The Synthesis Center's Professional Training Program will begin its next Level I training in the summer of 2008.
The Professional Training Program teaches psychosynthesis theory, the principles of holistic counseling and the process of psychological and spiritual development. The program provides a multifaceted, in-depth theoretical and practical training as well as intensive personal, professional and spiritual growth for the participant. The syllabus covers the principles of synthesis and evolution, the nature and development of the human psyche, consciousness and will, psychospiritual development, self-actualization and self-realization. Training includes the techniques and methodology of psychological functions, subpersonalities and healing the inner child, guided imagery, expressive work, and more. (For a complete syllabus, click here.)
This training is open to those actively engaged in or studying the helping professions. This is an intense program that leads to certification as a psychosynthesis practitioner. CEU's for social work and mental health counseling are available. PDP's for teachers may also be available. College credit may be obtained by those enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs.
Graduates of the program are currently applying psychosynthesis principles to all aspects of counseling, including private practice, pastoral counseling, social work and psychiatric emergency services. They have also taken psychosynthesis into educational, medical, and religious fields, business, the arts, conflict mediation, bodywork, dance and everyday life.
The Training experience is created when a small committed group of people come together in an atmosphere of personal, professional and spiritual growth. The training program focuses on experiential learning. All theory is grounded and amplified through personal exercises, work with fellow students, inner process and group sharing. It is considered essential that practitioners "practice what they preach" and the goal of optimal well-being and self-realization for each of our clients is one that is sought first by the practitioner. Thus, the training experience focuses on personal and spiritual evolution through our work in the group, and through the commitment to individual therapy that each trainee makes.
Training progresses to ongoing practicum work that includes practice guiding (counseling) with other students and ongoing one-on-one guiding sessions with a partner throughout the year. As a result each student has ample opportunity for practice and professional development. Throughout the program, the trainee is encouraged to find his or her own "voice" as a professional. The true Self finds its expression in this work and for each practitioner it is unique. In the second year, trainees take the principles of psychosynthesis and holistic counseling and learn the specific, in-depth application of those principles to the helping relationship. Supervision begins in the second year and continues into a third year for those who are interested in being certified as a psychosynthesis practitioner. In the supervision year, trainees are given supervision of their work with clients in the field. It is in this final stage that students come to integrate psychosynthesis into their work in a way that allows their deepest truths to find professional expression. Each year of the program is separate unto itself and years one and two are honored with a certificate of completion of basic and advanced psychosynthesis training.
Training Program Components
Counselor Skills Training offers theory, individual and group exercises, and counseling practicum.
Personal and Group Process offers support, community, and interpersonal skill development.
Observation and Supervision allow the opportunity for feedback of practice work and analysis of therapy sessions.
Individual Therapy is required as an adjunct to the program and is designed to support trainees in their personal growth and offer experience of the counseling process.
Peer Counseling with a fellow trainee on a monthly basis solidifies newly acquired counseling skills.
Support Work includes reading in psychosynthesis and related fields, as well as exercises and writing to ground the training.
Training Staff
Dorothy Firman, Ed.D, is the founder, director, and core faculty of the program. She also maintains a private psychotherapy practice, is an author, a consultant to schools and businesses, and a workshop leader. Dr. Firman is a founding member of The Association for the Advancement of Psychosynthesis. Our staff includes John Coan III, and Jon Schottland, psychosynthesis practitioners with expertise in a wide range of fields.
Program Logistics (for yearly program, for the Summer Intensive see below)
The program meets in Amherst, Massachusetts, a small and culturally diverse college town nestled in the scenic Connecticut River Valley. The next program begins in the fall of 2009. We will meet on nine weekends each year for two consecutive years. Fee for the next Level I Program will be $3000. Some work exchange and scholarships are available. Fees include all books and materials. Housing and individual therapy (required) are not included. See the Amherst web site for housing options. Housing with local, fellow students is occasionally available. Monthly payment plans are available and we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. The third year is individually designed for the needs of each student. The program is taught by Synthesis Center staff, under the direction of Dorothy Firman, and has run continuously since 1980.
Summer Intensive
We will hold an intensive summer program for those who could not attend the normal level I program that began in the fall. It will include all the material covered in the nine weekend program of Level I in three, intensive four-day sessions. The fee is $2800 for the Summer Intensive.
The dates for the 2008 Summer Intensive are as follows:
July 18-21 • August 15-18 • September 12-15
Times for the Intensive as follows:
Friday— 1:00-7:00pm
Saturday— 9:00am -7:00pm
Sunday— 9:00am-7:00pm
Monday— 9:00am-3:00pm
If you would like to discuss any aspect of this training with our director of training she can be reached at didi@synthesiscenter.org
Application
To apply to this program, send an essay describing your professional work, educational background and how this program would serve you. Include information on your current life situation and a significant event in your life and the meaning it had for you. Also include your address and phone number. We will review your application and call you to arrange an interview. You may e-mail this material to Dorothy Firman at training@synthesiscenter.org or send it by mail to the Center. This is all there is to applying, there are no forms to fill out or documents to provide.
Mailing list, workshop and Free Evening Introductions
If you would like to be on our mailing list and receive program updates, click here, fill out the form, and click submit.
Free Informational Evenings
Free Evenings will be held at the Center on the following dates:
Friday, May 16 - 6:30 to 8:00 PM
Sunday, April 6 - 4:30 to 6:00 PM
Friday, June 20 - 6:30 to 8:00 PM
These evenings will be experiential as well as informational to give you a better experience of psychosynthesis and what the training program is like. They will all be run by core faculty of the program. There will be ample time for questions as well. Please call the center at (413) 256-0772 or E-mail programs@synthesiscenter.org to register as space is limited or for more information on how to get to the events. You can also contact the Center to speak with staff or graduates of the program to answer any questions you may have.