Woltemade Hartman Ph.D

Presenter: Woltemade Hartman Ph.D.

Introduction and Overview

Welcome to the platform of Woltemade Hartman Ph.D.  I offer high-quality ONLINE workshops in Ego State Coaching and Counselling (ESCC) divided into four to six modules depending on the specific needs of the participants such as for coaching, teaching, training or counselling specific target groups.  Participants will be able to do the workshops in either English or German. The focus will be on teaching the syllabus agreed upon by Ego State Coaching and Counselling International (ESCCI). The training modules are primed for the application of ego state intervention methods in health-related fields as well as other relevant disciplines, referred to here as Ego State Coaching and Counselling workshops. The aim of the workshops is to provide a comprehensive learning experience and teaching practical ego state intervention methods for a wide range of professionals who work with clients with diverse needs. After the workshops, participants will have clarity on the technical and scientific terms used in Ego State Coaching and Counselling, as well as being able to apply, deepen and refine these methods with their clients. Designed for both beginners and more experienced practitioners, the workshops require no prior knowledge of parts work and will also feature live demonstrations. The training utilizes a lecture-demonstration-practise format. Hence, the training is a stimulating blend of theoretical, vicarious, and experiential learning. The workshops lead to internationally recognized certification in Ego State Coaching and Counselling by Ego State Therapy International (ESTI).

What is Ego-State-Coaching und Counselling (ESCC) and how did it develop?

I am a clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, and life coach, from South Africa and created the concept of Ego State Coaching and Counselling (ESCC) after many years of teaching clinical Ego State Therapy as a treatment approach for trauma, dissociation, and many other debilitating effects of the trauma response. During my youth, I was a gymnast and short-distance athlete myself. Later I realized that the clinical Ego State Therapy approach of John and Helen Watkins offered a very useful framework of intervention in more than just the trauma field. Over many years I used ego state methods and principles of working with parts of the self with many world-renowned Olympic athletes, short-and-long-distance athletes, decathlon athletes, pole vaulting athletes’, divers, Olympic swimmers, Olympic gymnasts, dancers, and paragliders, to name only a few. The goal was to optimize their athletic and personal performance. I also used these techniques to coach politicians on how to improve their public appearance and general performance. I originally trained as an Ego State therapist and clinical hypnotherapist with Prof J.G. Watkins and prof H. Watkins, Dr Jeffrey Zeig and Dr Jay Haley in the United States of America.  Ego State Therapy as such, was the creation of Dr John and Helen Watkins (Ph.D) from the United States. The Watkins’ did not conceptualize the ego as one monolithic entity, as Freud did, but rather as consisting of parts, or so-called self-states or better known as ego states. Their theory was based on the original work of Paul Federn, a close associate and colleague of Freud. Federn conceptualised ego states as shifting energies within the personality. John and Helen Watkins formulated a theory and treatment model for what became known as Ego State Therapy. Ego states or parts of the personality are defined by Hartman (2018) as neuro-physiological and psychological manifestations of the autonomic nervous system response which may develop as a reaction to certain life experiences, both positive and negative.  As such ego states or, self-states may be activated and worked with dynamically to optimize clients’ performance, life satisfaction, resourcefulness, self-regulation and resiliency.

In close collaboration with my ex-students and associates in Germany, Japan, China, Switzerland, Austria, the United Kingdom, and Australia, we jointly developed a theoretical and practical curriculum for Ego State interventions specifically designed for professionals working in health-related fields, such as coaches, social workers, teachers, sports trainers-and facilitators, psychological-, spiritual-and religious counsellors, theologians etc. The curriculum comprises four to six consecutive modules and are endorsed and certified by Ego State Therapy International (ESTI) as meeting internationally agreed standards.  The training is presented by me and a highly skilled team of internationally certified ego state trainers and faculty members.

Please take note of the entry requirements!

Ego State Coaching and Counselling (ESCC) 

Module 1

An introduction to Ego State Coaching and Counselling (ESCC). What are ego states and how can this this concept be useful for coaches, counsellors, trainers and professionals in health-related fields? 

Theoretical Overview

The Watkins described the human personality not as a monolithic entity but rather as consisting of different parts or aspects which they referred to as ego states. In this first workshop participants will learn the most recent conceptualization regarding what an ego state or self-state is, how it may develop and how its formation could negatively impact satisfaction with life, self-regulation, self-confidence, resiliency, performance, a sense of well-being and health in general. 

In this specific workshop we will provide an in-depth overview of the theoretical basis of ego states, the ego state model, its epistemology as well as the latest conceptualization regarding the neuro-biological foundations of ego states and its interconnectedness with resourcefulness, strength, capacity building as well as trauma and dissociation. The River of life Model (Hartman, 2018), the ladder of life Model (Deb Dana) representing exactly how the autonomic nervous system is functioning, as well as the Polyvagal Theory of Stephan Porges and its relevance to the neurophysiological basis of ego states, will be described and explicated. 

Participants will be introduced to the concept of neuroception and how to map and track the nervous system responses of clients in terms of Polyvagal Theory, the Ladder of Life Model as well as assessing the indicators of self-regulation.  A thorough knowledge of Polyvagal Theory helps ego state therapists, coaches, and professionals in health-related fields to better understand how to assess client’s specific and unique autonomic state responses and then how to reshape and reset the nervous system response as ego states are representing rigid, habitual patterns of self-protection. Our goal is to help clients move out of pathological, rigid and stuck autonomic self-states into healthy and flexible states of mind. This will have a profound effect on clients’ experiences of safety and their ability to perform optimally, self-regulate, to connect with the outside world and to feel safe. We will consider the importance of psychoeducation during the intervention process and the significance of the client-coach/counsellor relationship. The 5-step SARIA intervention model of Ego State Coaching and Counselling will also be described to achieve these goals.  

Practical application with live demonstrations and dyad exercises

We will start the workshop by teaching participants how to interview clients in a safe manner and how to establish a sense of trust. The primary focus will be on how to utilize the verbal pendulation technique during the first interview, and how to access safe body experiences to stabilize the client before intervention can commence. We will then demonstrate how to use practical ego strengthening techniques, safety, stabilization and grounding techniques with special attention to body resources. We will show how to integrate Trauma therapeutic Yoga (TTY) exercises, breath work, Somatic Experiencing (SE) techniques as well as techniques from Energy Psychology for the purpose of creating a sense of safety and stabilization. We will then demonstrate and practise internal focussing techniques such as the so-called funnel technique and how to create a so-called “safe place or space”, by imagining both an external and internal place or safety, tranquillity or inner peace for our clients and how to use that to create internal safety.  More advanced ego strengthening techniques such as the Inner Strength will also be demonstrated and practised. The workshop will entail daily practical exercises in dyads under the personal supervision of Dr Hartman and his assistants.  Participants will receive exact protocols of how to conduct the interventions.  The workshop will have a lecture-demonstration-practise format where participants will learn hands-on techniques how to work with their clients and their unique ego states.

Module 2

Identification, mapping, activation of and communication with resourceful ego states

Theoretical Overview

Probably the most significant difference between the ego state approach and other parts approaches is the fact that this approach conceptualizes the human personality not only as consisting of pathologically dissociated ego states, but also as consisting of resourceful ego states which help us to self-regulate and to function as an integrated whole in everyday life. Ego State Coaching-and Counselling is a powerful method for helping our clients plumb for the best in their own personalities and to assist directly in untapping resourceful ego states associated with determination, survival, resiliency, hope, optimism and love that ultimately allow our clients to flourish.  In this workshop we will continue to explore the neurobiology of the nervous system and how it impacts on resourceful states. We will discuss what the utilization approach of Milton Erickson entails and how to use it within the broader context of ego state approach. We will then consider what is a resourceful ego state, the different kinds of resourceful ego states, such as the inner advisor, the wise part of the self, inner love states and how to identify and get in contact with these states. Different ways of accessing such states will be explored and discussed. We will consider the neurophysiological basis of stress reactions and how resourceful ego states can reduce stress and contribute to optimal flow, healthy functioning, self-satisfaction, self-regulation and resiliency. Finally, we will discuss how to interview and communicate with ego states in an empathic and permissive way. 

Practical application with live demonstrations and dyad exercises

The practical part of the workshop will entail the identification, activation and utilization of resourceful ego states, and how to interact and communicate with such states in a permissive and empathic way. Additionally, we will show participants how to recognise the specific role and function of a resourceful ego state within the greater personality system and to how to identify where and how the ego state influences the daily functioning of the client and his/her body and the psyche. We will then explore the relationship between the ego state and the client and how the resourceful ego state perceives and supports the client. The dyadic relationship between the client and its ego states and the relationship between the coach/counsellor and the client’s ego states will also be discussed. In the practical part of the workshop participants will learn hands-on techniques and will receive a detailed protocol how to activate and communicate with resourceful ego states.

Module 3

Interaction, engagement and work with resourceful ego states and stressful events

Theoretical Overview

The focus of this module will be on how resourceful ego states play a role in the cognitive, emotional, spiritual and bodily well-being of our clients. Secondly, we will discuss how to interact and work with one or more ego states within the internal system simultaneously. Our clients mostly come to us in activated, stressed or even traumatized states of mind. If the level of emotional charge and activation is too high at any given moment, it may compromise integrative functions, physical well-being and even disrupt memory processing. Our goal will then be to stabilize the client, to gradually down-regulate any high levels of stress and activation, to potentiate resourcefulness, to re-integrate physical and emotional stability, and to achieve re-balance and flow. Ways how to achieve this will be discussed and explicated as part of the theoretical component. We will consider ways how to effectively utilize the competencies, positive experiences and supportive relationships in clients’ lives, how to become more aware of one’s own positive resourceful ego states and how to integrate such states in the one’s life in a more congruent way. We will discuss how resourceful ego states could work as a harmonious integrated internal team so that the client’s overt presentation of him/herself will be positive and coherent. A final focus point of this workshop will be how to utilize the so-called “pendulation and shifting technique” as a way of optimizing resiliency, flow, performance and well-being. These techniques will be explicated and ways how to use these techniques to re-address stressful life experiences will be elaborated upon. 

Practical application with live demonstrations and dyad exercises 

In the practical component of the workshop, we will explore how to work with resourceful ego states in dynamic way. Dyadic communication between the coach/counsellor and the ego states of the client as well as the client and his/her own ego states will be further explored, demonstrated and elaborated upon. We will demonstrate how intra-state utilization and inter-state communication can enhance resourcefulness, flow and coherence within the greater personality structure. This will eventually allow clients to self-regulate and to move back into their window of tolerance. We will demonstrate how to use “shifting and pendulation” as a way of resourcing and how to integrate resources within the internal system to recreate a sense of “being whole” again.  We will then demonstrate and practise how to map and work with resourceful ego states by using techniques such as the “Mapping in Space” technique, a technique referred to as “Chairs of Resourcefulness and the “SIFTing technique”.  These techniques will then be practised in dyads. This will give clients the opportunity to activate and get to know their resourceful ego states by physically moving in and out of these states re-creating a sense of strength, resiliency, restoration and happiness. The workshop will follow a lecture-demonstration-practise format.

Module 4

Identification, activation, communication, engagement and work with problem-orientated and defensive symptom-producing ego states within the context of stressful life events

Theoretical Overview

In previous modules we have already provided an in-depth overview of The River of life Model (Hartman, 2018), the ladder of life Model (Deb Dana) representing exactly how the autonomic nervous system is functioning, and the Polyvagal Theory of Stephan Porges and its relevance to the neurophysiological basis of ego states. Within the context of these models and theories, we will, in this workshop, discuss and elaborate on the formation, function, role and purpose of problem-associated and symptom-producing ego states. Such ego states are often associated with various negative life events and experiences as well as an array of psychosomatic symptoms and diseases of traumatic stress such as irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, perfectionism to name only a few. We will discuss how to activate, communicate and directly and indirectly interact with these states.  Furthermore, we will consider how to build a therapeutic relationship with such ego states and how to create a sense of trust with them. At the same time, we will discuss how to look for signs of activation and deactivation in the body posture and body movements. We will then consider ways to track the neuroception of the client in terms of the Ladder of Life and how to assess the indicators of self-regulation according to the River of Life Model.  One focus point will be how to perform phase 3 work according to the SARIA-intervention model, how to determine the basic need of the problem-associated and symptom-producing ego state involved, how to address it, and then how to co-create an inner corrective experience for the specific ego state involved. Ways of how to use shifting and pendulation techniques between both problem-associated and resourceful ego states to reset the autonomic nervous system response, will be discussed and explained. Additionally, coaches, counsellors, teachers and trainers often deal with clientele reporting high levels of frustration, irritability, agitation and sometimes even uncontrollable anger outburst within different contexts. In this workshop we will also discuss how to deal with defensive autonomic fight and flight responses such as agitation, anger, frustration and irritability specifically within the Ego-State-Coaching-and Counselling context.

Practical application with live demonstrations and dyad exercises

In the practical component of the workshop, we will explore how to work with problem-associated and symptom-producing ego states in a dynamic and interactive way. Dyadic communication between the coach/counsellor and the ego states of the client as well as the client and his/her own ego states will be further explored, demonstrated and elaborated upon. We will demonstrate how intra-state utilization and inter-state communication can be implemented to resolve stressful life experiences and address negative and self-destructive behaviour, thoughts and sensations to eventually reestablish, flow and coherence within the greater personality structure. This will enable clients to regain self-regulation and to eventually move back into their window of tolerance. We will then demonstrate how techniques such as “shifting and pendulation”, “Mapping in Space” and “SIFTing” could be implemented to recreate a sense of “being whole”, embodied and integrated again.  Practical ways of how to work with feelings of agitation, anger, irritability and frustration will also be demonstrated in this workshop. Participants will be provided with a detailed protocol.  These techniques will be practised in dyads to ensure that participants will be able to apply these techniques with their clients directly after the workshop. The workshop will follow a lecture-demonstration-practise format.

Training Requirements

Purpose and Scope of the training requirements

These guidelines are provided to assist professionals in determining whether they qualify for training in Ego State Coaching and Counselling. The guidelines facilitate the ongoing systematic development of the profession and may change in future. Please take note that governmental laws in different countries may supersede these requirements.

Who qualifies for this training?  

1. Professionals working in bio-psycho-social-and spiritual contexts as well as those working in helping-and health-related fields such as coaches, teachers, counsellors, sports trainers, philosophers, sociologists, theologians, professionals in the business and corporate world, etc are welcome to attend.

2. We also welcome officially recognized and licensed health care providers such as medical doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, osteopaths, body therapists, speech- and language pathologists, physiotherapists, nurses and occupational therapists, etc to join.  Health care providers are the people who treat medical, dental, and psychological health conditions and disorders. Researchers studying the effects and mechanisms of the ego state approach, or students in an accredited educational programme training who want to become health care workers, providers or researchers from healing professions are also welcome. 

Specific entry requirements

1. Professionals with at least a recognised higher education qualification such as a diploma and/or university degree (bachelor’s degree, master’s or doctoral degrees) from accredited training institutions such as universities or colleges.

2. Professionals with proven practical training working in helping-and health-related fields as well as officially recognized and licensed health care providers may participate.

3. Professionals with at least 2 years of proven professional job and career experience within health-related fields.

4. We reserve the right to make exceptions to these requirements based on individual circumstances such as specific qualifications, practical training and levels of experience.

5. Individuals who attest that they will use the techniques taught in this training to enhance the general performance, life satisfaction, psychological- and physical well-being and the general health conditions of their clients, and consistent with their specific field(s) of expertise and training, will be accepted.

General comments

Between-country differences

We recognize that there are critical between-country differences regarding which specific health care disciplines are considered the most appropriate treatment providers for various health and performance conditions and believes that the differences should be respected. Each specific training institute is in the best position to determine how the guidelines and requirements presented here should be specifically applied in their own country. However, Ego State Therapy International stipulate specific rules and ethical guidelines to be adhered to.