Orgonomy: Independent Study Path

Wilhelm Reich: Characteranalytic and Somatic Psychology Courses for U.S. & International Students

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Watch Dr. Patricia Frisch Introduce Orgonomic Therapy

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The Orgonomic Institute of Northern California (OINC) now offers U.S. and International students an opportunity to learn Orgonomy, the classical theoretical foundation of somatic psychology, through distance learning courses and private mentorship, as part of the Institute’s Independent Study Path. Students can follow this outlined trajectory of audio CDs, MP3’s, and Skype or live mentorship to learn theoretical components and listen to experiential segments that demonstrate the art of characteranalysis. Completion of the Independent Study Path prepares students for the Biophysical Series, which trains professionals in somatic interventions. Dr. Patricia Frisch, Executive Director of OINC, has created her own unique method that integrates current attachment theory and Jung’s approach to the unconscious while maintaining the integrity of Reich’s theories. Her method makes characteranalysis immediately relevant to present day psychodynamic psychotherapy. Dr. Frisch’s entire method is now available in a distance learning format that allows students to self-pace their learning experience and study/review material to the point of mastery.

Independent Study Path Sequence

ISP Introductory Level

ISP Intermediate Level

ISP Advanced Levels 1 & 2

ISP Policy Information

These CD Classes and MP3 study groups cover extensive theoretical material while facilitating experiential integration through listening to animated clinical discussions and practice dyads. The recordings of live classes, which include case presentations and question/answer periods, give the student an experience of being in class rather than just cognitively absorbing didactic presentations. All recorded classes and study groups have an ample experiential component where Dr. Frisch coaches mock therapeutic dyads.

There are 3 study options for learning Dr. Frisch’s method:

Attending Live Classes: Students who live locally in the Bay Area and wish to receive comprehensive training in Orgonomy can follow the progressive trajectory of Introductory, Intermediate and Advanced (levels 1 and 2) audio courses combined with live Study Groups, and may also attend other, select live classes offered to OINC students.

Independent Study Path: If live Introductory Study Group classes are not being offered, or the student is not local and gets special permission from Dr. Frisch, they may pursue the Institute’s Independent Study Path, as outlined on this webpage.

Live Classes with Independent Study. Local students may do a portion of their training through the Independent Study Path and then join the appropriate live class series in progress.

The Independent Study Path Sequence:

1. Introductory Audio Training Courses (6 courses) with associated MP3 Study Group Classes (8 classes) and 4 consulting sessions with Dr. Frisch.

2. Intermediate Audio Training Courses (6 courses) with associated MP3 Study Group Classes (8 classes) and 4 consulting sessions with Dr. Frisch. (Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Introductory Series)

3. Advanced Audio Training Level 1 Courses (6 courses) with associated MP3 Study Group Classes (8 classes) and 4 consulting sessions with Dr. Frisch. (Prerequisites: Successful completion of the Introductory and Intermediate Series)

4. Advanced Audio Training Level 2 Courses (6 courses) with associated MP3 Study Group Classes (8 classes) and 4 consulting sessions with Dr. Frisch. (Prerequisites: Successful completion of the Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced Level 1 Series)

After completion of the various Series outlined above, the student can move on to the Biophysical Series, a sequence of live classes that help students learn theory and technique, and get experiential practice in the application of the somatic components of Orgonomy. Note that several OINC classes, such as the Biophysical Demo Days, provide demonstrations of bodywork and are open to all students attending any Series. These classes allow students to witness Dr. Frisch and her more advanced students applying orgnonomic techniques along with characteranalytic interventions. When the student has mastered the theoretical and characteranalytic aspects of the method, they may be offered an option to attend extended weekend sessions conducted by Dr. Frisch and devoted to Biophysical interventions.

Detailed requirements of the Independent Study Path:

Introductory Level:

The Introductory CD Training Courses combined with MP3 recordings of their associated live Study Groups give U.S. and international students a necessary and basic overview of Orgonomy and Dr. Frisch’s method. Students will learn how to apply the entire diagnostic typology, as well as the basics of setting up the therapeutic frame, fundamentals of Reich’s theory with the addition of relevant object relations theory, and Jungian theory as utilized in Dr. Frisch’s method. The Series covers the essentials of Reich’s clinical approach and key conceptual material. Characteranalytic interventions are discussed and practiced from the very beginning giving the student clinical techniques they can apply immediately.

Introductory Level class protocol for Independent Study (to be completed in the order listed):

Intro Course #1:
A. An Orientation on Breaking through Resistance. Time: 1:40 (1.5 hrs CE credit). Price: $60* Order the CD Now
B. Intro MP3 Study Group #1. Time: Approx. 2:30 (2.5 hrs CE credit). Price $90. Order the MP3 Now

Intro Course #2:
A. Fundamentals of Wilhelm Reich & Masterson’s Setting the Frame. Time: 2:44 (2.5 hrs CE credit). Price: $120*. Order the CD Now
B. Intro MP3 Study Group #2. Time: Approx. 2:30 (2.5 hrs CE credit). Price $90. Order the MP3 Now

Consultation #1:
1.5 hour consulting session #1 with Dr. Frisch. Please arrange in advance. Price: $275/hr for licensed professionals in practice; students receive a 30% discount and pay $192.50/hr. Please schedule your consultations with Dr. Frisch directly. Payment is due at the time of your session.

Intro Course #3:
1. Introduction to Diagnosis: Orgonomy and Characteranalysis – Working with Presenting Style, an Inroad into Defense. Time: 3:05 (3 hrs CE Credit). Price: $120*. Order the CD Now
2. Intro MP3 Study Group #3. Time: Approx. 2:30 (2.5 hrs CE credit). Price $90. Order the MP3 Now

Intro Course #4:
A. Introduction to Diagnosis: Disorders of the Self. Time: 2:56 (2.5 hrs CE Credit). Price: $120*. Order the CD Now
B. Intro MP3 Study Group #4. Time: Approx. 2:30 (2.5 hrs CE credit). Price $90. Order the MP3 Now

Consultation #2:
1.5 hour consulting session #1 with Dr. Frisch. Please arrange in advance. Price: $275/hr for licensed professionals in practice; students receive a 30% discount and pay $192.50/hr. Please schedule your consultations with Dr. Frisch directly. Payment is due at the time of your session.

Intro Course #5
A. Reich’s Diagnostic Categories Part 2: Schizophrenia and the Anal Character. Time: 2:38 (2.5 hrs CE Credit). Price: $120*. Order the CD Now
B. Intro MP3 Study Group #5. Time: Approx. 2:30 (2.5 hrs CE credit). Price $90. Order the MP3 Now

Intro Course #6
A. The Difficult Patient: Managing Acting Out. Time: 5:11 (5 hrs CE Credit)
Price: $200*. Order the CD Now
B. Intro MP3 Study Group #6. Time: Approx. 2:30 (2.5 hrs CE credit). Price $90. Order the MP3 Now

Consultation #3:
1.5 hour consulting session #1 with Dr. Frisch. Please arrange in advance. Price: $275/hr for licensed professionals in practice; students receive a 30% discount and pay $192.50/hr. Please schedule your consultations with Dr. Frisch directly. Payment is due at the time of your session.

Intro MP3 Study Group #7: Integration. Time: Approx. 2:30 (2.5 hrs CE credit). Price $90. Order the MP3 Now

Intro MP3 Study Group #8: Integration. Time: Approx. 2:30 (2.5 hrs CE credit). Price $90. Order the MP3 Now

Consultation #4:
1.5 hour consulting session #1 with Dr. Frisch. Please arrange in advance. Price: $275/hr for licensed professionals in practice; students receive a 30% discount and pay $192.50/hr. Please schedule your consultations with Dr. Frisch directly. Payment is due at the time of your session.

Students can purchase the audio courses (not the MP3 Study Group classes) for a discounted price as follows:

A. Intro CD Package A will be Courses 1, 2, & 3 and the package price will be $250* ($50 discount) – Order the CD Package Now
B. Intro CD Package B will be Courses 4, 5, & 6 and the package price will be $365* ($75 discount) – Order the CD Package Now

*Plus tax and shipping/handling fees.

More detailed information on the Introductory CD courses, including samples, can be found here: Introductory CD courses

Intermediate Level:

The Intermediate CD Training Courses combined with MP3 recordings of their associated live Study Group classes will cover more advanced concepts of the theoretical and clinical approach of Wilhelm Reich and his somatic techniques. The Masterson Group’s delineation of the Disorders of the Self will be expanded upon. Focus on critical elements of the therapeutic relationship, and differential character diagnosis and skill building will be included. Topics include: working with abandonment depression, dream analysis, couples therapy, and various styles of intervention as related to diagnosis.

Intermediate Level class protocol for Independent Study (to be completed in the order listed):

Intermediate Course #1:
A. Fundamentals of Reich & Masterson’s Clinical Approach. Time: 3:51 (3.5 hrs CE Credit) Price: $200*. Order the CD Now
B. Intermediate MP3 Study Group #1. Time: Approx. 3:30 (3.5 hrs CE credit). Price $100. Order the MP3 Now

Intermediate Course #2:
A. Differential Diagnosis: Masterson & Reich. Time: 5:00 (5 hrs CE Credit) Price: $200*. Order the CD Now
B. Intermediate MP3 Study Group #2. Time: Approx. 3:30 (3.5 hrs CE credit). Price $100. Order the MP3 Now

Intermediate Course #3:
A. Interventions: The Therapist’s Tool Chest. Time: 3:04 (3 hrs CE Credit) Price: $200*. Order the CD Now
B. Intermediate MP3 Study Group #3. Time: Approx. 3:30 (3.5 hrs CE credit). Price $100. Order the MP3 Now

Intermediate Course #4:
A. Carl Jung: Working with Dreams and the Objective Psyche. Time: 1:49 (1.5 hrs CE Credits) Price: $200*. Order the CD Now.
B. Intermediate MP3 Study Group #4. Time: Approx. 3:30 (3.5 hrs CE credit). Price $100. Order the MP3 Now

Intermediate Course #5
A. Working Through Phase: Abandonment Depression and Couples Therapy. Time: 2:43 (2.5 hrs CE Credit) Price: $200*. Order the CD Now
B. Intermediate MP3 Study Group #5. Time: Approx. 3:30 (3.5 hrs CE credit). Price $100. Order the MP3 Now

Intermediate Course #6
A. Talionic Impulse in Treatment; Anal Character Types & Characteranalytic Couples Therapy. Time: 2:24 (2 hrs CE Credit) Price: $200*. Order the CD Now
B. Intermediate MP3 Study Group #6. Time: Approx. 3:30 (3.5 hrs CE credit). Price $100. Order the MP3 Now

Intermediate MP3 Study Group #7: Integration. Time: Approx. 3:30 (3.5 hrs CE credit). Price $100. Order the MP3 Now

Intermediate MP3 Study Group #8: Integration. Time: Approx. 3:30 (3.5 hrs CE credit). Price $100. Order the MP3 Now

Students can purchase the Intermediate audio courses (not the MP3 Study Group classes) for a discounted price as follows:
A. Intermediate CD Package A will be Courses 1, 2, & 3 and the package price will be $500* ($100 discount) – Order the CD Package Now
B. Intermediate CD Package B will be Courses 4, 5, & 6 and the package price will be $500* ($100 discount) – Order the CD Package Now

*Plus tax and shipping/handling fees.

More detailed information on the Intermediate CD courses, including samples, can be found here: Intermediate CD courses

Advanced Levels 1 & 2:

The Advanced CD Training Courses Levels 1 & 2 combined with MP3 recordings of their associated live Study Group classes will cover the theoretical and clinical approach of Wilhelm Reich and his somatic techniques at an advanced level. Material by other theorists, such as Carl Jung and Mahler, will also be included. Subjects covered are expansive and include Jung’s discovery of the self in individuation and transformation, the various types of patients and how they respond to termination, anxiety and developmental trauma and its effects on the formation of the self, working with difficult patients, Reich’s oral unsatisfied block/obesity, characteranalytic group therapy, and more. Both Advanced Levels class protocol for Independent Study (to be completed in the order listed):

Advanced Level 1:

Advanced Level 1 Course #1:
A. Jung: Discovery of the Self in Individuation and Transformation. Time: 1:47 (1.5 hrs CE Credit) Price: $250*. Order the CD Now
B. Advanced Level 1 MP3 Study Group #1. Time: Approx. 3:30 (3.5 hrs CE credit). Price $100. Coming soon (in 2013).

Advanced Level 1 Course #2:
A. Termination; Character Analytic Group Therapy. Time: 2:28 (2 hrs CE Credit) Price: $250*. Order the CD Now
B. Advanced Level 1 MP3 Study Group #2. Time: Approx. 3:30 (3.5 hrs CE credit). Price $100. Coming soon (in 2013).

Advanced Level 1 Course #3:
A. Treatment of Early Trauma and its Effect on Development. Time: 1:22 (1 hr CE Credit) Price: $250*. Order the CD Now
B. Advanced Level 1 MP3 Study Group #3. Time: Approx. 3:30 (3.5 hrs CE credit). Price $100. Coming soon (in 2013).

Advanced Level 1 Course #4:
A. Our Most Difficult Patients: Devaluing Narcissist. Time: 2:43 (2.5 hrs CE Credit) Price: $250*. Order the CD Now.
B. Advanced Level 1 MP3 Study Group #4. Time: Approx. 3:30 (3.5 hrs CE credit). Price $100. Coming soon (in 2013).

Advanced Level 1 Course #5
A. Schizoid: A Deeper Look. Time: 2:52 (2.5 hrs CE Credit) Price: $250*. Order the CD Now
B. Advanced Level 1 MP3 Study Group #5. Time: Approx. 3:30 (3.5 hrs CE credit). Price $100. Coming soon (in 2013).

Advanced Level 1 Course #6
A. Obesity and Middle Phase of Treatment. Time: 4:32 (4.5 hrs CE Credit) Price: $325*. Order the CD Now
B. Advanced Level 1 MP3 Study Group #6. Time: Approx. 3:30 (3.5 hrs CE credit). Price $100. Coming soon (in 2013).

Advanced Level 1 MP3 Study Group #7: Integration. Time: Approx. 3:30 (3.5 hrs CE credit). Price $100. Coming soon (in 2013).

Advanced Level 1 MP3 Study Group #8: Integration. Time: Approx. 3:30 (3.5 hrs CE credit). Price $100. Coming soon (in 2013).

Students can purchase the Advanced Level 1 audio courses (not the MP3 Study Group classes) for a discounted price as follows:

A. Advanced Level 1 CD Package A will be Courses 1, 2, & 3 and the package price will be $600* ($105 discount) – Order the CD Package Now
B. Advanced Level 1 CD Package B will be Courses 4, 5, & 6 and the package price will be $690* ($105 discount) – Order the CD Package Now

*Plus tax and shipping/handling fees.

More detailed information on the Advanced Level 1 CD courses, including samples, can be found here: Advanced Level 1 CD courses

Advanced Level 2:

Advanced Level 2 Courses #1 through #7 with associated MP3 Study Groups Coming soon (in 2014)

1. Borderline Disorders & Working with Anxiety
2. Eating Disorders as they relate to Reich’s Character
3. Assessing One’s Clinical Skill
4. Deeping the Relationship: Working with Dreams
5. Understanding Neurosis and Oedipal Issues
6. Private Practice Success Series
7. Bodywork Tutorial

Four 1.5-hour Consultations with Dr. Frisch will be required after every two Advanced Level 2 Courses.

Additional Information:

Consulting Sessions with Dr. Frisch: The purpose of these sessions is to ascertain the student’s understanding of the material, answer questions, provide coaching, case supervision and address any other related student need. Sessions are scheduled at a mutually agreed upon time and may be private, or up to 5 students may be attendance, at Dr. Frisch’s discretion. Students may participate via live consultations or by phone, through Skype, or through video teleconferencing. Session duration may be extended with multiple participants. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance, and no shows, must pay in full.
Certificates of Completion are available for each Series. OINC also offers Certification in Characteranalysis after completion of all Series. Download our ISP Policies for more information.
OINC Policies apply – Please review our Terms and Conditions.
U.S. and international students may only enter the Independent Study track with Dr. Frisch’s permission.
Courses in each track level (Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced Levels 1 & 2) must be completed within a 12-month period in order to receive credit for that track and move onto subsequent coursework.
All live and audio distance learning classes receive CE credit for MFT’s, LCSW’s, and BRN’s. All live and distance learning professional training courses are eligible for CE credits for psychologists through CPA OPD – please contact us to see if psychology CE credits are available for the courses you wish to take. Dr. Patricia Frisch is approved by the CPA OPD to sponsor continuing professional education for psychologists in California. Dr. Patricia Frisch maintains responsibility for this program and its content. All students wishing CE credit for Audio Courses must meet completion requirements, which include submitting an audio course evaluation and, in the case of Psychologists, passing a comprehension self-test; all within 60 days of the audio course purchase. CE certificate fees for 2013 = $20/course.
Payment plans may be available and are subject to interest and late payment fees.
Scholarship money may be available for students with verifiable financial need.
OINC accepts credit cards and checks, in U.S. dollars.

Other policies may apply. OINC reserves the right to modify this information at any time without notice.