Self-Paced InterPlay Life Practice Program ONGOING
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Online, ONLINE
Program timing flexible
Immerse yourself in the system of InterPlay ideas and practices that can move you from where you are to where you would like to be.
Find freedom through movement, story, sound, and stillness, and discover creative ways to change what you want to change in your life.
Shape your life in ways that are best for you, using this supportive, affirming program
Receive individual attention from your program mentor to help identify your personal and professional desires and intentions.
The Self-Paced Life Practice Program gives you the flexibility to put the program components together at your own pace, with the guidance of a Life Practice Program Mentor.
You may be able to apply previous InterPlay coursework to this program.
Although some previous experience with InterPlay is encouraged, there are no prerequisites for taking part in the InterPlay Life Practice Program.
The Elements of the Self-Paced Life Practice Program
• 55 total contact hours
• Multi-day event, such as the Secrets of InterPlay (15-20 hours)
• Body Wisdom Tools course weekly class series (16 hours)
• Three focus sessions with your Life Practice Program mentor
• Complete the reading/writing/reflections found in the Secrets of InterPlay booklet
• Complete the InterPlay 8 Core Elements Self-Study
• Previously completed equivalent programs are accepted.
For more information on the Life Practice Program in general click here.
Program Cost: $2,250 for in-person; $1,950 if all online; somewhere in between for a combination of in-person and online components.
Financial Assistance
Diversity is a great gift in the InterPlay experience. Based on our commitment to Racial Equity and Transformation (read our statement here) and our understanding of other structural and personal inequalities that exist, Body Wisdom is committed to making our programs financially accessible.
Financial considerations need not be a barrier to your participation. Financial support and flexible payment plans are available. Please email office@interplay.org (or call 510/465-2797), or feel free to speak to one of the leaders of this program.
Self-Paced Life Practice Program Attendance
Community building is an integral part of the InterPlay system. To experience the most out of any Life Practice Program, we recommend that you attend all of the sessions. If you are considering becoming an InterPlay leader, completing the reading/writing and the 8 Core Element Self-Study and participating in a full 55 hours of the program will be necessary to complete this Life Practice Program, which is the first step in becoming a certified InterPlay leader. If you have questions about this please visit: InterPlay Leader Training Program.
Continuing Education Credit
Up to 55 CE credits for various healthcare and allied healthcare professions are available for those practicing throughout the U.S. and for educators only practicing in Illinois. CE pre-registration is required before the start of your event. Email Jane Siarny at interplaychicago@sbcglobal.net to APPLY for CEUs. There is a charge of $25-$40 per program. CEUs are offered through Continuing Education Institute of Illinois
Wondering if this program is for you? Please contact Life Practice Coordinator Jane Siarny at interplaychicago@sbcglobal.net or 630/715-8590
Cost: $1,950-2,250/$1,000-1,100 for repeaters-includes Secrets of InterPlay
Registration/Information: To Register or for questions, including Financial Assistance, email office@interplay.org
Sharie Bowman, MA, LMHC is a Mental Health Counselor and also InterPlay's Regional Coordinator for the Pacific Northwest. In 2006, Sharie completed her training as an InterPlay leader and also received her degree in mental health counseling, so InterPlay and counseling have been woven together in her bodyspirit from the start. She finds InterPlay to be foundational in building and maintaining her personal resilience, as well supporting her work with clients. In her private practice she regularly weaves InterPlay’s life-enhancing forms and philosophies with counseling wisdom to help individuals and families thrive.
Prior to 2006, Sharie worked as a high school math teacher and found InterPlay to be the best Teacher Training she ever received. The improvisational skills that she developed immediately brought more play, creativity, and expression to her teaching as well as to classroom management.
Now Sharie finds great joy in bringing her organizational and instructional skills to the InterPlay classroom, and she often leads the foundational InterPlay Life Practice Program and mentors new leaders. She relishes sharing the joy of InterPlay far and wide, and supporting each participant in integrating InterPlay into their own lives!
In 1991 at the National Sacred Dance Guild Festival, Jane discovered InterPlay and its co-creators, Phil Porter and Cynthia Winton-Henry. Jane was looking for something that would integrate her love of voice, music, improvisational movement and storytelling. With InterPlay she was able to integrate all these expressions and find a community based in affirmation, authenticity and the celebration of the human spirit. In 1992 she co-founded OUTABOUNDS Performance Company that was housed at the Chicago Cultural Center where Jane directed the Hedwig School of Dance and created the Dance Discovery Series.
Since co-founding InterPlay Chicago in 19941992 Jane has been instrumental in leading the Life Practice Program to help people integrate the InterPlay philosophy and practices. She also serves as a Mentor in the InterPlay Leader Training Program and as Coordinator of the Life Practice Program. She was thrilled when the InterPlay Art and Social Change Program came to Chicago in 2024 and is happy to see many participants pursue InterPlay Leadership Certification.
In 1985 Jane participated in a Sacred Dance Guild workshop at Granville Avenue United Methodist Church in Chicago. Now 40 years later, having moved into the neighborhood, she incorporates InterPlay into Granville’s Children’s Ministry. Growing up in the 1950s and 1960s she had the freedom of big lawns, wild woods, skating, dancing, singing at church, and cavorting along the trail with the Girl Scout Troop. With the rest of her days, she strives to cultivate creative communities where all beings can have the freedom to express who they really are and grow into who they want to become.
On the eve of her 70th birthday and 34 years with InterPlay, Jane is grateful for the support of the InterPlay Chicago Community, Granville Avenue United Methodist Church, and so many other organizations and persons: especially InterPlay co-creators Phil Porter and Cynthia Winton-Henry, Jane's family and friends around the world who continue to encourage her along this journey of life.