Medical Orgonomy Training Program

The Medical Orgone Therapy training at the American College of Orgonomy offers advanced education for psychiatrists, focusing on integrating orgonomic principles to address emotional and psychological health through innovative and integrative therapeutic techniques.

The training program of the American College of Orgonomy is dedicated to providing its physician participants with a solid understanding of the theoretical foundation of medical orgone therapy and with the clinical skills necessary for the responsible practice of this unique form of bio-psychiatric treatment developed by William Reich, M.D., a student and colleague of Sigmund Freud. Medical orgone therapy provides a particularly effective treatment for many emotional illnesses, including some currently thought to be incurable. It is based on the knowledge that emotional problems are rooted in physical processes deeper than verbal psychology. Medical orgone therapy, therefore, integrates the best of the verbal techniques and character analysis, with somatic techniques that directly address muscular tensions and respiratory inhibition. By relieving characterological and muscular rigidity (both being types of armoring), it restores to the individual a more natural way of functioning. Dr. Reich, in the early 1950s, appointed Dr. Elsworth F. Baker to continue the training of medical orgone therapists. In 1968, Dr. Baker founded the American College of Orgonomy. One of its functions was (and is) to maintain the highest standards in the practice of this therapy. Toward this end, training is provided exclusively by medical orgone therapists who are psychiatrists and certified by both the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Our Training Program

The Medical Orgonomy Training Program offers physicians an in-depth study of the principles and practice of medical orgone therapy. Rooted in both character-analytic and biophysical approaches, the program provides a structured progression of seminars, clinical supervision, and hands-on laboratory work to deepen understanding of emotional disorders and the energetic processes underlying them. Through this comprehensive training, physicians gain the knowledge and experience needed to responsibly evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients within the framework of medical orgonomy.

Features of the overall course of the training program are as follows: A candidate may apply to the Chairman of the Education and Training Committee and be referred to a training therapist to begin character restructuring, or they may, during the course of their personal therapy with a training therapist, express an interest in training. When their therapist has determined that the candidate has sufficiently resolved both characterological and biophysical armoring so that they would not interfere with their participation in training, the training therapist recommends application to the training program. The candidate is then interviewed by the members of the Training Committee in part to determine the soundness of their motivation. If approved, they are invited to begin the basic theoretical course (Didactic Course). When the didactic material in this course on general principles and specific character types has been completed, their progress is reviewed by the Training Committee and a determination is made as to whether they are ready to take the next step. If so, they are invited to join the clinical seminars. At the end of the Didactic Course the Training Committee again reviews the trainee’s progress. If deemed ready, they are invited to join the clinical seminars (assuming they have not already done so).

At the same time, a decision is made as to their readiness to begin the treatment of patients with medical orgone therapy. If approved, they are assigned an individual supervisor to oversee their treatment of patients. At this point in their training, the orgonomist-in-training may also request to sit in on sessions in order to observe therapy conducted by other training therapists. The course of training is open-ended from this point on. At some time of their own choosing, the trainee must complete the Advanced Laboratory Workshop in Orgone Biology and Biophysics.

A. General Statement
In addition to using all the resources available to the traditional psychiatrist, the medical orgonomist employs highly effective therapeutic interventions that are based on a clinically grounded understanding of character and muscular armor, the psychosomatic relationship, and the relationship between patient and therapist. The therapist’s capacity for deep energetic and emotional contact with the patient is essential for successful treatment. Chronic armor impedes this capacity. Therefore, the primary requirement of orgonomic training is suitability and readiness. In other words, because the therapist’s perceptions, sensations, and capacity for contact are their most essential tools, restructuring is the cornerstone of the training. The decisions for acceptance as well as advancement in the program are determined by the individual’s structure. For this reason the duration of training is indeterminate.

B. Prerequisites for Admission
1. The recommendations of an approved treating or training therapist.
2. Graduation from an approved medical school with a degree of M.D. or D.O.
3. Participation in or completion of an approved specialty training program.
4. Satisfactory interview and approval of the A.C.O. Training Committee.

C. Specific Requirements for Admission and Ongoing Participation in the ACO Training Program
1. Continuation in or completion of personal therapy with the ongoing approval of the training therapist.
2. Ongoing supervision by an approved supervisor.
3. Attendance of the clinical seminars and presentation of cases as scheduled. Written reports and case presentation will be considered for publication.

Until the Training Committee determines that they are ready to practice independently, the orgonomist-in-training must maintain active status in the program. After this point, they may choose to attend seminars for continuing education.

Note: from time to time, nonmedical professionals are admitted to individual courses offered by the American College of Orgonomy. Acceptance into the training program, however, requires graduation from an approved medical school as well as other requirements described above.

Didactic Seminar in Medical Orgonomy
The American College of Orgonomy Seminar in Orgonometry is available to medical and non-medical professionals who have completed the Didactic Course and are enrolled in one of the College’s training programs. Requirements include being recommended by a medical orgonomist affiliated with the College and a personal interview. Orgonometry is the science of functional thinking using a form of mathematics that incorporates qualities as well as quantities. Specialized mathematical training is not required. Students may begin the seminar at any time.

Principles of Character Analytic Techniques
This is a case presentation seminar that focuses on the character-analytic aspect of medical orgone therapy. Each month, in rotation, a member presents a case having a character-analytic focus with the aid of videotapes or a live patient interview and examination, sometimes in a continuing case format. The emphasis is on character-analytic understanding and treatment, including the determination of a biopsychiatric diagnosis. Reference to the relevant orgonomic literature is made.

Beginning Phases of Medical Orgone Therapy.
This is a case presentation seminar that is of particular value for those in the first years of clinical practice. Technical problems related to the beginning phase of orgone therapy, especially diagnosis and the introduction of the modalities of treatment available to the medical orgonomist, are discussed. Each month, in rotation, a member makes a case presentation with the aid of videotapes or a live patient interview and examination. The active participation of those in their first few years of clinical practice is encouraged.

Elsworth F. Baker Technical Seminar
Advanced Aspects of Medical Orgone Therapy This case seminar addresses issues and problems related to the advanced phases of medical orgone therapy, including the management of deeper layers of emotional structure, advanced biophysical techniques, ongoing character-analytic issues, and the end phase of therapy. Each month, in rotation, a member presents one or more cases or clinical situations with the aid of videotapes or live patient interviews and examinations.

Didactic Course Member
From acceptance into the didactic course until acceptance into the clinical seminars and approval to treat patients in medical orgone therapy under supervision.

Clinical Associate
This designation covers all non-faculty active members meeting the requirements in Section 3 above regarding therapy and regular attendance in the clinical seminars. Within this designation are several informally recognized levels that range from those still fulfilling training requirements to those attending the program for continuing education.

These include:

  1. Medical orgonomist-in-training: from approval to treat patients under supervision until fulfillment of all requirements for board certification.
  2. Board eligible medical orgonomist: from fulfillment of all board requirements until successful completion of all components of the board examination process.
  3. Board certified medical orgonomist: from board certification on.

The American Board of Medical Orgonomy is an authoritative and responsible body of physicians whose primary function is to set standards and test the qualifications of physicians for the practice of orgonomic psychiatry and medicine.

Board certification in medical orgonomy requires that board-eligible candidates must have graduated from an approved, accredited medical school; completed postgraduate training and passed board examinations in an approved specialty with completion of residency training in psychiatry; undergone characterological restructuring by a qualified medical orgonomist; received at least three years of didactic, clinical, and laboratory instruction by qualified instructors in orgonomic medicine; and be in good standing as described in section 3. The candidate must then pass written and oral examinations in orgonomic theory and practice.

Start Your Training Journey to Become a Medical Orgone Therapist Today

Enroll in our training program and deepen your understanding of this transformative science.

As a psychologist, my training experience at the ACO has provided a uniquely broad and deep perspective regarding both individual and social human emotional functioning. I also have gained an appreciation for health – not just the absence of problems – which opens up important areas of focus in assisting my patients in therapy.

Dee Apple, Ph.D.

Additional Resources

YouTube

Explore valuable resources, educational content, and expert discussions on orgonomy and emotional health by subscribing to The American College of Orgonomy’s YouTube channel.

Podcasts

Expand your understanding with The American College of Orgonomy’s podcast, featuring key concepts and real-life insights in orgonomy for patients, doctors, and professionals alike.

Books

Explore a comprehensive collection of books from The American College of Orgonomy, offering in-depth knowledge, research, and insights to deepen your understanding of orgonomy.

The Journal

The Journal of Orgonomy is published semiannually by the American College of Orgonomy Press. The Journal contains articles on clinical case studies and theory, innovative physical and biological research and social sciences.

Sciences

The ACO explores the many sciences encompassed by orgonomy, advancing knowledge in biology, physics, psychiatry, medicine, and social science through research, education, and practical application.

Laboratory Workshops

The American College of Orgonomy offers hands-on laboratory workshops to deepen understanding of orgonomic phenomena, combining practical skills with key theoretical insights and real-world applications.

Online Study Group

Join our online Readings in Social Orgonomy group to explore key social and psychological themes through guided discussions. Engage with others in thoughtful, in-depth conversations led by expert moderators.

Sociopolitical Discussion

Open to anyone curious about the intersection of psychology and politics, our Sociopolitical Discussion Group is where people come together to explore how our emotions, character, and energy affect society, politics, and culture.

Webinars

These live webinars present in-depth discussions led by ACO therapists on vital themes in emotional health, therapeutic practice, and social orgonomy, supported by meaningful case material.

News

Explore news, announcements, and in-depth insights from The American College of Orgonomy. Stay informed about our ongoing work, new publications, and developments in the field of orgonomy.

Events

Discover upcoming lectures, webinars, workshops, training, and more sessions hosted by The American College of Orgonomy. Join us to learn, connect, and engage with others interested in various aspects of orgonomy.