art of supporting a free energy flow and satisfactory expression in the body
Foundations of Fascia. Practicing elementary Bodymind myofascial strokes
Body exercises, Yoga, Awareness exercises and short mediations in the morning
Theoretical and Practical Foundation in Energetic Integration
Energetic theories: inborn energy; dialectical energy; the theory of the moving (natural) energy wave as described by Jack Painter, PhD;
Practice in Energetic Integration:
Breath and character;
Facts about breath and the significance for therapy.
Theoretical and Practical exploration of "natural breathing" and blockages of breathing.
A Natural Cycle of Energy Flow (Jack Painter model) & Blockages in the Natural Cycle of Energy Flow
Bonding Styles, Bounding Styles, Grounding Styles, Giving/Receiving Styles, Breathing Styles, Character Styles, Tissue Quality styles and how they influence the energy economy, quality of being and quality of acting/doing...
Anatomy and Physiology I: development from embryo to child; The nervous system (autonomic and voluntary), the musculoskeletal and myofascial system; Myofascial (anatomy) Trains;
◦ Practical work within the training group: ◦Participants exchange practical work in the training group and are supervised. Personal experiences of practical work to be detained in a training diary.
INITIATION IN POSTURAL INTEGRATION PHASE 1 (Opening the Bodymind - Superficial Layer of Fascia as landmark) + ENERGETIC INTEGRATION FOCUS 1
Arrival. Process group -
Steps in breath, energy work and sharing
Foundations of touching and its psychological meaning. Postural Integration Paradigm Session 1 : Theoretical fundaments - technical aspects of the verbal and the non-verbal interactions - demonstration by a trainer.
The essence of the breath wave and its developmental and psychological aspects. Energetic Integration
Contacting the natural abilities and emotional blockages in bodily being.
Practical explorations of the experience of release (relaxation) and integration of new energetic connections between different body segments
Fine energy work, meridians and points
Structure of a session, playful learning steps in the art of supporting a free energy flow and satisfactory expression in the body
Foundations of Fascia. Practicing the first myofascial strokes
Body exercises, Yoga, Awareness exercises and short mediations in the morning
Sessions are exchanged amongst students.
INITIATION IN POSTURAL INTEGRATION : (Paradigm Session 2) INTRODUCTION IN ENERGETIC INTEGRATION FOCUS 2
Process Group
Fundamentals, Theory and Methodology
Bodymind Theory - The relationship between Bodymind and BodySoul
Work with the superficial layers of myofascia in Postural Integration. Paradigm Session 2
Body balance exercises - Movement Awareness, Vertical Uprightness and Parallelism
Anatomy and Physiology I
Body Reading & Tracking
Charging/Discharging of Energy
Gestalt Awareness and Process work,
Awareness in and through Movement
Theories of Personality and developmental psychological foundations
Concepts of Neurosis, Body armouring and Emotional armouring
Deepening work with the breath-wave
Foundations of therapeutic communication
Foundations of therapeutic relationship between practitioner and client
Emotional work: Repairing the natural flow of feeling and the ability to express feelings
Fine Energy work and introduction in the theory of the 5-elements
Exploration and Embodiment of Self -->Demonstration of Energetic Integration Sessions by the trainer.
Exploration and Embodiment of Self -->Demonstration of Postural Integration Paradigm session 2: Basic Bodymind Techniques
Exchange of sessions by the students.
INITIATION IN POSTURAL INTEGRATION PHASE 2 - Lengthening in Bodymind - Freeing and reorganising the shoulders - Intermediate deep fascia as landmark - PI-Session 3
Embodiment of Self -->Postural Integration Paradigm Session 3 : The theoretical backgrounds are explained and the technical aspects of the verbal and the non-verbal interactions of PI-Paradigm Session 3 as an entrance to the discovery and the exploration of the Self are demonstrated by the trainer. The relevant elementary principles of character development and dynamics, segmental armoring, body reading, elements of theatrical mise-en-scène, bio-energetic bodywork, body and movement awareness, 5-elements, breathwork, communication skills are learned and practiced.
Sessions are exchanged amongst students.
Anatomy and Physiology for Paradigm sessions 3
The Lateral Myofascial Line - Basic Notions
Body Reading & Tracking
Charging/Discharging
Gestalt awareness and contact
Awareness through Movement
5 elements/acupressure points
Soft Energy Integration
Characterological Transformation
Verbal and non-verbal techniques and guidance
WORK OUTSIDE THE GROUP
Practical work outside the group:
The students form small peer groups outside the training group where learned fundamentals and methods are repeated, shared and practiced. Participation in these peer groups is necessary for obtaining the certificate. In these peer groups the already learned should be repeated and discussed. Sessions in Postural Integration and Energetic Integration are to be exchanged. Role playing and Bodymind drama can be availed to clarify difficulties and challenges in the work. In this framework, an exchange of meetings is planned. (total of 10 hours). Supervision of helpers or assistants of the group between the training blocks in small groups, where possible, are encouraged.
Homework and reading assignments
Students before each module will receive a homework assignment, which they need to send to the trainer/teacher before the start of the following module. They are also expected to read assigned chapters of professional literature.
Personal Postural Integration and Energetic Integration sessions:
The students need to receive sessions of recognized Postural Integration and Energetic Integration practitioners. A minimum of 5 sessions and a report on this self-experience are required (10 hours)
An additional 50 hours of work consist of courses, chosen by the trainer and student in consultation (for example workshops in breathwork, bioenergetics, movement awareness, etc). A limited number of these hours may be fulfilled by work taken prior to a student beginning a training.
Repetition of Phases I and II of the Postural Integration process. Paradigm Sessions 1, 2 and 3
Introduction of Phase III and IV of Postural Integration. Paradigm Sessions 4-5-6-7
Energetic Integration - The relationship between breathing patterns and character structure
Embodied dyadic attunement - neurobiological theories and body psychotherapy (Stern (1985), Trevarthen (1993, 2001), Schore (2001), Porges (2005),...)
Our Memory Systems:
Explicit, Declarative, Episodic
Implicit, Emotional, Procedural
Naturalistic Ways of modifying memories
“Inner screens” and “outer stages”
Developing an affective vocabulary
REPETITION AND ELABORATION OF POSTURAL INTEGRATION PHASE 1 (Opening): Paradigm Sessions 1 and 2
Revision of Postural Integration Phase 1:
Selective experiencing of the soma with separate focusses on Body Reading & Tracking - Gestalt process work - Awareness through Movement - 5 elements/acupressure points - soft energy - Characterological Transformation - Verbal and non-verbal techniques and guidance -
Gestalt base
Here and now
Claiming body parts
Intensification
Outline of Character Structures (Reichian and Post-Reichian), Character Analysis and Therapy based on W. Reich, Lowen/Pierrakos, Stephen Johnson, Jack Painter - Anatomy and Character structures.
Character (& postural) dynamics: Overview of "fragmentation dynamic" (schizoid process); orality; symbiosis; Inflation; narcissism; compression; sexual blockages in relation to the hysterical character; passive feminine character; macho, masculine-aggressive and obsessive-compulsive character
Body reading of blockades and character dynamics/structure: Structural, Energetic, Phenomenological Body Reading & Tracking revealing “holding”, “undercharge/overcharge”, “undergrounding/overgrounding”, “underboundedness/overboundedness,” ....
Bodymind Drama: finding the childlike and familial triangle (triangulation); Transforming the rolls in the Triangle, approaching possible solutions
Somatic interventions for release: Pelvic movements; Stimulation of the external muscular armor; work on segmental armoring (Wilhelm Reich's Theory)
The use of feedback: learning to view yourself through others’ eyes, and learning the ways in which your behavior affects others
• Theoretical and Practical Foundation in Postural Integration
◦ The four pillars of Postural Integration - Tensegrity as Body Balance (Influence from Structural Integration School) - Vibrational Integrity as balanced freedom (Influence from Reichian School) - The importance of Fine Tuning in both Tensegrity and Vibrational Integrety - Therapeutic Touch - Gestalt view of reality - 5-Elements - The Process of Release and Integration - Phases in the Therapeutic Process
ELABORATION OF POSTURAL INTEGRATION PHASE 2 (Elongation) PI-Session 3
Revision of Postural Integration Phase 2 (PI-Session 3):
Body Reading & Tracking - Gestalt process work - Bio-Energetics and Reichian Bodywork - Awareness through Movement - 5 elements/acupressure points - Soft energy work - Characterological Transformation - Verbal and non-verbal techniques and guidance - Transference and Countertransference
Family patterns and roles
Parental or familial forces in early steps of energetic wave
Masculine and feminine polarities
New role options and experimentation
INITIATION IN POSTURAL INTEGRATION PHASE 3A (Claiming and reorganising the pelvis - DEEP FASCIA LANDMARKS: BF 4 AND 5) + ENERGETIC INTEGRATION Stage 2
Understanding of the relationship between breathing patterns and character structure
Anatomy and Physiology II
Myofascial techniques for deep pelvic work
Masculine and Feminine Energy as expression of our breathing
Relational Patterns and sexuality, The dynamic of our Parental Triangle - Mother, Father and Child Archetypes - The Oedipal phase of development
Transference and Countertransference
Crisis intervention, structure of a crisis, diagnosis and delegation
Energetic breathwork and its correlation with rigidity
Structure of a session, protocols
Deepening of Fine energy work and work with the 5-elements
Spirituality in Bodywork
Body Reading and Gestalt Process Work
Movement Awareness, Vertical Uprightness and Parallelism
Theories of Personality and developmental psychological foundations
Deepening work with the breath-wave
Foundations of therapeutic communication
Foundations of therapeutic relationship between practitioner and client
Emotional work: Repairing the natural flow of feeling and the ability to express feelings
Fine Energy work and introduction in the theory of the 5-elements
The theoretical backgrounds are explained and the technical aspects of the verbal and the non-verbal interactions of PI-Session 4 and 5 are demonstrated by the trainer. Sessions are exchanged by students under supervision.
INITIATION IN POSTURAL INTEGRATION PHASE 3B (CLAIMING AND REORGANIZING THE PELVIS - DEEP FASCIA LANDMARKS: PI-Session 6)
The theoretical backgrounds are explained and the technical aspects of the verbal and the non-verbal interactions of PI-Session 6 as an entrance to the discovery and the exploration of the Self are demonstrated by the trainer. The relevant elementary principles of character development and dynamics, segmental armoring, body reading, elements of theatrical mise-en-scène, bio-energetic bodywork, body and movement awareness, 5-elements, breathwork, communication skills are learned and practiced.
Energetic Integration work in the context of Postural Integration - Selective experiencing of the soma with separate focusses on Body Reading & Tracking - Gestalt process work - Reichian and Bio-Energetic Bodywork - Awareness through Movement - 5 elements/acupressure points - soft energy - Character Analysis & Characterological Transformation - Verbal and non-verbal techniques and guidance - Transference and Countertransference
Leading therapeutic bio-energetic exercises and other neo-reichian and movement and mindfulness oriented structures in individual and group settings. Routines, classes, procedures.
WORK OUTSIDE THE GROUP
Practical work outside the group:
The students form small peer groups outside the training group where learned fundamentals and methods are repeated, shared and practiced. Participation in these peer groups is necessary for obtaining the certificate. Sessions in Postural Integration and Energetic Integration are to be exchanged. Role playing and Bodymind drama can be availed to clarify difficulties and challenges in the work. In this framework, an exchange of meetings is planned. (total of 10 hours).
Personal Postural Integration and Energetic Integration sessions:The students need to receive sessions of recognized Postural integration and Energetic Integration practitioners. A minimum of 5 sessions and a report on this self-experience are required (10 hours)
An additional 50 hours of work consist of courses, chosen by the trainer and student in consultation (for example workshops in breathwork, bioenergetics, movement awareness, etc). A limited number of these hours may be fulfilled by work taken prior to a student beginning a training.
Revision of Postural Integration ParadigmSessions 4, 5, 6 and 7, merged with the Energetic Cycle
Systematic five element balancing; special acupressure point fine tuning in touch psychotherapy
Who is the therapist/counselor/bodymind integrator? Taking on Therapeutic Leadership - Leadership Styles
Awareness through role claiming
The here-now body
Playing old and new roles concerning authority and leadership
Developing Resilience as a client and as a therapist (The ability to „bend” without „breaking”),
Continued Recovery, and Restoring the Deep Self through Postural Integration and Energetic Integration
Transference and Countertransference
Dealing with and managing pain and suffering; Psychosomatics
Neutralizing the Factors That Cause Chronic Pain:
The Journey Back from Unmanageable Pain:
Developing the Felt Sense
Interrupting Pain Triggers
Pendulation and the Rhythms of Pain
Uncoupling of excitement and fear or allowing excitement without fear
Uncoupling immobility and fear
Journaling - the health and other benefits of it
Teachings on the prevention and Resolution of the Pain of Medical Trauma
Anatomy and physiology
(Psycho)pathology
BEING THE THERAPIST - Revision of PI-Paradigm Sessions 4 and 5 - Energetic Integration
Taking on Therapeutic Leadership - Styles of Leadership
Transference - Countertransference in Postural Integration and Energetic Integration sessions from a Characterological point of view.
Therapeutic Relationship: The anatomy of Rapport - Leadership. Developing a Calming Presence.
Noticing Sensations. The Recipe for Resilience : How to maintain resilience as a therapist.
Working with Sexual Trauma : Healing the Sacred Wound. Trauma and Spirituality = Pathway to Awakening.
Managing erotic counter-transference.
BEING AND LEADERSHIP - Revision of PI-Paradigm Postural Integration Session 4, 5 and 6
Anatomy and neurophysiology
Selective experiencing of the soma with separate focusses on Body Reading & Tracking - Gestalt process work - Bio-Energetics and Reichian Bodywork - Awareness through Movement - 5 elements/acupressure points - soft energy - Characterological Transformation - Verbal and non-verbal techniques and guidance - Transference and Countertransference
Re-Inhabiting the Body -
Neutralizing the Factors That Cause Chronic Pain: - Securing a Resting Place in the Body - Grounding - Shifting the Posture of Helplessness and Collapse
CLAIMING YOUR LEADERSHIP - Revision of PI-Paradigm session 7
Revision of Reichian Techniques for working with Segmental Armoring : Ocular, Oral and Cervical segment.
Demonstration of Postural Integration Paradigm session 7: The Head and the Face - Exploring the "Mask Face" and the "True Face" - Basic Bodymind Techniques
Anatomy and Physiology
Gestalt process work
Transference and Countertransference -
Awareness through Movement
5 elements/acupressure points
Soft Energy Integration
Verbal and non-verbal techniques and guidance
Exchange of sessions by the students.
Extra topics: Helping the Client Connect with the Conflict-Free Experience - Exploring and Managing the Roots of the Fight and Flight Response - Working with Healthy Aggression -
INTEGRATION - Postural Integration sessions 8-12
The Integration phase of Postural Integration : Structural and Vibrational
upper and lower body, center and periphery, left and right, back and front, inside and outside.
Enriched Integration: Elaboration of horizontal integration; session 11
Interactive Integration: Resonance with the outside world; session 12
Energetic Integration work in the context of PI - Integration sessions -
Trans-generational Healing
WORK OUTSIDE THE GROUP
Practical work outside the group:
The students again form small groups outside the training group where learned fundamentals and methods are repeated, shared and practiced. In this framework, an exchange of meetings is planned. (total of 10 hours)
Working with training-clients can be discussed in this group and also experiences in personal individual sessions, which were obtained from a recognized EI practitioner, can be shared.
Experiences of these peer groups are logged and to be added to the training diary.
Homework and reading assignments
Students before each module will receive a homework assignment, which they need to send to the trainer/teacher before the start of the following module. They are also expected to read assigned chapters of professional literature.
Personal Postural Integration and Energetic Integration sessions:
During the training, each student is required to obtain 5 sessions from a recognized PI/EI practitioner. These Sessions treat personal energy topics (personal self-discovery process) which are important for the students. In those sessions, also hopes and difficulties connected with the role of a student-practitioner in Postural Integration and Energetic Integration, can be processed. Likewise topics related to other students, practice-clients, trainers or assistants can be important.
The notes after each session shall be added to the final dossier.
Practice with training-clients outside the group.
During this stage, students, when having fulfilled the requirements and agreed upon by the trainer, are allowed to work with practice-clients under supervision.
Group- and individual supervision guide the work with training clients.
Further substantiation of Postural Integration and Energetic Integration : Revision of work with deep layers of fascia (Paradigm Sessions 4,5,6,7) - Revision of Integration Paradigm sessions 8,9,10,11,12 -
Transference and Countertransference
Psychosomatics - The stress response - Trauma and the Body - Chronic Pain
The Methodological Balance Between Wholistic Insight and Specific Precision
De-emphasising techniques, adapting interventions to what each client requires
Round-up of Clinical Methods Applied to the Energy cycle - Applied to Character Structure - Applied to Transference, and Countertransference - Applied to Core-Core Contact -Applied to groups
The Structure of Long Term Healing - Working through in the therapeutic relationship
Resistance, Regression, working through and countertransference
Hypnosis and suggestion
Individual vs. group settings.
Referral procedures.
Crisis Intervention
Ethics
FURTHER SUBSTANTIATION OF ENERGETIC INTEGRATION STAGE 3 - Selective strategies for Postural Integration
Group Supervision of work with Training Clients
Deepening work with the breath-wave
Working with selective Strategies
Transference and counter-transference in breathing patterns, postures and character structure
Advanced skills in therapeutic communication
Resonance and transparency in the therapeutic relationship between practitioner and client
Emotional work: Repairing trauma, the natural flow of feelings, aliveness and the ability to express feelings
Fine Energy work and the 5-elements
Holding the Whole, Working the Parts, The Methodological Balance Between Wholistic Insight and Specific Precision
Clinical Methods Applied to the Energy cycle
Clinical Methods Applied to Character Structure
Clinical Methods Applied to Transference, and Countertransference
Clinical Methods Applied to Core-Core Contact
Clinical Methods Applied to groups
Structuring Sessions, developing Strategies
The Structure of Long Term Healing - Working through in the therapeutic relationship
Therapeutic bodywork (bio-energetic exercises and other neo-reichian and movement and mindfulness oriented structures) as part of a complementary aid in individual and group settings. Routines, classes, procedures.
FURTHER SUBSTANTIATION OF ENERGETIC INTEGRATION Stage 3 - Selective Strategies in Postural Integration
Group Supervision of work with Training Clients
Anatomy and psychophysiology - Myofascial Meridians - Muscular Chains
Exchange of PI and EI sessions amongst students under supervision
When it gets stuck:
The Movement of Emotion and Consciousness in unblocking the therapeutic process.
The new inside and outside difficulties
Reinforcing inner options
Confronting the client’s new center with outside difficulties
Unfreezing and the movement towards pleasure: an ongoing process.
Self-regulation
Healing as Shared Energy
Helping the Therapist and the client in a World of Change. Developing Resources
The therapist in Prevention Programs and Social Service.
Developing a multidisciplinary vocabulary : medical, therapeutic, understandable.
A continued course in Psychopathological Concepts and how to make them understandable. Education as part of the deal.
A Matter of Character : What else can you bring in or try out?
Finding inspiration in related fields: analytical, humanistic, transpersonal, behavioural, philosophical ....
Life Processes and Spontaneous Transformation - Life as therapy
Motivation strategies - e.g. Life long development and learning for everybody.
Taking care of Prevention and Social Service.
Working within a multicultural and multireligious environment.
The new challenges of social crisis, terrorism, refuge, poverty,.... The response of the body psychotherapist
Social media. Distance learning. Therapy from a distance. Pro- and cons.
The Process of Getting It All Together
The creative mind - e.g. Going Beyond Outdated models of collaboration and sharing. New ways of journaling
Breath, The Key to Vitality and Power
When all goes wrong - Armouring has been reinforced - finding flexibility, resilience and openness once more.
Transgenerational patterns and how to understand them and deal with them.
FURTHER SUBSTANTIATION OF ENERGETIC INTEGRATION PHASE 3 - Postural Integration : Integration Phase Postural Integration Sessions 10, 11 and 12
Group Supervision of work with Training Clients
The Integration phase of Postural Integration and Energetic Integration : upper and lower body, center and periphery, left and right, back and front, inside and outside.
Enriched Integration: Elaboration of horizontal integration; paradigm session 11
Interactive Integration: Resonance with the outside world; paradigm session 12
The inside and outside
The flexible model: vibrational integrity
Refinements of free expansion and contraction
Inside and outside contracting together but at different intensities
Inside and outside expanding together but at different intensities
Spontaneous free contrast: inside expands, outside contracts or vice versa
The core and shell: limited and unstable expansion and contraction
The Bodymind Integration typology (Jack Painter, 1986)
Expanding types
Loose expanding outside with contracted core
Expanded hard outside with confused core
Contracting types
Loose shell with contracted core
Loose shell with outer core contracted and inner core confused
Unstable types
Over-expanded
Over-contracted
Fluctuating
Even but restricted types
Partial Integration
with Postmodern approaches in working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and the community in a wide variety of settings.
crisis intervention work
treatment of a range of psychosomatic disorders,
challenging social and cultural injustices that lead to oppression of certain groups.
Therapy as a process of liberation from oppressive cultural values
Enabling clients to become active agents of their destinies.
Elements of Energetic Integration with couples and family therapy, awareness training of mental health professionals, behavior problems in children, and teaching and learning.
the attitudes of the therapist and a “way of being.”
The Therapist in his strive for active listening, reflection of feelings, clarification, and “being there” for the client.
Diagnostic testing, interpretation, taking a case history, questioning or probing for information.
Limitations of Multicultural work: Values of individuality, freedom, autonomy, and self-realization often conflict with cultural values of collectivism. Questioning the therapist in the „not-knowing” stance
Selective experiencing of the soma with separate focusses on Body Reading & Tracking - Gestalt process work - Reichian and Bio-Energetic Bodywork - Awareness through Movement - 5 elements/acupressure points - soft energy - Character Analysis & Characterological Transformation - Verbal and non-verbal techniques and guidance - Transference and Countertransference -
Further SUBSTANTIATION OF POSTURAL INTEGRATION AND ENERGETIC INTEGRATION
Working with Soft and Gentle Energy for Integration and deepening of a non-violent stance in life
Group Supervision of work with Training Clients
Postural Integration as a form of Brief Therapy.
Assisting people in the process of living with greater expertise and ease.
The benefits to time limited therapy, as a mirror to the time-limited reality of human existence.
The initial, middle and final phases of therapy.
De-emphasising techniques in favor of a priority to understanding and guiding a client’s world.
Description, understanding, and exploration of the client’s subjective reality, as opposed to diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis
Basing interventions on philosophical views about the essential nature of human existence.
Evaluating what has been accomplished and what issues may need to be addressed later.
The therapeutic session is a small contribution to a person’s renewed engagement with life, or a rehearsal for life.
Adapting interventions to one’s own personality and style, as well as being sensitive to what each client requires.
The importance of therapists reaching sufficient depth and openness in their own lives to venture into clients’ murky waters without getting lost.
Bodymind Integration as a collaborative adventure in which both client and therapist will be transformed if they allow themselves to be touched by life. When the deepest self of the therapist meets the deepest part of the client, the counseling process is at its best.
Work outside the training
Practical work outside the group:
The students again form small groups outside the training group where learned fundamentals and methods are repeated, shared and practiced. In this framework, an exchange of meetings is planned. (total of 10 hours)
Working with training-clients can be discussed in this group and also experiences in personal individual sessions, which were obtained from a recognized EI practitioner, can be shared.
Experiences of these peer groups are logged and to be added to the training diary.
Homework and reading assignments
Students before each module will receive a homework assignment, which they need to send to the trainer/teacher before the start of the following module. They are also expected to read assigned chapters of professional literature.
Personal Postural Integration and Energetic Integration sessions:
During this year, each student is required to obtain 5 sessions from a recognized PI/EI practitioner. These Sessions treat personal energy topics (personal self-discovery process) which are important for the students. In those sessions, also hopes and difficulties connected with the role of a student-practitioner in Postural Integration and Energetic Integration, can be processed. Likewise topics related to other students, practice-clients, trainers or assistants can be important.
The notes after each session shall be added to the final dossier.
Practice with training-clients outside the group.
During this stage, students work, in addition to the other requirements, under supervision with at least 3 practice-clients (of both sexes), necessary for certification.
Graduation in Postural Integration
At the end of this year students may be ready with their work under supervision with practice-clients.
When the written report is finished, and all requirements fulfilled at this time. Certification in Postural Integration is awarded.
The 5th year is an extra year. Fulfilling the requirements of that year, leads to Certification in Energetic Integration
ENERGETIC INTEGRATION as an EXISTENTIAL GROUP PROCESS.
Energetic Integration as a facilitator of group therapeutic processes
Exploring the different faces and roles of Groups for Self-Exploration, Self-Development:
The group as a provider of a context - to look at oneself, and to consider what choices might be more authentically one’s own.
The group as a place to openly share fears - related to living in unfulfilling ways and to come to recognize how one has compromised one’s own integrity.
The group as a vehicle to gradually discover - ways in which one has lost direction and can begin to be more true to oneself.
The group as a place to learn - that it is not in others that one finds the answers to questions about significance and purpose in life.
The group as a place to learn to live in authentic ways - and refrain from prescribing simple solutions.
The group as a provider for work on self-responsibility and community.
The group as an organism - From dyadic resonance to group resonance -
GROUP AND SYSTEM DYNAMICS FROM A BODY ORIENTED PERPECTIVE
The body in group psychotherapy
Facilitating interpersonal functioning
Facilitating relating in meaningful ways in groups,
Being yourself in the company of other people, establish rewarding, nourishing relationships.
The search for meaning; No ultimate answers for ultimate concerns.
Structured group work vs. unstructured spaceWorking with the body in Body B Psychotherapy
The Anatomy of the Group Process
Phases of Group Development - The Energetic Integration Model - An orgasmic cycle for Groups.
Bodymind Transformation and Group Dynamics
Carrying over “peak experiences,” as attractive opportunities for rapid change, beyond the immediate encounter
Conflict and Compassion in Group Work
A lifelong journey of self-exploration with and within groups
Group & System Dynamics from a Body Oriented Perspective.
Phase Model in Group Dynamics.
Group Transference and the Leader
Group Staying Power
Cohesiveness in Change
LEADING GROUPS WITH SPECIAL THEMES and Problems
Working with Anorexia Nervosa - Boulimia - Body Image Disorders - Psychosis - Schizophrenia - Depression - Alzheimer's - Drug abuse - Selective focus on Body Processes - Insights from Body Psychotherapy and Psychomotor Therapy in fostering mental health and in the treatment of psychopathology - Functional/Experiential/Conflict oriented - Verbal and non-verbal techniques and guidance - Transference and Countertransference -
From PSYCHOPATHOLOGY to health with GROUPS
Group Supervision - Level and form of psychopathology - Evidence of psychopathology emerging in the group process - Individual Processes, Social Processes and Psychopathology - The psychopathology of hate - Psychopathology of school going children - Group responses to psychopathology - Ethnicity, immigration and psychopathology - Stigma as a risk factor for mental health - High risk behaviours and the group - Pathological gambling and the group - Happiness and emotional well-being scores in groups - Terrorism as a psychodynamic factor - The post-terrorism situation - Children of Holocaust survivors and other war children - Emotion regulation strategies in groups - Working with the body in groups of adolescents and young adults - Working with the home-less - The role of the peer group - Verbal and non-verbal techniques and guidance - Transference and Countertransference
WORK OUTSIDE THE GROUP
Practical work outside the group:
The students need to do an internship in group therapeutic work.
Supervised Practice with groups and clients outside the training group.During this stage, students work, in addition to the other requirements, under supervision with at least 2 practice-clients (of both sexes), necessary for certification.
Graduation in Energetic Integration
The students are now working under supervision with practice-clients and groups.
When the written report is finished, and all requirements fulfilled at this time. Certification in Energetic Integration is awarded.
The 5th year is an extra year. Fulfilling the requirements of that year, leads to Full Certification in Energetic Integration
ENTRY CRITERIA
Before the training actually starts, applicants need to demonstrate that they have received between 5 and 10 individual sessions in Bodymind Integration® with a by ICPIT certified practitioner and that they are willing to take an introductory workshop.
Other entry criteria are:
A capacity for developing self-awareness and self-reflection.
A capacity to relate to others in a facilitative way from a stance of respect, empathy and mutual interest.
A capacity to reflect on and examine the impact of their actions on others.
A capacity to be aware and report the impact of others on them.
A capacity for curiosity and enquiry, a capacity to open up to new ways.
A capacity to take responsibility for physical and emotional well-being.
A capacity to contain, express and integrate strong emotions
A capacity to cope with the various demands of the course including the fulfillment of financial obligations, the timely completion of learning tasks and active participation in the course (This presupposes sufficient personal and social stability)
A capacity to understand and practice ethical behavior as outlined by relevant professional codes such as ICPIT/EABP/EAP.
A capacity to learn from life experiences.
A capacity to receive feedback on strengths and constraints.
The Administrator p/a Institute for Bodymind Integration, Destelbergenstraat 49-51, B-9040 Gent
OR E-mail scanned documents to dirk.marivoet@bodymindintegration.com
OR through the Form on this website
Your emotional biography needs to be received more than 14 days before commencement of the course at the latest!!
Entry Interview
Following receipt of an application for enrollment you will be invited to attend an Entry Interview (can be live or through Skype) which is an informal process conducted by one of the Directors of Training (Dirk & Elisabeth). You may also request an Interview before enrolment if you wish.
At the Entry Interview prospective participants will be notified of their acceptance into the course. Payment methods and schedules will be discussed at the Interview.
During the Entry Interview, applicants are required to demonstrate the willingness to develop the following qualities and capacities, as a pre-requisite for commencing training at IBI.
A focus on the body (guided by 12 steps (paradigm sessions) in Postural Integration® and 12 steps (a paradigm energetic cycle) in Energetic Integration® (also included in Postural Integration®)),brings dissociated parts of our spirit that have been fragmented from our body back into our body, re-united, re-associated. Specialised work, called Pelvic Heart Integration® aims at sexual healing. All this work is a rich synthesis of many influences and sources: Reichian and Neo-Reichian Work (e.g. with breath, muscular armouring and Character defences), Gestalt Work, Peter Levine's Waking of the Tiger/Somatic Experiencing, Work with Placeholders (Mother, Father, etc.), Work with the 5-Elements (connected with emotions, energy flow, etc.),... ”