General Information and a Brief History of
the Norwegian Institute of Psychosynthesis

After considerable preparations during 1997 and early 1998, the Norwegian Institute of Psychosynthesis (Norsk Institutt for Psykosyntese) was founded as an educational charity in the autumn of 1998. The occasion was marked by the fact that the first cohort of students, a group of 26 men and women, entered into the first ever fully professional training programme in psychosynthesis in Norway.

The purpose of the Institute’s work is reflected in its Mission Statement:

“…[The Norwegian Institute of psychosynthesis’ work] aims to offer educational programmes and spread information about Psychosynthesis, in addition to stimulating collaboration with other forms of therapy, institutions and organisations. Other institutions and individuals promoting the idealistic work of NIP can also be affiliated with the Institute.”

The concept behind the Norwegian educational programmes in Psychosynthesis is firmly rooted in the ideas of the pioneering Italian psychiatrist Roberto Assagioli (1888-1974). The work that originated with the Psychosynthesis Graduate Institute in California in the late 70’s and very early 80’s under Assagioli’s significant influence, was later developed further and refined by several training institutes, but in particular and most significantly by two institutes in London, UK - the Institute of Psychosynthesis and the Psychosynthesis & Education Trust; today the Institute of Psychosynthesis’ courses are being validated by Middlesex University, and the Trust is affiliated with The University of East London, which validates their postgraduate and degree programmes. Both these training institutes offer a Masters degree in Psychosynthesis Psychotherapy.

The work of these institutes represents an inspirational foundation of the activities of the Norwegian Institute. The Norwegian Institute also draw inspiration from other training programmes. The most significant influence, however, stems from the fact that Per Jarle Dyrud, the Founding Director of the Norwegian Institute of Psychosynthesis, trained and later worked as a senior trainer and training manager at the Psychosynthesis & Education Trust. The extensive experience acquired during these years has provided the corner stone for the philosophy of the establishing and work of NIP.

So far three cohorts of students have graduated from the Professional Training Programme. Another student group is currently only a couple of months away from graduating. Two further cohorts of students are currently enrolled in the four-year training programme, and a new group is starting in February 2007.

Currently the Norwegian Institute offers a Four-Year Professional Training in Psychosynthesis Psychotherapy. A Two-Year Advanced Training is currently being prepared and will be offered in the near future. Specialised trainings in Clinical Supervision and Couples’ Therapy will be offered in 2007 and 2008. – The Institute offers shorter courses and self-development groups on a regular basis.

The Norwegian Institute of Psychosynthesis is a member of the Norwegian Association of Psychosynthesis Psychotherapy (NFPT), the Norwegian Federation of Psychotherapy (NFP), and the European Association for Psychotherapy (EAP), abiding by these professional bodies’ recommendations, guidelines, and rules for competent and ethical professional conduct, and according to the principles set forth by the Strasbourg Declaration on Psychotherapy of 1990.
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Strasbourg Declaration on Psychotherapy of 1990
In accordance with the aims of the World Health Organisation (WHO), the non-discrimination accord valid within the framework of the European Union (EU) and intended for the European Economic Area (EEA), and the principle of freedom of movement of persons and services, the undersigned agree on the following points:
1. Psychotherapy is an independent scientific discipline, the practice of which represents an independent and free profession.
2. Training in psychotherapy takes place at an advanced, qualified and scientific level.
3. The multiplicity of psychotherapeutic methods is assured and guaranteed.
4. A full psychotherapeutic training covers theory, self-experience, and practice under supervision. Adequate knowledge of various psychotherapeutic processes is acquired.
5. Access to training is through various preliminary qualifications, in particular human and social sciences.
Strasbourg, October 21st, 1990