Dissertation Oral Defenses

This hermeneutic and imaginal research brings two practical approaches to the imagination into dialogue: the Tibetan Tantric Buddhist practices of self-generation and the fields of Jungian and archetypal psychology. While they hold the core tenet of imagination in common, the two traditions also have many differences—represented by the contrasts of East–West and spiritual–psychological that they…

This hermeneutical study enlists depth psychological tools to explore Taíno archetypes with which Puerto Ricans can engage in their processes of individuation. A significant contribution of this research is the historical marginalization of Indigenous perspectives in the field of depth psychology. The research delves into Taíno mythology to identify archetypal images that might facilitate Puerto…

This hermeneutic study explored the phenomenon of illness dreams in the Western canon throughout history via examination of relevant texts which ranged from ancient Greece to contemporary forms of analysis. An illness dream was defined as one that predicts an illness, communicates that an illness is present, or provides information about the state or prognosis…

This study explored cultural complexes within the context of sandplay therapy by examining the lived experiences of sandplay therapists who work with diverse populations. Data was collected through individual semi-structured interviews, revealing five major themes: 1) mutual influence in the shared therapeutic space; 2) the transformative power of the sandplay process; 3) cultural complexes; 4)…

This study used alchemical hermeneutics to contemplate the transition to motherhood as an opportunity for a heroine’s journey. It defined the heroine’s journey as the individuation process of awakening previously exiled feminine aspects of the psyche and ways of being in the world, as represented by the alchemical symbolism of the petrified dragons. The study…

This dissertation employs a hermeneutic methodology to explore how patriarchal religious cults utilize borderline-level defenses, as conceptualized in object relations theory, to control and subjugate women. Psychological mechanisms such as splitting, projection, and projective identification reinforce rigid gender hierarchies, conditioning women to internalize dependency, shame, and fear of external influences. Women, particularly those raised in…

Organizations invest significant resources in organization development (OD) to improve their internal and external dynamics and results, yet many of these efforts fail to meet expectations and lead to meaningful change. This research explores the hypothesis that (a) all aspects of organizations encompass both exoteric and esoteric dimensions; (b) most organizational challenges are rooted in…

Examining the psychological implications of living in a culture saturated in disposability, this research seeks to explore the links between how we engage with material items, and its influence on how we engage in relationship. This research defines disposability as a way of engaging with people, places and things that denies an investment in longevity,…

This dissertation delves into childhood trauma through the myth of Demeter and Persephone, elucidating themes of motherhood, grief, and the imperative of bearing witness. Employing object relations and attachment theories, this study explores the impact of early experiences on an individual’s capacity to navigate trauma. Special emphasis is placed on childhood sexual abuse, a widespread…

The term psychology unites the Greek words “psyche” with “logos”—breath, spirit, soul with word, statement, discourse. Since these terms are inherent to the origin story of psychology, the way in which aspects of soul and psyche are connected with the word is undeniably important. So, what happens to our relationship with the archetypal psyche when…

The goal of this study is to present an ethnographic and depth psychological understanding of the Đạo Mẫu Tứ Phủ, Mother-Goddesses tradition, which is Indigenous to the Việt/Kinh ethnic majority group originating from the Red River Delta of modern- day Northern Việt Nam, considered the cradle of Việt/Kinh civilization and the holy land of Đạo…

This dissertation explores the use of yoga as a therapeutic practice for LGBTQ individuals recovering from shame, examined through the lens of depth psychology. Using an autoethnographic methodology, this study interweaves personal narrative, psychological theory, poetry, mythology, and yogic philosophy to investigate how embodied practices contribute to healing and self-actualization. Drawing from Jungian psychology, somatic…

The proliferation of mobile digital technology means that individuals from successive generations are introduced to these devices at increasingly early ages, integrating smartphones into their daily routines. The smartphone functions as a technological tool and a psychological vessel, revealing identity, relationships, and unconscious processes in unprecedented ways. Its deep integration into daily life raises critical…

Narratives are an innate human characteristic that provides humanity with a framework for organizing information, explaining experiences, and coalescing social groups. Stories are also humanity’s universal sense for navigating the complexities and contradictions of life. However, as universal as the narrative experience is, no universal or comprehensive explanation exists for the purpose of stories. This…

This dissertation poses the question: What shapes the relationship between heterosexual men, contemporary American culture, and emotional intimacy? In searching for these dynamics, this study finds its foundations in research and literature on masculinity, patriarchy, and gender relations within American society. Drawing primarily upon depth psychology and integrating insights from anthropology, philosophy, sociology, feminist theory,…

Therapists are often drawn to their profession by personal wounds—experiences of trauma, loss, or psychological struggle that shape their capacity for empathy. But how do these wounds influence their work? Do they serve as a source of healing, or do they risk becoming an unconscious burden? This qualitative study explores the lived experiences of Wounded…

This dissertation explores the psychological and spiritual impacts of apostasy from Salvation Christian Colonialism (SCC), emphasizing the transformative potential of leaving a religious system that perpetuates chronic shame and religious trauma. The study utilizes Joseph Camp- bell’s Hero’s Journey and Fowler’s Stages of Faith Development as frameworks to analyze the journey of apostates, positioning apostasy…

This depth psychological, hermeneutic study explores the relationship between the concept of justice as an archetype and the process of individuation, then examines the implications of this relationship at a cultural level. In the process, the earliest history of the topic of justice is traced from the pre-Socratic belief of a moral order of the…

Philosophy’s first question, How shall we live?, is examined in this dissertation through the figure of Socrates, first as portrayed in Plato’s works and then subsequently as interpreted by scholars, philosophers, and “poets,” in the broad sense of the word. The inquiry focuses on themes of concern to Plato and subsequent interpreters of Socrates, which…

This qualitative study investigated how combat veterans diagnosed with combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were able to make meaning of their combat-related PTSD nightmares. There is a disconnect within the mental health field regarding understanding the messages and meanings of these nightmares and how they might serve the veteran in treatment. Current popular treatment methods…