Our programs follow the highest professional standards in mental health education, ensuring experiental learning and career readiness.
Self-Healing
Theory & Foundation
Real World Practice
Entrepreneurship
Begin Transformative 12-Month Certification Journey
At the Becoming Institute, we meticulously guide our students through a transformative 12-month certification journey, equipping them to deliver psychotherapeutic interventions at the highest standard. At the heart of our curriculum is the Becoming Method™, an evidence-based approach developed from nearly a decade of research. This method utilizes Conscious Forgiveness as a transformative tool, proven to facilitate rapid and lasting shifts in psychological well-being and personal development.
Our program is built on the principles of experiential learning, engaging students with cutting-edge educational techniques under the guidance of our seasoned faculty, who bring extensive field experience. Join our nurturing community and acquire the essential skills, insights, and hands-on experience required to excel in the field of psychotherapy.
To empower, educate, and mobilize the great healers of the 21st Century.
To establish a global network of healers and trauma recovery specialists equipped with the knowledge, experience, and insights to catalyze profound change in individuals and communities across the globe.
The Skills Insights, and Experience You Need To Succeed
Legacy of Peace
At the heart of the Becoming Institute is the philosophy of Ubuntu, which asserts, “I am because we are.” This principle reflects the profound interconnectedness of humanity, reminding us that each person’s well-being is deeply intertwined with the lives of others. It informs every aspect of our work—from teaching and community engagement to trauma recovery—honouring the collective without neglecting the unique paths of individual healing.
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We believe the greatest form of restorative justice is healing peoples and nations deeply wounded by colonization and the enslavement experience.
We believe that the next great leap in human evolution lies in overcoming the divisions that have caused so much conflict and pain throughout history. Disconnection from ourselves and others perpetuates the cycles of trauma and conflict that have plagued generations. By fostering connection, we bring about the Freedom and Liberation of the Human Spirit, which is the key to healing and true transformation. As a student at the Becoming Institute, you will learn to embody these core values, applying them in your own life and in your work with others. Together, we are building a global movement of trauma recovery specialists committed to healing and transformation—one that creates lasting change for individuals, communities, and future generations.
The Becoming Project is a community-driven initiative committed to authentically engaging communities in a transformative movement aimed at ending intergenerational trauma. Using a practical, step-by-step approach, we empower communities to heal and use an advocacy-informed approach to significant changes in their social and economic environment. We are mobilizing communities to play a part in ensuring that every member has the opportunity to fully participate in all aspects of communal life. As a student or partner you will join us in shaping a future where legacy and opportunity are defined by resilience and growth, not trauma.
Reclaiming Our Roots is an annual 3-day Communal Healing event held in conjunction with Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Day. Through storytelling, cultural expressions, and collective reflection, this powerful gathering unites members of the Black & Aboriginal communities in honouring our resilience while empowering our communities to envision and build a more just and equitable future.
Net-Zero Racism is a community health initiative that tackles the link between intergenerational trauma and racism, hatred and bigotry experienced in institutions & communities. Our multifaceted approach, including the innovative Net-Zero Racism Intention Project, aims to systematically dismantle racism, promoting healing and equity for all.
At the Becoming Institute, we actively prioritize representation within our faculty and program offerings. This commitment ensures that students see themselves reflected in their instructors, enriching the learning environment with a diverse array of experiences and perspectives.
Setting itself apart from traditional programs that often prioritize theory over practice, the Becoming Institute emphasizes practical, hands-on training that supports our students with being job ready. This approach includes supervised internships and real-world applications through a unique 1000-Hour Practicum, ensuring that students are not only learning but also applying their knowledge in tangible settings.
The Institute offers an accessible entry into its programs by removing common barriers such as stringent academic prerequisites. This inclusive approach ensures that anyone with a genuine interest in trauma recovery and a commitment to healing can pursue an education, regardless of their academic background.
The curriculum at the Becoming Institute is designed to be holistic and culturally sensitive, addressing the specific needs of marginalized groups. This approach integrates cultural competence and the interconnectedness of the Ubuntu philosophy
Beyond its educational offerings, the Becoming Institute provides extensive support for students post-graduation. This includes business wrap-around supports that supports entrepreneurial success with coaching, mentorship and business acumen.
The Becoming Institute is dedicated to ending intergenerational trauma through transformative education and community engagement. Our mission is to empower individuals and communities with effective trauma recovery techniques, using our signature Becoming Method™, to foster healing, resilience, and growth.
We offer a variety of programs focused on trauma recovery, including a 12-month certification for becoming a Certified Trauma Recovery Specialist. Our programs integrate the Becoming Method™, a unique approach that combines practical, hands-on training with deep cultural competence, tailored to meet the needs of diverse communities, particularly those of African descent.
The Becoming Institute is for anyone interested in learning how to effectively address and heal trauma, whether personal or communal. This includes healthcare professionals, community leaders, educators, and anyone committed to fostering healing. There are no stringent prerequisites, making our programs accessible to all who are dedicated to this cause.
Unlike traditional educational institutions, the Becoming Institute emphasizes practical experience, cultural competence, and an accelerated pathway to professional practice. Our curriculum is designed to provide hands-on learning experiences early and often, ensuring that our students are not only knowledgeable but also skilled in applying trauma recovery techniques in real-world settings.
Students at the Becoming Institute can expect a comprehensive support system that includes academic advising, career development services, and unique offerings like business coaching for private practice. We ensure that our students are well-supported not only during their studies but also as they transition into their professional roles.
Our curriculum is developed with a deep focus on cultural sensitivity. We ensure that all educational content is relevant to and respectful of various cultural backgrounds, especially those of marginalized communities. Our faculty is diverse and trained in cultural competence, providing an educational experience that is inclusive and enlightening.
Applicants can apply through our enrolment portal where they will find the application form and details about submission deadlines and required documents. Our admissions team is also available to assist with any queries through the admissions email provided on the site.
The Becoming Institute collaborates with key government agencies and the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) to offer substantial financial support to our students. We recommend applying for the RNAO’s programs, which provide up to $1,500 in tuition stipends for nurses pursuing advanced education and for those interested in working in underserved areas post-graduation. Programs such as the Nursing Education Initiative (NEI) and the Advanced Clinical Practice Fellowship (ACPF) support registered nurses (RNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) with educational funding to advance their skills. For more information on these funding opportunities, please visit the RNAO website.
There are numerous ways to engage with the Becoming Institute beyond our academic programs. Individuals can participate in community projects, volunteer for events, or collaborate on research initiatives. We also offer opportunities for professionals to contribute as guest lecturers or as part of our continuing education workshops.
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Every contribution makes a difference! Your support helps provide scholarships, resources, and opportunities for students to succeed. Together, we can transform lives and create a future of healing and empowerment.
Dr. Joan Samuels-Dennis,
Dean, School of Psychotherapeutic Innovations
Becoming Institute Inc
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