Pacifica Student News
“On Veterans Day, we pause to acknowledge and honor the courage, sacrifice, dedication, and needs of those who have served in our Armed Forces. Veterans hold a unique perspective shaped by profound experiences and challenges, and their commitment to defending our freedoms has paved the way for countless opportunities. In our depth psychological community, we also recognize the immense effects of war on the individual and collective psyche and aim to positively support the needs of our veterans, particularly in mental health, as we work toward a peaceful society.”-Deneatrice A. Lewis, PGI Vice President of People, Culture, and Belonging
Minh Trần is in the Ph.D. in Depth Psychology with Specialization in Integrative Therapy and Healing Practices at Pacifica Graduate Institute. He is currently in the final writing and editing phase of his dissertation. We’re delighted to catch up with this dynamic scholar and hear about his travels and research.
Leigh J. McCloskey is an artist, author, and actor, most well known for his role in the television show Dallas. Pacifica was fortunate to have Leigh give the commencement address of 2024.
Marybeth Carter, Ph.D., is a Pacifica Adjunct Faculty in the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program, who will be participating in “The 21st Century Queer Psyche Through a Jungian Lens” panel during Journey Week, along with colleagues Naomi Azriel, LMFT, and Chema Jiménez Orvañanos, M.A.
Austin Chandler is a student in Pacifica’s M.A./Ph.D. Clinical Psychology. I’m delighted to speak with him about Pacifica, Clinical, and the upcoming Journey Week 2024. Journey Week is an immersive week of learning and connecting at Pacifica Graduate Institute, September 26th – 29th, 2024.
Dylan Martinez Francisco, Ph.D. is Pacifica Co-Chair & Core Faculty-Jungian & Archetypal Studies MA/Ph.D. Program at Pacifica and will be giving the talk “Why Humanism Is Dehumanizing and Why Posthumanism and AI Return Us to an Indigenous Cosmology” at Journey Week 2024.
Monica Mody is an award-winning poet and scholar and Core Professor in the M.A/Ph.D. Mythological Studies with Emphasis in Depth Psychology Program, who will be presenting at Journey Week on “Where We Might Go in Lieu of Posthumanism: Building Indigenous and Decolonial Epistemologies.” I’m delighted to speak with Monica about her upcoming talk at Journey Week, as well as her two recent poetry collections and book tour in India. Journey Week is an immersive week of learning and connecting at Pacifica Graduate Institute, September 26th – 29th, 2024.
Dr. John Bucher is the Executive Director for the Joseph Campbell Foundation, as well as a celebrated author and an alumni of the Mythology & Depth Psychology program at Pacifica. He will be presenting “The Oracle and the Algorithm: Our Search for Mythos in the Machine” as a keynote speaker at Journey Week 2024. Journey Week is an immersive week of learning and connecting at Pacifica Graduate Institute, September 26th – 29th, 2024.
Naomi Azriel, LMFT, is a Jungian analyst, scholar, activist and poet, who will be one of the presenters in the panel discussion “The 21st Century Queer Psyche Through a Jungian Lens” at Pacifica’s Journey Week. Journey Week is an immersive week of learning and connecting at Pacifica Graduate Institute, September 27th – 29th, 2024.
Peter T. Dunlap is not only the Co-Chair of Pacifica’s M.A./Ph.D. Clinical Psychology program, he will also be part of the three-scholar panel “Belonging and Changing Together: Transforming our Ideologies into Practices of Shared Becoming” during Pacifica’s Journey week. Journey Week is an immersive week of learning and connecting at Pacifica Graduate Institute, September 27th – 29th, 2024. We’re delighted to speak with Peter about his work and Journey Week.
Dr. John Bucher is the Executive Director for the Joseph Campbell Foundation, as well as a celebrated author and an alumni of the Mythology & Depth Psychology program at Pacifica. He will be teaching in the “Joseph Campbell: Myth & Storytelling as a Gateway to Psyche and Soul” certificate program, offered by Pacifica Extension in partnership with the Joseph Campbell Foundation, August 22, 2024 – November 7, 2024. We’re delighted to speak with him.
Dr. John Bucher is the Executive Director for the Joseph Campbell Foundation, as well as a celebrated author and an alumni of the Mythology & Depth Psychology program at Pacifica. He will be teaching in the “Joseph Campbell: Myth & Storytelling as a Gateway to Psyche and Soul” certificate program, offered by Pacifica Extension in partnership with the Joseph Campbell Foundation, August 22, 2024 – November 7, 2024. We’re delighted to speak with him.
Pacifica Extension and International Studies will offer “Mind of State: Politics, Psyche and Soul in Turbulent Times” on August 28, September 4, 11, 18, 25, October 2, 2024. [https://bit.ly/3y6ovWu] This six-week course is based on the recent book, Mind of State: Conversations on the Psychological Conflicts Stirring U.S. Politics and Society. We’re delighted to speak with co-editors Betty Teng and Dr. Thomas Singer, the instructors of this course.
Pacifica Extension and International Studies will offer “Mind of State: Politics, Psyche and Soul in Turbulent Times” on August 28, September 4, 11, 18, 25, October 2, 2024. [https://bit.ly/3y6ovWu] This six-week course is based on the recent book, Mind of State: Conversations on the Psychological Conflicts Stirring U.S. Politics and Society. We’re delighted to speak with co-editors Betty Teng and Dr. Thomas Singer, the instructors of this course.
Pacifica Extension and International Studies will offer “A Jungian Analysis of Toxic Modern Society: Fighting the Culture of Loneliness” on July 30, August 6, 20, and 27, 2024, consisting of four classes taught by Erik Goodwyn, a renowned Jungian scholar and psychiatrist, as well as a fiction author. We’re delighted to speak with him about his upcoming seminar, as well as his creative endeavors. This is Part II of II of this interview
Pacifica Extension and International Studies will offer “A Jungian Analysis of Toxic Modern Society: Fighting the Culture of Loneliness” on July 30, August 6, 20, and 27, 2024, consisting of four classes taught by Erik Goodwyn, a renowned Jungian scholar and psychiatrist, as well as a fiction author. We’re delighted to speak with him about his upcoming seminar, as well as his creative endeavors.
Rebecca Ramsey is a first-year student in the M.A. Depth Psychology and Creativity with Emphasis in the Arts and Humanities Program. She is also an acclaimed violinist. We’re delighted to speak with her about her work.
Rebecca Stein is a therapist with a practice that helps women build resiliency, focusing on ADHD and chronic pain. She is also a first first-year student in our Depth Psychology with Specialization in Jungian Psychology and Archetypal Studies (DJA) Ph.D. program. We’re delighted to speak with her about her professional experience and her first year at Pacifica.
Rebecca Stein is a therapist with a practice that helps women build resiliency, focusing on ADHD and chronic pain. She is also a first first-year student in our Depth Psychology with Specialization in Jungian Psychology and Archetypal Studies (DJA) Ph.D. program. We’re delighted to speak with her about her professional experience and her first year at Pacifica.
Pacifica’s annual culminating events for graduating students are coming up this weekend! On Saturday, May 25th, Pacifica will once again host its Commencement ceremony at the beautiful Hilton Santa Barbara, where approximately 160 graduates of the over 250 total graduates of Pacifica’s class of 2024 will fill the main ballroom along with their family, friends, and our staff and faculty. Delivering this year’s commencement address is Leigh J. McCloskey, who is an artist, author, actor, and visual philosopher.
Diane M. Goodman is Judge to the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, and she is also a graduate of our Ph.D. in Depth Psychology with Specialization in Jungian Psychology and Archetypal Studies (DJA). We’re delighted to speak with her about her time at Pacifica and her career.
Dr. Elizabeth Nelson teaches courses in research design, process, methodology, and dissertation development as well as dream, archetypal psychology, and technology at Pacifica Graduate Institute. Her latest book is The Art of Inquiry: A Depth Psychological Perspective, and she also brings a background in somatics and dance
Dr. Elizabeth Nelson teaches courses in research design, process, methodology, and dissertation development as well as dream, archetypal psychology, and technology at Pacifica Graduate Institute. Her latest book is The Art of Inquiry: A Depth Psychological Perspective, and she also brings a background in somatics and dance
Nicholas S. Literski is a lecturer in psychology, a professional spiritual guide, and an alumni of Pacifica’s Depth Psychology with Emphasis in Jungian and Archetypal Studies program. I’m delighted to hear more about their work and perspective.
Nicholas S. Literski is a lecturer in psychology, a professional spiritual guide, and an alumni of Pacifica’s Depth Psychology with Emphasis in Jungian and Archetypal Studies program. I’m delighted to hear more about their work and perspective.
With Diversity Equity and Inclusion policies, programs, and initiatives under the microscope of legislative and political pressures across the higher education landscape, Pacifica Graduate Institute – with its motto to “tend to the soul in and of the world” – maintains its unwavering commitment to nurturing an environment in its depth psychological academic community where diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) are integral. This dedication is embodied in the announcement of its new Vice President of People, Culture, and Belonging, Deneatrice A. Lewis, MS.
Loralee M. Scott is the Senior Director of Pacifica Extension and International Studies, bringing over two decades of successful organizational leadership and a proven track record of post-graduate, Jungian informed curriculum design, development, and delivery. But she is also a dancer and an award-winning choreographer.
Sharon Blackie is a psychologist, mythologist, and author of the best-selling If Women Rose Rooted, among her many other publications. The Sunday Times says of her, “She knows her archetypes, knows her Jung, knows her fairytales, and knows her neuroscience, and is sick of being patronised by men who don’t.” She is also teaching Pacifica Extension and International Studies’ “Graduate Certificate: Finding Ourselves in Fairytales: A Narrative Psychological Approach” May 18th – December 7th, 2024. I’m delighted to speak with Sharon about her work and perspective.
Sharon Blackie is a psychologist, mythologist, and author of the best-selling If Women Rose Rooted, among her many other publications. The Sunday Times says of her, “She knows her archetypes, knows her Jung, knows her fairytales, and knows her neuroscience, and is sick of being patronised by men who don’t.” She is also teaching Pacifica Extension and International Studies’ “Graduate Certificate: Finding Ourselves in Fairytales: A Narrative Psychological Approach” May 18th – December 7th, 2024. I’m delighted to speak with Sharon about her work and perspective.
Connie Alexander-Boaitey is the co-founder of Gateway Educational Services, advocating for Santa Barbara’s underserved students through education. She is also the current president of the Santa Barbara NAACP. On April 20th, the NAACP is holding the “Black Women’s Health Equity Conference” in Santa Barbara, a free event for Black women from Santa Barbara, Ventura, Santa Maria & Lompoc. PGI President & CEO Dr. Leonie H. Mattison will be speaking at and participating in the conference. We’re delighted to hear more about Connie’s work in Part I of II of this interview, which is part of the Pacifica Soul Promise Series.
Connie Alexander-Boaitey is the co-founder of Gateway Educational Services, advocating for Santa Barbara’s underserved students through education. She is also the current president of the Santa Barbara NAACP. On April 20th, the NAACP is holding the “Black Women’s Health Equity Conference” in Santa Barbara, a free event for Black women from Santa Barbara, Ventura, Santa Maria & Lompoc. PGI President & CEO Dr. Leonie H. Mattison will be speaking at and participating in the conference. We’re delighted to hear more about Connie’s work in Part I of II of this interview, which is part of the Pacifica Soul Promise Series.
Juliet Rohde-Brown, Ph.D., is the Chair for the Depth Psychology: Integrative Therapy and Healing Practices doctoral specialization program at Pacifica Graduate Institute, and a mentor to many. She will be teaching the Pacifica Extension course, “Shadow and Society: The Forgotten Child in Collective Contexts,” on April 3, 10, 17, and 24, 2024. The class will be offered live on Zoom.
Gather a hundred people in a room and ask them to name a woman who they admire, and you will likely get a hundred different answers. Ask a Pacifica scholar to do the same, and you have Pacifica Extensions “Trailblazers, Renegades and Mystics” Series, featuring PGI faculty members delving into the lives of extraordinary women who have shaped history. In this thought-provoking, five-part series, Mary Wood, David Odorisio, Camille Harris, Emily Lord-Kambitsch, and Dylan Hoffman offer a depth psychological snapshot of trail-blazing women. These half-hour long talks, available free on Pacifica’s YouTube channel, illuminate the complexities, contributions and relevance of these women’s lives and work for the contemporary challenges we face today.
Caroline Anton is a third-year student in our Counseling Psychology Program, who was one of four students who was awarded a scholarship through Pacifica Extension and Student Services to attend Pacifica’s “Individuation and Psychedelics Conversations with Jungian Analysts” conference, which was held Dec 15-17, 2023. We’re delighted to speak with Caroline about the conference and also her professional experience prior to coming to Pacifica.
Patricia O. Katsky is a core faculty member of the Specialization in Integrative Therapy and Healing Practices and was formerly provost at Pacifica. We’re delighted to speak with her about her experiences in becoming a therapist and also about her years of service at Pacifica.
At Pacifica, we choose to honor women every day of the year, and to invite inclusivity always. But as Women’s History Month and March 8’s International Women’s Day invite us to highlight the contributions of women and encourage inclusivity, we wanted to focus on something near to our hearts and minds, which is “Women Making History in Depth Psychology.”
Maureen Murdock is the author of the best-selling book, The Heroine’s Journey, which explores the rich territory of the feminine psyche. She was also the Chair and Core Faculty of the MA Counseling Psychology Program at Pacifica. She will be co-teaching Pacifica Extension’s “Writing Down the Soul: An Archetypal and Mythological Approach to Memoir Writing” with Jennifer Selig March 23, 2024 – December 8th, 2024
As part of Pacifica Graduate Institute’s observance of World Teen Mental Wellness Day, we are delighted to be speaking with Dr. Myka Hanson, a PGI alumni who is the founder of Teen Forward.
Dr. Rajan is a graduate of Pacifica’s M.A./Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with Emphasis in Depth Psychology as well as an adjunct Professor at Pacifica. Her work focuses on mental health care to survivors of human trafficking, and she is an advocate and educator on the global human trafficking crisis. This topic may be a trigger for some readers, so please consider that before reading. and Psychedelics Conversations with Jungian Analysts” conference, which was held Dec 15-17, 2023. We’re delighted to speak with Caroline about the conference and also her professional experience prior to coming to Pacifica.
Isha Lucas is a second-year student in Depth Psychology with a specialization in Integrative Therapy and Healing Practices. She is also the creator of the tarot deck Woman of Light, as well as having a psychotherapy practice. We’re excited to speak with her about her tarot deck and her psychotherapy work.
Paul Redwood is an experienced board member & industry technology leader well-versed in the art of policy-setting, governance, & strategic direction for Fortune 500 corporations. His tenure as Chairman of the Organization of Machine Automation and Control (OMAC) showcased his ability to influence technology policy and drive change at a strategic level. He is currently the Managing Director for Redwood Design Engineering LLC. He earned his Masters degree in Engineering from NJIT and his Bachelors from Hofstra university.
Sierra Warren is a fourth-year student at Pacifica in the Clinical Psychology Program, who was one of four students who was awarded a scholarship through Pacifica Extension and Student Services to attend Pacifica’s “Individuation and Psychedelics Conversations with Jungian Analysts” conference, which was held Dec 15-17, 2023. We were delighted to speak with Sierra about her experience at the conference and also her academic work.
Monica Gangwar is a first-year student in the Counseling Psychology Program, who was one of four students who was awarded a scholarship through Pacifica Extension and Student Services to attend Pacifica’s “Individuation and Psychedelics Conversations with Jungian Analysts” conference, which was held Dec 15-17, 2023. We’re delighted to speak with Monica about the conference and also her professional experience prior to coming to Pacifica.
Isha Lucas is a second-year student in Depth Psychology with a specialization in Integrative Therapy and Healing Practices. She is also the creator of the tarot deck Woman of Light, as well as having a psychotherapy practice. We’re excited to speak with her about her tarot deck and her psychotherapy work.
Grace Hiu Phong is a licensed massage therapist, a first-generation immigrant, and a first-year student in Pacifica’s Ph.D. in Depth Psychology with Specialization in Integrative Therapy and Healing Practices. I’m delighted to speak with her about her work. ***Please note, one of the things we’ll be discussing is Grace’s internship at REST (Real Escape from the Sex Trade). Although the content of our conversation is not graphic, it is, nonetheless a topic that may be traumatic for some. It is also timely, as January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Please feel free to skip reading this article if the topic is likely to be a trigger for you. Our intent is to show how professionals in psychology can assist in treating this global pandemic.**
Lindsay Fauntleroy is a second-year student of the Ph.D. in Depth Psychology with Specialization in Integrative Therapy and Healing Practices Program and currently runs TheSpiritSeed.org, creating flower essences and offering healing services. January is Mental Wellness Month, and I’m delighted to speak with Lindsay about her work and perhaps glean some tips on self-care to share with everyone.
Kira Kull is a student in the MA/PhD Mythological Studies Program with a specialization in Depth Psychology, as well as being the Co-Senior-Editor of the 2023 Mythological Studies Journal (Volume XI), which is now available to read online and print! MSJ is entirely student run and edited, featuring pieces by students enrolled in the MA/PhD Mythological Studies Program.
Laurel Bergsten is a fourth-year Ph.D. student in our MA/Ph.D. Mythological Studies Program with a specialization in Depth Psychology, as well as being the Co-Senior-Editor of the 2023 Mythological Studies Journal (Volume XI), which is now available to read online and print! MSJ is entirely student run and edited, featuring pieces by students enrolled in the MA/PhD Mythological Studies Program.
Minh Tran will be mixing it up with our relational and object-relational friends for his first international “musical-lecture” presentation with the International Forum for Psychoanalytic Education.
One teachable aspect of this emerged in my dissertation work. The focus of that was racial disparities in maternal healthcare. On the surface, that is read as there being something about these particular bodies that maintains this symptom of early maternal death, but this “racial group” is not the root cause, unlike the approach of…
Decolonizing is moving away from silos to more conceptual understandings. Depth psychology has that. I was invited to read the Art of Inquiry, the principles around psyche we had to learn and incorporate. Psyche, something we can’t see is real, is a radical departure from what you would call colonial logic, which is materialistic, which…
Phil Garrity is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Depth Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute. He recently had a piece in the book Gemini and the Sacred: Twins and Twinship in Religion and Mythology. I’m delighted to speak with him about twinship, otherness, and his work and experience with critical illnesses.
