Diploma/M.A. in Process Work Program

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We're pleased to announce our newly revised, four-year Diploma and M.A. in Process Work program. The Diploma in Process Work is the mastery level training and certificate of qualification in Process Work. Awarded since 1982 by the Research Society of Process-oriented Psychology in Zurich and since 1990, by the Process Work Institute in Portland, Oregon, the Diploma entitles graduates to become Certified Process Work practitioners and members of the International Association of Process-Oriented Psychology (IAPOP). Students who meet the entry requirements will also be awarded a Master of Arts in Process Work (MAPW), authorized by the State of Oregon.

This dynamic, limited residency program offers trainees an opportunity to engage in an intensive journey of self-discovery and personal growth, while developing specialized knowledge of Process Work and its diverse applications: mind-body therapy, relationship and family work, end of life care and coma work, group work, and conflict resolution. The program gives top priority to the nurturing of trainees' personal and professional goals, and encourages the creative application of Process Work in diverse spheres of interest.

This new training program rests on three foundations of learning that 25 years of teaching Process Work have shown us to be central to the learning process:

Learning in Community
Trainees learn in a cohort, staying together throughout their studies, and meeting three times a year in Portland for 10-day residencies. A learning community model of education accelerates the learning process through the rich exchange of experience and ideas in relationship and community. The peer network of international learners continues to work together through online learning, peer groups, and teleconferencing between residencies.
Residencies provide trainees with an opportunity to learn with experienced faculty and participate in the Portland Process Work community. Experiential, seminar-style learning allows trainees to explore concepts and methods through personal work while 'learning labs' provide systematic learning through video study, drills, exercises, and tutorials.

Bridging Inner and Outer Worlds
Process Work is more than a set of skills; it is a lifestyle of learning to connect one's inner experiences to the earth's wisdom as well as to the planet and its problems. The Diploma Program nurtures trainees' personal and professional goals, and encourages the creative application of Process Work in diverse spheres of interest. Learning is guided by one's dreams and passions. Internship placements, case work and the pursuit of an individualized project of inquiry provide avenues for trainees' dreams and passions to be brought to the world.

Mentorship
Personal interaction and the relationship between mentor and trainee is a cornerstone of the Diploma Program. Trainees are guided throughout their studies by a three-member study committee of their choosing. The committee provides guidance, support, and feedback. Personal therapy helps trainees use their inner experience in service of the therapeutic process. It develops the capacity to apply Process Work methods in uniquely personal ways, shaped by the trainee's individual nature and life experience.

The Curriculum
Years 1 & 2: Foundational Learning
The first two years of training cover the foundation areas of Process Work: the Dreaming Body, Working with Movement and Non-Verbal Processes, Relationship Work, Altered and Unusual States of Consciousness, Worldwork and Group Facilitation. Online learning during the first two years of training provides an opportunity for the cohort to continue learning together, and to deepen their understanding of the foundations of Process Work theory and practice and related fields and disciplines.

Year 3: Skill Building and Clinical Work
The third year of training focuses on skill mastery and the clinical application of Process Work through clinical work, a Worldwork internship, online case analysis and discussion as well as supervision and skill building during the three residencies. The Worldwork internship provides the student with an opportunity to gain self-understanding in relation to socio-cultural realities, and to apply Process Work in diverse socio-cultural contexts. Students can take advantage of the international network of Process Work communities for gaining experience in multicultural settings.

Year 4: The Bridge Year
The fourth year is a bridge year, in which trainees build connection between their studies and their professional life and the wider community. This is achieved through clinical internship placements, design and implementation of a project of inquiry in an area of professional and/or personal interest, and through the ongoing application of Process Work in case work and internships. At the end of the fourth year The Final Residency provides new Diplomates with the opportunity to share new knowledge, expertise and innovative application of Process Work with the Process Work learning community.

The Process Work Community
The international Process Work community has been engaged in training, research and the innovative application of Process Work for over 25 years. Faculty members teach Process Work worldwide and represent diverse professional and cultural backgrounds. The Portland Process Work community provides a rich backdrop for the training process and contributes to a multicultural understanding of Process Work facilitation.

Admissions
Learning Process Work at the depth the Diploma Program offers involves substantial personal growth and self-reflection; thus, it depends on strong internal support to meet the challenges trainees will face. Applicants should be familiar with Process Work through personal therapy, classes, seminars, or other programs of study. They should also be guided by a dream, dream-like experience, or life experience that calls them to work deeply with themselves and with others as a facilitator. Further details and the application form can be downloaded here. Or by calling Process Work Institute, at (503) 223-8188.

Costs
The Diploma/MAPW Program offers an intensive and dynamic training, with high levels of individual focus and mentorship. Tuition fees include all courses, supervision, study committee meetings, and administrative costs. They do not include costs for personal therapy, travel and accommodation. Please consult the diploma handbook (page 24) for precise quaterly fees/tuition.