Somatic Training Programs in Belgium: An Overview for Therapists
Accredited training programs in Somatic Experiencing, NARM, Sensorimotor, and related approaches available in Belgium or from the Netherlands.
Dit artikel hoort bij: Building a Practice as a Therapist in Belgium
The Four Major International Approaches
- Somatic Experiencing (SE): a three-year program, offered in Flanders by SE Flanders, and in the Netherlands by SE Netherlands. Costs approximately 6,000 euros. Internationally recognized via SE International.
- NARM (NeuroAffective Relational Model): a two-year postgraduate program for already practicing therapists. Offered in Europe via the NARM Training Institute, with modules in Berlin and the Netherlands. Costs approximately 5,500 euros.
- Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: a three-year program from the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute (SPI). European modules in Germany and the Netherlands. Costs approximately 7,000 euros.
- Hakomi: an older tradition, body-centered mindfulness-based therapy. Two- to three-year training programs, with a more limited offering in the Dutch-speaking region.
Belgian Training Programs and Additions
Flemish and Brussels universities of applied sciences offer postgraduate programs in psychotherapy with body-oriented modules (Karel de Grote, AP University of Applied Sciences, Odisee). The Educatieve Academie offers short modules on trauma-sensitive work. The Belgian Association for Body-Oriented Psychotherapy organizes intervision groups and short trainings for members.
Which Route Suits Whom
Three profiles. One: you already have a basic psychology education and want to specialize. Then NARM (requires background) or Sensorimotor (in-depth clinical) suits you. Two: you come from bodywork (yoga, massage, physiotherapy) and want trauma competence. Then Somatic Experiencing is suitable, as it does not require a master's in psychology. Three: you want to broaden your skills with short modules without a full program. Then Hakomi modules or Flemish postgraduate short programs are more appropriate.
What a Training Program is Worth
Four criteria to consider. One: international recognition (SE International, NARM Training Institute, SPI are the leading registers). Two: affiliation with Belgian professional associations for 'mutualiteit' (health insurance provider) reimbursement. Three: practical supervision as part of the training, not just theory. Four: a verifiable final competency through certification, not just a certificate of attendance.
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Veelgestelde vragen
Can I call myself a somatic therapist after completing an SE training?
Yes, in Belgium, 'somatic therapist' is not a protected title. However, it is preferable to use a more specific title, such as 'certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner,' as this is stronger legally and for marketing purposes.
Can I use my Dutch training in Belgium?
Yes. International training programs like SE and NARM are recognized by professional associations in both countries. Local Flemish training programs sometimes require additional assessment if you trained in the Netherlands.
What if I don't have the financial means for a three-year program?
Start with an introductory module (SE Beginning level costs approximately 1,500 euros). Many therapists spread the three SE years over four or five years. Some employers (institutions, group practices) contribute to training costs.
Is there a university-level somatic training program in Belgium?
Not as a standalone curriculum. Body-oriented modules are included in postgraduate psychotherapy programs at various Flemish universities of applied sciences, but a dedicated master's in somatic therapy does not exist.
Bronnen en verdieping
- RIZIV: Eerstelijnspsychologische zorgOfficiële RIZIV-informatie over de conventie en deelnemende zorgverleners.
- FOD Volksgezondheid: Erkenning klinisch psycholoogVoorwaarden en procedure voor erkenning als klinisch psycholoog in België.
- BVRGS: Belgische Vereniging voor Relatie- en GezinstherapieBeroepsvereniging met kwaliteitsregister voor systemisch en lichaamsgericht werk.
- VVPT: Vlaamse Vereniging voor Procesgerichte PsychotherapieVereniging met focus op procesgerichte en ervaringsgerichte therapie.