Training in Bioenergetic Analysis

Bioenergetic Analysis is a form of psychotherapy that integrates the body as an energetic process, into the analytic process. Based on the underlying assumption that the body is the person, whatever personality problems an individual has are manifested in the expression of his body. One can make an accurate determination of these problems from the form and motility of the body if one can read the language of the body.

On a deep level, body and mind are one. On that level, the word body includes mind just as the word mind implies the existence of a body. Every living body has a mind of its own. Body and mind cannot be separate; one can't have an experience that doesn't affect both equally.

Every physical expression of the body has meaning; the quality of a handshake, the posture, the look in the eyes, the tone of the voice, the way of moving, etc. If these expressions are fixed and habitual, they tell a story of past experiences. The interpretation of fixed, physical attitudes and the work upon chronic muscular tensions which underlie them, add a dimension of reality to the therapeutic experience.

Through special movements and body positions, the patient in bioenergetic therapy gains a deeper contact with his body and a better feeling for it. From this contact and feeling he begins to understand the relationship between his present physical state and the experience of his infancy and childhood which created it. He learns that his denial of his body is a rejection of his needs for love in order to avoid hurt and disappointment.

Alexander Lower, M.D. , Founder of Bioenergetics

Training Programs in Bioenergetic Analysis

Training in Bioenergetic Analysis consists of two phases: pre-clinical and clinical. Individuals will be encouraged to progress through the program at their own rate. The process of completing these two phases will generally take from four to six years. There will usually be 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 countertansference.
    
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 will be granted by the individual training committee which will evaluate 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.

Auditing

A limited number of individuals who wish to participate in phase one of the training, who are not eligible for certification, may be accepted into the training program as auditors.

Faculty and Training Committee

All trainers in Bioenergetic Analysis have successfully completed all requirements for becoming a certified bioenergetic therapist, a bioenergetic supervisor and a bioenergetic trainer. Many have also completed the requirements to become an International Trainer in Bioenergetic Analysis.