Community

The Pacifica Community is made up of individuals with a wide variety of life experiences and geographic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. Although depth psychology developed as an academic discipline within the context of late 19th and early 20th century Europe, much of its insight and wisdom draws on and resonates with indigenous psychologies and spiritualities from all corners of the globe.

Pacifica is enriched by students from across the United States, Canada, Central and South America; as well as those from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. They bring to the classroom the richness of their varied ethnicities, religious and spiritual paths, racial identities, age, gender, and personal experiences. This diversity is central to the hosting of the multiple perspectives that Pacifica strives to foster in the classroom. The Institute encourages an environment that is culturally sensitive, values racial and ethnic uniqueness, and affirms individual lifestyles. The appreciation of a multiplicity of voices is central to the depth psychological tradition.

"Diversity is Pacifica’s life blood. The extent to which our Institute is creative and generative is contingent on the degree to which it invites, celebrates and nurtures a diversity of people, ideas, and sensibilities. Like any center of excellence, our ability to thrive is predicated on our capacity to adapt, contain a multiplicity of perspectives, and be connected to and relevant for the greater community outside our walls. At the same time, for us to be a vital source of change in the world, we need to do the depth psychological work of questioning convention and listening to voices traditionally silenced. Towards these ends, Pacifica strives to cultivate a community and dialogue that is rich, varied, and complex.” - Dan Hocoy, Ph.D.