Contemplative Therapeutic Practice

An Introduction to the Karuna Institute's Core Process Contemplative Therapeutic Practice

New 1 year course for caring professions & counsellors starting in September 2010. Consisting of Evening Classes (30 sessions) held in Plymouth, with two day workshops at the Karuna Institute.

The Karuna Institute has developed its unique Core Process therapeutic approach since 1984, and this year is celebrating its 25th birthday. Its psychotherapy trainings are registered with UKCP, and graduates from its MA programmes work throughout Britain and overseas.

This new course is a practical introduction to the model. It offers opportunities for professional development, inspiration, support and a fresh approach - both for those who find themselves stressed or overstretched within caring and therapeutic roles, and for professional practitioners seeking to enhance and deepen their work and understanding.

In essence, Core Process approach offers a contemplative approach to relationship, to both oneself and others. Its hallmark is the development of presence and awareness, and an open enquiry into one’s inner state. Qualities such as spaciousness, clarity & compassion are brought into the relational field with the client. Subtle experiences that arise within this relationship are carefully attended to. There is emphasis on resourcing the practitioner so that they are able to feel centred and at ease, and to bring their attention into the present moment with the client.

This evening class is for those who would like to explore and apply facets of this model within their own work. The course is also suitable for qualified counsellors who are seeking ongoing personal and professional development in a model that supports and enhances their own approach.

The way through the woods near the Karuna Institute at Natsworthy Manor

The Karuna Institute is a UKCP Accredited not-for-profit training organisation, founded in 1984, and located near Widecombe-in-the-Moor in Dartmoor National Park. The Directors are Maura and Franklyn Sills. This course is an introduction to the work of the Institute, and includes two day workshops held at the Institute.

Practicalities | Applications | Entry Requirements | Course Staff | Course Structure

Practicalities

30 evening sessions in Plymouth, starts September 2010, consisting of three 10-week terms, with a break each half term.

Dates: Thursday evenings 6-9pm,

starts Thurs 23 Sep.

Venue: The College of St Mark & St John, Plymouth

2 day workshops at the Karuna Institute (October & June)

Course Fees: £ 850.00

A non-refundable deposit of £200 is required to secure a place, and a payment of £650 is due by 1st September. It is also possible to pay the £650 by monthly instalments by standing order. There is a 5% administrative charge for this. Cheques should be made payable to Karuna Teachings Ltd

There is an additional cost of £10.00 per day payable for lunch & housekeeping on the 2 day workshops at the Karuna Institute.

Please note that all fees for the course are due even if you decide at a later date to leave the course part way through. Students are asked to sign a training contract.

Some photocopies of reading materials will be provided, but it is also recommended that students purchase a few books from the reading list.

Applications

Application forms are available from Julie Jeffs - 01752 318595 or Alyss Thomas - (weekday evenings) 01803 812566 Prospective students will be invited to an interview, and entry to the course is by interview only. Interview days will be held in June/ July.

To learn more about the course and discuss whether it is the right course for you, please contact one of the course convenors, either Julie Jeffs (01752 318595) or Alyss Thomas (weekday evenings on 01803 812566)

Entry Requirements

This training is of a professional standard equivalent to a counselling diploma. It is designed as CPD and does not provide a qualification. It is intended for those who already have some relevant training and experience. You should have completed a minimum of a Counselling Certificate or Diploma, or hold equivalent training and/or experience in a pastoral or therapeutic role within an organisational setting. It is not suitable for those with no previous training.

Students who complete all aspects of the course, including 80% attendance and completion of short written assignments, are eligible to a certificate of completion, confirming their commitment to substantial continuing professional development. Although the course covers some material in depth, it is designed as an introduction to the Core Process model, to be applied in your particular situation. It is intended to be used as part of your portfolio of CPD.

Core Course Staff

Julie Jeffs
Julie is qualified as a counsellor and as a Core Process Psychotherapist. She is an experienced psychotherapist and group facilitator, and has worked in several Plymouth-based agencies. She has taught on the higher level counselling courses in Plymouth.

Alyss Thomas
Alyss is qualified as a Core Process psychotherapist and as a Group Analyst. She has worked as a psychotherapist in both private practice and the public sector for 20 years. She is an experienced counselling trainer & supervisor and has run a wide range of counselling & supervision trainings.

Course Structure

The course is taught through three different modules of 50 minutes each week, with a day workshop near the beginning and one near the end of the course. This training offers over 100 contact hours in total.

Clinical & Interpersonal skills
Theory and Reflection
Personal Development Group

Reflective journaling & enquiry, contemplative practice and group discussion are core components of the course. There is an emphasis on experiential learning, developing personal reflexivity, peer support, and open enquiry into one’s own experience, with workshop practice sessions, and opportunities to apply the model within your own work setting. The direction of the course will, to some extent, be influenced by any special interests of the group members.

Karuna Institute