Theory and Traditions of Somatic Depth Psychology
Courses in this domain ground students in the psychoanalytic, Jungian, and archetypal lineages of depth psychology. In addition, connections are made across time and cultures to traditions that reconnect psyche and soma as we explore the ways that new developments in neuroscience challenge and affirm the understandings of somatic depth psychology.
Introduction to Depth Psychology
DPS730, 2 units
The term "depth psychology" evokes many associations and images yet is often difficult to define. In this course we formulate a definition of our field by investigating historical, cultural, and conceptual traditions that shape its identity. Topics include ancient approaches to healing, encounters with the unconscious, and soul-making through literature and mythology. Traditionally, depth psychology is presented in opposition to cognitive-behavioral approaches, which are concerned with the possibilities of modifying conscious behavior. The course will go beyond this dual opposition and show how somatic studies incorporates both approaches.
Neuroscience and Somatic Depth Psychology I
DPS720, 2 units
Students in this course develop a thorough understanding of the functional organization of the brain and how it is relevant for healing practices. Students will familiarize themselves with the language of neuroscience in order to be able to read and interpret ongoing research in neurobiology, the neuroscience of affect and emotion, behavioral genetics, functional neuroanatomy, and developmental science. They will be introduced to the methodologies of neuroscience particularly studies using fMRI and EEG equipment.
Neuroscience and Somatic Depth Psychology II
DPS721, 2 units
An extensive exploration of the placebo/nocebo response will lead to a discussion of the relationship between expectation and healing and the difference between healing and cure, especially where end of life is concerned. Students will take a critical look at the medical and pharmaceutical approaches to illnesses that are most responsive to the placebo response, such as depression and anxiety disorders.
History of Healing Traditions I: Ancient Greece: a Model of Integrative Medicine
DPS710, 2 units
The birth of modern western medicine is attributed to Hippocrates because he was the first to define the clinical approach that today in turn defines modern medicine. Hippocrates was the first to offer causal and somatic explanations instead of attributing all sickness to divine intervention. Nevertheless, on the island of Cos and Delos, where Hippocratic medicine was put into practice, other influences prevailed. For example, the mythological figures of Asclepius and his daughters were revered as the symbol of another form of healing that Hippocrates himself found essential to restore health. Students will examine how this model still offers inspiration for rethinking integrative medicine.
Alchemy
DPS750, 2 units
Marie-Louise von Franz tells us that Alchemy was born at the meeting place of the speculative mind of the west and the experimental techno-magical practices of the east. This course revisits the work of alchemy in relation to somatic studies. Students will work the Alchemical metaphor and its explicit and implicit connection to the body. Students will review the ways that neuroscience uses terms and concepts that have a long history, appearing not only in the repertoire of symbols from alchemy, but also in the concepts and vocabulary of depth psychology, including “imagination,”"transformation,” “dream,” “symptom,” and “healing.”
History of Healing Traditions II: Non-Western and Indigenous Healing Traditions DPS711, 2 units
This course addresses various non-western correlates to the concepts of mind, body, and disease with an emphasis on alternative modalities of healing. It includes an exploration of healing traditions of Africa, Asia, Central, and South America and brings focus to the diverse ways that health and disease are interpreted and treated within these varied cultural contexts.
The Psychoanalytic Tradition
DPS760, 2 units
Students develop a working understanding of Freud's model for body/mind dynamics and how it challenged the materialism and the body/mind split of his time. They will also see how the psychoanalytic tradition is currently blended with studies in body movement and movement therapies.
Jungian Psychology
DPS761, 2 units
The basic concepts of Jungian psychology such as persona, anima, animus, shadow, the ego-Self axis, and others are studied. Attention is brought to the historical, philosophical, psychological, and religious influences acting upon Jung’s psychology and in particular the scientific and philosophical milieu in which Jung developed his ideas about psyche and soma. Students will develop a critical perspective on this material and explore the usefulness of Jung's psychology for seeing more deeply into the issues of our time.
Archetypal Psychology
DPS762, 2 units
Archetypal psychology, as envisioned by James Hillman, moves beyond clinical inquiry and locates its identity within the western imagination, finding affiliation with the arts, culture, and history of ideas. Its central aim is the appreciation and development of soul through the cultivation of the life of the imaginal. We investigate the history and central ideas of this rich psychological perspective, focusing on concepts such as archetype, image, seeing-through, and the soul of the world, anima mundi.
Post-Jungian Psychology
DPS862, 2 units
Students gain literacy in a variety of post-Jungian theoretical contexts and practices that focus on somatic concerns. They will study the major essays by significant post-Jungian thinkers (Hillman, Woodman, Stein, Whitmont, Perera). The work of Marion Woodman is featured with particular emphasis on Body Soul work which includes dreamwork, movement, voice, and creative expression. This practice grows out of a deep respect for dreams, Jung's understanding of the psyche, and a trust in the wisdom of the body.
