Foundation Level
Foundation level training in SCT is the next step from exploring systems-centered ideas. The training events are the same – the difference is a change of goal, from exploration of one's personal interests and learnings to using systems-centered methods to develop our resources as members.
The major outcomes of Foundation level training are:
- Being able to work in a subgroup
- Understanding the shift from a personal to a member perspective
- Skill in using the SCT protocols on oneself
- Sufficient exploration of issues with authority to be able to contain and explore them
- Learned to subgroup, recognizing the fork-in-the-road between explaining and exploring
- Learned how to work with SCT techniques to undo your own anxiety, tension, depression and outrage
- Recognized your pulls to compliant and defiant roles and role locks
- Developed a sufficient awareness of your own authority issues to be able to contain and explore them, rather than act them out
- Developed a good ability not to take others and yourself “just personally”
- Developed an ability to recognize and shift from a person-centered to a member perspective
- Developed a basic working knowledge of systems-centered theory, methods and techniques
Training at the Foundation level includes:
- Experiential learning: Membership in an ongoing Foundation Group to develop the capacity to attune and to contribute to the development of an SCT group by subgrouping. Developing a systems-centered rather than a person-centered perspective of group dynamics.
- Contextual application: Learning to use SCT protocols to undo one's own defenses: social defenses, anxiety, tension and depression. Recognizing one's own pulls to roles and role locks with other group members and recognizing one's own authority issues. Being able to contain and explore interpersonal and authority issues, rather than act them out.
- Theoretical understanding: Learning the basics of a Theory of Living Human Systems (TLHS) and the methods and techniques of systems-centered practice.
- Observational research: Developing the ability to observe and test hypotheses in application of SCT methods and techniques. A basic 2-day training in the foundations of the SAVI (System for Analyzing Verbal Interactions) communication model, a tool for monitoring noise in system communications. Find a SAVI training.
The Big Picture
Remember, movement through training levels is based on meeting the basic criteria and outcome goals of each level of training. “Readiness” to take the next steps is determined by self-assessment and consultation with trainers, mentors and peers to see where one has met the goals and where one needs more work. Moving through any training pathway in SCT is paced by each individual's time, energy and resources, and by development of competencies appropriate to each training level.
Foundation Level Training Opportunities
- Foundation Level Training Groups, e.g., at the SCT Annual Conference
- Foundation Level Workshops
- Ongoing Foundation Level Training Groups
- Basic Two-Day SAVI Workshop (Find a SAVI training)
- SCTRI Action Groups
For more information, email us or check the Training pages
If you would like to talk with someone about your interest in systems-centered training, contact us. Kathy Lum, our administrator, can connect you with someone who can consult with you about which trainings may help you to meet your goals.