Why DvT?
Developmental Transformations (DvT) is a nuanced, potent, theoretically informed, embodied approach to healing, education, social justice, interpersonal relationships, and the rest of life. DvT can be used in a multitude of therapeutic and healing settings. Based in rigorous theoretical principles, philosophy, and movement practices, DvT utilizes one’s entire body and mind to inspire change and healing.
DvT is also a playfully somatic method that increases spontaneity and creativity, mindfulness, and one's ability to relate with others.
DvT is based on the principle that all life is unstable. Instead of trying to create a false impression of stability, we practice embracing the instability of being. DvT can be used for both therapeutic and life practice purposes.
The Training Model
Our training model is experiential and embodied, and is delivered through lectures, practical exercises, and readings. Competent DvT practice requires:
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practitioners who demonstrate a thorough understanding of the theoretical framework
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direct practice with other players (our word for "clients")
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a high level of embodied self-knowledge
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a deep capacity for critical reflection and self-regulation
In order to achieve this level of competency, DvT uses a developmentally based, triadic training structure that incorporates group training weekends, individual DvT training sessions and individual and group supervision.
The aim of DvT is to lower the fear of the instability of Being. As such, the applications of DvT in the world are varied and diverse. DvT, created by mental health practitioners, is a powerful tool in the healing and recovery from numerous mental health challenges, trauma in particular. DvT provides an equally expansive lab in which to work and re-work social inequities in order to discover and pursue more just and moral outcomes for all beings. DvT supports educators in building flexible classrooms and dynamic curriculum that lead students into exploration of content areas with enthusiasm and depth. Some individuals choose to train in DvT simply for the joy it brings, and in order to expand their window of tolerance, improve interpersonal relationships, and bring freedom from personal and professional anxieties and stress.
Given the knowledge and skillset of the DvT PDX Co-Founders, DvT PDX Practitioners will gain a deep knowledge and understanding of DvT as a critical practice in order to critique the world around them. DvT PDX Trainees will also gain skills and expertise in the healing of all forms of trauma and harm in a very direct way. Practitioners will be exceptionally prepared for activist work, community organizing, and trauma healing.
Training weekends occur 10 times across the Western academic school calendar. Training typically begins in September, and terminates in June, with two months off for summer. Long weekends span a Friday evening and full day Saturday. Short weekends are from 9-12 on Saturdays, and match up with the playdate schedule for our community players. Weekends alternate between long and short.
DvT trainees are required to complete a minimum of 60 hours of training therapy prior to graduating from Level 2. Training therapy most often begins during Level 2, however trainees may choose to start training therapy at any time.
Individual DvT supervision begins during Level 2, as most trainees aren't doing enough DvT with players prior to warrant the additional expense. DvT is a unique way of working, and as such, requires its own supervision.
Curriculum and Timeline
Level One: Embodied Encounter in the PlaySpace
Level One Practitioners will learn how to play, and to be played with. Practitioners will be introduced to basic DvT theory, the structure of individual and group sessions, interpersonal interventions, and key concepts like the recursive cycle, and the Four Bandits.
Level one takes a minimum of one year to complete
Level Two: Engaging in Practice with the Other
Level Two Practitioners will learn how to intentionally utilize the structures of play and interpersonal interventions to provide guidance others towards increasing comfort~ish with the instabilities of the world. Playors will go out and apply their knowledge in a variety of places and spaces, including Therapeutics, Education, Community Activism, Drama and Performance, etc.
Level 2 takes a minimum of two years to complete
Institute Requirements for Completion
Your training faculty, Rebecca Davis and Steph Bayne, are both highly experienced trauma therapists who at some point have specialized in working with system-affective youth and their families.
Training Weekends- Details
The Institute is held monthly, in person. During "long weekends" (usually September, November, January, March, and May), Saturday mornings are open to the public and are a chance to practice group and individual play and connect to a playful community. Saturday afternoons and Friday evenings offer skills practice, lecture and discussion, and advanced practice for those in pursuing DvT training with the eventual goal of becoming a practitioner and institute graduate.
During "short weekends", which occur on the off months (usually October, December, February, April, and June), we meet and play as a community group, with time before and after the playdate to review concepts and practice skills.
Monthly Group Supervision
Group supervision and theory discussion takes place for 3 hours on the 1st Wednesday of each month and is included in the cost of training. Group supervision provides Level 1 trainees the opportunity to practice thinking like a DvT playor, which is a complex skill. Group supervision provides Level 2 trainees opportunities for group feedback on their clinical work.
If you are not a member of DvTPDX but are interested in joining monthly group supervision, please reach out to dvtpdx@gmail.com.
Upon completion of the Level One training, students will be eligible to begin Level Two training, and work towards full certification in Developmental Transformations. Level One typically takes students 1.5 years, though students who are transferring from other cohorts or engaging in other DvT experiences outside DvTPDX may be able to finish sooner. All Levels are proficiency-based, and require approval to move on.
Level One requirements include:
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Attendance at the equivalent of at least 8 training weekends (measured in Hours)
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passing the Level One theory exam
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completing two papers - one based on an individual DvT practice session and one based on a group DvT practice session
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demonstrated basic proficiency in group and individual DvT
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conducting a minimum of twenty sessions each of individual and group DvT (can be done in a variety of settings)
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DvT supervision of individual and group work as required (our provided group supervision may fulfill this need)
*cost of supervision and individual DvT Training Therapy is not included in Level One training cost*
Students considering Level One are highly encouraged to attend Saturday morning playdates to meet us and get acquainted with DvT practice.
Level Two requirements include:
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Attendance at the equivalent of at least 16 training weekends (two years)
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passing the DvT Ethics exam
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60 sessions of training therapy, 20 of which may be completed virtually
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completing two papers - one about your individual DvT training therapy and one DvT practice paper, topic of your choice, to be discussed with training faculty
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demonstrated proficiency to supervise and teach DvT effectively
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Active engagement in one's own individual movement practice
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External DvT supervision of individual and group work at minimum 1x monthly**
*cost of external supervision and/or training therapy is not included in Level Two training cost*
Recommendation for graduation will be made by the local Institute faculty, training therapist(s), and supervisor(s), for final approval by David Read Johnson, Institute Director.
Tuition, Fees, and Enrollment
The following fees are specific to the DvT PDX Training Institute in Portland, OR.
Training Costs Per Year:
$1750.00, EITHER paid across 5 months ($350 every other weekend) OR paid across 10 months ($175 per month)
Please note- you are responsible for the full cost of the training, whether or not you are able to attend all the dates
Monthly Group Supervision is included with the cost of the training
Available Payment Methods:
Typically, trainees pay either via Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal. If you need a different arrangement, please let us know.
DvT Individual Supervision Costs:
DvT supervision typically ranges in cost from $90-$120 per session. Costs per session are set by each individual supervisor. Some supervisors may offer sliding scale and/or reparations fee structures.
DvT Training Therapy Costs:
DvT training therapy typically ranges from $90-$150 per session. Costs per session are set by each individual therapist.
Some therapists may offer sliding scale and/or reparations fee structures.
Admission Process:
Admission to the cohort is on a rolling basis. This means you can join us at any time, based upon your availability and readiness to have fun. The typical process takes place as follows:
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You email Bex and Steph at dvtpdx@gmail.com to let us know you're interested
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We have a conversation with you about your interests, past experience with DvT, and training goals (this is just for us to get to know you if you are new to us)
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If you have never attended a playdate, we encourage you to do that, to try out our way of working and see if DvTPDX is the right place for you
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We welcome you enthusiastically to the group! This involves a group chat, a bunch of emails with forms for you to sign, and your payment for the first training weekend to hold your space
**If you are a current student in the Portland State University MSW program, this process requires an extra step. See below for details
Attendance:
Regular attendance is required, and expected. We understand that things out of our control come up, however this is a cohort-style model, which means relational engagement is part of the learning process.
Assuming your absence would not impact the group is false. This would suggest you don't matter, which could not be more true! Not only are you missed when you are gone, we also miss out on learning opportunities when you do not bring your unique life experiences and ways of being.
Specific to Current Portland University MSW Students:
**if you are not currently enrolled in the Portland University School of Social Work program, this does not apply to you
As Rebecca (known as Bex in the DvT community) is on faculty at Portland State, and is actively teaching in the School of Social Work, your attendance may create a conflict of interest and/or dual relationship between the two of you.
This does not mean it is impossible for you to join. What it does mean is that a conversation with Bex and Steph is required before you will be accepted in the cohort.
Please notify Bex and Steph of your enrollment at PSU in the MSW program when you reach out. Transparency in the process is key.