Frequently Asked Questions
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GENERAL QUESTIONS
Does the counsellor interpret the client’s drawings for them?
No. The counsellor helps the client see things from different perspectives.
Can I enrol if I am not currently working in the field?
Yes. We have a number of course participants that are students, volunteers, or looking for a new direction.
Is artistic ability required to work with IDT?
No. IDT requires no artistic talent, graphic skills or drawing ability.
Is it important to use crayons?
There are advantages in using crayons, but IDT can be used with any drawing materials.
How long until I can use IDT with clients?
You will be able to use IDT with clients on completion of Unit One.
What is the difference between counselling and therapy?
Counselling is generally about addressing issues and conflicts we might have regarding our external world (such as relationships, career , finances, violence), and therapy is generally about addressing conflicts in our internal world (such as ambivalence, insecure identity, depression, unconscious instincts, age-regression into childhood material). Counselling is generally short-term and therapy is generally long-term. Counselling tends to be more directive and can include psycho-educational practices (such as the acquisition of new life skills). Therapy tends to be more non-directive and often works with unconscious matters (such as the changing relationship between client and therapist might be reflective of the client’s other significant relationships). The IDT therapeutic process covers both the behavioural and in-depth poles of psychological work.
How widespread is the use of IDT?
IDT has over 8000 enrolments since 1992, has run courses and workshops in 5 countries and has been presented at conferences around the world. (See Applications on About IDT in Unit 1 Manual)
Do you facilitate In-house Training?
IDT AND OTHER MODALITIES
Is IDT different from Art Therapy?
Art Therapy is a broad field, IDT has similarities and differences to some schools of Art Therapy. IDT has no interest in art making, aesthetics, design or psychoanalytical interpretation.
How does IDT relate to other modalities? How similar or different is IDT from Art Therapy?
IDT differs significantly from traditional art therapy. Although IDT works with ‘pages of imagery’ as a central part of its technique, it is not interested in art-making and does not employ graphic techniques to enhance creativity or self-expression. Several art therapists who have attended IDT courses report that IDT provides a structure that was missing in their earlier training. You might like to read about Allan Schore, an American neuroscience researcher whose findings validate a lot of IDT principles. The IDT therapeutic process follows the client’s natural path from “left-brain processed and surface-level ” issues to “right-brain processed and deeper-level ” issues. Cognitive-behavioural practices tend to suit left-brained, surface- level issues, and psychoanalytic practices tend to suit deeper land work, so the IDT schema can be used alongside many other therapies.
PERSONAL AND PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
If, during IDT training, personal issues come up for me, how will I be supported?
It is up to each applicant to assess their readiness and suitability for IDT training. IDT training contains both didactic and experiential components and you will regularly be pairing up to practice (in both client and counsellor roles) the topic at hand. When in the client role you will be doing real ‘work’, so we encourage all IDT trainees to engage in extra therapy and/or supervision sessions to assist you prepare and process matters that the course might bring up. Although IDT courses are carefully structured and designed to maximise your learning in a safe B118and supportive way, there is always the possibility that a participant is not ready for experiential training that might touch on traumatic matters, or access disturbing unconscious material. Please read the two 2006 articles by Russell Withers on IDT (IDT Publications) and discuss your concerns with your counsellor and supervisor before enrolling if you suspect you might have difficulties. In class, we rely on you to take care of your own safety by simply saying “pass” or “No thanks” if the class is having a sharing round or you are invited to participate in a role play. The IDT Unit One contains effective tools for helping a client if they become overwhelmed, and we will be teaching these as part of the curriculum. IDT training is essentially educational, and does not offer opportunity for individuals who are currently looking for sustained therapeutic support. Because the teacher has to look after the whole class and move ahead with the programme, they usually do not have the time to give ongoing personal attention to distressed class members. Please speak to the teacher in the breaks if you are finding the course too much at this time.
IDT COURSE AND PRE-REQUISITES
Are there any prerequisites to the Foundation course?
Unit One must be completed before Unit Two. These two units can be attended at different venues by different teachers. Enrolment in the IDT Foundation Course presumes participants have a mature level of interpersonal competency, good communication skills, a working understanding of counselling frameworks, and are able to put their own needs and preoccupations aside while they attend supportively to their partner during class exercises. Participants of the IDT Foundation Course include both professional “helpers” and volunteers from a wide range of professions.
Do I need to have completed the Foundation Course assignments before enrolling in further IDT training?
You need to have participated in the full four-day Foundation Course, but it is not necessary for you to have completed the assignments in order to enrol in subsequent courses. Whilst the assignments aim to help consolidate your learning, they are not mandatory for enrolling in subsequent courses, – except for the Teacher training Programme which requires all assignments to be completed.
Is there a logical sequence for courses?
The Foundation Course must be completed first (Unit 1 then Unit 2). After completion of the Foundation Course workshops can be taken in any sequence. If you intend to make IDT a primary modality, we recommend you complete the Intermediate and Advanced courses as they will deepen your understanding. Children and Adolescents, and Group work workshops are for working with specific client groups.
Do I need to have completed the Foundation Course assignments before enrolling in further IDT training?
You need to have participated in the full four-day Foundation Course, but it is not necessary for you to have completed the assignments in order to enrol in subsequent courses. Whilst the assignments aim to help consolidate your learning, they are not mandatory for enrolling in subsequent courses, – except for the Teacher training Programme which requires all assignments to be completed.
I am a teacher and interested in IDT. Is it necessary that one is a Counsellor/Social Worker/Artist for IDT training to be of value?
People attending the IDT Foundation Course come from a wide range of professions including teachers. Other than normal interpersonal competency there are no formal prerequisites required to attend an IDT Foundation Course. As a teacher, you will already be experienced in communication skills and have an in-depth understanding of the “helping” relationship. As a professional teacher you will ‘fit in’ well with the class participants. The 4-day Foundation Course will give you practical tools for working with students, and our follow-up 2-day Children and Adolescents workshop will guide you to work in a more focused way with each age group. It is quite not uncommon for some participants to feel a degree of uncertainty about their suitability for IDT training. We know from course evaluations that 98% complete IDT training with confidence and enthusiasm for the use of IDT in their work.
Approximately how much time do I need to allow for the “homework” assignments, with self and with clients, for each unit?
The IDT Foundation Course has a section on one-to-one client sessions (4x 30minute sessions) with a brief comment on each. Secondly, there is a self-therapy session (4x 30minute sessions) with a brief comment on each section. On this basis, allow approximately 6 hours. Note that you are able to complete the assignments within your own time frame. Some participants elect to complete assignments immediately, and others take much longer. Assignments are done post-course, and we have allowed four hours all-up per unit for this additional time.
ONGOING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
In order to get a handle on IDT quickly and efficiently, do you suggest an advanced course OR professional development?
It is up to each applicant to assess their readiness and suitability for IDT training. IDT training contains both didactic and experiential components and you will regularly be pairing up to practice (in both client and counsellor roles) the topic at hand. When in the client role you will be doing real ‘work’, so we encourage all IDT trainees to engage in extra therapy and/or supervision sessions to assist you prepare and process matters that the course might bring up. Although IDT courses are carefully structured and designed to maximise your learning in a safe B118and supportive way, there is always the possibility that a participant is not ready for experiential training that might touch on traumatic matters, or access disturbing unconscious material. Please read the two 2006 articles by Russell Withers on IDT (see IDT Publications) and discuss your concerns with your counsellor and supervisor before enrolling if you suspect you might have difficulties. In class, we rely on you to take care of your own safety by simply saying “pass” or “No thanks” if the class is having a sharing round or you are invited to participate in a role play. The IDT Unit One contains effective tools for helping a client if they become overwhelmed, and we will be teaching these as part of the curriculum. IDT training is essentially educational, and does not offer opportunity for individuals who are currently looking for sustained therapeutic support. Because the teacher has to look after the whole class and move ahead with the programme, they usually do not have the time to give ongoing personal attention to distressed class members. Please speak to the teacher in the breaks if you are finding the course too much at this time.
Is there a ‘refresher’ course on offer?
Yes. All courses are available as a ‘refresher’, and we have reduced the fees as an incentive.
Does the counsellor interpret the client’s drawings for them?
No. The counsellor helps the client see things from different perspectives.
Can I enrol if I am not currently working in the field?
Yes. We have a number of course participants that are students, volunteers, or looking for a new direction.
Is artistic ability required to work with IDT?
No. IDT requires no artistic talent, graphic skills or drawing ability.
Is it important to use crayons?
There are advantages in using crayons, but IDT can be used with any drawing materials.
How long until I can use IDT with clients?
You will be able to use IDT with clients on completion of Unit One.
What is the difference between counselling and therapy?
Counselling is generally about addressing issues and conflicts we might have regarding our external world (such as relationships, career , finances, violence), and therapy is generally about addressing conflicts in our internal world (such as ambivalence, insecure identity, depression, unconscious instincts, age-regression into childhood material). Counselling is generally short-term and therapy is generally long-term. Counselling tends to be more directive and can include psycho-educational practices (such as the acquisition of new life skills). Therapy tends to be more non-directive and often works with unconscious matters (such as the changing relationship between client and therapist might be reflective of the client’s other significant relationships). The IDT therapeutic process covers both the behavioural and in-depth poles of psychological work.
How widespread is the use of IDT?
IDT has over 8000 enrolments since 1992, has run courses and workshops in 5 countries and has been presented at conferences around the world. (See Applications on About IDT in Unit 1 Manual)
Do you facilitate In-house Training?
- As well as advertised courses, IDT also deliver in-house courses
- A set fee is paid, plus expenses
- The agency or networker select the course participants
- A cost-effective way of providing in-house training
- Gives control of when and where course is, and who is on it
- For more information, please contact the IDT Teachers close to your location
IDT AND OTHER MODALITIES
Is IDT different from Art Therapy?
Art Therapy is a broad field, IDT has similarities and differences to some schools of Art Therapy. IDT has no interest in art making, aesthetics, design or psychoanalytical interpretation.
How does IDT relate to other modalities? How similar or different is IDT from Art Therapy?
IDT differs significantly from traditional art therapy. Although IDT works with ‘pages of imagery’ as a central part of its technique, it is not interested in art-making and does not employ graphic techniques to enhance creativity or self-expression. Several art therapists who have attended IDT courses report that IDT provides a structure that was missing in their earlier training. You might like to read about Allan Schore, an American neuroscience researcher whose findings validate a lot of IDT principles. The IDT therapeutic process follows the client’s natural path from “left-brain processed and surface-level ” issues to “right-brain processed and deeper-level ” issues. Cognitive-behavioural practices tend to suit left-brained, surface- level issues, and psychoanalytic practices tend to suit deeper land work, so the IDT schema can be used alongside many other therapies.
PERSONAL AND PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
If, during IDT training, personal issues come up for me, how will I be supported?
It is up to each applicant to assess their readiness and suitability for IDT training. IDT training contains both didactic and experiential components and you will regularly be pairing up to practice (in both client and counsellor roles) the topic at hand. When in the client role you will be doing real ‘work’, so we encourage all IDT trainees to engage in extra therapy and/or supervision sessions to assist you prepare and process matters that the course might bring up. Although IDT courses are carefully structured and designed to maximise your learning in a safe B118and supportive way, there is always the possibility that a participant is not ready for experiential training that might touch on traumatic matters, or access disturbing unconscious material. Please read the two 2006 articles by Russell Withers on IDT (IDT Publications) and discuss your concerns with your counsellor and supervisor before enrolling if you suspect you might have difficulties. In class, we rely on you to take care of your own safety by simply saying “pass” or “No thanks” if the class is having a sharing round or you are invited to participate in a role play. The IDT Unit One contains effective tools for helping a client if they become overwhelmed, and we will be teaching these as part of the curriculum. IDT training is essentially educational, and does not offer opportunity for individuals who are currently looking for sustained therapeutic support. Because the teacher has to look after the whole class and move ahead with the programme, they usually do not have the time to give ongoing personal attention to distressed class members. Please speak to the teacher in the breaks if you are finding the course too much at this time.
IDT COURSE AND PRE-REQUISITES
Are there any prerequisites to the Foundation course?
Unit One must be completed before Unit Two. These two units can be attended at different venues by different teachers. Enrolment in the IDT Foundation Course presumes participants have a mature level of interpersonal competency, good communication skills, a working understanding of counselling frameworks, and are able to put their own needs and preoccupations aside while they attend supportively to their partner during class exercises. Participants of the IDT Foundation Course include both professional “helpers” and volunteers from a wide range of professions.
Do I need to have completed the Foundation Course assignments before enrolling in further IDT training?
You need to have participated in the full four-day Foundation Course, but it is not necessary for you to have completed the assignments in order to enrol in subsequent courses. Whilst the assignments aim to help consolidate your learning, they are not mandatory for enrolling in subsequent courses, – except for the Teacher training Programme which requires all assignments to be completed.
Is there a logical sequence for courses?
The Foundation Course must be completed first (Unit 1 then Unit 2). After completion of the Foundation Course workshops can be taken in any sequence. If you intend to make IDT a primary modality, we recommend you complete the Intermediate and Advanced courses as they will deepen your understanding. Children and Adolescents, and Group work workshops are for working with specific client groups.
Do I need to have completed the Foundation Course assignments before enrolling in further IDT training?
You need to have participated in the full four-day Foundation Course, but it is not necessary for you to have completed the assignments in order to enrol in subsequent courses. Whilst the assignments aim to help consolidate your learning, they are not mandatory for enrolling in subsequent courses, – except for the Teacher training Programme which requires all assignments to be completed.
I am a teacher and interested in IDT. Is it necessary that one is a Counsellor/Social Worker/Artist for IDT training to be of value?
People attending the IDT Foundation Course come from a wide range of professions including teachers. Other than normal interpersonal competency there are no formal prerequisites required to attend an IDT Foundation Course. As a teacher, you will already be experienced in communication skills and have an in-depth understanding of the “helping” relationship. As a professional teacher you will ‘fit in’ well with the class participants. The 4-day Foundation Course will give you practical tools for working with students, and our follow-up 2-day Children and Adolescents workshop will guide you to work in a more focused way with each age group. It is quite not uncommon for some participants to feel a degree of uncertainty about their suitability for IDT training. We know from course evaluations that 98% complete IDT training with confidence and enthusiasm for the use of IDT in their work.
Approximately how much time do I need to allow for the “homework” assignments, with self and with clients, for each unit?
The IDT Foundation Course has a section on one-to-one client sessions (4x 30minute sessions) with a brief comment on each. Secondly, there is a self-therapy session (4x 30minute sessions) with a brief comment on each section. On this basis, allow approximately 6 hours. Note that you are able to complete the assignments within your own time frame. Some participants elect to complete assignments immediately, and others take much longer. Assignments are done post-course, and we have allowed four hours all-up per unit for this additional time.
ONGOING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
In order to get a handle on IDT quickly and efficiently, do you suggest an advanced course OR professional development?
It is up to each applicant to assess their readiness and suitability for IDT training. IDT training contains both didactic and experiential components and you will regularly be pairing up to practice (in both client and counsellor roles) the topic at hand. When in the client role you will be doing real ‘work’, so we encourage all IDT trainees to engage in extra therapy and/or supervision sessions to assist you prepare and process matters that the course might bring up. Although IDT courses are carefully structured and designed to maximise your learning in a safe B118and supportive way, there is always the possibility that a participant is not ready for experiential training that might touch on traumatic matters, or access disturbing unconscious material. Please read the two 2006 articles by Russell Withers on IDT (see IDT Publications) and discuss your concerns with your counsellor and supervisor before enrolling if you suspect you might have difficulties. In class, we rely on you to take care of your own safety by simply saying “pass” or “No thanks” if the class is having a sharing round or you are invited to participate in a role play. The IDT Unit One contains effective tools for helping a client if they become overwhelmed, and we will be teaching these as part of the curriculum. IDT training is essentially educational, and does not offer opportunity for individuals who are currently looking for sustained therapeutic support. Because the teacher has to look after the whole class and move ahead with the programme, they usually do not have the time to give ongoing personal attention to distressed class members. Please speak to the teacher in the breaks if you are finding the course too much at this time.
Is there a ‘refresher’ course on offer?
Yes. All courses are available as a ‘refresher’, and we have reduced the fees as an incentive.