Training in Integrative Psychotherapy
This five-module experiential psychotherapy training merges Eastern traditions with Western psychological principles, fostering a creative integration of somatic, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions of the self in both professional and personal contexts.
The role of a psychotherapist necessitates self-awareness, presence, and sensitivity to both internal and external stimuli. This training will employ somatic experiences and mindfulness as tools for ‘tuning’ the therapist’s instrument – their own self.
Research on mindfulness has revealed various benefits for clients, including decreased rumination, lower stress levels, enhanced concentration, improved working memory, better emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility, and interpersonal advantages. Therapists who practice mindfulness and meditation have reported benefits such as increased compassion, improved listening skills and focus, more attuned responses, reduced personal stress, a sense of well-being, and encouragement of both personal and professional development.
Throughout the training, you will have the chance to engage in dialogue with colleagues from various orientations, experience and learn about a holistic approach, discuss the therapeutic applications of breath, mindfulness, and extraordinary human experiences, as well as reflect on the ethical and cross-cultural dimensions of integrative practice.
Training objectives:
- To refine clinicians’ awareness and bring an appreciation of integration of personal and professional growth.
- Enhance emotional attunement and therapeutic presence using somatic awareness, breath and mindfulness.
- Learn about clinical applications of breath work and mindfulness.
- Learn about clinical applications of somatic psychotherapy.
- Explore theoretical and practical aspects of psychotherapy integration.
- Consider ethical aspects of integrative psychotherapy practice.
- Provide safe and inspiring space for colleagues with different orientation to connect and share experiences.
Module 1
Somatic Psychology & Embodied Spirituality
- Definition of somatic psychology
- Somatic assessments
- Embodied spirituality
- Research on somatic psychology
- Yoga psychology
- Clinical applications of somatic psychology
- Challenges of somatic psychotherapy
- Experiential exercises
- Case examples
- Group discussion
- Literature recommendation
Module 2
Breath-work
Ethical Considerations
- Physiology of breath
- Research on breath-work
- Breath and spirituality
- Clinical applications of breath-work
- Benefits and side-effects of breath-work
- Experiential exercises
- Case examples
- Group discussion
- Ethical aspects of holistic approach
- Case examples
- Group discussion
- Literature recommendation
Module 3
Mindfulness & Meditation in Psychotherapy
- Introduction to meditation & mindfulness
- Research on use of mindfulness and meditation
- Therapists’ use of mindfulness for personal self-growth
- Clinical applications of meditation and mindfulness
- Challenges in use of mindfulness and meditation in clinical practice
- Experiential exercises
- Case example
- Ethical considerations
- Group discussion
- Literature recommendation
Module 4
Guided Imagery in Psychotherapy
- Introduction to creative imagery
- Research on use of imagery
- Clinical applications of imagery
- Challenges in application of imagery in clinical practice
- Experiential exercises
- Case examples
- Ethical considerations
- Group discussion
- Literature recommendation
Module 5
Integrative Psychotherapy
- Definition of integrative psychotherapy
- Brief historical overview
- Professional – personal integration
- Clinical application of integrative practice
- Challenging aspects of integrative practice
- Towards developing your personal approach to integrative practice
- Experiential exercises
- Case examples
- Ethical considerations
- Group discussion
- Literature recommendation
- Evaluation form
- Group photo
- Closure.