Somatic Psychology Degree
Somatic psychology focuses on holistic therapeutic techniques. This field of psychology studies the complex relationship between our bodies and our minds and with the many ways that our bodies manifest and/or provide clues to our psychological histories, emotional responses, and interpersonal relationships.
Somatic Psychology Degree
Somatic psychology practitioners may use a combination of both traditional psychotherapy and various “body-focused” therapies (breath, movement, body awareness, and nonverbal communication) to help clients draw on the intelligence of their body in the process of personal growth and change.
It’s good to note that this holistic mind-body approach has been shown particularly effective for helping clients coping with post traumatic stress (PTSD) or other trauma. However, it is also used successfully for more common mental and emotional challenges (depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues and etc.).
Somatic psychology practitioners can find work in a wide range of settings including hospitals, community agencies, holistic healthcare clinics, private practice and etc.
Schools that Offer Degrees in Somatic Psychology
There are several colleges and universities across the USA that offer graduate programs in somatic psychology.
California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS)
The CIIS offers the M.A. in counseling psychology with an emphasis in somatic psychology. The program is designed primarily with the counselor-practitioner in mind. Students graduate from the program fully ready to enter into professional counseling practice. However, they should complete licensing requirements.
Coursework is divided between courses in practice and theory. Students must complete a total of 60 credit hours to graduate from the program. Courses include studies in areas such as Movement Approaches in Somatic Psychotherapy, Family Dynamics and Therapy, Theories and Techniques of Somatic Psychotherapy and Cross-Cultural Counseling and the Family.
Contact Information:
California Institute of Integral Studies
1453 Mission St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-575-6100
ciis.edu
Prescott College
This school offers a Master of Arts program in the field of somatic psychology. This program provides preparation for a career as a licensed professional counselor or as a marriage and family therapist. Students must obtain mind/body modality training as part of the requirements for the program. This training must be approved by Prescott faculty members and must provide training in an area like yoga or another mind/body exercise.
The master’s program requires the completion of a total of 75 credit hours, a practicum and a thesis. Courses of study include areas such as Diagnosis, Assessment & Treatment Planning, Group Counseling Theory and Practice, Basic Counseling Skills in the Helping Relationship, Marriage and Family Therapy and Basic Tests and Appraisal in Counseling.
Contact Information:
Prescott College
220 Grove Ave.
Prescott, AZ 86301
877-350-2100
prescott.edu
Santa Barbara Graduate Institute (SBGI)
This school offers several different graduate degree programs in somatic psychology. Students at SBGI can pursue the Master of Arts (M.A.) as well as the Ph.D. in somatic psychology. The school also offers programs (M.A. and Ph.D.) in clinical psychology with a specialization in somatic psychology. Besides, the school offers a graduate certificate in relational somatic psychology.
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Somatic Psychology Specialization (MFT licensure program)
This program may be completed in 3 years, plus one year of dissertation. Program consists of 138.5 quarter units of coursework and credits, 60 hours of personal therapy, 450 hours of clinical traineeship, an original research dissertation and oral defense.
Curriculum qualifies graduates to sit for the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) Marital and Family Therapy (MFT) licensure exam.
Ph.D. in Somatic Psychology
This program may be completed in 3 years plus 1 year of dissertation. Program consists of 120 quarter units of coursework and credits, 60 hours of personal therapy, 450 hours of fieldwork, annual competency reviews, and an original research dissertation and oral defense.
After successfully completing all required coursework, fieldwork, and a written comprehensive examination, students complete their proposals, select and have their committees approved by administration, carry out their research, and complete their dissertations under the close supervision and mentorship of a faculty advisor. After final approval of the dissertation by the committee and administration, students complete their Ph.D. requirements by oral defense of their research.
M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Somatic Psychology Specialization (MFT licensure program)
This program may be completed in 2 years. Program consists of 89 quarter units of coursework and credits and an original Master’s Project.
Program is intended for students who may already be working in clinical, healthcare, healing arts, education, or other settings —and wish to incorporate a somatic psychology perspective into their lives and work.
Curriculum qualifies graduates to sit for the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) Marital and Family Therapy (MFT) licensure exam.
M.A. in Somatic Psychology
This program may be completed in 18 months. Program consists of 45 quarter units of coursework and credits; 20 hours of personal therapy; 150 hours in field placement; and an original Master’s Project
Graduates of this program are equipped with a solid foundation in somatic theory as well as the critical clinical and therapeutic skills they need to be outstanding practitioners, working from a somatic psychology perspective to help their clients achieve greater physical and mental well-being.
Contact Information:
Santa Barbara Graduate Institute
2020 Alameda Padre Serra
Suite 135
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
805-963-6896
sbgi.edu
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