Since 1968, the psychiatrists and psychologists affiliated with the American College of Orgonomy have been helping patients discover greater satisfaction, health, and overall well-being in their lives. Whether patients suffer with mental illness, struggle with addiction, or feel unsatisfied with their work lives or relationships, medical orgone therapy as practiced by the physicians at the ACO offers a way forward, often without the use of medication.
Established
A Nonprofit Educational and Scientific Organization
The American College of Orgonomy (ACO), based in Princeton, New Jersey, is dedicated to establishing and upholding standards in the field of orgonomy, the science developed by Wilhelm Reich, MD.
The College offers a postgraduate training program in Medical Orgonomy for qualified physicians and psychiatrists. Medical orgonomists provide a unique treatment approach based on a scientific understanding of the mind-body connection, effectively addressing a variety of emotional illnesses, often without the use of medication.
Founded in 1968 by Elsworth F. Baker, M.D., a psychiatrist who trained under Dr. Reich, the ACO continues Reich’s pioneering work. A student and colleague of Sigmund Freud, Reich discovered “orgone energy,” a vital force present in all living things, and developed orgonomy based on his scientific observations. This field now shapes a bioenergetic approach to psychiatry, medicine, biology, social sciences, and environmental research.
The ACO also offers the Social Orgonomy Training Program, applying orgonomic principles to social issues. In addition to its professional education programs, the College hosts conferences, a speakers’ bureau, lectures, and laboratory courses for both professionals and interested laypeople. The ACO supports both basic and applied research, publishes The Journal of Orgonomy, and provides a selection of books on orgonomy.
A Foundational Principle of ACO Training: Personal Growth as Key to Effective Practice
Training and public education have been vital core functions of the ACO since its founding in 1968. We offer specialized training programs in both Medical Orgonomy and Social Orgonomy, as well as a variety of public education initiatives.
A cornerstone requirement for all our training programs is that trainees must be in their own personal training therapy. We believe that to effectively help others with emotional challenges, a medical orgone therapist must first address their own issues that could interfere with managing the patients’ emotions that arise during therapy. Similarly, anyone working in the social realm must have significantly resolved their own personal difficulties to be in this training program.
Honoring the Legacy: Advancing the Science of Orgonomy Since 1968
The American College of Orgonomy History
01 –
Journal of Orgonomy First Published
The Journal of Orgonomy was first published, marking a significant step in the dissemination of research and findings in the field of orgonomy.
02 –
The Founding of the ACO
The American College of Orgonomy (ACO) was established by Elsworth F. Baker, M.D., at the request of Dr. Wilhelm Reich, who asked Dr. Baker to assume responsibility for the future of orgonomy. The ACO’s purpose was to set and maintain standards for orgonomy, promote scientific work, and provide education and training. The ACO’s Medical Training Program was also formally launched.
03 –
American Board of Medical Orgonomy Established
The ACO founded the American Board of Medical Orgonomy to certify physicians in orgone therapy, ensuring the professional standards and qualifications for medical orgonomists.
04 –
Social Orgonomy Training Program Launched
The ACO established the Social Orgonomy Training Program, expanding its educational offerings to apply orgonomic principles to social and societal issues.
05 –
Sociopolitical Discussion Group Formed
The Sociopolitical Discussion Group, led by Edward Chastka, M.D., and Peter A. Crist, M.D., was established in February 2017 in the wake of the 2016 U.S. election. Since its inception, the group has met every other month on Saturday mornings, bringing together a core of eight to twelve participants. Over time, this diverse group has developed into a cohesive working unit, engaging in thoughtful dialogue despite differing viewpoints. In April 2020, the group transitioned to Zoom, opening participation to a wider audience of 15 to 20 auditors from around the world.
06 –
A Different Kind of Psychiatry Case Presentation Series Inception
The ‘A Different Kind of Psychiatry’ case presentation series was launched in November 2018 at the ACO’s campus in Princeton, New Jersey. In 2020, the series transitioned to an online webinar format, consistently attracting a live audience that often includes individuals new to ACO activities. Each presentation features clinical case material presented by ACO therapists, with recordings made available afterward on the ACO website and YouTube channel for on-demand viewing. Additionally, the audio from each session is released as a podcast through the ACO’s podcast channel, broadening access to these valuable insights.
07 –
Readings in Social Orgonomy Online Discussion Group Established
The Readings in Social Orgonomy Online Discussion Group was established in 2021 and meets on alternate months from the Sociopolitical Discussion Group. Led and moderated by Edward Chastka, M.D., the group is intended for students of orgonomy, society, and human nature. Discussions focus on the published works of Dr. Charles Konia, with Dr. Chastka providing didactic material as needed to deepen participants’ understanding and enrich the conversation.
