Ph.D. in Depth Psychology Emphasis in Psychotherapy
Intergrated Praxis: Casework & Research
There are two interwoven threads of praxis in this program. First, we engage in case presentation, group supervision, dreamwork, and consultation all aimed at deepening our therapeutic work with patients. Second, we step back from the focus on clinical practice and adopt the attitudes and methods of inquiry that enable us to propose and conduct research on the essential themes and experiences of doing psychotherapy from a depth perspective.
Thus, the courses on therapeutic practice are directly linked to the courses on research so that our research grows organically out of our therapeutic work and the work of our colleagues.
Practicum I: Working with Dreams
DPP 780........ 2 Units
Throughout time and across cultures, dreams have opened the door to the psyche, offering contact with the transcendent and nourishment for the soul. This class considers Jungian and post-Jungian approaches to the dream and explores their careful integration into psychotherapeutic work. The main focus of the class is on developing personal ability and style in relating to dreams. We invite a lived experience of dream consciousness to be present by sharing our own dreams and images throughout the class.
Introduction to Research: Overview of Qualitative Methods
DPP 782........ 2 Units
This course provides and in-depth study of major qualitative methodologies, including their theoretical basis as well as their practical and ethical implications. It shows how questions of methodology are organically related to the research topic and affect the organization and outcome of the work. The emphasis on data gathering and data analysis is intended to give students practical hands-on experience working with research data.
Foundations for Research in Depth Psychotherapy I
DPP 784........ 2 Units
This course invites students to contemplate how the fathomless psyche affects the process of research. Taking seriously the core philosophical assumption of depth psychology, the reality of the unconscious, introduces profound shifts in one's ontology, epistemology, and methodology. In light of this, what can researchers claim to know and how do they know it? This course introduces students to some of the key ideas that affect research including psyche, archetype, and image, explains Jung's technique of active imagination, and teaches close reading and textual analysis as part of a general introduction to the practice of hermeneutics.
Foundations for Research in Depth Psychotherapy II: Imaginal Perspectives
DPP 882........ 2 Units
In complex research the wounded researcher is called into his or her work through his or her complexes. In this regard, research is a vocation. A topic chooses a researcher as much as, and perhaps even more than, he or she chooses it. The primary task of doing research that keeps soul in mind is, therefore, to differentiate among the researcher's conscious intentions for the work, his or her complex projections onto the work, and the voices of the soul of the work. This work of differentiation takes place at different levels of the transference field between the researcher and the work. These dialogues are an alchemical, hermeneutic process and consideration is given to how this variation differs from more traditional conceptions of hermeneutics. It is a process that is applicable to all methods. Consideration is also given to how this process shapes psychological writing.
Dissertation Development I
DPP 832........ 2 Units
In this second year course, students begin to conceive of the dissertation by refining some of the ideas or topics of interest into research questions that might well become dissertation topics. In a combination of readings, lectures, and group discussions, students begin to imagine the shape, focus, and methodologies of their dissertations. Students become familiar with the dissertation process at Pacifica as described in the Dissertation Handbook. In addition, students begin to explore issues related to forming a Dissertation Committee. Some students may use this course to seek approval for the Concept Paper, which is the first formal step in the dissertation process.
Dissertation Development II, III, IV
DPP 932 A ,B, C,........ 2/3 Unit per quarter
These classes span the third year of coursework, slowly and organically guiding students toward the completion of an approved dissertation concept paper. Over the three quarters, each student sets individual learning goals that reflect their place in the research process. The instructor monitors and guides students' progress in meeting those goals so that, by the end of the Spring quarter, most or all students will emerge with an approved concept paper. The course answers any and all questions concerning dissertation writing at Pacifica, including how to refine a research question, select and review relevant literature, choose an appropriate research methodology, articulate a thoughtful approach to research ethics, and form a dissertation committee. Pass/No Pass
Oral Comprehensive Presentation
DPP 994........ 2 Units
A key aspect of the doctoral degree is that it moves us from the realm of student into the realm of professor. Whether or not we ultimately become teachers, we must still come to see ourselves as professors, giving back to the world a synthesis of what we have learned. In this course we develop effective teaching and presentation skills. Students present to colleagues and professors addressing all three of the program’s educational domains—Theory and Traditions of Depth Psychotherapy; Psychotherapy Informed by the Humanities and Interdisciplinary Studies; and Integrated Praxis: Research and Casework. The course is conducted in a seminar format combining readings, lecture, and experiential elements. Listening and responding to one another is an important part of the process.
Practica II, IV, V, VII, VIII, and IX:
Face-to-Face Group Case Consultation
DPP 781 ,DPP 880, DPP 890, DPP 980, DPP 985, and DPP 990........ 2 Units each
The practica are conducted in groups of seven to ten students and involve case consultation supervised by faculty. The goals of these courses are to integrate theoretical learning with practical experience, and to demonstrate a variety of approaches to practice from a depth perspective. Students present a case for depth supervision at least once per quarter in the practica. In addition to case consultation, each quarterly practicum announces a particular theme that typically mirrors specific material in other coursework including topics such as race and cultural diversity in the practice of psychotherapy, depth approaches to assessment, and ethical problems in a Depth Psychotherapy Practice. During the clinical practica third-year students present a control paper, examining their clinical work with one client in depth.
Practica III A and VI A: Processes of Therapy and Supervision
DPP 783 and DPP 883........ 2 Units each
These two courses combine lecture and small group discussions that focus on various processes of depth psychotherapy. Topics may include working to build therapeutic relationship, resolving transference issues, and depth approaches to both case presentation and supervision. Techniques such as dreamwork, active imagination, psychodrama, and uses of other therapies such as body work, and pharmacological treatments are also topic considerations. The format of these courses often includes guest speakers and may combine all three years of students for presentations.
Practica III B and VI B: Scholarly Writing and Publication
DPP 785 and DPP 885........ 2 Units each
These two courses combine lecture and small group discussions that focus to introduce and augment students' research and writing skills with the aim of publishing their work. The intention is to use the student's clinical experience with patients as the starting point and ground for theoretical contributions to scholarship in psychology. What research questions that have personal, professional, and cultural relevance live in the clinician's practice itself? The courses help students develop ideas for short journal articles as well as imagine and formulate their dissertation topic. As a result, topics may include a review of research methods and approaches, essential research skills such as finding and reviewing key literature, and a discussion of dissertation writing at Pacifica.
Dissertation Writing
DPP 999........ 15 Units
Under the supervision of a Dissertation Committee, the student submits a proposal, conducts original research, writes, and defends the doctoral dissertation. This course traditionally follows the completion of all other coursework and successful completion of the comprehensive exams. However, students who demonstrate readiness may choose to apply for this course while enrolled in regular coursework. This option requires approval from the Chair of the program. Additional fees will be assessed for this course. Pass/No Pass
