Pre-Conference Program

Trainer Development Program (TDP) 2008

Thursday June 26 – Friday June 27

This year the TDP will focus on psychosynthesis theory, to clarify Assagioli’s  core concepts along with recent proposed changes or refinements. We will be guided by the principles of Bohmian Dialogue and the Buddhist practice of “spontaneous insight,”

Both approaches attempt to observe, collectively, how hidden values and intentions can control our behavior. Through this collective self-observation, collective learning can take place, and a sense of increased harmony, fellowship and creativity can arise.

In psychosynthesis terms, we will create a safe environment where we can see clearly, free from identifications, trusting that in this open space new and creative insights may emerge.

On Thursday morning, as a group, we will select three core concepts for discussion.  For the next day and a half, we will dialogue in depth (in large and small groups) about each concept in turn.  On Friday afternoon, volunteer participants will summarize group understandings and insights for the larger psychosynthesis community.

The purpose of this dialogue is to encourage exploration and development of theory, not to arrive at any “official” positions.  Participants will deepen their understanding of theoretical issues, as proposed by Roberto Assagioli and by more recent theorists in the field.  Participants will also explore how to present these concepts in training programs in a balanced and unbiased manner.

We also hope to strengthen our communication skills, listening deeply to one another, and learning to think together without attachment to preconceived positions.  We hope to create a process for evaluating and integrating new theory into the psychosynthesis field. Where theoretical differences or controversy emerge, a path toward resolving these differences may be conceived.

Presenters: Vincent Dummer, Psy.D., Molly Brown, M.A., M.Div., Janet Messer, Ph.D., Deborah Onken, Ph.D., and Judith Broadus, Ph.D.

Vincent Dummer, Psy.D., is  a native of the Netherlands who received his psychosynthesis training from the London Institute of Psychosynthesis. In 1983, he joined the Kentucky Center of Psychosynthesis, where he was a co-director and trainer. Currently, he is in private practice and a part-time contract psychologist at a rural comprehensive care center (KRCC), where he is the clinical director of an APA-approved internship program. Vincent's interests include body-mind issues, meditation and research in psychological growth. (See biographies of other presenters elsewhere in the Conference Website under Workshops/Descriptions)

Objectives:

Participants will be better able to:

1.  Compare and synthesize three major core concepts of psychosynthesis, as proposed by the founder Roberto Assagioli, and by more recent theorists.

2.  Practice good communication skills, including careful listening to others, giving feedback on what they hear from others, and articulating their own insights and perspectives.

3.  Present major psychosynthesis concepts in a balanced way in workshops and training programs.

4.  Design strategies for resolving theoretical differences and controversies.

Attendance at TDP will include Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks for both days, and a dinner banquet out on Thursday night.

On Friday, June 27, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. all AAP Conference attendees are invited to attend a presentation of the theories that have been explored by the TDP group.

Prerequisite for Attendance: The prerequisite for attendance at this TDP is completion of psychosynthesis training. Individuals currently in training who are interested in this program may contact Mary Kelso, Ph.D. (MKelso0627@aol.com) about eligibility.