BWRT® Level 1 Practitioner Training
Learn a structured, practical approach to emotional change.
Level 1 provides qualified mental health professionals with a practical introduction to BrainWorking Recursive Therapy® (BWRT®). Over two days, you will learn the foundations of the model, how it fits within clinical practice, and how to begin using it appropriately with clients.
Leave with foundational knowledge and practical skills for integrating BWRT® Level 1 into clinical practice within your existing professional scope.
Who can attend?
BWRT® Level 1 is intended for mental health professionals with master’s-level or higher clinical education in psychology, counselling, psychotherapy, social work, or a closely related mental health discipline. Training should include substantive clinical preparation and supervised practice.
Applicants should also hold current professional registration, licensure, certification, or other recognized professional authorization appropriate to their jurisdiction, with a scope of practice that includes counselling, psychotherapy, psychological treatment, or equivalent mental health intervention. Practitioners are also expected to maintain appropriate professional liability insurance for their clinical practice.
Professionals who may be eligible include:
- Registered Psychologists
- Provisional Psychologists, where permitted
- Clinical Social Workers
- Registered Psychotherapists
- Registered Clinical Counsellors and Counselling Therapists
- Psychiatrists
- Physicians whose practice includes mental health care
- Other appropriately qualified mental health professionals who meet the education, clinical training, and professional requirements
BWRT® Level 1 is additional modality-specific professional training and does not confer or expand a professional licence, registration, certification, or scope of practice.
If you are unsure whether you meet the eligibility requirements, please contact BWRT® Canada before registering.
What you will learn
Over two practical days, you will be introduced to the foundations of BWRT® and how to begin applying the Level 1 protocol within appropriate clinical contexts.
Foundations
Understand the principles behind BWRT®, how the model is structured, and how it relates to the current understanding of brain processing.
Clinical process
Learn the BWRT® Level 1 protocol, including appropriate preparation, client selection, session structure, and key clinical considerations.
Practice
Take part in demonstrations, supervised exercises, case discussion, and practical learning designed to support clinical integration.
Practical, structured, and clinically relevant
BWRT® is taught as a structured approach that can be integrated into existing clinical practice. The course is designed for clinicians who want a clear model, practical skills, and careful attention to scope and ethics.
What happens after training?
After completing BWRT® Level 1 training, participants who wish to register as a BWRT® Level 1 Practitioner complete an individual online competency assessment with an approved BWRT® examiner.
How it works
The assessment typically lasts up to 60 minutes. It includes discussion of the core principles of BWRT® and a practical demonstration of the Level 1 process.
Timing
Participants are normally expected to complete the assessment within eight weeks of training. Assessment booking details and preparation guidance are provided during the course.
Why it matters
The assessment helps confirm understanding of BWRT® Level 1 and the ability to demonstrate the process appropriately within the practitioner’s existing clinical scope.
Is the assessment required? The assessment is required for those wishing to register as a BWRT® Level 1 Practitioner through the International BWRT® Institute. It also provides an opportunity to consolidate learning, receive feedback, and ask questions as BWRT® is integrated into clinical practice.
There is no additional fee for the initial assessment. If a reassessment is required, the current retake fee set by the International BWRT® Institute will apply.
Jenni van der Westhuizen
Registered Psychologist
Founder, BWRT® Canada
Level 1 training is delivered by Jenni van der Westhuizen, Registered Psychologist and approved BWRT® Trainer based in Alberta.
Jenni completed her BWRT® training directly through Terence Watts, the developer of BWRT®, and Rafiq Lockhat, whose contributions to the ongoing development, research, and international education of BWRT® have helped shape the model taught internationally today.
Training is delivered with a focus on practical application, ethical practice, and confidence in clinical implementation.
BWRT® Level 1 Practitioner Training
Calgary, Alberta
Dates: 24–25 October 2026
Format: In person
Audience: Mental health professionals who meet the Level 1 eligibility requirements
Early-bird registration: $795 CAD
Available until 9 September 2026.
Regular registration: $895 CAD
Group registration: Groups of three or more receive an additional 10% discount per person on the applicable registration rate.
Registration: Registration and payment are completed securely online. Your place is confirmed once payment has been successfully processed.
Final venue, arrival, and course-day details will be provided at least seven days before training.
What is included?
- Two days of structured BWRT® Level 1 teaching
- Practical exercises, demonstrations, and clinical discussion
- BWRT® Level 1 course materials
- Refreshments and lunch on both training days
Final course details will be provided at least seven days before training.
Training FAQs
Do I need previous BWRT® experience?
No. Level 1 is designed as an introduction to BWRT® for eligible practitioners.
Can I begin using BWRT® after Level 1?
Following successful completion of Level 1, practitioners may begin integrating the Level 1 BWRT® protocol into their clinical practice within their existing professional scope and in accordance with applicable professional, ethical, legal, and BWRT® requirements.
BWRT® training does not expand a practitioner’s existing professional scope. Consultation is available for practitioners who would like additional support as they begin integrating BWRT® into their clinical work.
Will there be practical exercises?
Yes. Practical demonstrations, supervised exercises, and clinical discussion form an important part of the training.
Is lunch included?
Refreshments and lunch are planned for the in-person training days. Final details will be confirmed before the course.
How many participants attend each course?
Numbers are intentionally kept small to support discussion, practice, and focused learning.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST
Interested in BWRT® Level 1 Training?
Complete the short form to receive course information. Or contact BWRT® Canada at training@bwrt-canada.ca.