This journey begins after a person has become certified as a Certified Practitioner (CP). A CP who has formally enrolled in the process to become a TEP is called a Practitioner Applicant For Trainer (PAT) and uses the initials CP, PAT.
Become a Practitioner Applicant for Trainer
The CP selects a TEP to be the primary trainer for the PAT process. Only TEPs can serve as Primary Trainers for individuals seeking certification as a TEP. Some PAT applicants continue study with the same Primary Trainer who guided them through practitioner certification; other PATs choose a new Primary Trainer.
Together, the CP and TEP develop an initial training plan that encompasses three years of supervised training and professional development. This plan is submitted in the PAT Initiation form to the American Board of Examiners. Applications for the PAT process may be submitted between January 1 and July 15. The date the PAT Initiation form is received at the American Board of Examiners office is the “official” authorization date for being enrolled in the PAT process.
Submit Update Annually
After enrollment as a PAT, an annual update is due each July 15, beginning the next calendar year and until the PAT applies for certification as a TEP. Annual updates documenting progress must be kept current in order to be able to offer psychodrama training hours. Begin keeping detailed records immediately – including training offered and consultation received, professional development, and the names and hours of training received by students who have received training hours from you.
The PAT process, unlike that for becoming a CP, involves an ongoing relationship with the American Board of Examiners beginning with an initial plan for professional development, offering training, and receiving consultation on all training offered, followed by a continuous, cumulative sequence of Annual Updates documenting training provided, consultation received, and professional development obtained.
The Journey Ends — or Pauses
The successful completion of the journey ends when the PAT has been enrolled in the PAT process for a minimum of three years and has provided a minimum of 144 training hours, received 48 hours of consultation, and obtained 100 hours of professional development. The PAT applies to the Board and upon review is admitted to the TEP examination process. The journey concludes when the PAT has successfully passed both the written and the on-site examinations.
Some of those enrolled in the PAT process find that the process no longer coincides with their personal or professional situation or goals. The Board seeks to accommodate a PAT who encounters difficult personal or professional obstacles so that the PAT can successfully complete the process. In all circumstances the PAT is required to submit a PAT Annual Update and pay the PAT annual renewal fee until the PAT has passed both the written and onsite examinations or has withdrawn from the process.
Failure to submit an annual update will result in termination. Whether the PAT withdraws or is terminated from the process, an individual who is readmitted to the process must begin anew without receiving credit for hours previously obtained.
Q: What if it takes me more than three years to finish?
You don’t have to finish in three years. Just send in the annual PAT updates. Make a plan for completion. Trust in the process. Send your plan in.
Q: I’m having trouble offering enough hours for credit.
Yes, it is a challenging process. You must have spontaneity, creativity, perseverance, patience, talent and good fortune. According to Moreno, only the creative and spontaneous will survive. You may need training in marketing. This is may be an excellent opportunity to do pro bono work for non-profit agencies.
Q: What if I want to take a year off?
That’s fine. Send in the yearly update, make sure your primary trainer signs off, pay the annual renewal fee and simply state that you took the year off.
Q: What if I want to quit?
You can terminate the process at anytime. Simply send a letter stating that you are withdrawing from the PAT process and include one last “Annual Update” that covers the time between your last update and the date of your termination. Your primary trainer must also send a letter stating that you are withdrawing from the PAT process. Any PAT hours that you credited to psychodrama trainees before terminating the PAT process will be honored by the Board. If, at some future date, you decide to reapply none of your previous training, consultation or professional development hours will count.