Use Of Self Residency

MSOD faculty member and OD Network Lifetime Achievement Awardee Charlie Seashore leads an MSOD cohort through the course Use of Self. Photo: Fred Field

Use of Self Residency

The Use of Self Residency is a week-long course now offered at the Airlie Center, located just one hour from Washington, DC. Airlie provides MSOD cohort members with an exceptional and time-honored environment for learning, dialogue, and new understandings.

AU MSOD cohorts continue the legacy of going to a “cultural island” to focus on Use of Self in Professional Practice during their first year of the MSOD education. The Residency course, Use of Self, explores theories and concepts related to building, maintaining, and enriching effective interpersonal relationships and the use of self as practitioner in consultative and change processes. The highly experiential course builds skills and self-awareness relevant to working with individuals, small groups, and large organizations.

Being “in residence” is an important element in the learning process. During the Use of Self Residency, the cohort experience is deepened. Opportunities arise to examine and learn from the cohort’s dynamics, starting with the process of making travel and lodging arrangements together for this isolated locale. In addition to the class sessions, AU MSOD students take time to refresh and rebuild, enjoying the natural setting, socializing, and reflecting on their experiences thus far.

What Students Say:

"Being in the community of Bethel and learning and seeing the history and influence NTL and founders have had was amazing and cemented the reality of what I am learning."

"[The faculty’s] ability to teach theory that is applicable to the everyday interaction has inspired me beyond what I am able to articulate. [They] have watered a seed long planted and I look forward to bringing forth fruit. Thank you for your contribution to my life and work."

"Going to Bethel, experiencing history and how that affects me and the cohort and the system. Experiencing the discovery and learning of self in the cohort context. Experiencing my head, my heart, and my body."

"I loved it. I will have learnings show up for the rest of my life from this course."