Once accepted into treatment and in accordance with the instructions you will be given, you must refrain from using coffee, cigarettes, alcohol and all forms of drugs (other than prescribed by a doctor) for 48 hours before your first session. For 24 hours before your first session, you must confine yourself to a hotel room with no television, radio, telephone calls or work. The purpose of spending some time alone is to remove distractions, thus making it easier for you to gain access to your feelings.

Within the first three weeks you will be seen individually by your therapist as you undergo the intensive phase of therapy. Sessions are open-ended and their length is dictated by the needs of the patient, and the judgment of the therapist. Primal Therapy distinguishes itself by breaking certain established psychiatric traditions: in particular, the "45 minute hour". Sessions during the intensive period average between 2 and 2 1/2 hours. A patient will also enter group therapy upon the instruction of his therapist, usually after your first week of intensive.

At the conclusion of your three-week intensive, you will discuss with your therapist a follow-up program that will consist of group sessions and further individual sessions if indicated.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

FOURTH WEEK INTENSIVE
An additional week of individual intensive therapy is offered when needed, though it is usually taken somewhere between the sixth and twelfth month.

BUDDY SYSTEM
The Institute's treatment rooms are open throughout the day for private use by current advanced patients. This enables the operation of the "buddy system" whereby patients are able to help each other with their feelings, on the advice of their therapist. We also encourage our patients who are returning home to other cities to inquire in our office about a "buddy list" of other patients who may live in the same area and are willing to meet with you after you return home.

MARRIAGE & FAMILY COUNSELING
Session can be arranged for current patients with their spouse or family members.

SEMINARS
Open to all patients, these meetings are conducted by Vivian Janov and/or members of the Institute's staff. "Primal Pain and Creativity", "Sexuality", "Depression, Anxiety and Suicide " and "Eating Disorders" are some topics which are discussed.

MOVIE DAY
As a therapeutic instrument, movies which evoke feelings are shown in our group room periodically during the year for our patients.

CHRISTMAS GROUP
Christmas Group is held the Friday before Christmas and all of our patients are invited to attend. There is no charge for this holiday group, but each person is asked to bring an ornament to hang on the Christmas tree that best reflects their hopes and dreams for the New Year.

WELCOME BOOK
Upon arrival you will be provided with a booklet to help you become acquainted with the Institute and our surrounding neighborhood. The location and telephone numbers of local banks, markets, medical offices, shopping and federal offices are an example of some of the locations listed.

NEWSLETTER
The Primal Institute Newsletter is a quarterly publication. It contains information pertaining to Primal Therapy as well as stories and articles by our therapists and patients.

RETREATS
The Primal Institute offers a six day concentrated live-in therapy experience twice a year. This program is open to all current patients as well as to our many "former" patients from out of state and out of the country. Conducted by Vivian Janov, Barry Bernfeld, Gretchen Bernfeld and Nick Barton (who provides our follow-up sessions in London), this is our premier follow-up program which is generally held in the beautiful city of Santa Barbara, California. These Retreats attract our patients from all over the world, which in turn makes this a most exciting experience.

THANKSGIVING RETREAT
Our Thanksgiving Retreat begins with a group meeting early Thanksgiving morning at our residential Retreat site in Santa Barbara California. Following group, preparation begins in our dormitory kitchen for an incredible Thanksgiving feast. All participants share in the preparation for this family style meal. This is an amazing 4-day Retreat in which we bring together those who would not otherwise have family to share this special day with, or those who just enjoy the camaraderie of others during the holidays. This special Retreat combines group therapy with many other therapeutic exercises including our "buddy matching" which is an integral part of all of our Retreats.