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.

After Graduation

The majority of our graduates are employed in the mental health field. Most begin as psychotherapists in community mental health settings while they are in the process of gaining licensure. After gaining experience, many move into private practice, or are appointed directors or supervisors of their respective programs. Roughly twenty percent of our graduates do further graduate work, most in doctoral programs in psychology. Still others, who combine psychology with another career path, or move into fields other than psychology, report that the program has been valuable and relevant to whatever they have chosen to do.