Requirements for Graduation and Certification as an Essential Therapist
Attendance of all modules:
If one is not able to attend, it is possible to attend the module when it is offered the following year.
Assisting in the Basic Training:
After students have completed their first year, they may assist in the modules of the basic training. In order to graduate they must have assisted in each part of the training. The assistant training is a powerful experience where you can learn and get familiar with everything concerning people in process and assisting like: being present, welcoming people, taking care of people and yourself, tuning in with yourself and staying centered, acknowledging your boundaries and other peoples’ boundaries, moving beyond reactivity, being responsible, having the overview over the practicalities and the group dynamics, leading meditations, working with energy, giving sessions, looking at your own deficiencies in the context of assisting and much. You also learn how to put into practice what you experienced in your first year and the therapeutic techniques you begin to learn in the second year of your training.
Participation in Study Groups:
Students are required to attend study groups after each module, which are an opportunity to process, reflect, review the material, prepare for upcoming exams and to exchange sessions. Study groups are facilitated by EPI Faculty or Facilitators.
Personal Therapy: 80 hours
In order to be an Essential Therapist, one needs to have worked on oneself deeply and gone through the process of individual therapy, to understand one’s own psychological issues, energetic and essential flow. The individual personal therapy needs to be 50 hours with a CET (Certified Essential Therapist) and 30 hours can be with another approved therapist who works with the body, inner child therapy and/or emotional processing.
Supervision: 40 hours
When students begin to work with people in years 2-4, it is required to follow regular supervision with a Certified Essential Trainer. Issues such as theory, treatment, interventions, transference and countertransference are addressed in supervision. Both individual an group supervision are offered. If the student has prior supervision with different therapists please let us know, as some of it might be included.
Practice: 40 hours
Students must have 40 hours of practice sessions to be logged, documented with notes and discussed in supervision. Students are encouraged to begin giving practice session in their 2nd Year, after the learning the channeling and inner child sessions and after having gained some experience in working with people from assisting in the basic training.
Exams:
Students must have a passing grade on all written exams, individual and group session exams. Exams are pass/fail, with 70% and above being a passing mark. The student may retake the exams at a later time, if they do not pass. Our exams include both formative and summative assessment.
Final Thesis:
A 20-30 page paper written on a subject of the student’s choice that is relevant to what they have learned in the 4 year education, on a subject that they would like to expand further on within the field of psychotherapy. The paper should not only include ideas and thoughts, but also be supported by research and other sources. The paper is to be written according to the below format:
1st page
Name of Student, Title of Paper
Abstract (a summary of your paper, maximum half a page)
2nd and following pages
Title of Paper
Text
References*
*all books and articles cited in the text are to be listed under References in alphabetical order. Please use APA referencing style.
Assessment Criteria:
1. The title clearly identifies the topic of the thesis.
2. Data are shown accurately and clearly in the text using figures and tables.
3. The overall structure of the thesis is logical and concise.
4. The research question is formulated precisely.
5. The research question is adequately addressed and answered.
6. Results are critically analyzed.
7. The methodology used is justified and appropriate to the problem posed.
8. The connection to the theme is always apparent.
9. The reasoning and method used are clear and transparent.
10. The author critically reflects on the methods used.
11. The sources are appropriate in terms of quality and quantity
12. Citations are correct.
13. The bibliography is error-free.
14. Written expression is independent, understandable, clear and correct.
15. Spelling and punctuation are always correct.
16. Presentation is appropriate.
17. The thesis distinguishes itself through the diligence and effort applied.
18. The thesis distinguishes itself through the depth of reflection displayed.
19. The thesis includes original and creative findings.
20. References are listed completely and accurately and with careful attention paid to research ethics, including plagiarism and proper citation.
AFTER GRADUATION:
The EPI diploma is valid for 3 years from the day of the student’s graduation.
In order to have their diploma renewed, graduates must meet certain requirements.
Responsibilities and Requirements for EPI Graduates, Therapists and Session-givers
Whether you are a session-giver, an EPI facilitator, or a graduate, there are important commitments to uphold as part of your professional journey and in order to work as a therapist under the Essential Psychotherapy Umbrella:
Annual Attendance at the EPI Conference
The EPI conference, that is offered both in person and via Zoom, is essential for deepening your understanding of the EPI methodology and gaining a greater overview of the tools that you use in your practice.
The EPI methodology is dynamic and continuously evolving, incorporating new developments and research in psychotherapy, all of which are shared during the conference.
Supervision with Vedanta or an Approved EPI Facilitator
Receiving supervision is a crucial aspect of working with people safely and ethically and it is a basic requirement to keep your EPI diploma valid.
In the EPI, we offer monthly supervision groups that you can join, for beginners as well as advanced students/graduates.
Participation in at Least One Group per Year After Graduation (as a participant or assistant)
After graduation, you are required to participate or assist in at least one group per year. This is to ensure that we keep the connection to each other, give you an opportunity to deepen in your process and receive support in your own healing journey.
Being real and honest about your own process directly impacts the depth and authenticity of your work as a therapist. This ongoing involvement ensures continued support for your personal and professional evolvement.
Above all, our intention at EPI is to provide a strong framework, a field of support as you develop as a therapist. We encourage you to take what you learn here, make it your own, and continue expanding it—while ensuring that the integrity and quality of this work remain intact.