Multidisciplinary Training in Therapeutic Education and Social Therapy, focusing on Children and Adults with Lifelong Multiple and Profound Learning Disabilities

This 2.5‑year international advanced training program supports anthroposophic doctors and therapists in deepening their diagnostic, therapeutic, and relational capacities when working with children, adults, and older adults with complex needs. Those who are working within a therapeutic team and involved in the therapeutic process may also benefit from this training which will enhance their understanding of, and ability to participate in the therapeutic process. 

The course integrates an Anthroposophic understanding of human development, therapeutic education, contemplative practice, artistic and movement therapies, and conventional medical insights.

What is CALM-LD?

CALM-LD stands for Children & Adults with Lifelong Multiple & Profound Learning Disabilities 

This international, Anthroposophic, multidisciplinary initiative in Therapeutic Education and Social Therapy, it is carried by the Medical Section and the Section for Inclusive Social Development at the Goetheanum bringing together research, practice, and collaboration.

Programme Aims

Individuals with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD) require care that is attuned to the uniqueness, dignity, and depth of their human experience. Anthroposophic medicine offers a comprehensive and integrative approach. The training is designed to:

• Strengthen practitioners’ capacities in Anthroposophic diagnostic frameworks, including threefold/fourfold perspectives and the twelve senses.
• Integrate conventional medical knowledge with Anthroposophic insight in the care of individuals with PMLD.
• Cultivate sensitive and collaborative approaches through Child and Adult Conference/Study.
• Help participants to understand how to work with the complexity of individuals with overlapping combinations of PMLD, ASD, ADHD,  genetic syndromes, and comorbid mental health conditions.
• Develop practical skills in artistic therapies, eurythmy, sensory‑motor approaches, and contemplative methods.
• Explore ageing, palliative care, and end‑of‑life transitions with dignity and humanity.
• Embed good medical practice including research literacy, audits, and high‑quality case documentation.
• Create an international network committed to the advancement of therapeutic education and social therapy.

Who is it for?

• Medical doctors and health professionals with Anthroposophic training
• Anthroposophic art therapists, eurythmy therapists, massage therapists, and other therapeutic practitioners
• Experienced educators, social therapists, and residential practitioners working in Camphill or similar communities
• Professionals with anthroposophic training, or those working in anthroposophic educational, therapeutic, or community settings, supporting children and adults with PMLD (Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities), ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), and neurodevelopmental genetic  syndromes.
• Practitioners seeking to strengthen their diagnostic insight, therapeutic craft, and reflective practice

The Program

This program is structured into six in-person modules held at the Goetheanum Campus (Dornach, Switzerland) and the United Kingdom, complemented by a series of inter-module online seminars. 

Check the full program details and dates below.

Download Program (PDF)