My work as a teacher, supervisor, and mentor is rooted in deep respect for the transformational power of embodied, relational practice. I support practitioners who are called not only to learn techniques, but to become the work—integrating theory, embodiment, and relational presence in a way that is ethical, sustainable, and alive.
Whether you are early in your training or moving toward certification and leadership, I offer learning spaces that are experiential, rigorous, and deeply supportive.
I am an Associate Faculty member for International Imago Training Institute and Certified Imago Supervisor, working closely with my mentor Michelle Bohls, supporting professionals on the Imago certification path.
I mentor clinicians, educators, and facilitators who are called to help couples and individuals move from reactivity into conscious relationship—using structure, safety, and intentional dialogue as vehicles for healing and growth.
Clinical application of Imago Dialogue
Case conceptualization through an Imago lens
Managing high-conflict and rupture-repair dynamics
Deepening therapist presence and relational neutrality
My supervision style integrates Imago structure with somatic awareness, helping practitioners stay grounded in their own nervous systems while holding couples with clarity, compassion, and precision.
As Senior Faculty with the Institute of Core Energetics, I teach and mentor students in the full lineage of Core Energetics as founded by John Pierrakos, MD.
The Institute’s primary training program is based in New York City, with residential training intensives held in Litchfield, Connecticut—immersive experiences that support deep personal work, embodied learning, and strong cohort connection.
In addition to my work with Institute of Core Energetics, I am also faculty with Next Generation Core in Northern Virginia, supporting the next wave of practitioners through applied teaching, experiential learning, and developmental supervision.
Senior Faculty Teaching in foundational and advanced Core Energetics curriculum
Residential Training Intensives (Litchfield, CT)
Practitioner & Student Supervision, including:
Case consultation
Character structure assessment
Energetic diagnostics and intervention timing
Ethical use of touch, charge, and relational presence
My approach to supervision emphasizes discernment, embodiment, and relational attunement—helping practitioners trust their energetic perception while staying grounded, ethical, and connected.
DETAILS & REGISTRATION FOR CORE ENERGETICS SUPERVISION
Across both Core Energetics and Imago, my work is guided by a few core principles:
Transformation happens through embodiment, not information alone
Structure creates safety—for clients and practitioners
The practitioners presence is the primary intervention
Supervision is a space for growth, not performance
I am especially passionate about mentoring practitioners who want to work at the intersection of somatic awareness and conscious relationships.
David deBardelaben-Phillips, M.Ed. is an educator, faculty member, and trainer specializing in Core Energetics and Imago Relationships. He teaches clinicians, facilitators, leaders, and couples how to integrate somatic awareness, conscious communication, and relational intelligence.
David is a Senior Faculty Member at the Institute of Core Energetics in New York City and teaches Core Energetics at Next Generation Core in Northern Virginia. His Core Energetics teaching includes character structures, resistance, energetic charge and discharge, embodiment, somatic release techniques, grounding, and so much more. He is known for making complex material accessible while maintaining depth, rigor, and experiential integration.
In addition, David is a Certified Imago Relationship Facilitator and Educator and has recently been named as an associate to the International Imago Teaching Institute. He teaches Imago theory and dialogue structures with an emphasis on safety, differentiation, repair, and conscious partnership. His integrative teaching style weaves Imago’s structured communication to understand how conflict in relationship is growth trying to happen.
In addition, David holds a Master of Education in Adult Learning and Development from Cleveland State University and brings decades of experience designing experiential education for adults. He has managed training departments within Fortune 500 organizations, developing curricula and leading large-scale leadership and communication programs. He has also taught behavioral health at the Cleveland Clinic Lifestyle 180 program.
David’s teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that transformation occurs through relationship, embodiment, and lived experience. He creates learning environments that balance structure and freedom, safety and challenge, inviting participants to engage and grow authentically.
