Animal kinesiology training course: experience report by head teacher Michael Sorsche - The certified animal kinesiologist NGL course is deliberately open to anyone interested in helping animals
Please introduce yourself briefly, tell us about your career and your current job.
My name is Micheal Sorsche. I am the director of the PHOENIX School in Riedholz. We offer training and further education in all aspects of human beings - including a diploma in animal kinesiology. I am the main instructor here.
Who is the target group for animal kinesiology training?
The target group for animal kinesiology training is basically anyone who has a relationship with animals. Anyone who feels they have a therapeutic gift for animals. Someone who realizes that they want to give animals more than just having an animal for themselves. You need access to what animals need. Someone who has the necessary intuition and is able to recognize animals and recognize the connections between what is going wrong between the animal and the owner. But who can also recognize where the animal's problems lie. If you also have a little enthusiasm and ambition, the PHOENIX School of Animal Kinesiology is the right place for you.
Are there admission requirements for the course?
There are no admission requirements for the certified animal kinesiologist NGL course. In principle, everyone gets the chance to complete a course with us. Because we have the feeling that you only realize where your strengths and weaknesses are during the training. So anyone can join and take part. We don't exclude anyone from the outset.
Is this the case at all schools that teach animal kinesiology?
Not every school admits everyone to animal kinesiology training. For us it is simply the conviction that no one should be excluded on the basis of what they bring or don't bring... Everyone should have the chance to train in animal kinesiology. This is a little different here than at other schools. The only exclusion criterion for us would be a lack of conviction that we want to help animals. After all, our aspiration is that our graduates want to help animals. Self-fulfilment is part of it, but if you only do it because you feel like it - that's not what we like to see. Our focus is on the animal and, in the end, as an animal kinesiologist, you can also help the animal through animal therapy.
What is the content of the animal kinesiology diploma course?
The animal kinesiology diploma course first teaches the kinesiological basis. You first learn the kinesiological muscle test and how to approach an animal in the first place. Animal kinesiology training also teaches the basis of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and its interpretation. The stress diagram is drawn up. Handwork with massage and acupressure as well as some laying on of hands. Also energy work, pain work and scar disorders. Then we have a basic module for veterinary medicine so that you have a bit of an idea of what is in the diagnosis. However, this is a secondary point because we want to concentrate on the holistic work on the animal. Bach flowers and Schüssler salts are also important topics. What we have exclusively in the area of stress relief in the kinesiology section is end-of-life care. There you learn how to accompany an animal in the dying process and also how to accompany the owner. This is also a very important point in our animal kinesiology training.
How long does the animal kinesiology course last?
The course in animal kinesiology with a diploma lasts 20 months. You have a weekend of lessons once a month. Between the teaching blocks you have time to practise and deepen what you have learned. You can familiarize yourself and ask questions. The next time, you build on what you have learned.
How is the course completed?
At the end of the diploma course in animal kinesiology there is an examination based on three pillars:
- Diploma thesis consisting of two case descriptions of cases worked on during the course to ensure practical relevance
- Written exam to test theoretical knowledge
- Hold stress relief as the main tool in front of an examination board (including representatives from the professional association) in the sense of professional work
Those who pass all three parts of the examination will also receive a diploma in animal kinesiology at the end. The Swiss Professional Association of Animal Kinesiology is working on a federal recognition for non-academic animal therapy professions.
What are the learning methods at PHOENIX School?
The PHOENIX School differs from other schools because of the family atmosphere we create. We always offer the option of practicing with us - even outside of the animal kinesiology courses. Through one-week collaboration or practice afternoons. We also offer online support for our students to ask questions about animal kinesiology. We always try to actively exchange ideas between the teaching blocks and work together on problems from animal kinesiology practice. This kind of support is simply part of our work. Even after the training, it is important for us to stay in contact.
What about the school location and accessibility?
The PHOENIX school is located in a wonderful old site in Riedholz near Solothurn. The train station is just a 5-minute walk away. There are also plenty of parking spaces available. We are also easily and quickly accessible from the Bern to Zurich highway connection. We also offer a good infrastructure.
What are the advantages for kinesiology students at your school?
At the PHOENIX School, it is very important to us that we offer an all-round service for students of animal kinesiology. You should be able to come to school with us and everything is taken care of. There is always fruit and sweets. Coffee is also freely available. Home-cooked food (including vegetarian and vegan) can be taken from the fridge for a small fee. You come here for the animal kinesiology training, feel comfortable and then leave. This is particularly important to us. That's why we have comfortable floor chairs where you don't get tired so quickly and can sit closer together. This also makes it easier to work together as a group.
Linda, deine Weiterbildungsfinderin
