Frequently Asked Questions

Integral counseling incorporates the entire person – mind, body, and spirit – in the understanding and treatment of mental health. Using an integral approach, therapists explore a person’s thoughts, emotions, behavior, and relational history, along with the context of their environments, communities, and the world as a whole. Integral counseling psychology alums practice using a wide variety of modern, evidence-based theories and approaches.

Our program is both personally and academically rigorous. We expect our graduates to have both a deeper understanding of themselves and the theories and orientations we teach. At CIIS, the education is so thorough that our alums consistently have the highest pass rates of all graduate degree programs in California for the Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) exam.

Gestalt therapy, developed by Fritz Perls, in the 1940s, is an experiential and humanistic form of therapy that was originally designed as an alternative to conventional psychoanalysis. Gestalt therapists use creative and experiential techniques to enhance awareness, freedom, and self-direction. The word gestalt comes from the German word meaning shape or form, and it references the character or essence of something. (Source)

The professional practice of counseling is a regulated occupation in the state of California. Coursework in the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program at CIIS and each of its five programs is approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to fulfill educational requirements toward the marriage and family therapist license (LMFT).

Students also have the option to take additional coursework to fulfill the educational requirements of the professional clinical counselor license (LPCC). Students seeking the LPCC license also take courses for the MFT, enabling them to pursue either license and to work with couples, families, and/or children as an LPCC. Students seeking licensure in California as an LMFT or LPCC must register with the BBS after graduation and successfully complete additional post-graduate supervised clinical associate hours and written examinations. See the BBS’ Statutes and Regulations PDF for additional information.

In many cases, our coursework and training is very similar or entirely portable to many states. However, each state has their own specific licensure requirements that include both academic coursework and clinical practicum hours that may differ from CA’s requirements.

In cases where this program does not meet the requirements for another state, additional coursework or practicum hours may be required. While licensure may be possible in another state, it is not guaranteed. Luckily, you will have the full support of the Director of MCP who will help you understand the specific licensing requirements. 

Lastly, you should consult the licensing boards of the appropriate state of country for the most up-to-date licensing information outside of California.