Culturally sensitive inquiry into the relationship between culture, belief systems and behavior. Presentations by cross-cultural counselors regarding recent cultural shifts, research and developments in working with various cultures. Study of both the psychometric and interpersonal aspects of the assessment process and introduction to basic psychometric concepts and theories underlying all psychological tests, professional standards and test interpretations. Development of conceptual research skills. Understanding philosophical as well as methodological components necessary to conduct research and study of treatment outcomes, such as ethical issues, subject selection, types of appropriate research design, data analysis, etc.
Students evaluate research articles and treatment outcome studies.
Included are Somatic Psychotherapy, Expressive Arts Therapy, Eriksonian Hypnotherapy, Breathwork, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprogramming, Psychosynthesis, and Integration Therapy. The therapies are contextualized within basic Transpersonal theory and current cultural values with attention to ethical, cultural, and spiritual concerns. Covers major personality theories, including Freud, Jung, Stern, object relations theory, ego psychology, self psychology, trauma theory, family systems theory, and selected others. Follows the development of personality through the life span, and emphasizes the relationship between theory and clinical practice. Student participation and use of case material will be encouraged.