Our intent in recommending Personal Growth Consultations is an extension of our theoretical understanding of the neuroscience principle of the embodied brain and its need to balance and integrate hands-on sensory experiences with cognitive knowing. Our training program does not separate personal growth and hands-on training during the ten levels of core training. It is part of what makes our program valuable and deeply meaningful to many participants.

Although this overlap of personal growth and our ability to treat others creates a gray area when hands-on experiences rise to the level of therapeutic insight, there simply is not a way to separate these issues as we develop clinical skills for providing therapy. Our capacity for personal insight is directly linked to our capacity to hold a witnessing space for clients. This does not mean that we are providing clinical treatment during our Personal Growth Consultations. These consultations are for trainees only, and they are not suitable for anyone who is not engaged in the training program. The sessions are for personal growth training experiences, not remedial mental health issues.

To clarify the intent of the Personal Growth Consultations, each trainee will need to fill out a Request for Consultation Form and submit it for a brief interview with Theresa Kestly or one of the Approved Providers for purposes of engaging one of the Approved Providers for consultation. The form serves as (1) an agreement of clarification of the responsibilities of both the Approved Provider and the trainee, and (2) to facilitate the practical aspects of initiating the trainee-consultant relationship.”