This unit is an introduction to the Process Oriented approach of Arnold Mindell, including the contribution of quantum physics, field theory, levels of awareness, consciousness continuum and the dreambody.

Skills training in this unit focuses on the observation of phenomena present during the human encounter. The emphasis of student learning is on developing a ‘second attention’ to ‘find the door’: the process that holds the key to clients’ concerns and presenting problems. Students will learn essential counselling skills in the context of authentic relationships and work experientially in practice sessions to develop fluent application. Students will learn to identify and assess clients’ needs and to formulate hypotheses for counselling direction. Students will also learn to identify and unfold primary and secondary processes and the edge in client material.

Peer and critical self-reflection are used to enhance student learning throughout this unit. Learning to accept and reflect on feedback is an essential skill. Active dialogue and the critical examination of approaches to counselling are also encouraged. The student’s own experience is used to enrich learning and deepen self-knowledge through experiential exercises imbedded in timetabled and untimetabled study.