PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
4-year program to become a body oriented therapist

The Netherlands Institute of Core Energetics (NICE) offers an intensive four-year professional training in Core Energetics — a body-oriented therapy method that integrates the body, mind, emotions, and spirit. Graduates of this program are certified body-oriented therapists, equipped to guide individuals and groups in personal growth, healing, and self-discovery.

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YEAR 1: PERSONAL GROWTH AND THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS THROUGH EMBODIED EXPERIENCE

The first year focuses on understanding the personality and developmental history of individuals. Students study the interaction of mind, spirit, energy, emotions, personality, and defenses with the physiological body.

This foundational year also helps students explore their own creativity, movement, and life force, uncovering personal blocks that may impact their therapeutic practice.

Topics:

• Group dynamics
• The history of body psychotherapy
• Foundations of Core Energetics
• Trauma: from shock trauma to complex trauma
• Attachment theory
• Polyvagal theory
• Interpersonal neurobiology
• Survival strategies
• Sensitivity: opening up to your gifts, protecting yourself from too much

YEAR 2: PERSONAL GROWTH AND THERAPEUTIC FOUNDATIONS THROUGH EMBODIED EXPERIENCE

In the second year, students dive deeply into the five character defenses, as originally articulated by Wilhelm Reich and later refined through contemporary understanding.

Students learn Core Energetics techniques and approaches and energy-based therapeutic methods.

The second year continues to focus on the student’s personal growth.

Topics:

• Embodiment and Grounding
• Body awareness
• Sensing energy
• Connection and attunement
• Breathing
• Autonomy
• Expressive movement
• Trust
• Energy economy (charge, discharge, containment)
• Love and sexuality
• Transference and Countertransference

Students gain hands-on experience in energetic and body-oriented therapy, building confidence in their skills.

YEAR 3: PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND THERAPEUTIC INTERPERSONAL SKILLS THROUGH EMBODIED EXPERIENCE

Students develop clinical proficiency, applying Core Energetics methods in practice. By year’s end, graduates can guide clients from the mask self through the lower self to the core self.

Topics:

• Techniques and interventions
• Working with transference
• The art of therapy
• Practice building
• Diagnosis, treatment planning, assessment
• Ethics

YEAR 4: ADVANCED SKILLS AND INDIVIDUALITY

The fourth year focuses on advanced therapeutic skills and the development of the therapist’s individuality.

Topics:

• Linking the higher self of therapist and client
• Planning client trajectories and therapeutic goals
• Specialized areas: leadership, relationships, sexuality
• Working with groups
• Connection to mainstream psychiatric field
• Demonstration and practice sessions

Students consolidate all four years of training while polishing their Core Energetics expertise.

Also the 4th year focuses on trainees developing their individuality as core therapists. Throughout the year they are given opportunities to practice and to learn what qualities they bring to the work. They are encouraged to go deeper into the work and to consolidate the four years of training.

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Accredited program

Our training program is recognized in the Netherlands by the RBCZ and by the umbrella organization for complementary care, RBCZ. Graduates can, with an additional course, be admitted to a professional association, allowing them to demonstrate that they meet high quality standards. Being a member of a professional association offers recognition within the healthcare sector, and most supplementary health insurance plans cover part of the treatment.

We are currently in the process of applying for accreditation. Our ambition is to become a recognized higher education (HBO-level) program in the field of complementary care.

Graduates can apply for membership with the European Association for Body Psychotherapy (EABP), subject to certain additional requirements.

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Costs

Schoolyear 2026-2027: to be announced soon

For your information: schoolyear 2025-2026:

• Program tuition: € 4.085 per year. Payment plans are possible.
• Meals and lodging:  € 365 – 535 per module, depending on roomtype.
• Third year: costs for groupsupervision days (catering included): € 1.062,50
• Fourth year: costs for groupsupervision and exam days (catering included): € 1.235,00

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Application

When you are interested to join the program, we ask you to fill out the enrolment form and send it to us. After that we will invite you for an interview with Evelien Bus and Bert Stek, who are currently forming the application committee. This interview is also meant for you to ask your questions*. Only after the interview you decide to enrol for the training.

In case you wish to take the training after a previous training like the NICE Transformation Training, Bio-energetics, Body-Mind, Unitive therapy or Brennan healing, it might be possible to enter the training in the second year, depending on where you are in your personal process and your understanding of the basics of Core Energetics and character structures. A prerequisite might be some catch up education on the Core Energetics concepts and techniques. The admittance committee will assess these criteria in the intake interview.

A new group for year 1 will start October 2026. 

We are currently updating our student handbook and we will publish it soon on this page.

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Get in touch with us!

Would you like to speak with one of our students? Let us know! Most of our students are happy to share their experiences. You can speak with a first-, second-, third-, or fourth-year student, or with a graduate.