Wilhelm Reich and the Development of Orgonomic-Bioenergetic Medicine

Daniel Schiff, PhD
Harry Lewis, MA, MSW, ED.D.
Saturday Apr. 24, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.
NCNM, Room 322

Over a 30-year period, from the late 1920s through the mid 1950s, Wilhelm Reich MD developed a functional bioenergetic method for the treatment of those somatic and psychological disorders that result from a disturbance in the natural pulsatory expression of life energy.  He called this therapy ‘orgone therapy’ – an approach that simultaneously addresses both the psychic (cognitive, attitudinal, interpersonal) and somatic (muscular, respiratory, postural) defensive behavioral patterns that lead to the stopping of the free movement and expression of life energy (orgone energy).  While currently Reich is often referenced as the father of ‘body-mind psychotherapy’ and much has been written about his work, the broad scope of his bioenergetic and emotionally-focused model and technique remains often either misrepresented or not fully understood.  In this day course, through a series of lectures and discussion, Reich’s orgonomic-bioenergetic model will be presented and its current application in the fields of psychotherapy, counseling, and naturopathic medicine will be discussed. 

Professional Credits:
6.0 NBCC CEU’s – Oregon Counseling Association co-sponsorship:

This training is co-sponsored by the Oregon Counseling Association (ORCA) to provide NBCC continuing education contact hours. ORCA is recognized by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) to offer continuing education for National Certified Counselors (NBCC provider #2038). ORCA adheres to NBCC Continuing Education Guidelines.

6.0 Continuing Education Credits for Oregon Psychologists
6.0 Oregon Board of Naturopathic Examiners (OBNE) General CEU –pending
6.0 California Acupuncture Association Category 1 – pending
6.0 PDA Points NCCAOM Competency Maintenance- Adjunct Therapies – pending

Workshop Schedule:

9:00 - 9:30 AM Registration
9:30 – 9:45 AM General introductions and overview of the day’s presentations
9:45 - 11:00 AM “An Overview of the Life and Work of Wilhelm Reich” Dr. Harry Lewis
11:00 - 11:15 AM Break (no credit)
11:15 – 12:30 PM “Character and Muscular Armor – the Bioenergetic Basis of Health and Illness” Dr. Daniel Schiff
12:30 – 1:30 PM Lunch
1:30 - 2:45 PM “The Development of Armor and its Prevention – an Orgonomic and Attachment Perspective” Dr. Harry Lewis
2:45 – 3:00 PM Break (no credit)
3:00 – 4:15 AM “The theory and practice of Orgone Therapy” Dr. Daniel Schiff
4:15 – 5:00 PM “Orgonomic-Bioenergetic Medicine – its place in the contemporary treatment of somatic and psychological disorders. Drs. Lewis and Schiff

Registration:  NCNM Continuing Education (follow link)