Location:

Pleasant Hill, United States

Program Type:

Full Degree

Degree Level:

Master

Specialty:

Psychology, Psychology

Program Overview

Program Description:

The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology – Holistic degree program builds on the foundation of counseling theory and practice to add a holistic perspective that integrates body, mind, spirit, and culture into the curriculum. The curriculum for this degree meets the educational requirements for the California Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) License. Central to the program is the perspective that holistic learning occurs both cognitively and experientially – i.e., only through knowing oneself can the therapist obtain the clarity, compassion, and wisdom necessary to help others. The curriculum therefore places significant emphasis upon the student’s self-exploration and personal growth along with critical thinking and the acquisition of clinical skills. Students in the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology – Holistic program must select from one of the following specializations: *Offered at San Jose Campus: -Holistic Studies (an integration of somatic and transpersonal psychologies) (admits fall quarter only) -Expressive Arts (admits spring quarter only) Each program is designed for completion in three years and is divided into three areas of emphasis: -Year One: Basic counseling psychology theory and the acquisition of personal therapy skills such as receptivity, presence, tracking, and therapeutic communication. -Year Two: Development of core clinical skills in the area of assessment and treatment, marriage, and family interventions, and training in the specializations. -Year Three: Supervised field placement and courses focused on work with clients. The curriculum encompasses core courses in holistic studies, basic counseling skills, diagnosis and assessment; marriage and family counseling courses; and courses in the student’s chosen specialization. Students complete a yearlong supervised trainee-ship at the University’s Center for Holistic Counseling in Oakland, Sunnyvale Community Counseling Center, or an approved community-based site. Students must complete a minimum of 91-92 units to receive the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology degree.

Additional Program Information

Accreditation:

John F. Kennedy University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Accreditation entitles the University to participate in federal student financial aid programs. The University is approved for veterans’ training.

Financial Aid:

Yes

Requirements:

Prerequisites: Each of the specializations in this graduate program requires certain undergraduate courses or their approved equivalents as prerequisites. Students who have not completed them prior to admission are required to do so prior to the first year-end review.