Ph.D. Program in Clinical Psychology
Depth Psychology & Humanities Courses
These classes stimulate dialogue among the traditions
of clinical psychology, depth psychology, and cultural
studies. The student is encouraged to understand that
a wide variety of cultural sources inform the craft of
psychotherapy. Literature, myth, history, and art infuse
the science of clinical psychology with an essential
sense of our connection to the recurring archetypal
motifs of the psyche.
Introduction to Depth Psychology
and the Human Science Traditions
CL 819......................1 Unit
This course is a scholarly introduction to the theories and
traditions of depth psychology. The cultural-historical
contexts of depth psychology’s development, along with
its relation to philosophy, science, art, religion, myth, and
literature will be explored. Attention is given to the origins
of depth psychology in the works of Sigmund Freud and
C.G. Jung, the traditions that followed, and contemporary
developments in the field. Students will be introduced to
current research—clinical, theoretical, and cultural—and
publication in depth psychology with a focus on the
contributions of Pacific Graduate Institute and its faculty. The
scholar-practitioner model of education in depth psychology
will be elaborated.
Myth, Literature, and Religious Studies
CL 820......................1 Unit
Mythology, literature, and religious traditions provide images
and motifs which vividly reflect the underlying patterns of
psychological life. This course focuses upon the study of
symbolic experience and may include ancient and modern
dramatic literature, scriptural narratives from multicultural
sources, philosophy, poetry or accounts of personal religious
experience. The course helps students develop the attitude
and skills necessary to discern the aesthetic, affective, and
dramatic dimensions of symbolic texts and to present such
findings in clear scholarly writing.
Jungian-Based Psychotherapy I
CP 810......................2 Units
Classical Jungian concepts such as ego, Self, persona, shadow,
anima/animus, archetype, collective unconscious, transcendent
function, and individuation are studied. Clinical application
of Jungian thought is demonstrated through theoretical
discussions, case examples, and the reading of primary
sources. Particular attention is brought to understanding
how various forms of psychopathology can be imagined as
manifestations of ego-Self axis dynamics. Critiques from
postmodern and multicultural perspectives are covered.
Comparative Approaches to Psychotherapy
CP 770......................2 Units
This course provides a theoretical and practical introduction
to a wide variety of approaches to psychotherapy. The
fundamental dynamics of therapeutic techniques are a
major focus, including cultural diversity considerations.
Psychoanalytic, Jungian, Person-Centered, Humanistic-
Existential, Cognitive Behavorial, and Post Modern therapies
are among the schools discussed.
Cultural Foundations of Depth Psychology I
CL 723......................1 Unit
This course focuses on the formative contexts which
have given rise to depth psychology. For example, healing
systems from different cultures and the archetypal images
they evoke are studied to provide a deeper appreciation
of contemporary clinical practice. Other emphases include
an examination of cultural and historical issues which have
shaped the emergence of depth psychology. Philosophical
antecedents of depth psychology are a focus of study as well
as the relationship between depth psychology, the arts, and
poetic imagination. The implications of depth psychology for
a multicultural world are discussed.
Psychoanalytic-Based Psychotherapy I
CP 711......................2 units
This course focuses on the evolution of psychoanalytic thought
from Freud’s seminal writings through British traditions of
Object Relations, up to and including contemporary Self and
intersubjective approaches. Working within the transferencecountertransference
field is a major focus.
Psychoanalytic-Based Psychotherapy II
CP 712......................2 units
This course continues to examine psychoanalytic theory and
practice, including a focus on cultural dimensions of practice.
In particular, the contributions of Klein and Bion, who helped
to delineate the dynamics and treatment of Borderline and
Psychotic conditions. Prerequisite: CP 711
Archetypal Psychology: Theory and Practice
CP 840......................2 units
Students re-vision basic psychological concepts through the
study of archetypal psychology as exemplified in the works
of James Hillman. Emphasis is placed on the development
of a mythic sensibility in confronting the complexity of
psychological life. Subjective and imaginal realities are
considered as they relate to therapeutic intervention. The
therapy room is extended to include the wider realm of the collective imagination, the arts, culture, multicultural
reflections, and philosophy.
Depth Psychology and Contemporary Culture I
CL 920......................1 unit
This course applies the principles of depth psychology to
addressing various crises in contemporary society. Activist,
social justice, and community fieldwork manifestations
of depth psychology are presented. Postmodern critiques
are discussed, and depth psychological theory and clinical
practice are viewed through non-Western, post-colonial, and
minority perspectives. Individual psychopathology is seen as
having collective, historic, and contextual sources. Symbolic
healing is explored at community and societal levels.
Jungian-Based Psychotherapy II
CL 811......................2 Units
This course will continue to expand knowledge of classical
Jungian concepts such as the individuated ego, personal
and collective shadow, the contra-sexual archetypes anima/
animus, manifestations of the Self, dreams and numinous
experiences, and their application to clinical practice. In
addition, typology will be examined, other archetypal
figures and patterns explored, and the use of myths in depth
psychotherapy elaborated. Students will also continue the
work of self-reflection and furthering their individuation
process as central to their work as clinical depth psychologists.
Prerequisite: CP 810
Post-Jungian Psychotherapy: Theory and Practice
CP 745......................2 units
The works of Post-Jungian psychotherapists such as
Fordham, Samuels, and Jacobi are studied. Issues of
transference and ego development are explored. Recent
post-Jungian research and diversity considerations are
discussed. Prerequisites: CP 810, CL 811
Imaginal Psychotherapy
CP 814......................2 units
Utilizing a phenomenological attitude, which is attentive to
the process of psychotherapy and to the experience of being
a psychotherapist and doing psychotherapy, an imaginal
approach is developed. Within this approach, issues such
as transference, the unconscious, symptoms, and dreams
are examined.
Special attention is paid to the development
of those imaginal capabilities which foster sensitivity to the
symbolic depths and metaphorical richness of the patient’s
and therapist’s ways of using language. Diversity and cultural
considerations are discussed in these contexts.
Cultural Foundations of Depth Psychology II
CL 724......................2 Units
This course continues to focus on the formative contexts
which have given rise to depth psychology. For example,
healing systems from different cultures and the archetypal
images they evoke are studied to provide a deeper
appreciation of contemporary clinical practice. Other
emphases include an examination of cultural and historical
issues which have shaped the emergence of depth
psychology. Philosophical antecedents of depth psychology
are a focus of study as well as the relationship between
depth psychology, the arts, and poetic imagination. The
implications of depth psychology for a multicultural world
are discussed.
Depth Psychology
and Contemporary Culture II
CL 921......................1 unit
This course considers the role of depth psychology
in
contemporary culture and explores the cutting edges of depth psychology. Topics may include current works in
transpersonal psychology, psychology and quantum physics,
spirituality, body/mind studies, alternative healing forms,
and the latest research in the field.
