The Institute of Transpersonal Psychology (ITP) is a private,
non-sectarian graduate school. For over 30 years the Institute
has remained a leader at the forefront of psychological research
and education, probing the mind, body and spirit connection. The
Institute's challenging and transformative educational paradigm
has attracted students from all over the world.
The Institute of Transpersonal Psychology (ITP) is accredited by
the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
The PhD in Clinical Psychology provides students with the
theoretical foundations, clinical training, and qualitative and
quantitative research necessary to sit for licensure as a
psychologist in the state of California. This program includes
courses designed to meet professional standards for licensing and
accreditation.
The clinical doctoral program educates students from a
transpersonal perspective. Transpersonal psychology includes and
goes beyond more traditional approaches to understanding the
human psyche. It extends its reach to include the study of
consciousness, spirituality, mind-body wellness and the
relationship of the individual to the community. The
transpersonal approach emphasizes harmony, and the integration of
body, mind and spirit, in order to maximize human potential,
creativity and fulfillment. Students will not only build a strong
foundation of clinical skills, but they will learn how to
communicate in a variety of complex relational circumstances as
well.
The PhD in Clinical Psychology will typically require five years
to complete, including three years of full-time course work, one
year of dissertation writing and one year of internship.
PhD in Transpersonal Psychology
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A required core curriculum offers classes in transpersonal
topics, research methods, and experiential integration of the
material, leading to the Doctor of Philosophy in Transpersonal
Psychology. In addition to the core program, students choose one
or more specialization: spiritual guidance, education and
research, and/or creative expression.
During the first year, students take foundational classes in each
of the six areas of holistic learning: intellectual, emotional,
spiritual, physical, community and creative expression.
Courses in the second year expand theoretical foundations and
include the specialization areas of spiritual guidance, education
and research, and creative expression. Research courses leading
to dissertation work begin in the second year as well.
In the third year, students complete the research courses and
begin dissertation planning. A topic is selected and a proposal
approved, with formation of the student's committee. A hands-on
practicum is taken in the area of specialization, enabling the
student to apply transpersonal knowledge in a real-life setting.
The final stage of the doctoral program is the research and
writing of a dissertation. Under the guidance of a faculty
advisor and committee the student has the opportunity to become
deeply knowledgeable in a focused area, conduct original
research, and present the results in a dissertation which
contributes to the field of transpersonal psychology.
MA in Counseling Psychology (MFT)
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The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology is offered both
during the day (2-year, full-time program) and during the evening
program (3-year, part-time program). Classes for both programs
are scheduled for three days or evenings a week and one weekend
per quarter to accommodate the needs of individuals who seek to
pursue an advanced degree or continuing education while working
part- or full-time.
Both programs train students to be clinical professionals
and meet the requirements for licensure as a Marriage and Family
Therapist (MFT) in the state of California. Other features of the
programs include whole-person education, which integrates
spirituality, creative expression, and somatics with the core
academic curriculum, and a cohort model that builds true
community among the class members. Students also have the option
of two specializations: spiritual guidance and creative
expression.
Following coursework in both counseling psychology and
transpersonal psychology, students participate in a 1-year
practicum at counseling sites providing excellent supervision and attend classes on campus for ongoing skill-building.
Feedback from supervisors of the practicum sites consistently
includes comments about how well-prepared and present our
students are when sitting with their clients.
MA in Transpersonal Psychology (MATP)
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The Master of Arts in Transpersonal Psychology is a 2-year
evening program designed for adult learners who wish to pursue
graduate studies in psychology but do not intend to apply for a
clinical license. The program's professional objective is to
develop open and compassionate graduates whose skills in
dialogue, systems thinking, strategic planning, disciplined
inquiry, group dynamics and leadership enhance their current
career path, or prepare them for a change of direction.
Students also have the option of two specializations: spiritual
guidance and creative expression.
