News & Updates
Compact Alternative to the Three-Year Training
INFO:
The three-year training program will offer a compact alternative, which can also be booked individually.
2026: Vocal Sound Healing – Voice Sound Healing Therapy
– across 4 modules plus Zoom sessions
2027: Psyche and Voice
– across 5 modules plus Zoom sessions
(Currently in planning)
Three-Year Advanced Training
Holistic Voice Work and Vocal Therapy
10th and final cycle: 2025–2028
The 10th training cycle began in October 2024 with the Foundation Year.
At present, no new start date is planned.
See more HERE >>
About the Work
In my seminars and client work, I am continually fascinated by the holistic effects of voice, body, and singing.
Over the course of 38 years of professional experience, I have repeatedly witnessed the human longing for shared experiences of singing, movement, and sound.
Working with voice, body, and singing as a therapeutic medium bridges the disciplines of vocal pedagogy, music therapy, and psychotherapy.
Although music therapy is a broad field, the voice has often been underrepresented.
Through my independently developed and comprehensive approach, Voice and Singing Therapy, the voice has finally gained the significance it deserves.
Therapeutic work with voice, body, singing, and sound represents one of the most vital healing modalities of our time and the future.
Since 2003, I have shared my experience through advanced training programs at the ISGT and specialized seminars.
— Carien Wijnen
Target Groups
This training is designed for individuals who wish to use this method for personal development and to integrate it into their professional practice, including:
medical and psychological psychotherapists, psychologists, educators, teachers, speech therapists, dance and music therapists, breath therapists, musicians, singers, and professionals from psychosocial and healing fields.
Admission Requirements
- A stable, reliable singing voice
- Basic musical knowledge and rhythmic confidence
- Prior participation in a seminar with Carien Wijnen or equivalent experience
- Minimum age: 20 years
- Stable psychological condition
Participant Commitments
Participants agree to:
- Attend all course blocks (exceptions are contractually regulated)
- Study the assigned literature throughout the program
- Meet regularly in working groups for exchange and practice (in person or via Zoom)
- Take turns keeping a written record of each course block
- Observe and assist in at least one seminar with Carien Wijnen (during years 1–3)
- Keep a voice journal documenting personal development during the training and write a final report
Additional Requirements by Phase
Foundation Course (“Basis”, Phase 1):
- Prepare and present a short talk on a relevant topic (during the first to third year)
Advanced Course (“Aufbau”, Phase 1):
- Design and lead a group session within the training group and document the process
- Plan and lead an external group (minimum six sessions) and keep written records
- Attend supervision with C. Wijnen at least twice per year
Specialization Course (“Spezialisierung”, Phase 2):
- Conduct individual client sessions (two series of at least six sessions each)
- Practice in triads within the training group
- Attend supervision with C. Wijnen at least twice per year
Structure of the Training
The program follows a three-phase model: Foundation, Advanced, and Specialization (1.5 years).
It now spans 3.5 years, compared to 3 years in previous groups.
Phase 1 – Foundation (Year 1):
Introduction to the fundamental principles of holistic voice and singing work, as well as the basics of vocal therapy. Includes a variety of exercises and tools for working creatively with the body, voice, and song.
Phase 2 – Advanced (Year 2):
Builds upon and deepens the foundation work, with a special focus on group facilitation (singing groups and workshops). After successful completion, participants may apply for Phase 3.
Phase 3 – Specialization:
Expands and deepens the content of the first two years, with emphasis on individual vocal therapy and vocal music psychotherapy.
Each year consists of six course blocks (weekends) lasting three to four days.
Theoretical study and practical experience are closely intertwined.
See more HERE >> for the 3.5-Year Curriculum.
General Content
- Foundations of holistic voice work and vocal therapy
- Vocal music therapy and self-experience
- Voice: exploration, vocal warm-ups, voice training, freeing the voice, healing vocal trauma
- Self-awareness: imagery, vocal drawings, relaxation, inner process work
- Expression: toning, improvisation, vocal encounters, lament work
- Breath work: breath type theory (ATL), breath technique, diaphragmatic work, breath therapy
- Body work: loosening, meridian stretching, sound massage, bioenergetics
- Voice in motion: expressive movement, singing in motion, circle dances, voice percussion, Roy Hart work
- Resonance & vibration: resonance spaces, vowel sound effects, overtone singing, listening, humming
- Energy work: grounding, chakra work through sound, bija mantras, meditation, containment
- Healing voice: toning, vocal blessing, sound healing techniques
- Music theory & physiology: voice and hearing anatomy, breathing, music ethnology, solmization
- Psychology: psychosomatics, trauma, grief, therapeutic support, Polyvagal theory, vocal psychotherapy
- Songs: healing and meditative songs from around the world, chants, mantras, canons
- Instruments: frame drum, monochord, body tampura, percussion, singing bowls, etc.
- Leadership: group facilitation, conflict resolution, conducting singing circles, thematic seminars
- Individual work: vocal pedagogy, therapy, counseling, and guidance
- Professional identity: developing therapeutic presence and responsibility
- Learning group: self-experience, exchange, reflection, and continued study
A detailed syllabus outlining each training block is provided to participants.
Instructor
Drs. Carien Wijnen
Physician, Naturopath, Vocal Therapist, Body Psychotherapist,
Singer, Lecturer, Choir Director, Supervisor, and Teaching Therapist
Guest Lecturers (Advanced Phase):
- Overtone Singing: Miroslav Grosser, Overtone Singer and Teacher
- Sound Workshop (visit): Bernhard Deutz
Completion & Certification
Upon successful completion, participants receive a triple certification (by C. Wijnen, ISGT):
- Practitioner of Holistic Voice and Singing Work
- Group Leader in Holistic Voice Work and Therapeutic Singing
- Voice & Singing Therapist / Vocal Music Psychotherapist
Costs – Training Program WB10
Course fee: approx. €3,000 per year
Recognition for education vouchers and educational leave is generally possible.
A training contract is concluded with the ISGT, with an agreed payment plan (installments possible — 4 per year).
Participants cover their own expenses for accommodation, meals, travel, literature, and supervision (€95/hour).
Application Process
- Curriculum vitae (tabular form)
- Letter of introduction, including:
– musical background
– motivation for participating in the training - Personal interview (possibly via Zoom)
- Participation in at least one seminar beforehand
Conversations with me can take place during any seminar (also outside Berlin).
If attending a seminar and information session is not possible, a personal meeting can be arranged — in Berlin if preferred.
Information Sessions
Information sessions for the 2024 training in Berlin have been completed.
Training Venue – ISGT
Center for Yoga and Voice
Paul-Lincke-Ufer 30 (2nd courtyard, 3rd floor)
Berlin-Kreuzberg
One weekend per year will likely take place at Kapellenhof:
https://seminarhaus-kapellenhof.de
Participants are encouraged to organize their own accommodation.
A small number of overnight spaces are available at the center.
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