Existential Humanistic Theory and Applications

This Certificate Program includes training in existential-humanistic, existential, person-centered, group process, and gestalt models of practice.

Learning experiences include:

The existential-humanistic understanding of the person considers each individual within his/her intrapersonal, interpersonal, cultural, spiritual, political, economic, and historical contexts.

The Certificate Program provides learning opportunities rooted in a growth model of development and dysfunction, and focuses on the value of authentic presence both of the therapist and the client, stressing dialogue over interpretation or advice-giving.

Participation in the Learning Community creates an environment in which each individual becomes fully immersed in the broader existential-humanistic experience. Students interact through discussion of professional journals and conferences, as well as the posting and critiquing of manuscripts-in-progress. Students also dialogue with faculty who serve as mentors and facilitators of learning.

Reading seminars consist of intensive reading of a particular theorist or concept. The on-line courses include on-going discussion among students and faculty, as well as other professionals and writers conversant with the specialized area. In these seminars, students explore the work of leaders in the field including Rogers, Bugental, Fromm, and Yalom; in addition, the concepts of being, subjectivity, the arts, philosophy, phenomenology, and self-estrangement are studied as these relate to psychotherapy and existential psychology.

During three-day Residential Retreats participants receive intensive clinical training and case reviews. These retreats are offered once each semester at a campus location, helping to sequentially build skills consistent with the clinical model. The retreats emphasize personal growth, skills development, and clinical consultation.