Training and Certification Criteria for Bioenergetic Analysis
Training in Bioenergetic Analysis consists of two
phases: pre-clinical and clinical. Individuals are encouraged to progress
through the program at their own rate. The process of completing these
two phases generally takes from four to six years. There are usually
eight to ten training weekends during the year with six hours of training
each day. Training is both experiential and didactic in mode. While
the specifics of each training program vary slightly, reflecting cultural
and professional norms around the world, all training in Bioenergetic
Analysis is affiliated with and conducted under the direct supervision
of the International Institute for Bioenergetic Analysis, offering
a professional training program leading to certification as a bioenergetic
psychotherapist.
Pre-Clinical Phase
Training in this phase includes:
1) an in-depth study of the theory of Bioenergetic Analysis including an understanding of the energetic process and character, and the ways they are represented in the body and the defensive structure of personality. Participants will be encouraged to explore their own energetic process and character structure as well as those of others.
2) basic readings of the work of Reich, Lowen and others.
Clinical Phase
Training in this phase includes:
1) a study of the bioenergetic therapeutic process and character analysis with particular emphasis on transference and countertransference.
2) clinical work with clients under supervision in individual or group sessions. To satisfactorily complete the program, a minimum of 50 hours of acceptable supervision is required. (Actual hours of required personal therapy and supervision are determined by individual training programs.)
Personal Therapy
Becoming a bioenergetic psychotherapist necessitates understanding
one's own energetic process and characterological problems. Generally,
applicants for certification are expected to be involved in their
own bioenergetic therapy for a minimum of 150 hours with a certified
bioenergetic therapist who is acceptable to the training committee.
Supervision
Certification as bioenergetic therapist involves extensive supervision.
Group, individual and in vivo supervision provide the bioenergetic
trainee with extended opportunities to refine and enhance his/her
work with clients. Issues of theory, technique, intervention, transference
and countertransference are addressed in the course of supervision
during the final three years of training.
Certification
Certification is granted by the NZSBA in association with the Training
Coordinator (IIBA faculty) who evaluates each trainee's readiness
in three areas: personal therapy, supervision and satisfactory completion
of the two phases of training. Bioenergetic psychotherapists have
years of training in both Bioenergetic Analysis and psychotherapy
which enhances their ability to work with the depth and breadth of
therapeutic issues. To be certified as a bioenergetic therapist, you
must hold a valid license to practice psychotherapy, in accordance
with the laws of your state or country.
Update from the Psychotherapists' Registration Board:
"Students who enroll in a qualification approved by the Board for grandparenting before the end of March 2010 will have that qualification recognized for registration provided they complete it within the time limit approved by the training institute."
The CBT qualification has been recognised by the Board for grandparenting.