Existential-Phenomenological Therapeutic Psychology Program

The Existential-Phenomenological Therapeutic Psychology MA (MAP) program looks at how people live their lives and create meaning out of their experiences. By drawing upon the insights of a number of disciplines and by laying the foundation for a therapeutic attitude, the program prepares students to enter the helping professions, obtain a license as a Mental Health Counselor in the state of Washington, and/or pursue doctoral studies.

We believe that learning takes place in the context of dialogue with peers and with faculty. To facilitate genuine dialogue, we limit the number of students admitted to approximately 20 students per year. The program entails the study of texts, personal reflection, and experiential exercises, with an emphasis on class discussion..

The second year consists of a practicum-internship experience that includes supervision at the particular site as well as small group supervision within the program. The practicum grounds academic knowledge and reflection in practical experience. In addition, the second year student takes one elective course per quarter and completes an integration paper, a project that combines personal reflection on experience with discussion of relevant literature.

Current Openings

Assistant Professor, Clinical Psychology—Tenure Track

We are seeking applicants for a tenure track position beginning fall 2010. The successful candidate will be grounded in phenomenology and existentialism as it applies to therapeutic psychology and research. The position includes teaching undergraduate qualitative research methods, some required graduate courses, potential clinical supervision of second year graduate students, and teaching other graduate or undergraduate courses as needed. Faculty members are also responsible for student academic advising. Prospective applicants must have a PhD, a record of research and teaching, an interdisciplinary perspective, a commitment to the liberal arts tradition and an appreciation of both qualitative and quantitative methods.

If interested, please email Dr. Kathleen La Voy, Chair, Department of Psychology, Seattle University (psychology@seattleu.edu) to request a preliminary application.  The preliminary application is due in our office by 01 October 2009.  Those who are asked to submit a completed application will be notified by 01 November 2009 and final applications are due in our office by 10 December 2009.