The Therapeutic Spiral ModelTM

TSI Certification Process

Requirements for TSI International Trainer Certification in Experiential Trauma Therapy Using the Therapeutic Spiral Model

Key Rules for the TSI Certification Process

Entry Requirements

To begin the TSM certification process, applicants must:

  • Hold a relevant educational or clinical background
    • A Master’s degree and be working toward certification in psychodrama or other experiential/expressive arts therapies.
    • OR request a waiver based on equivalent international qualifications or comparable clinical/experiential training.
  • Have prior TSM participation
    • Attend at least one TSI Training workshop or one TSI Personal Growth workshop, and have taken appropriate auxiliary roles.
  • Receive a recommendation
    • From the Team Leader or Trainer of the TSI workshop(s) attended.
  • Submit an application
    • Send an email to our team requesting entry, including the following:
      • Curriculum vitae.
      • A brief statement of motivation and goals.
  • Pay the application fee
    • US$100.
  • Attend an interview
    • With the Clinical Director, Director of Training, or the Regional Director to determine the correct certification track.

 A- Level I – International Certification in Experiential Trauma Therapy (Introduction to Theory)

To earn Level I, candidates must complete (times in parentheses are estimates for completion):

    1. The 4 Core Trauma Courses (Level I) ( ~15 – 18 hours) and complete the final evaluation.
    2. At least one Personal Growth Workshop (~15 – 18 hours).
    3. Required reading assignments. See the full requirements here[link coming soon] (times will vary).
    4. A written reaction paper (~3000 words). Submitted within ONE month after completing the last training course.
    5. Already certified as a Basic Level – TSM practitioner.

B- Level II – Advanced Theory and Practice

To earn Level II, candidates must complete:

    1. All Level I requirements.
    2. 3 Advanced Clinical Courses (Level II).
    3. Behavioral demonstration of skills (at least 2 times in each role, preferably with different trainers):
      • Trained Auxiliary Ego (TAE)
      • Assistant Leader (AL)
      • Team Leader (TL)
    4. Ongoing supervision (to maintain Level II, at least a monthly session, arranged with your primary trainer, no fewer than 10 sessions).
    5. Already certified as an Advanced Level – TSM practitioner

Note: TAE and AL practical experience may begin while Level I requirements are still being completed.

C- Trainer Certification in TSM Theory and Practice

To earn Trainer Certification, candidates must complete or be:

    1. All Level I and II requirements.
    2. For each course in which you want to be certified as a trainer, do one of the following:
      1. Co-teach at least one course.
      2. Solo-teach each course, with video or on-site supervision.
      3. Serve as Presenter or Co-Presenter of a TSM workshop at a national or international conference.
    3. Continue receiving appropriate supervision (at least one hour per workshop).
    4. Already Certified as a Certified TSM-trainer of trainers

Note: Trainer certification is awarded course-by-course, not all at once.

Maintaining Certifications

Typically, to remain in good standing:

TAE / AL / TL certifications should:

  • Serve on a TSM team or lead a workshop, at least once per year.

If certified as a Trainer:

  • Should offer at least one TSI-sponsored workshop or training per year,
    OR present at a national/international conference on a TSM topic.

Program Structure Rules

  • Courses are stand-alone, experiential, and the in-person courses are a minimum of three days.
  • Training includes demos, supervised practice, and full TSM psychodramas.
  • Participants must engage both in practice and personal healing experiences.

Continuing Education Rules

  • Training hours may be applied toward other professional certifications (e.g., ABE, NADTA, ASSET).
  • CE credits may be available for:
    psychologists, social workers, MFTs, addictions counselors, LPCs, group psychotherapists, etc.
  • Acceptance by national boards varies by country.

For a full description of TSM roles and skills necessary for accreditation as a Trainer, please click on the following pages: