Graduate School Credit for Hakomi Therapy Trainings

In general, a number of graduate programs over the years have given Hakomi Therapy students credits toward their degrees for taking Hakomi trainings.  The normal expectation is that students are enrolled in a school’s program and ask permission for such credit before taking the Hakomi training.  It is rare that a school will give credit for trainings taken prior to admission, with the exception of some schools that give credit for life experience.  Students should check with particular schools about their respective policies before enrolling in the school and/or a Hakomi training for which they hope to gain credit.

Ph.D. in Somatic Psychology or Clinical Psychology
through the Santa Barbara Graduate Institute

The Hakomi Institute offers specific trainings that are approved by the Professional Specialty Program (PSP) of the Santa Barbara Graduate Institute (SBGI) for up to 30 credits toward a doctoral degree through SBGI.  This means that one can obtain a doctorate in psychology specializing in Hakomi Therapy.

How is this different than other doctoral programs?
This is the only doctoral degree program in the United States that incorporates specialized trainings in the field of somatic psychology that are provided by independent organizations affiliated with SBGI through the PSP.

What is the PSP?
The Professional Specialty Program (PSP) is an innovative design incorporating a blend of courses on campus, online and off-campus provided by approved independent organizations such as the Hakomi Institute that are specializing in particular aspects of somatic psychology.

Guiding Perspective and Principles of the PSP
To meet the growing demand for specialization in specific therapeutic modalities and flexibility in educational programs, SBGI brings together state-of-the-art clinical training with solid academic programs that meet requirements for graduate degrees as well as clinical licensure, where desired.  Students in Professional Specialty Programs (PSP) take an approved certificate program with a professional training institution as part of their course work.

Those who wish to pursue in-depth study in an approved professional certificate program such as Hakomi may receive up to 30 quarter units toward a doctoral degree in the Professional Specialty part of the program.  The remainder of study is completed in two six-day on-campus modules per year at SBGI for the non-licensure programs or two eight-day modules per year for the Clinical Psychology programs.

In order to receive credit for study within a Professional Specialty Program, students must first be admitted and registered in a degree program at SBGI.  Upon acceptance for graduate study, students enroll in the Professional Specialty Program.  Credit will only be given for professional specialty courses taken after enrollment in SBGI.  No graduate credit is given for prior learning.

Professional Specialty Program students may elect to begin on campus courses at any time or may wait until the PSP training is complete.  Students must begin on campus classes within one year of completing the PSP certificate courses and must complete all coursework within ten years.

What degrees are given?
The two degrees offered are a Ph.D. in Somatic Psychology (the non-clinical degree) and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology (Specialty in Somatic Psychology) that meets the educational requirements for the Marriage and Family License in the State of California.

When does the SBGI academic year start?
The academic year begins in the fall.  However, you may apply to SBGI and begin your professional specialty course in Hakomi at any time during the year.

How often do I attend SBGI?
SBGI courses are held twice yearly, in the fall and spring.  Regular classes are six days long.  Clinical psychology students participate in licensure courses an additional two days, making a total of eight days of attendance each time.

What amount of coursework will be done online?
Approximately 50% of SBGI coursework will be conducted at a distance using online discussion forums, teleconferences, video and/or audio lectures.

Do I qualify for admission to SBGI?
Admission to the Ph.D. in Somatic Psychology requires a Bachelor’s degree.  For detailed official Santa Barbara Graduate Institute information and catalog about their offerings and policies please go to the SBGI website at: www.sbgi.edu and then to the sidebar: Professional Specialty Programs.

Does every Hakomi Training qualify for SBGI credit?
Specific trainings qualify for SBGI credit depending on the curriculum and staff employed.  Check with the institute office to clarify the eligibility of each training.

For more information visit www.sbgi.edu, or contact Greg Johanson regarding SBGI credit for Hakomi trainings: 773-338-9606, email greg@gregjohanson.net