Explore the paths of CIIS students and alumni as they share how their education shapes meaningful work in the world.

Somatic Psychology
Honoring the whole person lived experience.
A forerunner in the discipline of somatic psychology, our master's degree prepares students to use embodied approaches to psychotherapy. Our pedagogy is whole-person oriented, combining academic rigor, experiential learning, and community engagement with spiritual traditions from across the globe.
CIIS' Somatic Psychology program draws on developmental and sociocultural perspectives, exploring how embodied emotion, expression, identity, and interaction are formed in individuals, families, and communities. Our graduates are trained as conscientious and culturally aware experts in approaches to psychotherapeutic embodied cognition.
Explore our M.A. in Counseling Psychology Programs
Not sure which program is right for you? Browse our other four specializations to find your match.
Focus on healing through social justice and structural change
Utilize drama and theatre to promote psychological health
Integrate creative expression with clinical and community practice
Incorporate the mind, body, and spirit into therapeutic practice
Faculty Research and Scholarship
Our faculty have a wide range of research interests, including early childhood mental health, somatic and movement therapy in foster and adoptive care systems, and queer theory.

On Why Anxiety Can Be Good For You
In this episode of the Public Programs Podcast, professor Deanna Jimenez talks with Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary about her latest book, Future Tense. They explore anxiety in a new way to offer hope to those suffering from it along with a way forward to better managing anxiety to spark creativity and joy for a more productive life.

Mindfulness and Nonviolent Communication
Listen to this talk between professor Terese Gjernes and author Oren Jay Sofer in about the qualities of our attention and how to incorporate a fully body perspective of mindfulness into our communication skills.

Our Misak Identity Is the Spinal Cord of Our Education
In this oral history exploration by faculty Patricia Rojas-Zambrano and her colleague, they share about Misak educational leader and co-founder of the Misak University, Gerardo Tunubalá Velasco. The article reflects on his efforts to create and sustain an autonomous educational system that guarantees the rights and dignity of Indigenous peoples in Colombia and beyond.
Our Upcoming Events
Connect in person with CIIS students and admissions counselors over coffee and meaningful conversation.
Come to the Summer Info Fair on June 12, 2025 to ask questions and learn more about CIIS' innovative online and in-person academic programs.
Our Program in Action
Our Graduating Student Reflection Speech at the 55th Convocation Ceremony of California Institute for Integral Studies
Counseling Psychology students connect with 60+ agencies at the annual Practicum Fair
Stage Ai's Summer Blossom festival brought CIIS values to life in China through arts, healing, and cross-cultural connection.