Guide Training Program
Individuals who have completed EPP and THP’s prerequisite virtual Enneagram courses - 9PrisonsONEKey, Path to Freedom, and Instincts & Triads - are eligible to apply for the Guide Training Program (GTP), which includes an online application and virtual interview experience.
GTP is a six month training program designed to prepare existing Enneagram students, teachers, facilitators, coaches, and practitioners to guide incarcerated individuals through EPP’s 8 module curriculum. GTP combines an online training experience, small group work, as well as an in-person practicum.
Transformation on Both Sides of the Bars
EPP’s work is not only transforming lives inside prisons, but also empowering our paid Guides and formerly incarcerated individuals, who emerge with powerful, life-changing stories. This growth is fueled by the creativity, courage, and commitment of our community, who lead by example. We've built a supportive, family-like environment with plenty of room to welcome more.
Validating the inherent worth of a person as absolutely true is nothing short of a transformative conversation no matter on which side of the prison wall you happen to stand.
Founder, Susan Olesek
Inside the Guide Training Experience
Explore the pillars of our Guide Training Program—from the values that ground our work to the rigorous training, mentorship, and ongoing support that shape every EPP Guide.
What is an EPP Guide?
Who Are EPP Guides?
Those who facilitate our in-custody curriculum are called “Guides.” EPP Guides are conscious, continually-evolving individuals who have explored their own inner landscape deeply and skillfully, and who have successfully completed our Guide Training Program, including an in-person practicum experience. Guides use their training and personal insights to support others on their transformative journeys with wisdom, empathy, and a grounded presence.
EPP Guides are independent contractors who are paid to deliver EPP’s eight module compassionate curriculum alongside EPP Ambassadors inside the carceral system. EPP and our affiliates abroad are currently programming in facilities across the United States, as well as in England and France. EPP Guides embody our values of Presence, We Do The Work Together, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access, and Belonging.
Our Greater Vision
EPP is committed to freeing people—all over the world—from the “prisons of our own making.” While our roots lie in working with incarcerated individuals, our vision extends far beyond. Through our partnership with The Human Potentialists, we are working to build a bridge from the inside out. Together we are democratizing the Enneagram, and connecting people to our shared humanity.
I'm proud to support this well crafted and determined outreach to the incarcerated. Susan Olesek and now the Enneagram Prison Project brings the spiritual quality of Truth in Action to this necessary and forward-looking Enneagram public-education program.
Helen Palmer
Author and Teacher
Susan and EPP’s Guides stunningly effective way of working with these marginalized populations, using these tools and processes — designed to catalyze definitive change — is proof of their efficacy and power.
Dr. David Daniels
Author and Teacher
The Enneagram Prison Project is one of the most popular programs in San Quentin ... one of the outstanding providers of opportunity for positive change... Many in the program have been found suitable for parole and many have left with knowledge and character insight that supports their positive reentry into society.
Steve Emrick
Community Partnership Manager (Retired)
San Quentin Rehabilitation Center
