The Psychosynthesis Distance Learning Program is designed for those who wish a strong foundational course in psychosynthesis but who cannot attend the Training Program for Professionals. The course covers the same content, both experiential and conceptual, as that covered in the Training for Professionals (see the Training Page for course content).

The entire course is carried out by the individual student working independently, with email comments and feedback from the instructor around the various written assignments. There are no online forums, groups, or physical meetings involved.

Readings and CDs The readings will include pertinent articles, CDs, and two books by John Firman and Ann Gila: The Primal Wound (SUNY Press, 1997) and Psychosynthesis: A Psychology of the Spirit (SUNY Press, 2002). The books can be purchased through local booksellers, or online (e.g., SUNY Press, Amazon, etc.).

Experiential The experiential aspect involves exercises focused on inner dialogue, subpersonalities, disidentification, childhood history, authentic unifying centers, and Self-realization. For each exercise the student will write a one-page response paper that will be emailed to the instructor for comment. CDs or written instructions are provided for each experiential exercise.

Papers Besides the one-page exercise reports, there are three papers required in this course. These are not academic or research papers but instead ask students to reflect upon and apply their understanding of the material. Each paper will be between two and four typewritten pages and the student will be provided specific instructions for each. The papers will be submitted via email and will be returned with the instructor’s comments.

Materials The student will be provided with a syllabus outlining ten sequential classes, the reading assignments for each, and the experiential exercises to be completed for each class. The experiential exercises will be provided in the form of CD’s or written instructions.

Time The course is designed to be completed in ten weeks, with approximately three hours per week of reading, writing, and exercises. However, the pace is up to the individual student and there is no minimum or maximum time limit.

Certification Upon satisfactorily completing the course, the student will receive a certificate of completion and will also be eligible to apply for graduate work through Psychosynthesis Palo Alto.

Continuing Education Units For MFTs and LCSWs in California, the course qualifies for 30 Continuing Education Units as authorized by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (Approval Number PCE 10).

Fees The cost of the program is $500 (this includes tuition and all materials except the required texts, The Primal Wound and Psychosynthesis: A Psychology of the Spirit by John Firman and Ann Gila which must be purchased separately). Upon acceptance to the course, this fee is due in full and is not refundable once the program material has been put in the mail.

Who Should Apply The distance-learning course is open to anyone who wishes to begin to apply the principles of psychosynthesis in their personal or professional lives. Psychosynthesis has been used by psychotherapists, family therapists, pastoral counselors, body workers, spiritual directors, business people, lawyers, physicians, nurses, artists, writers, social workers, educators, hypnotherapists, parents, and many lay people seeking to foster their own personal growth.

Application To apply for the course, please email the following information to GilaFirman@aol.com:

1) Name, address, phone number, email address
2) Education, training, and profession
3) Past personal growth experience (programs, groups, therapy, etc.)
4) How you intend to apply the training

Upon reviewing your application, you will be notified by email. For more information please call (650) 321-6562 or send an email to GilaFirman@aol.com.

PLEASE NOTE: This program is an educational program only. If you are seeking psychotherapy or counseling, please see Therapy or consult a professional in your area.