American College of Orgonomy

The American College of Orgonomy (A.C.O.)was formed as a nonprofit institution by Dr. Elsworth F. Baker in 1968. The purpose of the College is to advance the scientific work in the science of Orgonomy, originally developed by Dr. Wilhelm Reich.

The A.C.O. trains therapists and offers courses in the field of Social Orgonomy for teachers, social workers, and other fields of interest. Standards in the field of Orgonomy are created and maintained by the College as well.

Dr. Wilhelm Reich was a prominent psychiatrist who trained with Sigmund Freud. His discovery of Orgone energy led to the development of the science of Orgonomy. This science encompasses several disciplines, including biological, social, and environmental sciences.

Originally called Vegetotherapy by Reich, Orgone Therapy developed into an effective method of solving emotional problems, often without the use of drugs of any kind. Dr. Baker was a student and co-worker of Dr. Reich in the United States. In her book, Orgone and You, Dr. Reich’s assistant, Lois Wyvell, explains how Dr. Reich asked Elsworth Baker to carry the science of Orgonomy forward in 1949.

Dr. Baker’s response to this challenge was to form the A.C.O. and to publish the Journal of Orgonomy in 1967 – a scientific publication devoted to advancing Orgone science. The A.C.O. continues to publish the Journal biannually. Dr Baker also wrote a major textbook on Orogne Therapy, “Man In the Trap”.

The American College of Orgonomy is based in Princeton, NJ. They offer a major Orgonomic conference every Fall, and hold regional talks on various scientific topics. Members of the College teach related college courses and also present introductory and advanced laboratory courses.

Training Programs:

Physicians who meet published qualifications can receive instruction in becoming Orgone Therapists. There are also courses offered for those interested in Social Orgonomy.

Publications:

Besides the Journal of Orgonomy, the A.C.O. publishes books of Orgonomic interest including Baker’s” Man In the Trap” and “Me and the Orgone”, by Orson Bean. The A.C. O. has also produced films about Orgonomy. Books and films are available through the A.C.O. website, www.orgonomy.org.

Information in this article was provided by The American College of Orgonomy, The Journal of Orgonomy, and the publication, Offshoots of Orgonomy" by Lois Wyvell.