Diplomate Training Program

The Diplomate Training Program is a rigorous program of study designed for those who already have some familiarity with the paradigm and who feel called to deepen their experience and develop a level of mastery in the application and knowledge of Process Oriented Psychology.

Graduates of the Diplomate Training Program earn the designation of Process Work Diplomate. This title was first awarded by the Research Society of Process Oriented Psychology in Zurich in 1982 and enables graduates to join the International Association of Process Oriented Psychology (IAPOP).

Through IAPOP, the ANZPOP Diplomate Pathway is networked to training programs in other countries, with the core curriculum consistent throughout these networked but independent programs.

ANZPOP is the only IAPOP recognised faculty delivering a Diplomate Training Program in the region. We offer the program locally and also encourage students to incorporate seminar opportunities offered at other IAPOP training schools as part of their studies.

Rigorous, demanding, and deeply rewarding, the program emphasises the personal development of the student. Learning the theoretical framework and intervention tools are not enough.

To become a truly skilled Process Worker requires significant personal development, self-awareness, and capacity to work on oneself: expect a transformative experience.

ENTRY INTO THE PROGRAM

The Diplomate Training Program is not a starting point for studying Process Work. Applications are only accepted from people who have already done some training in Process Work and engaged in personal therapy with a Process Work Diplomate.

This training may be formal or informal and there is no particular number of study hours required, nor is there a minimum therapy hours required for entry. Your exposure to Process Work simply needs to be sufficient for you to feel sure that in-depth Process Work study is your path.

It takes more than a conscious choice to enrol in the Diploma program. In addition to your desire to enter the program, you must also have strong dreaming signals including night time dreams, life events or synchronicities that support this direction and that will form part of your application.

Applications to the program are accepted twice a year, in February and July. Please allow two months to prepare your application.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

The program consists of experiential workshops, seminars, peer learning groups, project-based learning and supervised work experience. It is designed to support your learning in a way that utilizes your creativity, skills and learning style.

Each students’ learning journey is supported by a Study Committee of three Diplomates (at least two from ANZPOP faculty, the third may be any IAPOP member Diplomate). The Study Committee act as cheer squad, gatekeepers, and assessors throughout the learning journey.

The Diplomate Training Pathway is designed to ensure that the theoretical study and application of process-oriented methods occurs within a community of practice. Students are involved in several levels of practice, including personal work in therapy, reflective work in supervision and the student learning group, and community interaction at the local, national and international levels.

The program has two phases, each of which includes an evaluation process:

Phase I

In Phase I, students will primarily attend seminars, engage in their own therapy, and practice skills and discuss reading in small peer study groups. With permission from their Study Committee, students will study for and then sit the eight oral Phase I knowledge exams. Upon successful completion of these exams, the student passes into Phase II.

Phase II

The focus in Phase II is on skill development. While attending seminars, peer study and personal therapy is continued, the emphasis is now on clinical practice and supervision. There are eight competency based assessments undertaken through Phase II whereby students are assessed on either live or videoed examples of their work with clients and groups in a range of clinical areas. Phase II also includes a mental health essay, World Work project, Ethics Course, and final project/thesis.

TIME COMMITMENT

The Diplomate Training Pathway requires the equivalent of a minimum of four years full-time study to complete.

It’s a flexible program that allows students to follow their own unique study journey, with most students studying part-time to accommodate work and carer commitments.

See the Course Prospectus for more details about the time commitment.

COSTS

As a semi-structured program, costs will vary from student to student based on a range of variables.

Students pay annual student fees and then pay for additional workshops, therapy and supervision according to their unique learning journey.

See the Course Prospectus for a detailed estimation of costs. 

INFORMATION SESSION

Information sessions about the Diplomate Training Program are held twice a year, approximately two months before the application windows open in February and July. The next information session is on Saturday 11th November 2023, 10am-12.30pm NSW/VIC time.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Step 1. Processing Your Intention and Dreaming Signals

Diploma applicants first undertake a minimum of two sessions, one each with two different ANZPOP faculty members, to explore their intention to undertake the Diplomate Training Pathway. This is primarily to work with the dreaming signals that perhaps indicate this direction. A written account of these sessions is required for the subsequent written application.

The sessions are intended to help you to better understand your dreaming signals and whether they are indicating formal Process Work studies or something else.

Fees for these sessions are paid directly to the faculty members at their regular session rates. A list of faculty members is available on the About Our People page.

Step 2. Online Written Application and Fee

Applicants then complete the online application form, which includes uploading the following documents:

  • Short (up to two pages) biographical essay
  • Resumè outlining previous training, work and volunteering experience
  • Two referees who can attest to your suitability for working with vulnerable people.
  • The written account of the two sessions from Step 1.

To submit the application, payment of the non-refundable application fee of $300 (AUD) is required.

Step 3. Interview

Within one-two weeks of receiving an application, the Admissions Committee will contact the applicant to arrange an online interview. Topics explored in the interview may include intention, experience, and understanding gained through the sessions from Step 1, motivations for study, plans to finance the studies, capacity for independent study, and ability to access educational, personal, professional and other resources to assist in pursuing this course of study.

Applicants will be notified within one week of the outcome of the interview.

 

Applications to the program are accepted twice a year, in February and July. Please allow two months to prepare your application.