The Master’s in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Somatic Psychology is a 2-3 year graduate program that incorporates a mandatory retreat in the first year.
The curriculum is designed to meet the California Board of Behavioral Sciences requirements for the California Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) license including: 60 total semester units, 6 units of practicum, 12 units in courses explicitly related to family therapy, and classes in psychopathology, substance dependency, professional ethics and the law, and cross-cultural counseling. While states differ in their licensure requirements, California requirements often meet or exceed those of other states.
Course of Study
Three-Year Sequence (60 units total)
Notes:
- Starred (*) classes may be taken in any order based on preference and availability.
- Psychopathology & Psychological Assessment and Professional Ethics and Family Law must be taken prior to enrolling in Practicum.
- The sequencing of your curriculum must be agreed upon in consultation with your advisor.
Practicum
All students are required to participate in a year-long practicum in their final year of study. The practicum affords students the opportunity to apply learned clinical skills under the supervision of a licensed therapist and to integrate feedback into clinical practice.
For those on the MFT track, 225 practicum hours are required for graduation. For those on the LPCC track, the requirement for graduation is 280 practicum hours.
During year two of the program, you will work with our Field Placement Office to research, apply to, and secure a placement that matches your therapeutic interests.
The Center for Somatic Psychotherapy, one of CIIS’ six award-winning community mental health clinics, is one option for practicum. Others include schools, hospitals, hospice, community mental health, and child/family settings.
Center for Somatic Psychotherapy
The Center for Somatic Psychotherapy is a professional training facility for CIIS students who are pursuing a somatic orientation in their therapeutic work. As a community service, the center offers affordable psychotherapy based on an integral perspective.
Using didactic and experiential training sessions and group process exploration, the center provides students a rich experience integrating body-oriented psychotherapy approach with other therapeutic modalities.
Each trainee works with a specified number of clients in individual, couple, family, or group counseling situations. Center outreach programs include work with homeless, school, and prison populations.
Students work at the center for at least three consecutive semesters. Licensed counselors and psychotherapists from the professional community and University faculty provide supervision.
Learn more about the Center for Somatic Psychotherapy.
Curriculum Highlights
Questions? Contact us.
We are here to help! If you have any questions about applying to a program or registering for an Info Session, please reach out to the Admissions Office.
