Ways to Learn

  • In-Person

Quick Facts

  • 3-Years Full Time
  • Part-Time Option Available
  • 91 Units
  • Evening Option Available

This Program is Now Available at NU

The MA in Counseling Psychology – Holistic – Depth and Transpersonal Psychotherapy Specialization program has been relocated to JFK School of Psychology at NU. To learn more, visit the new program page.

Overview

Depth Psychotherapy seeks to understand the role of dreams, imagination, archetypes, myth, and ritual in fostering psychological and spiritual well-being. Transpersonal psychology seeks to unite the spiritual, psychological, and social aspects of human experience, drawing from contemporary Western psychology as well as from the world’s spiritual traditions. The Depth and Transpersonal Psychology Specialization investigates the links among the psyche, spirit, body, culture and develops students’ ability to conceptualize psychological complexes within the context of the clinical relationship.

Highlights

  • Integrates psychoanalytic, Jungian, humanistic and psychodynamic perspective with spiritual aspects of human experience
  • Focuses on therapist's’ presence and authenticity and trust in client’s innate inner guidance
  • Utilizes meditation, breath awareness or imagery methods
  • Views emotional dysfunction as an opportunity for growth

Curriculum

Year 1

Year 1 - Fall
Units
HCP 5000 Intro to Holistic Counseling
0
This course will introduce students to Holistic Studies and detail program requirements and student responsibilities. All students entering the Holistic Studies program are required to take this nocost, no-credit course during their first quarter.
HCP 5105 Therapeutic Communication A
3
An introduction to some basic principles and practices of effective communication. Students explore the use of communication in day-to-day life, relationships, counseling, teaching, employment settings, and other forms of working with people. Topics include presence, centering, listening skills, and discriminating between content and process.
HCP 5220 Jungian Psychology
3
Presents basic Jungian concepts, models of the psyche and processes. The contributions of Jung and Jungian-oriented therapists to the field of transpersonal and somatic psychology will be explored. Includes the nature of archetypes, myth, ritual, dreams, and how to work with clients using these resources as well as how these elements are present in our own lives and culture.
DPB 5100 Depth Psych Master Courses
2
This course gives students in-depth exposure to various modalities of somatic and transpersonal counseling and provides practice in the application of clinical and educational skills to the psychotherapy of individuals, groups and families. Seminars will be offered on a variety of modalities, including, but not limited to, Hakomi, Feldenkrais, and meditation. Students will take two courses during their first year of study. This course must be taken for a total of four units.
Year 1 - Winter
Units
HCP 5106 Therapeutic Communication B
3
This course will allow students to continue to practice skills and principles learned in the first quarter. The major defense mechanisms will be examined and strategies explored to deepen therapeutic process and classroom participation. Training in recognizing transference and countertransference issues and making effective therapeutic interventions. Assessment of communication patterns in dysfunctional, functional, and optimal individual and couple, family, and educational systems are explored.
HCP 5325 Law and Ethics
3
This course examines legal and ethical issues related to the practice of Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling. Class topics include ethical and legal obligations of licensees, legal trends in mental health and family law, professional behavior, and the impact of therapist’s values on practice. Case management, referral practices, confidentiality and privilege, scope of practice, client welfare, and AAMFT, CAMFT, and ACA specific codes of ethics are covered. Systemic, specific issues such as joint confidentiality, sessions with sub-systems, and separation and divorce, as well as basic family law are also considered.
HCP 5115 Fundamentals of Transpersonal Psychotherapy
2
Covers basic postulates of transpersonal psychology. Surveys Jungian psychology, transpersonal approaches to psychotherapy, psychosynthesis, imagery/movement psychology, and myth, art, and ritual in counseling.
Year 1 - Spring
Units
HCP 5120 Individual Development & Family Life Cycle A
3
A survey of the major stages of infancy, childhood and adolescence, emphasizing psychosexual, psychosocial, cognitive, and moral development, while examining the developmental tasks of each stage. The course will also explore spiritual, cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic factors that can influence progress through each stage. As always, family of origin and the student’s own family life will be explored as a learning tool.
HCP 5101 Group Process A
2
Using traditional, transpersonal, and somatic counseling techniques, students examine and work with their own and others’ feelings, motivations, and patterns of behavior. Through class participation, students learn group theory and group facilitation skills. Must be taken in three consecutive quarters during the first year of graduate study.
HCP 5201 Diagnosis, Assessment & Therapeutic Strategy A
3
An examination of traditional and somatic diagnostic systems including the DSM-IV-TR and somatic typologies. Assessment methods and therapeutic strategies appropriate to different diagnostic categories are covered.
Year 1 - Summer
Units
HCP 5121 Individual Development & Family Life Cycle B
3
Focuses on family life cycle and the ways in which it is influenced by, and is independent of, the developmental experiences of family members in their families of origin. Major theories of healthy and dysfunctional family development are covered including the somatic theories, relating events in the family life cycle to each member’s health.
HCP 5102 Group Process B
2
Using traditional, transpersonal, and somatic counseling techniques, students examine and work with their own and others’ feelings, motivations, and patterns of behavior. Through class participation, students learn group theory and group facilitation skills. Must be taken in three consecutive quarters during the first year of graduate study.
HCP 5202 Diagnosis, Assessment & Therapeutic Strategy B
3
An examination of traditional and somatic diagnostic systems including the DSM-IV-TR and somatic typologies. Assessment methods and therapeutic strategies appropriate to different diagnostic categories are covered.
Year 1 - Winter
Units
HCP 5106 Therapeutic Communication B
3
This course will allow students to continue to practice skills and principles learned in the first quarter. The major defense mechanisms will be examined and strategies explored to deepen therapeutic process and classroom participation. Training in recognizing transference and countertransference issues and making effective therapeutic interventions. Assessment of communication patterns in dysfunctional, functional, and optimal individual and couple, family, and educational systems are explored.
HCP 5325 Law and Ethics
3
This course examines legal and ethical issues related to the practice of Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling. Class topics include ethical and legal obligations of licensees, legal trends in mental health and family law, professional behavior, and the impact of therapist’s values on practice. Case management, referral practices, confidentiality and privilege, scope of practice, client welfare, and AAMFT, CAMFT, and ACA specific codes of ethics are covered. Systemic, specific issues such as joint confidentiality, sessions with sub-systems, and separation and divorce, as well as basic family law are also considered.
HCP 5115 Fundamentals of Transpersonal Psychotherapy
2
Covers basic postulates of transpersonal psychology. Surveys Jungian psychology, transpersonal approaches to psychotherapy, psychosynthesis, imagery/movement psychology, and myth, art, and ritual in counseling.
Year 1 - Summer
Units
HCP 5121 Individual Development & Family Life Cycle B
3
Focuses on family life cycle and the ways in which it is influenced by, and is independent of, the developmental experiences of family members in their families of origin. Major theories of healthy and dysfunctional family development are covered including the somatic theories, relating events in the family life cycle to each member’s health.
HCP 5102 Group Process B
2
Using traditional, transpersonal, and somatic counseling techniques, students examine and work with their own and others’ feelings, motivations, and patterns of behavior. Through class participation, students learn group theory and group facilitation skills. Must be taken in three consecutive quarters during the first year of graduate study.
HCP 5202 Diagnosis, Assessment & Therapeutic Strategy B
3
An examination of traditional and somatic diagnostic systems including the DSM-IV-TR and somatic typologies. Assessment methods and therapeutic strategies appropriate to different diagnostic categories are covered.

Year 2

Year 2 - Fall
Units
HCP 5126 Cross-Cultural Issues in Counseling
3
Provides an overview of the field of cross-cultural issues related to counseling. Special emphasis is placed on fostering an understanding of cross-cultural dynamics in counseling through an examination of the historical, political, and sociocultural issues that impact the lives of ethnic minority clients.
HCP 5103 Group Process C
2
Students examine and work with their own and others’ feelings, motivations, and patterns of behavior. Through class participation, students learn group theory and group facilitation skills. Must be taken in three consecutive quarters during the first year of graduate study.
HCP 5200 Foundations of Depth Psychology
3
Year 2 - Winter
Units
DPB 5100 Post-Jungian and Archetypal Psychology
3
HCP 5520 Psychopharmacology
3
This course offers an introduction and general overview of the field of psychopharmacology as it relates to the practice of psychotherapy. Current medications, research in psychopharmacology, and psychoneurology will be covered. In addition alternative medicine, natural remedies, and cultural issues from a holistic perspective will be covered as will the relationship between the psychotherapist and physician in medication management.
HCP 5210 Child Therapy
3
Examines the psychological issues of childhood from traditional and somatic perspectives. Reviews a variety of therapeutic methods for working with children and addresses the child’s expression of energy, physical motility, and health.
Year 2 - Spring
Units
HCP 5215 Marriage & Family Counseling A
3
Introduction to the principles and methods of marriage and family counseling including family systems theories, methods for assessment of family interaction patterns, and intervention strategies appropriate to different types of family dysfunction. The relationship between family systems and principles of holism are discussed.
HCP 5620 Approaches to Trauma
2
This course provides an overview of the history of the concept of trauma and trauma treatment and a basic understanding of the psychobiology and neurobiology of trauma and PTSD. Conceptual distinctions will be made between developmental wounding, developmental trauma, and shock trauma. Current diagnoses overtly linked to trauma (PTSD, Acute Stress Disorder, Complex PTSD and Developmental Trauma Disorder) will be discussed. The topics covered include phase-oriented treatment, dissociation models, countertransference, and building somatic and relational resources. The discussion and training will include application of somatic trauma approaches to help stabilize situations involving personal trauma, disasters, and violence.
HCP 5225 Basic Addiction Studies
3
Basic information about alcoholism and chemical dependency including definitions, impact upon the users and their environments, medical aspects, current theories of the etiology of substance abuse, major treatment approaches, and community resources. Topics are covered from a systems perspective and include spiritual and nutritional issues in chemical dependency.
Year 2 - Summer
Units
HCP 5216 Marriage & Family Counseling B
3
Application of principles and methods of marriage and family counseling and marriage and family systems theory to specific self-exploration. To be taken concurrent with the student’s second quarter of supervised field practicum.
HCP 5230 Sexuality
2
The sexual response cycle, male and female sexuality, and sexual development and dysfunction are discussed from physiological, psychological, sociocultural, and somatic perspectives. Explores therapeutic approaches as they apply to individuals, couples, and families.
DPB 5100 Depth Psych Master Courses
1
This course gives students in-depth exposure to various modalities of somatic and transpersonal counseling and provides practice in the application of clinical and educational skills to the psychotherapy of individuals, groups and families. Seminars will be offered on a variety of modalities, including, but not limited to, Hakomi, Feldenkrais, and meditation. Students will take two courses during their first year of study. This course must be taken for a total of four units.
HCP 9015 Child Abuse Assessment
0
Year 2 - Winter
Units
DPB 5100 Post-Jungian and Archetypal Psychology
3
HCP 5520 Psychopharmacology
3
This course offers an introduction and general overview of the field of psychopharmacology as it relates to the practice of psychotherapy. Current medications, research in psychopharmacology, and psychoneurology will be covered. In addition alternative medicine, natural remedies, and cultural issues from a holistic perspective will be covered as will the relationship between the psychotherapist and physician in medication management.
HCP 5210 Child Therapy
3
Examines the psychological issues of childhood from traditional and somatic perspectives. Reviews a variety of therapeutic methods for working with children and addresses the child’s expression of energy, physical motility, and health.
Year 2 - Summer
Units
HCP 5216 Marriage & Family Counseling B
3
Application of principles and methods of marriage and family counseling and marriage and family systems theory to specific self-exploration. To be taken concurrent with the student’s second quarter of supervised field practicum.
HCP 5230 Sexuality
2
The sexual response cycle, male and female sexuality, and sexual development and dysfunction are discussed from physiological, psychological, sociocultural, and somatic perspectives. Explores therapeutic approaches as they apply to individuals, couples, and families.
DPB 5100 Depth Psych Master Courses
1
This course gives students in-depth exposure to various modalities of somatic and transpersonal counseling and provides practice in the application of clinical and educational skills to the psychotherapy of individuals, groups and families. Seminars will be offered on a variety of modalities, including, but not limited to, Hakomi, Feldenkrais, and meditation. Students will take two courses during their first year of study. This course must be taken for a total of four units.
HCP 9015 Child Abuse Assessment
0

Year 3

Year 3 - Fall
Units
HCP 5301 Supervised Field Practicum A
3
Supervised clinical experience in marriage and family therapy in approved settings. Students gain first-hand knowledge and experience working with clients and receive weekly supervision by qualified, licensed therapists. Supervised field practicum spans four academic quarters. Permission required to register.
HCP 5243 Community Mental Health
3
This course prepares students for challenges and opportunities, This course looks at the whole family system and the impact of violence and abuse upon it. Trauma issues and their impact on each family member will be discussed, as well as the physiological effect of trauma on the brain. Topics include identification and treatment of abusers; victims and the children and teens living with them; attachment and physiological issues that keep couples together; identification, treatment, and reporting issues of elder and child abuse; cultural, religious, and GLBT issues and abuse; and countertransference issues. In addition, mental health issues in aging and long-term care will be addressed. Therapeutic strategies will be presented to enhance collaboration between families and care providers and maximize quality of life for the elder client.
DPB 5100 Depth Psych Master Courses
2
This course gives students in-depth exposure to various modalities of somatic and transpersonal counseling and provides practice in the application of clinical and educational skills to the psychotherapy of individuals, groups and families. Seminars will be offered on a variety of modalities, including, but not limited to, Hakomi, Feldenkrais, and meditation. Students will take two courses during their first year of study. This course must be taken for a total of four units.
Year 3 - Winter
Units
HCP 5302 Supervised Field Practicum B
2
Supervised clinical experience in marriage and family therapy in approved settings. Students gain first-hand knowledge and experience working with clients and receive weekly supervision by qualified, licensed therapists. Supervised field practicum spans four academic quarters. Permission required to register.
HPB 5330 Clinical Skills: Partner & Spousal Abuse, Elder Care
2
This course looks at the whole family system and the impact of violence and abuse upon it. Trauma issues and their impact on each family member will be discussed, as well as the physiological effect of trauma on the brain. Topics include identification and treatment of abusers; victims and the children and teens living with them; attachment and physiological issues that keep couples together; identification, treatment, and reporting issues of elder and child abuse; cultural, religious, and GLBT issues and abuse; and countertransference issues. In addition, mental health issues in aging and long-term care will be addressed. Therapeutic strategies will be presented to enhance collaboration between families and care providers and maximize quality of life for the elder client.
HCP 5315 Case Seminar A: Individuals
2
Clinical case supervision for students in supervised field practicum. Case presentations from the student’s current placement serve as a starting point for lecture, discussion, role-play, and self-exploration. To be taken concurrent with the student’s second quarter of supervised field practicum.
HCP 5350 Final Integrative Project A
1
This course gives students in-depth exposure to various modalities of somatic and transpersonal counseling and provides practice in the application of clinical and educational skills to the psychotherapy of individuals, groups and families. Seminars will be offered on a variety of modalities, including, but not limited to, Hakomi, Feldenkrais, and meditation. Students will take two courses during their first year of study. This course must be taken for a total of four units.
Year 3 - Spring
Units
HCP 5303 Supervised Field Practicum C
2
Supervised clinical experience in marriage and family therapy in approved settings. Students gain first-hand knowledge and experience working with clients and receive weekly supervision by qualified, licensed therapists. Supervised field practicum spans four academic quarters. Permission required to register.
HCP 5530 Psych Testing
3
This survey course is designed to help students understand the basic concepts and applications of psychological testing and the psychometric properties of psychological tests. This course will emphasize the appropriate applications and limitations of many of the current psychological tests—especially with regard to their use with people of non-dominant cultures. Issues of validity and ethics will be reviewed in this regard.
TPC 5705 Case Seminar B: Individuals
2
Year 3 - Summer
Units
HCP 5304 Supervised Field Practicum D
2
Supervised clinical experience in marriage and family therapy in approved settings. Students gain first-hand knowledge and experience working with clients and receive weekly supervision by qualified, licensed therapists. Supervised field practicum spans four academic quarters. Permission required to register.
DPB 5100 Depth Psych Master Courses
3
This course gives students in-depth exposure to various modalities of somatic and transpersonal counseling and provides practice in the application of clinical and educational skills to the psychotherapy of individuals, groups and families. Seminars will be offered on a variety of modalities, including, but not limited to, Hakomi, Feldenkrais, and meditation. Students will take two courses during their first year of study. This course must be taken for a total of four units.
HCP 5351 Final Integrative Project B
2
This is the second in a two-course sequence. Students complete their integrative paper and give an oral presentation on their topic. Students take this course when ready to complete their paper.
HCP 5400 Field Practicum Checkout
0
Year 3 - Winter
Units
HCP 5302 Supervised Field Practicum B
2
Supervised clinical experience in marriage and family therapy in approved settings. Students gain first-hand knowledge and experience working with clients and receive weekly supervision by qualified, licensed therapists. Supervised field practicum spans four academic quarters. Permission required to register.
HPB 5330 Clinical Skills: Partner & Spousal Abuse, Elder Care
2
This course looks at the whole family system and the impact of violence and abuse upon it. Trauma issues and their impact on each family member will be discussed, as well as the physiological effect of trauma on the brain. Topics include identification and treatment of abusers; victims and the children and teens living with them; attachment and physiological issues that keep couples together; identification, treatment, and reporting issues of elder and child abuse; cultural, religious, and GLBT issues and abuse; and countertransference issues. In addition, mental health issues in aging and long-term care will be addressed. Therapeutic strategies will be presented to enhance collaboration between families and care providers and maximize quality of life for the elder client.
HCP 5315 Case Seminar A: Individuals
2
Clinical case supervision for students in supervised field practicum. Case presentations from the student’s current placement serve as a starting point for lecture, discussion, role-play, and self-exploration. To be taken concurrent with the student’s second quarter of supervised field practicum.
HCP 5350 Final Integrative Project A
1
This course gives students in-depth exposure to various modalities of somatic and transpersonal counseling and provides practice in the application of clinical and educational skills to the psychotherapy of individuals, groups and families. Seminars will be offered on a variety of modalities, including, but not limited to, Hakomi, Feldenkrais, and meditation. Students will take two courses during their first year of study. This course must be taken for a total of four units.
Year 3 - Summer
Units
HCP 5304 Supervised Field Practicum D
2
Supervised clinical experience in marriage and family therapy in approved settings. Students gain first-hand knowledge and experience working with clients and receive weekly supervision by qualified, licensed therapists. Supervised field practicum spans four academic quarters. Permission required to register.
DPB 5100 Depth Psych Master Courses
3
This course gives students in-depth exposure to various modalities of somatic and transpersonal counseling and provides practice in the application of clinical and educational skills to the psychotherapy of individuals, groups and families. Seminars will be offered on a variety of modalities, including, but not limited to, Hakomi, Feldenkrais, and meditation. Students will take two courses during their first year of study. This course must be taken for a total of four units.
HCP 5351 Final Integrative Project B
2
This is the second in a two-course sequence. Students complete their integrative paper and give an oral presentation on their topic. Students take this course when ready to complete their paper.
HCP 5400 Field Practicum Checkout
0

LICENSED PROFESSIONAL CLINICAL COUNSELING (LPCC) SPECIALIZATION

The following courses are required for the LPCC specialization. These 10 specialization units along with the 91 core units of coursework, fulfill requirements for the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology Holistic degree with a Specialization in Depth and Transpersonal Psychotherapy.

Course
Units
HCP 9005 Personal Psychotherapy
0
(Must complete 48 hours)
HCP 9015 Child Abuse Assessment
0
(Must complete prior to starting practicum)
HCP 5054 Research Methods
3
(Online Course - Offered Winter and Summer)
PCC 5407 Pediatric and Geriatric Psychopharmacology
1.5
(Online Course - Offered Winter)
Course
Units
PCC 5780 Theories of Career Development
4.5
(Online Course - Offered Spring)
HCP 5252 Addiction and the Family
1
(Online Course - Offered Summer)
HCP 5150 Supplemental Fieldwork (Optional Class)
Course
Units
PCC 5780 Theories of Career Development
4.5
(Online Course - Offered Spring)
HCP 5252 Addiction and the Family
1
(Online Course - Offered Summer)
HCP 5150 Supplemental Fieldwork (Optional Class)

Note: Total Units of Depth Psych Master Courses = 8