ITP global PhD in (Transpersonal) Psychology?

Discussion in 'Nursing and medical-related degrees' started by Hadashi no Gen, Mar 2, 2011.

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  1. Hadashi no Gen

    Hadashi no Gen New Member

    This may be an off the wall sort of degree for the group... but I am wondering if there is anyone here, or if anyone here know anyone who has taken ITP's Global PhD in Psychology, focusing on Transpersonal Psychology? If so, do you have any feedback?

    http://itp.edu/academics/globalphd/index.php

    This is an area that I am very interested in... and I am curious as to whether or not studying such a specialized area of psychology would be of any benefit to me, professionally? Of those of you who work in university settings, do you think that this would allow me to teach psychology courses?

    View curriculum here: http://itp.edu/academics/globalphd/curricula.php

    Thanks!
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 2, 2011
  2. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    Let's be clear. The issue is not one of "qualified to teach." Anyone with a good doctoral degree is qualified to teach, at least on paper. The issue is, "are there any schools around teaching the sorts of courses that I've chosen for my specialty area? Aside from Naropa (and of course ITP) the answer is mostly, "no." Nobody loves Ken Wilber (except us).
     
  3. Hadashi no Gen

    Hadashi no Gen New Member

    Well... as far as teaching these types of courses, educational programs in mental health seem to be placing much more of an emphasis on spirituality these days (at least in New England. I assume that it is similar across the board). I guess that I can only hope that courses or programs with more of a transpersonal emphasis are developed in the future. However, it is not my goal to only teach transpersonal-related courses.

    Also, the program where I currently work, for PTSD and substance abuse in uniformed professionals, threads spirituality and eastern philosophy through EVERYTHING... and has MUCH better results than the other dual diagnosis units within our hospital.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 3, 2011
  4. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    OK, who are you trying to convince? Me? Or yourself?

    There are literally thousands of people out there who can teach Psych 101. Most of them have degrees from Tier 1 B&M universities. If you think that your transpersonal degree will set you apart in a positive way then I think you've answered your own question.
     
  5. Hadashi no Gen

    Hadashi no Gen New Member

    ZING!

    Thank you for your extremely helpful and kind response.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 3, 2011
  6. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    You wanted to know whether such a degree would professionally beneficial, but now it seems you won't take no for an answer. Kizmet mentioned Naropa, the only other places where I could see them going for this sort of thing are Atlantic University and the University of Philosophical Research. Everywhere else, it seems like it would be a disadvantage.

    -=Steve=-
     
  7. Hadashi no Gen

    Hadashi no Gen New Member

    This is silly... I really don't understand what is going on here. Reading back through my responses, it seems as though I accepted his answer but continued discussing. Should I have just stopped? Is there any reason why anyone should not discuss a topic on a discussion forum?

    He gave his answer... Naropa and ITP, both schools which I know lots about. I simply continued saying that it seems like transpersonal issues are becoming more important in mental health related educational programs and in mental health professions. What about this warranted such sharp language?

    If anyone means "no," I don't understand why it should be said in any other way than "no," unless that person is asking for further discussion. Especially by a Mod. No hard feelings, by the way.

    So, to not to go down a route that seems to be deemed by authorities here as wrong... or me answering my own questions... I will ask a new one.

    What do people with doctorates from ITP do, exactly? The PhD in Psychology is not a clinical degree... so if they aren't able to teach, what other reasons would there be to spending so much money on an education?

    Thanks.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 3, 2011
  8. emmzee

    emmzee New Member

    Speculation: They really enjoy it and think it's valuable and want the degree for personal, intellectual, and academic fulfillment. Or the degree could also be used to help them become a published author or public speaker. (It does seem to help add credibility to a person's public works if they have an earned degree related to their writing/speaking.)
     
  9. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    I think that if you want to teach at the university level you need a mainstream degree. Are there exceptions? I'm sure that there are. Could you be one of them? Sure, why not. If you're willing to bet a whole boatload of money on it then that's OK with me but, as they say at the casinos, "Don't bet what you can't afford to lose." Personally I think it would be a fascinating degree program. I've actually read some transpersonal stuff and I have a high regard for the fundamental principles. I think that Wilber is a brilliant guy.

    To answer your last question. I'd be willing to bet that the overwhelming majority of people who enroll in the ITP doctoral program are already licensed therapists. The PhD doesn't allow them to practice, they do that based on their Masters degree. The PhD is the icing on the cake. I'd bet that an ITP PhD doesn't change many career paths although it may enhance them.
     
  10. okydd

    okydd New Member

    I like this quote.
     
  11. aptmusic

    aptmusic New Member

    Transpersonal Psychology

    I agree with Kizmet and think you may want to get a Master's in counseling, mft or something that will earn you a license first. If you are going into research or teaching, more and more colleges and universities are studying and starting programs involving meditation and other things that fall under the transpersonal psychology domain. I think it would potentially make you more attractive to certain schools to have this non-traditional training in combination with traditional training. Not to mention private mental health institutions who really value alternative healing methods.
     

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