We’re proud to be a veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners. Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 180,000 alumni worldwide.
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.
If you think meditation, aromatherapy and yoga can be critical components to mental health, you have a bent towards holistic psychology. Building on the theories of humanistic and Gestalt psychology, holistic psychology emphasizes the connection between mental, spiritual and physical needs and wellness. The discipline first began to emerge as an approach to mental health care in the early 70s, but there are still very few programs in the United States.
Naropa University was founded in Boulder, Colorado, in 1974 by Buddhist Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche with the goal of uniting Eastern and Western theories and educational traditions. Alan Ginsberg, Anne Waldman and several other members of the Beat movement famously taught as professors there. Naropa’s graduate psychology program offers master’s degrees in several different areas of holistic psychology. The transpersonal counseling program emphasizes the human being’s spiritual journey and offers concentrations in counseling, wilderness therapy and art therapy. The contemplative psychotherapy program strongly blends Eastern traditions of meditation and mindfulness with transpersonal therapy practices. The somatic counseling psychology program focuses on how physical movement can help mental health and is accredited by the American Dance Therapy association. The low-residency ecopsychology program teaches psychologists to treat the mentally suffering by helping them to relate with nature.
Salve Regina University is a Catholic university in Newport, Rhode Island, that was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1947. The university is housed in several transformed Gilded Age mansions along Newport’s cliff walk and offers several different graduate programs in holistic psychology. Students can pursue either a Master of Arts in holistic counseling or a Master of Arts in holistic leadership, which focuses on the development of communication and holistic leadership skills for organizational leaders. Both master’s degrees offer a concentration in professional application of the expressive and creative arts, and Salve Regina also offers a graduate certificate and an advanced graduate certificate in substance abuse foundations.
Antioch University Midwest
Antioch University Midwest is an adult education outgrowth of Antioch College, the progressive college founded in 1852 that became famous for its unique co-op program requiring students to work full-time every other semester. AUM offers an individualized Master of Arts in applied psychology with concentrations in ecopsychology, psychology and spirituality, contemplative psychology, integrative studies in psychology and personal and professional coaching. Students can also pursue a master’s degree in integral knowledge systems, a program developed in collaboration with the Sri Aurobindo Center for Advanced Research in Pondicherry, India that combines Eastern and Western spirituality and wellness practices. This program offers concentrations in integral social transformation and consciousness studies.
Lesley University
Founded as a teacher’s college at the height of the kindergarten movement in 1909, Lesley University is located near Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Lesley is the only university on the East Coast to offer an undergraduate degree in holistic psychology. Students choose a track in Art Therapy, Counseling, or Expressive Arts Therapy. They study the human spiritual journey through suffering and transcendence as it is expressed in modern psychological theory as well as in the traditions of the Eastern, Western and tribal cultures. Many students choose to study abroad, and they may also take courses in the university’s Child Homelessness Initiative or participate in professor Neal Klein’s Foundation for Ubiquitous Nonsense.
Ashford University offers 2 Holistic Health degree programs. It's a very large, private for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2019, 159 Holistic Health students graduated with students earning 159 Bachelor's degrees.
Based on 5 Reviews
40+
Years of Holistic Counseling Programs and Community Service
39,157
Counseling Psychology Hours Performed by Students Every Year
80%
Pass Rate for First Time MFT & LPCC Test Takers
3
Unique Holistic Specializations
- 3 Years Full-Time
- Part-Time Option
- 91 Units
- Evening Option
"Kathy cares deeply about CIIS, has a passion for integral education, a love of mission-driven and equity-driven academic institutions, and an abiding commitment to supporting and uplifting faculty."
Holistic Psychology is the study and practice of how to return to our natural wholeness. This field is the synthesis of ancient knowledge and methods with modern technological advances. The method is based on experiential learning and personal clearing. The ancients knew this as “healer, heal thyself.”
Students will learn and experience a vast resource of body, emotional, and psychological disciplines through independent study, practicum, and guided self-learning. The program teaches how to connect to innate “inner knowing” through use of the right brain. It is the goal of this program for the graduate to attain a higher human evolution and become a reflection of that which they offer in service to others.
Masters Program: 45 Credits
[30 Credits in Required Courses, 15 Credits in Electives]
Doctorate Program: 90 Credits
[55 Credits in Required Courses, 35 Credits in Electives]
Combined Masters/Doctorate Program: 120 Credits
[75 Credits in Required Courses, 45 Credits in Electives]
Course # Credits Required Core Courses - Masters Degree
HPY600 3 Theories and Principles of Holistic Psychology
HPY 605 3 Studies in Eastern Traditions
HPY 609 2 Multi-Cultural Counseling HPY 610 2 Childhood Development Studies HPY 620 2 Somatic Methods for Releasing Subconscious Belief Patterns HPY 640 2 Principles and Application of the Right Brain HPY 655 3 Exploring Domains of Consciousness HPY 656 3 Overview of Energetic Healing Methods
HPY 800 10 Master's Thesis Project
Course # Credits Required Core Courses - Doctorate Degree
HPY600 5 Theories and Principles of Holistic Psychology
HPY 605 4 Studies and Application of Centeredness in Eastern Traditions
HPY 609 3 Multi-Cultural Counseling HPY 610 3 Childhood Development Studies HPY 611 2 Understanding the Role of Mother and the Female Principle in Childhood Development HPY 612 2 Understanding the Role of Father in Childhood Development HPY 620 3 Somatic Methods for Discharging Subconscious Belief Patterns HPY 630 4 Skills and Strategies in Therapeutic Feedback HPY 640 3 Understanding and Therapeutic Application of the Right Brain HPY 651 3 Skills and Strategies for Inner Child Therapeutic Processes HPY 655 5 Exploring Domains of Consciousness HPY 656 3 Overview of Energetic Healing Methods
HPY 800 15 Dissertation Research Project
Course # Credits Required Core Courses - Combined Masters/Doctorate Degree
HPY600 5 Theories and Principles of Holistic Psychology
HPY 605 5 Studies and Application of Centeredness in Eastern Traditions
HPY 609 5 Multi-Cultural Counseling HPY 610 5 Childhood Development Studies HPY 620 3 Somatic Methods for Discharging Subconscious Belief Patterns HPY 630 5 Skills and Strategies in Therapeutic Feedback HPY 640 5 Understanding and Therapeutic Application of the Right Brain HPY 651 4 Skills and Strategies for Inner Child Therapeutic Processes HPY 655 5 Exploring Domains of Consciousness
HPY 656 5 Overview of Energetic Healing Methods
HPY 657 2 Understanding the Role of the Mother and Father
TPY 520 3 Theories and Practice of Meditation TPY 601 3 Counseling Theories and Strategies TPY 670 2 Legal and Ethical Issues
SSP 504 3 Somatic Centered Therapies
HPY 800 15 Dissertation Research Project
Electives
Below are examples of electives that one may consider taking as part of a degree program in Holistic Psychology. Students, in concert with their mentors, shall determine which electives are most relevant to their educational aspirations.
Course# Credits Electives HPY 660 1-5 Neuro Linguistic Programming HPY 661 1-5 Chinese Five Elements HPY 662 1-5 Gestalt Therapy HPY 663 1-5 Bioenergetic Therapy HPY 664 1-5 Tai Chi Push Hands HPY 665 1-5 Affect of Eye Movement in Therapy HPY 667 1-5 Introduction to Bach Flower Essences HPY 668 1-5 Introduction to Aromatherapy HPY 669 1-5 Introduction to Yoga HPY 670 1-5 Introduction to Movement Awareness Methodology HPY 671 1-5 Introduction to Mantra and Chanting HPY 672 1-5 Introduction to Breathwork for Emotional Clearing HPY 673 2-5 Matrix Energetics
HPY 674 1-5 Prayer, Gratitude and Forgiveness
Holistic Psychology
Course Descriptions
REQUIRED CORE COURSES
HPY600 Theories and Principles of Holistic Psychology
This course examines the methodologies, theories, and research that support the holistic vision in psychology. Emphasis is placed upon the interaction of the physical, psychological and spiritual. Students will be encouraged to evaluate their own beliefs around identity and self-actualization processes.
HPY 605 Studies and Application of Centeredness in Eastern Traditions
This course explores the theories and concept of internal Centeredness. Students will study and discuss concepts from Taoism and the Tao Te Ching and will practice the Asian exercises to classically train internal centeredness. The course continues the exploration into the state of being known as centeredness, or being centered. Students will go deeper into the practices of connecting to center and releasing physiological and psychological distractions and impediments to centeredness. This course will also particularly focus on the skills and strategies of regaining centeredness after “losing” centeredness. Students will have the opportunity to deepen their connection to their internal energy system. The focus will be on Asian methods such as Tai Chi and Chi Kung.
HPY 609 Multi-Cultural Counseling
This course acquaints students with the importance of taking into account and respecting the individual client's cultural experience. Topics covered include the psychological implications of being a member of a minority group, questions about the universality of the human experience, and implications of a multi-cultural society, and the phases of acculturation clients may be experiencing.
HPY 610 Childhood Development Studies
This course focuses on the works of Pia Mellody and the five major principles of functional childhood development. Students will both study and discuss these principles along with completing the corresponding workbook on the five principles.
HPY 620 Somatic Methods for Discharging Subconscious Belief Patterns
This course explores the theory and practice of somatic release method for clearing physiological trauma associated with dysfunctional childhood learning. It also delves into the theory and practice of additional modalities to release childhood beliefs from the emotional and physical body.
HPY 630 Skills and Strategies in Therapeutic Feedback
In this course, students both develop skills to be used in recording therapeutic feedback from questionnaire material, and gain insight into the concepts behind these skills and strategies. Students focus on refining the skills explored in the first section, with students engaging each other in practice exchanges as well as facilitator feedback.
HPY 640 Understanding and Therapeutic Application of the Right Brain
This study and practicum course will explore the theories supporting the nature and function of the right, and students will practice utilizing the right brain in therapeutic methodologies.
HPY 651 Skills and Strategies for Inner Child Therapeutic Processes
This course explores therapeutic methods for the integration and connection of the adult and inner child personifications.
HPY 655 Exploring Domains of Consciousness
This course explores ancient traditions and new findings of scientific research in the area of consciousness studies.
HPY 656 Overview of Energetic Healing Methods
This course will focus on the upcoming field of energetic healing, its theories and methods. Students will receive an introduction to the SpectraVision Bio Scanning technology and principles of homeopathy.
HPY 657 Understanding the Role of the Mother and Father
This course will explore the understanding of the female and male principles, also known as anima/yin and animus/yang. The role of the mother and father in core childhood development will also be considered.
TPY 520 Theories and Practice of Meditation
Experiential learning defines this course as students are encouraged to integrate theories of meditation into the practice of meditation. Methods of relaxation and breathing techniques are taught, as well as the different approaches offered by various schools of thought pertaining to meditation. The student is expected to develop his/her own ability to meditate, based on an organized system of practice. The focus of this course is to transform experiential learning into experiential knowledge. The student’s mentor provides ongoing supervision and direction during this process.
TPY 601 Counseling Theories and Strategies
Traditional counseling theories are examined for their contributions to Transpersonal Psychology, and strategies are developed that incorporate relevant techniques into transpersonal perspectives. Students are encouraged to enter dimensions of consciousness that allow counseling theories to guide the strategies and skills required for effective transpersonal counseling. The development of skills that emerge from the incorporation of traditional knowledge with transpersonal pursuits are nurtured as a focus for this course.
TPY 670 Legal and Ethical Issues
This course outlines the sensitive areas of legal and ethical concern, such as the Privacy Act, confidentiality, informed consent, advertising, and conflict of interest. Guidelines are provided for the practical application of ethical behavior. The student is encouraged to study the laws of the state in which he/she practices and subsequent ethical standards.
SSP 504 Somatic Centered Therapies
HPY 800 Dissertation Research Project A doctorate level dissertation is required and the proposal must be submitted to the mentor and department chair. Upon approval, students will work with their mentors to gain direction for research, format, and editing. This project will be a culmination of the student’s knowledge, making a significant contribution to the field of Expressive Arts Therapy.
ELECTIVE COURSES
Students enrolled in the Holistic Psychology Ph.D. program are required to take 40 elective credits. In the combined M.A./Ph.D. program, students are required to take 70 elective credits. Elective courses may be recommended by the university to ensure the student receives a well-rounded education and students are encouraged to take electives that focus on their core areas of educational interest. Alternative electives to the courses below may be designed by students and submitted to their mentor and the university for approval, truly giving students the opportunity to customize their education. A sample syllabus can be provided to interested students. In addition, with prior university approval, students can receive course credits for certain relevant workshops and conferences attended.
HPY 660 Neuro Linguistic Programming
This course is based on the research project to determine common characteristics and modalities of great achievers. Students will learn about sensorial preferences such as auditory, visual, or kinesthetic dominant behavioral traits. The course will also describe the understanding of how linguistics affects behavior strategies and patterns.
HPY 661 Chinese Five Elements
This course will describe the ideological foundation of Chinese Acupuncture called the Five Elements. Students will learn about the Elements of Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood and how they are reflected in all living things. They will also learn the holistic correspondences of these Elements in human life.
HPY 662 Gestalt Therapy
This course focuses on the study of Fritz Perl’s work developed in the 40’s-50’s. Students will learn the Gestalt understanding about perception, gestalt formation and the tendency of organisms to complete the incomplete gestalt, to form "wholes" in experience.
HPY 663 Bioenergetic Therapy
Founded by Alexander Lowen, M.D., bioenergetics is a further development of the psychoanalytic work of Wilhelm Reich. Bioenergetics combines work with the body and work with the mind to create an in-depth understanding of who the person is, and what s/he needs in order to be fully alive and vibrant.
HPY 664 Tai Chi Push Hands
Pushing Hands is a simplified form of sparring popular with students of Tai Chi. Lacking the punches and kicks common in the practice fighting of many external martial arts, Pushing Hands is a gentle sport of control where success is achieved by upsetting the balance of one's opponent.
HPY 665 Effect of Eye Movement in Therapy
This course is an overview of different theories and methods associated with use of the eyes for therapeutic processes. The course explores RET [Rapid Eye Technology], EMDR [Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing], Tibetan eye work, and Bates vision correction work.
HPY 667 Introduction to Bach Flower Essences
Overview of the subtle liquid extracts known as flower essences and the effect the different essences have on our emotional and spiritual selves. This body of knowledge was most clearly developed in the 30’s by Dr. Edward Bach.
HPY 668 Introduction to Aromatherapy
Overview of the principles and applications of the oils of botanical plants. Students will study the therapeutic as well as the fragrance indications of the plants.
HPY 669 Introduction to Yoga
This course will review yoga as a spiritual practice. Included will be study of the eight-fold limbs of yoga and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
HPY 670 Introduction to Movement Awareness Methodology
This course will overview the works of Feldenkrais, Alexander, Trager and others. Students will experience and learn the structural and psychological benefits of conscious movement work.
HPY 671 Introduction to Mantra and Chanting
This course studies the science and application of mantra and chanting from the different spiritual traditions. Students will practice and observe the affect of these ancient pure sounds.
HPY 672 Introduction to Breathwork for Emotional Clearing
This course will review the use of the breath to purge emotional trauma and physical trauma from the body. The course will include introduction to yogic pranayama and Rebirth breathing.
HPY 673 Matrix Energetics
Matrix Energetics is a complete system of healing, self-care and transformation. It is a transferable and teachable phenomenon, powered by intent, which has a physical and observable effect every time. Complete beginners as well as seasoned health care practitioners are able to perform and utilize this work to effect change with no waiting and no running of energy. Matrix Energetics is based on the laws and expression of subtle energy physics and the concepts and laws of quantum physics, superstring theory and Sheldrake's Morphic Resonance. Advanced ancient principles reviewed, as well as quantum-based consciousness in transforming lives, healing, and well-being. Students also learn how to streamline the work and help the practitioner make choices on where and how to use this work quickly.
HPY 674 Prayer, Gratitude and Forgiveness
This course focuses on utilizing prayer with a focus on gratitude and forgiveness to bring one's life into balance, and healing pain and patterning that has been passed down for thousands of years.