FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What do graduates go on to do with the work? How easy is it to secure work?
The fields of expressive arts therapy, movement therapy and art as a healing force are continuing to grow, become more widely understood and recognized each year. Many of our graduates go on to work in a range of diverse areas – hospital settings, private clinics, colleges/universities, community health programs, as self-employed artists, movement educators/therapists, practitioners and consultants.
Some graduates work with particular focus groups and specialize in trauma, recovery from addiction, the elderly, corporate business, children, and community service. The area and line of work depends on each individual, what they bring to their training from previous background and strengths, the area of expertise in which they wish to focus, and how each graduate is able to apply their marketing skills.
How can I experience the Tamalpa Life/Art Process® before starting the training ?
The best way to get familiar with Tamalpa work is to take one of our public workshops which happen throughout the year. Please see our calendar for current offerings. Tamalpa Institute also has international branches where you might find a workshop happening in your timezone. Please find direct contacts for International Branches here.
If you would like to arrange a meeting with us, please email our office.
Do you have scholarships or funding?
We typically have one or two positions available for work-study students in each training program. Work-study positions are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to students who are able to demonstrate financial need. In exchange for assisting with hosting online training sessions, helping with studio set-up and clean-up during the in-person sessions at Mountain Home Studio, acting as the group’s contact person for the Tamalpa office, relaying administrative information to students, work-study students will receive a discount of approximately $400 towards their tuition.
The Institute also encourages students to apply for grants. In some cases, depending on the status of the ArtCorps Scholarship fund, Tamalpa may be able to offer matching grant scholarships.
For more details about ArtCorps scholarships, please visit this page.
The Institute does not provide loans to students and does not participate in federal or state financial aid programs. A student enrolled in an unaccredited institution is not eligible for federal financial aid programs.
If you have any questions about Financial Assistance, please contact us at this address.
Can I come straight in to do Level 2 and bypass Level 1?
Many students who already have backgrounds in performing arts, movements or psychology will ask this question. Because the Level 2 Leadership Training requires personal embodiment of our approach and methodology which is covered in the Level 1 training, students cannot bypass the Level 1 training. Level 2 is based on the understanding, principles and specific practices taught in the Level 1 training and builds upon the principles and practices of the work. Students need to experience and embody the Tamalpa Life Art Process for themselves in the Level 1 training program before applying for Level 2.
Do I need to have dance experience or art experience?
No dance or art experience is necessary to participate in our training programs. A love for creativity, a deep interest in the body, movement and art making, a commitment to in-depth personal and group inquiry and process work is essential. Our classes help each individual to cultivate their own expression and learning through each medium and through the art-based process.
What is the age group?
Training programs include a broad mix of ages, ranging from 23-65. Our applicants are predominantly in their late 20s to early 50s. However, we recognize no age limit!
Are there any other schools or institutes where I can learn the Tamalpa Life/Art Process®?
To train in the Tamalpa Life/Art Process® and to become a Tamalpa Practitioner, you will need to study at Tamalpa Institute. Level 1 can be taken at Tamalpa Institute in California or at any of our International Branches that currently offer Level 1. Students who wish to become Tamalpa Practitioners must pursue the Level 2 training program through Tamalpa Institute. For more information email us.
In addition we have graduates around the world who teach the work, offering classes and workshops to the general public. We recommend that those interested in our work take advantage of the programs offered by our graduate teachers in their home communities and countries.
What is a typical day in the training?
Each day typically includes movement/dance, drawing and creative writing or dialogue work. Discussions and sharing in groups of two, three or more are also part of a typical day. Please check out the ‘About Us’ tab on our website to read about our Process, Tools and Methods. This will give you a breakdown of the kinds of activities you are likely to experience in a day. For further information on what you are likely to experience in each training program see Level 1 and Level 2 under the Professional Training tab of our website.
Do I need to do Level 2?
Level 2 is designed to be intrinsic to training in our work and for the field. It is the next step following the Level 1 training. If you wish to teach the Tamalpa Life/Art Process® and be certified as a Tamalpa Practitioner you will be required to complete Level 2 and practitioner certification requirements. Many students come to experience Level 1 and then quickly find that once they have experienced the potential of the work for themselves they want to go on to advanced practice and to facilitate the work for others. Most students prefer to do both Level 1 and Level 2 training one right after the other, in order to continue training with their Level 1 cohort and to maintain a focused study of the work. It is possible to return on a different year for the Level 2 training.
Many Level 1 students who are not sure if they wish to go on to teach, find that the Level 2 training helps them to fully embody and put into practice what they have experienced and learned in Level 1. We do advise that if you are applying for funding that you include the Level 2 training in your application even if you are not sure if you are going to do both Levels, as often funding is only awarded in one sum. We also suggest that if you are inclined to be interested in Level 2 training, that you plan ahead for it.
I have an injury and/or disability. Will I be able to attend? How vigorous is the movement?
It depends on the injury/disability, the severity of the injury/disability and the way that the person wants to work with the injury/disability. It is very important that in your application process you notify the office in advance if you have any injuries or other medical conditions so that we can help guide you through what an average week will look like and so that we can asses the situation with you beforehand. Please note that the Level 1 & Level 2 trainings include in-person sessions at Mountain Home Studio which require the ability to walk up and down several flights of stairs. Some sessions include more vigorous movement than others. However in all classes physical limitations and injuries will be worked with. Our approach to movement/dance is not based on form and technique but rather on expanding the range of movement and creative expression to convey the authentic individual experience physically, emotionally and imaginaly. In Level 1 students are introduced to Halprin Movement Ritual – a floor based exercise to increase body awareness, expand range of motion, increase flexibility and release tension in a way that works within the given range of each individual.
