IAPOP: International Association of Process Work Practitioners

IAPOP is the International Association of Practitioners of Process Oriented Psychology, who associate out of shared values, vision and goals, as well as support for diversity, creativity, relationship and the exciting range of research and practice within our professional community.

The Association came together in 2010 to continue supporting the collaboration and sharing of research, experience and ideas in the evolving field of Process Oriented Psychology, and its relationship to a wide range of fields from psychotherapy and psychiatry to mind-body medicine, conflict resolution and organizational development. IAPOP also supports continuing education, giving and receiving feedback among practitioners, and promoting diversity and shared standards among our training programs in Process Oriented Psychology internationally.

Process Oriented Psychology, or Process Work as it is more commonly known, is a new paradigm that integrates concepts from physics, psychology, anthropology, and spirituality into a new paradigm and methodology that has applications in many fields. Developed by Arnold and Amy Mindell and colleagues, it includes the key concepts Deep Democracy and Worldwork. These terms describe various aspects of Process Work theory and application.

IAPOP Membership

IAPOP membership is open to professional practitioners who are committed to the research and practice of Deep Democracy, Process Work, and Worldwork and have completed rigorous training programs through IAPOP affiliated organizations.

Aspects of Process Work and Its Applications

Process Work, developed by Arnold Mindell in the late 1970s, integrates Jungian concepts with physics and Eastern philosophies to address unconscious experiences through dreams, body symptoms, and unintentional signals. This approach emphasizes ‘unfolding’ these unconscious elements using verbal and non-verbal methods, including movement and deep somatic experiences, to promote awareness and integration. Initially applied to individuals and families, it expanded in the 1980s to large group conflict resolution, termed ‘Worldwork,’ and later explored connections between human experience and quantum physics. More about Process Work >

Deep Democracy is a central principle in Process Work. While Process Work focuses on integrating unconscious experiences—such as dreams and body symptoms—into conscious awareness for individual and collective growth, Deep Democracy extends this approach to group dynamics and societal interactions. It emphasizes the inclusion of all voices and perspectives, particularly those marginalized, to foster comprehensive understanding and conflict resolution. This integration highlights how Process Work’s therapeutic techniques can be applied beyond individual therapy to facilitate dialogue and transformation in larger social systems. More about Deep Democracy >

​Process Work offers a versatile framework with applications across multiple levels:​

• Individual Level (Innerwork): This self-reflective practice enhances personal awareness by exploring internal experiences such as dreams, body sensations, and spontaneous thoughts. Innerwork fosters self-discovery and personal growth, serving as a foundation for effectively engaging with others. ​
• Personal Level (Therapy): In therapeutic settings, Process Work addresses psychological and physical challenges by uncovering the underlying processes behind symptoms and behaviors. This approach empowers individuals to integrate marginalized aspects of themselves, promoting healing and well-being. ​
• Group Level (Worldwork and Group Facilitation): Extending to collective contexts, Process Work facilitates group processes and conflict resolution through methods like Worldwork. By emphasizing ‘deep democracy,’ it ensures all voices and perspectives are acknowledged, fostering inclusive dialogue and transformative solutions in communities and organizations. ​ More about Worldwork >

Tribute to Arnold Mindell 

It is with utmost sadness that we process and grieve Arnold Mindell’s passing. We also acknowledge that he is very alive and present with us as all the testimonials, thoughts and feelings are pouring in from the international community. As Amy Mindell states in her message: “It’s so heartwarming to feel how his work, life, and spirit will live on in all your hearts and through the work you each do in the world, fulfilling one of his deepest wishes – to make the world a better place for everyone.” 

Arny to his core was and is a pragmatic researcher who, through combining physics and psychology and with his uncanny ability to follow and trust Process, always looked at better ways to ease the world and human condition. It led him to develop the Dreambody concept and approach, to expand individual psychology to include group dynamics and worldwork, and to be the inspiration and motor for an ever-expanding international network of Process Work practitioners and training centers.

The International Association of Process-oriented Psychology (IAPOP) will always be indebted to him and hopes to continue his legacy and support the international community. As many of us are gathering and will continue to come together to honor Arnold Mindell, IAPOP plans to offer multiple platforms for gathering the shared knowledge and experiences. We would like to help collect and distribute what you all bring together in the regional get-togethers.