Diploma in Biodynamic Psychotherapy
A career as a biodynamic psychotherapist offers the opportunity to have a varied and rewarding work life, and to meet people from all walks of life. Many people who train apply the biodynamic principles to other professions and organisations, rather than becoming biodynamic psychotherapists working one to one. Personal, professional and self-development is an important aspect of the course, and some people attend for this reason alone, without ever wishing to practice.
Whatever the motivation for training, the four-year Diploma in Biodynamic Psychotherapy course consists of a well-considered balance of theory, practice, experiential and group work, clinical work, and written assignments in each year, all of which weave through each training weekend and the residential seminars.
The Diploma Course is open to anyone who is interested in mental and physical health and well being, in a caring profession, and in undertaking their own journey of self-discovery.
GBII courses are designed for those who have to combine study with full or part-time employment or who may have to travel significant distances to the place of study.
Theory
Students are introduced to the field of biodynamic psychology and psychotherapy as developed by Gerda Boyesen, its place in the historical development of psychoanalytical and psychological theories, including those of Sigmund Freud, Wilhelm Reich, Carl Jung, and western psychology and medicine, eastern philosophy and medicine and recent developments in the field of neuro- science and new (energy) medicine.
Practice
GBII teaches, and there are many opportunities to practice - biodynamic psychotherapy, biodynamic massage and all the methods and related treatments developed by Gerda Boyesen. In year 1 students are introduced to the core methods of biodynamic psychology, use of the stethoscope, and to the full range of biodynamic massage methods. Students begin to gain practical experience through peer exchanges during the training weekends.
From the 2nd year Students are invited to become Apprentice Biodynamic Psychotherapists and undertake to give voluntary service during training and until they have reached an enter the GBII Community Services Programme where they have induction training to become knowledgeable about the particular conditions that any individual or client group they will be working with has suffered, and learn how to give short treatments to a specific client group under supervision.
As their experience grows, Apprentices go on to give 50 minute treatments under supervision in The Biodynamic Clinic When they have satisfactorily completed a specified number of practice hours, they see clients independently and meet in individual and group supervision for case discussions.
The use of biodynamic psychotherapy techniques is gradually introduced from the beginning of the course and is developed from 3rd year through Deep Draining and Vegetotherapy contracts with peers.
Following the completion of the four-year Diploma in Biodynamic Psychotherapy Course, there is a Post Graduate Clinical Practice and Supervision year ('Green House') after which successful graduates are awarded the Practising Certificate in Biodynamic Psychotherapy, and may apply for a GBII Practice Licence.
The Diploma in Biodynamic Psychology is a post graduate award on satisfactory completion of a 10,000 word dissertation.
Experiential and Group Work
Students enter a psychotherapy contract with a GBII Licensed Biodynamic Psychotherapist for the duration of their training. This is a vital and enriching endeavour, and an essential aspect of the development of experience and understanding of a psychotherapy process.
The course also includes experiential work in pairs, triangles and groups throughout the training and especially during the 2 residential seminars in each year.
GBII operates a continuous assessment policy for clinical practice and written assignments as well as for end of year assessments from the 2nd year.
Following qualification, GBII provides generous support and Membership Services to help Members develop and maintain a flourishing practice.
GBII also offers post graduate advanced training courses in Deep-draining and Vegetotherapy for those practitioners who wish to specialise in these areas.
Course Structure
- The Diploma in Biodynamic Psychotherapy Course is made up of specific modules which progress in the training course over 4 years. There is a one year post graduate Clinical Practice and Supervision Course prior to the award of the Practising Certificate as a Biodynamic Psychotherapist and entry on the GBII Register of Licensed Biodynamic Practitioners.
Total 5 years.
GBII is Licensed by Gerda Boyesen® to grant Practice Licenses to qualified biodynamic psychotherapists and other biodynamic practitioners. Graduates may also apply for membership of additional organisations on completion of other organisations' standards for admission. - Each year, supervised training is scheduled for eight weekends, Friday evening, 7-10, Saturday and Sunday 10-1, 3-6, plus 1 x 5 day seminar. Additionally, one hour each week, two hours fortnightly or 4 hours monthly (block therapy) – total 40 hours during each academic year - is required for regular individual sessions with a GBII Licensed Biodynamic Psychotherapist.
- There are three ten-week terms in each academic year.
- From the second year, times for Clinical Practice and Supervision are required for all biodynamic practitioner qualifying courses.
Clinical Practice and Supervision
Please Note: Times for Clinical Practice and Supervision are additional to the training schedule. Clinical Practice and Supervision are governed by a separate and additional contract – the Agreement for the Provision of Voluntary Service during Training – which is a prerequisite for supervised practice with GBII.
Assessment and Qualifications
GBII operates a policy of continuous assessment throughout the training taking into account the following aspects:
- attendance and timekeeping
- active participation in the group
- conscious engagement with experiential work
- written assignments
- willingness to learn
- ability to take directions from training staff
- regularity of individual therapy
- authorised clinical practice
- presentation of case work
- constructive use of supervision
- adherence to Codes of the Institute
- knowledge of the organisation
Summary of Course Requirements
In addition to being a current Student Member of GBII, with all appropriate fees fully paid-up, qualification is conditional on completion of all course work in each academic year, including:
- Completion of all written assignments
- Completion of clinical practice and supervision requirements
- Presentation of case work
- Self assessment and peer group assessment
GBII QUALIFICATIONS IN BIODYNAMIC PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHOTHERAPY
- Certificate in Biodynamic Psychotherapy and
- Diploma in Biodynamic Psychotherapy
GBII offers a four-year part-time course leading to the Diploma in Biodynamic Psychotherapy.
By completing the 10,000 word dissertation students will be eligible for the Diploma in Biodynamic Psychology
Satisfactory Completion of the 4 Year Diploma Course admits students to Full Professional Membership of the GBII and the use of the initials MGBII.
GBII Practising Certificates
GBII issues Practising Certificates at different levels of practice and progression of competency in the following fields: Biodynamic Massage, Biodynamic Bodywork, Biodynamic Counselling, Body Psychotherapy, Biodynamic Psychotherapy and Biodynamic Psychology.
Graduates can opt to specialise in specific methods, such as "Deep Draining" or Vegetotherapy, by completing further short practice modules leading to the Practising Certificate in their chosen specialisation.
Further Qualifications as Biodynamic Group Leaders, Supervisors, Trainers and Senior Trainers are also awarded.
GBII issues the Practising Certificate as a Biodynamic Psychotherapist to Members who fulfil the following requirements:
- Are qualified to Diploma Level [Dip.BP]
- Have completed the required hours of supervised clinical practice
- Have been assessed by the Professional Standards Committee
GBII Practice Licence
GBII practitioners are licensed (renewable annually) to practice at the level of their qualification.
ITEC Diploma in Holistic Massage
[International Therapy Examination Council]
The ITEC Diploma in Holistic Massage is a pre-requisite for all Clinical Practice with GBII. The ITEC Diploma is an independent qualification in Anatomy and Physiology, Holistic Body Theory and Practice, Professional Conduct and Business Awareness.
This is a separate course that can be offered upon request for GBII students in association with The Biodynamic Clinic, (a Registered College of ITEC) upon request.
This Course is NOT included in the GBII Diploma Course fees and involves four (additional to GBII Diploma Course) weekends during Year 1.
GBII Register of Licensed Biodynamic Practitioners
All Licensed Practising Members are entered on the GBII Register of Biodynamic Practitioners in the appropriate Section of Practice. The Register is maintained by GBII for administration purposes and for the purpose of client referrals through The Biodynamic Clinic and enquiries from the public.
Accreditation
As a long established Institute and UK Registered Learning Provider, GBII grants Certificates, Diplomas and Licences to trained and qualified practitioners.
Members holding the Dip.BP may also apply independently to be accredited as a biodynamic psychotherapist. This and other qualifications issued by GBII offers graduates the choice to affiliate with a number of accrediting agencies and in accordance with each accrediting agency's rules for admission.
APPLYING FOR TRAINING
GBII welcomes all training applications - to be set out in the required format [see below - ‘application procedure'] from women and men within its stated Equal Opportunities framework. GBII respects gender, age, disability, colour, race, religion, ethnic and national origin, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family responsibilities and socio-economic group.
Application Procedure
To apply for admission please send the following information:
- A completed Application Form for Training
- A Curriculum Vitae with 2 photographs
- A personal statement [1000 words] summarising your reasons for applying to join the course and how you wish to use your skills when you qualify.
Successful Applicants have two interviews, the first with the Training Director. If the Application is to proceed, the second interview is held with a Member of the Training or Professional Standards Committee. This provides an opportunity both for assessment of candidate suitability by GBII staff and for the prospective student to seek any additional information about the course or about the Institute that he or she may require. The Training Director will outline the personal qualities that are required for the profession of psychotherapy and will clarify any questions the applicant may have about the content, structure or other aspects of the course.
Letter of Offer
On successful completion of the application procedure, the Training Director will inform the Applicant and will instruct the Company Secretary to write to the applicant with a Letter of Offer setting out the Terms and Conditions of Training and enclosing a Contract of Training. Upon receipt of the signed original Contract of Training, the applicant's place on training is secured. The Training Director arranges for Registration and other matters related to the start of training.
Registration
Registration takes place annually at the discretion of GBII. It confirms that the GBII has reserved a place for the student on the selected course and will provide the Training. It also confirms that the student accepts his or her place on the course and will undertake to fulfil course requirements including payment of the required course fees.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Admissions Policy
Academic
The Certificate and Diploma Course in Biodynamic Psychotherapy requires a post-graduate level of competence. We look for a good standard of education and /or qualification and the commitment to apply oneself at a postgraduate level. We acknowledge experience gained from all areas of life, especially experience that is regarded as being important to the applicant, for whatever reason. We recognise that personal life experiences, when integrated, can become important qualities for the practice of psychotherapy.
Personal
We expect the applicant to have a keen interest in his or her own psychotherapy process as a whole commitment in itself, beyond the course requirements for training. We anticipate and value the unique contribution that each prospective student's active participation could make to their group, their training and the wider psychotherapeutic approach. This contribution starts with training and can eventually lead to developments within the specific biodynamic field, and to benefits within the wider profession as a whole.
Introductory Weekend Course
[Pre-Training Introduction Seminar]
As set out in the application procedure, prospective students are required to attend an Introductory Weekend. At the Introductory Weekend an overview of the field of Biodynamic Psychotherapy is presented and information relating to the course and its content are given. You will have the opportunity to ask questions about the training.
Personal Qualities and Experience
Satisfactory completion of the psychotherapy training, and entry to the subsequent profession of psychotherapy involves substantial personal undertakings and qualities. Each applicant for training must have personal qualities that make him or her suitable for the profession of psychotherapy. We look for evidence of the applicant's interest, and background experience or knowledge of related fields, especially the field of psychotherapy, and biodynamic psychotherapy, if any.
Disclosure
We seek and require disclosure on current legal status, psychiatric history, addiction-related history, current or past serious medical conditions and any criminal convictions. However, the opportunity to train and qualify will not be denied on any grounds that are unrelated to the competence of an applicant to undertake training leading to the practice of psychotherapy.
Registration and Student Membership of the Institute
GBII is a Registered Learning Provider for the initiative between the Department for Education and Employment and certain banks [details available] for the provision of career development loans. GBII supports all applications for funding, grants, secondment, loans and bursaries if requested and several of our students have been successful in this respect.
Overseas Students
As an international Institute, we warmly welcome students from all continents. We support bona-fide applications for visas to study, subject to the law and Home Office regulations. In the event that Letter of Offer is issued after attendance at an Introductory Weekend and following interview, the overseas student must take up their place within 30 days of commencement of the course, otherwise their place will be withdrawn and the Home Office notified accordingly.
Please note that the GBII reserves the right to change any policy, requirements for graduation, structure of programme or fees in accordance with directives from its Professional Standards Committee and /or accrediting bodies in the UK or in Europe.
Following Registration, each student is asked to read the Memorandum of Association, Bye-Laws, Code of Ethics and Practice and the Complaints Procedure of the Institute. He or she also receives an Application for Membership of the Institute .This is an invitation to join the professional body as a Student Member. Each student is asked to sign a Letter of Undertaking to agree to abide by the Codes of Ethics and Practice and the Complaints Procedure of the Institute. Upon receipt of this Letter of Undertaking, the student is admitted to the training and to the Institute as a Student Member. He or she can follow the proceedings of the Institute where relevant and attend Members Meetings of the GBII as an Observer.
GBII Student Services
Student's Handbook of Training
During the first year all Students receive a Student's Handbook of Training that contains:
- (a) An overview of the content of Training and Rules and Procedures for the presentation of academic and clinical work
- (b) Information about the curriculum and syllabus content, theory lectures and seminars and guidelines for the use of learning resources
- (c) Details relating to professional indemnity insurance, student travel, attendance at meetings, membership of libraries, placements and all other student-related matters.
Library and Learning Resources
The GBII maintains a small library that is available to its students and members. It includes:
- Reference Books [not for loan but available for reference]
- Lending Library including material on General Psychology and Psychotherapy
- Biodynamic Psychology - A selection of published and unpublished works
- Wilhelm Reich Library - A selection of Wilhelm Reich's writings
- Medical, Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Psychopathology, Psychosomatics
- Essays and Dissertations of former and present students
- Clinical Library of Case Studies and Clinical Writings from practitioners
- Research articles and papers
- Journals and Periodicals and excerpts from articles of interest
The GBII can assist students to join Specialist Libraries as a "Visitor" for a fee payable to the specific Library. Recommended Bookshops for reading material are Karnac, Dillons and Compendium in London. The Internet is also a major source of information.
Financial Information and Course Fees
Training Fees are valid for the current year.
ANNUAL FEES
|
Registration Fee: |
UK £100.00 |
|
Tuition Fees: |
UK: £4000 (sterling) per annum |
|
Note: |
The Contract of Training is renewable annually upon Registration
|
|
Student Membership of GBII: |
|
|
UK: |
£60 per annum |
|
IRELAND: |
€90 |
|
RELATED COSTS |
|
|
Individual Biodynamic Psychotherapy Sessions: |
|
|
Residential Seminar: |
Allow €40 per day for 10 days each year for B&B and all meals plus, a minimum of £150 sterling for return travel to Ireland. |
|
Loudspeaker Stethoscope |
Available via GBII, Loudspeaker stethoscope (£250) |
|
Treatment Table: |
from £250 - £450 as per your choice |
Books and related Biodynamic Training Materials:
Instead of each student buying the same books for course work, All students are asked to pay the equivalent of £100 per annum into the GBII Library Fund for books and related training materials and as a Member of the GBII Library to also actively participate in the choices of books purchased with a view to value for money and updated, topical and core reading texts.
