Training With the IAPH - a Therapist's View

by IAPH Therapist Richard Parsons

Despite only being two-thirds of the way through the HCB course (module 10) I was pleased to attend the recent Training Analysis Course at the Allesley Hotel, on 26th-27 November.

I was equally pleased that:

• I wasn't the only one that was still studying and
  
• that everybody looked completely normal and friendly!!

As the course is a home study one, it is fantastic to get some hands on experience and question the experienced therapists for a couple of days. I don't know about anybody else but sometimes during the study you get the feeling that you are the only one doing it at the time. In fact the course was split 50/50, half students and half experienced therapists. This contributed to the two days being extremely interesting with the students quizzing the practicing therapists on everything!! Interestingly enough, Robert Kelly mentioned that on average at least 50 people are studying the course somewhere at any one time.

Robert Kelly FIAH started the ball rolling on the monday with a nice relaxing hypnosis session, followed by some group exercises on Motivation, Expectations and Dynamics of the training analyst, compared to the normal client. These were extremly wide and varied and much of the day was taken up discussing the various points, and listening to case examples from Robert. Just to take a couple of examples from Expectations, the training analyst could well expect a) a lighter feeling or b) special treatment because they have done the course. This contrasted with the average client who expected a) miracle cure and b) to do nothing - they think the therapist does all the work.

An evening meal and fun and games followed, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

On the second day we learnt from Robert and the other experienced therapists the problems of resistence and transference and how to deal with them. Again we were given true life examples which helped to put everything into place, and the importance of humour in the consulting room - Robert quite frequently had everyone in stitches.

The highlight (depending on how you look at it) was a real demonstration of a first session "Tree Shaker" by Robert. Two very brave volunteers ( I won't mention their names) put themselves forward, even though they didn't look amazingly comfortable. Given that a big part of resistence is the 'fear of being judged' they did extremely well just to go out to the front in a room full of onlookers. What followed was to me fascinating, bizarre, exciting and frightening all at the same time. Clearly Robert is exceptionally skilled at his abilities, and the volunteers were quickly in hypnosis. A few tears were shed quietly, but hopefully no dignity was lost, and Robert respectfully kept their voices low when needed. Despite looking a bit shaken (the whole idea) BOTH volunteers were better for the experience, and one of them looked visibly brighter, lighter and said he felt 'Fantastic', like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. Both volunteers handled everything extremely well and I think everyone in the audience was impressed and proud. Truly awesome to see it for real.

I would recommend this course for students on the HCB diploma course, no matter what module they are on. It does provide some more advanced information, and certainly gives people a chance to mix and realise that they are not the 'only' students doing the course at that time. It's a great way to make contacts, and for those looking for a change of career (like me) it provides the student with the opportunity to give the therapists an ear bashing on how to set up and run a successful business (sorry Heather / Juliette!!)). Being on the two day course also made me realise how much I'd learned through the ten modules. It's a nice way of confirming that you know what you know. One highlight for me was when Sarah kindly said I'd make a good therapist. Hopefully I can live up to that suggestion!!

I've made some new friends, some great contacts and realised that I am never going to let Vik use acupuncture on me......... ; - )