A range of course formats is available which can provide a general orientation into the anthroposophical approach to health care.
This is an exciting new programme, of value both for individuals who have not yet taken up a professional training as for those already qualified as health care professionals. The range of professions for which these studies can be a creative adjunct include: counselling, psycho-therapy, social therapy, remedial education, eurthmy therapy, music therapy, therapeutic speech as well as nursing and the medical profession.
These studies are available in a variety of course models ranging from weekly half-day or whole-day sessions, blocks ranging from a few weeks to a term, as well as continuous courses of one to two years in duration.
The range of subjects that can be included
in the anthroposophical health studies:
1. Epistemology and the methods of natural science, “Goethean” science and spiritual science.
2. A phenomenological study of the four platonic elements and the four kingdoms of nature.
3. Human biology, including, phenomenological studies, natural scientific knowledge, as well as holistic and spiritual perspectives.
4. Physical and psychiatric illnesses. Using natural scientific psychological and spiritual scientific perspectives and the resulting treatment possibilities within the various therapeutic modalities.
5. Child development and developmental phases in adult life.
6. Fundamentals of remedial education.
7. Studies in general anthroposophy including the spiritual constitution of the human being in health and illness. The philosophy of cognition and volition. Karma and reincarnation.
8. The history of art as a reflection of the development of the human consciousness.
9. Enlivening practices for professional, personal and spiritual development.
10. Painting, drawing, clay modelling, eurythmy, singing and speech related to the above themes.
Pedagogical aims and teaching methods
The method of teaching for most of the subjects is experiential and reflective and involves stimulating group interaction. In this sense students are encouraged to have the attitude of researchers rather than the recipients of information. The studies aim to train capacities for reading the spiritual and psychological processes that stand behind human health and illness.
The artistic subjects offer additional media through which both the general anthroposophical studies and medical studies can be experienced. For those able to participate for a longer period in aspects of the artistic training, this supports a stimulating path of self-knowledge and self-development.