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“TELL ME, WHAT IS IT YOU PLAN TO DO WITH YOUR ONE WILD AND PRECIOUS LIFE?” - MARY OLIVER
WELCOME THE PACIFICA STORY
Pacifica Graduate Institute is an innovative, employee-owned graduate school dedicated to the purpose expressed in its motto: animae mundi colendae gratia—for the sake of tending soul in and of the world. Pacifica’s genesis was in response to the Vietnam War and cultural upheaval of the 1970s. In the university town of Isla Vista, California, a group of concerned individuals saw returning veterans, families, and young people in distress. They gathered resources and developed a community counseling outreach program to aid those around them. That community initiative evolved into a graduate program in counseling psychology. What was then known as the Human Potential Movement influenced both the degree program and its founders. Following the push of the times and their own calling, they attended workshops and trainings at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. There they came to know Joseph
Campbell, and the work of Marion Woodman. These pioneering thinkers made frequent trips to Santa Barbara and offered support as the school and its programs evolved. These mentors helped what was then The Human Relations Institute grow into Pacifica Graduate Institute—a respected and accredited graduate school firmly rooted in the traditions of depth psychology. Today’s world continues to evolve in complex and meaningful ways. We are navigating ongoing global uncertainty, rapid technological change, and cultural shifts that invite reflection, resilience, and renewed connection. Amid rising mental health challenges, questions of identity, belonging, and purpose remain at the forefront of individual and collective experience. The need for thoughtful, compassionate engagement with the human psyche has never been more important.
OUR MOTTO Animae mundi colendae gratia: for the sake of tending soul in and of the world.
OUR MISSION The mission of Pacifica Graduate Institute is to foster creative learning and research in the fields of psychology and mythological studies, framed in the traditions of depth psychology.
OUR CORE VALUES LOGOS: The idea that academic excellence is central to what informs our curriculum, research, and scholarship – demonstrated by conscious reflective regard for new knowledge resting securely on the traditions of the past that inform the development of the whole person (intellect, dream, intuition, symptoms, feeling, imagination and other ways of knowing) in relation to the larger social world.
INTEGRITY: The necessity for a just, psychecentered attitude rooted in the “wisdom traditions,” and committed to cultivating an honest and caring presence among ourselves, our students, and the world around us.
EROS: The importance of open communication, respectful relationship, care, and a heartfelt regard for a diverse community which includes a love for learning as a noble goal of the human spirit.
SERVICE: To ourselves as unique human beings, to others within the Pacifica community as well as to those we engage in the world through our example, talks, lectures, workshops, writing, teaching; the capacity to see through cultural forms; the art of hosting the incarnate and the invisible; and our ongoing service to our fields of Depth Psychology, Mythological Studies, and the Humanities.
CONSCIOUSNESS: The awareness of Pacifica as a “psychological community” with a connection to the deep psyche – mindful attention is given to personal and community introspection, the conscious tending of the shadow of consciousness, and a respect for solar thinking (reason) and lunar reflection (dream and imagination).
STEWARDSHIP: Care of the world soul as expressed in Pacifica’s motto, “animae mundi colendae gratia,” becoming sustainable at all levels – from our way of being actively present in imaginal inquiry to our presence in the larger earth community – from work load to land use, from our way of conducting business to our model of doing business.
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A DIVERSE COMMUNITY Students come to Pacifica from across the country, and sometimes around the world. Most are working adults, from a variety of ethnic, socioeconomic, and age groups. A TRANSDISCIPLINARY CURRICULUM Pacifica’s academic programs are transdisciplinary endeavors, drawing on literature, philosophy, mythology, the arts, and critical studies, in order to enliven and deepen the integration of ideas and experience.
“Good questions live in Pacifica. Good, wild, fantastic questions. They live in the eyes, the faces, the smiles, the rituals, the humility, and the teeming everydays of this fine institution. To learn, teach, and mentor here, no matter your specification, is to become part of a collective inquiry for unspoken depths, for discarded memories, for lingering ancestries, for new political imaginaries, for exquisitely new ways of saying and doing things. For justice beyond justice. We need that today, don’t we? If you have a question that has nowhere else to live, bring it to this community. Together, we will cultivate the conditions for it to blossom into surprise. That is why Pacifica works. That is why it should work. That is its premise and promise.”
INNOVATIVE ACADEMIC FORMATS Pacifica offers flexible academic formats to support diverse student needs. Our three licensure-track programs meet on campus for three- to four-day monthly sessions, while all other programs are offered in a hybrid or fully online format. All academic formats are designed to support rigorous study, meaningful connection, and balance with work and life commitments.
- BAYO AKOMOLAFE, PH.D.
THE COHORT MODEL At Pacifica, students learn in collaborative, close-knit cohort groups that become genuine communities, sustaining the growth of their members. The relationships formed are often lifelong. The cohort becomes a family where one is known, supported, and welcomed. A T R A N S F O R M A T IO N A L E X P E R IE NC E Pacifica students often reflect on their time here as a profound transformational journey. They share their enthusiasm for an experiential education of the mind, heart, and soul.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING We believe in education as a catalyst for profound personal transformation. Our experiential learning approach empowers students through dynamic, interactive experiences that transcend traditional classroom boundaries, fostering not only academic growth but also holistic personal development. We encourage introspection, deep exploration of identity, and the cultivation of wisdom and compassion, shaping individuals who contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world.
The Pacifica faculty has found that those with an affinity for the work done at Pacifica share some significant qualities: A DESIRE TO INTEGRATE DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF THEIR LIVES A TENDENCY TO INQUIRE BEYOND THE LITERAL AND CONCRETE A CALLING TO DEVELOP A CAREER THAT BENEFITS THE WELL-BEING OF OTHERS AN OPEN-HEARTED CURIOSITY ABOUT EXPLORING THEMSELVES, THEIR COMMUNITY, AND THE LARGER WORLD
WHAT IS WHAT IS DEPTH PSYCHOLOGY Depth psychology is at the heart of everything we do at Pacfica. But what exactly do we mean by "depth"? Depth psychology is not just a theory, it is a way of seeing the world. The word "depth" is a metaphor for the parts of ourselves that lie beneath the surface-what is not immediately visible or measurable, yet profoundly real. Think of an iceberg. Only a small portion floats above the water, while the majority remains hidden beneath the surface. In much the same way, the human psyche contains layers of experience, memory, emotion, and meaning that exist beyond everyday awareness. What is happening beneath our everyday actions and emotions? What unconscious patterns influence our lives? How can we listen to these deeper layers rather than ignore them? Moments like slips of the tongue, dreams, unexpected emotional reactions, synchronicities, and psychological symptoms are understood as meaningful expressions of the unconscious. Rather than attempting to eliminate these hidden aspects, depth psychology seeks to bring them into awareness, allowing insight, healing, and transformation to unfold.
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“This long marriage between myself and depth psychology has been possible because I found in depth psychology a basic orientation to being…a desire for the liberation of being.” - Dr. Mary Watkins
At Pacifica, we believe tending the inner life is essential for individuals, communities, and the planet. Guided by “tending the soul in and of the world,” our interdisciplinary approach explores the psyche through imagination, meaning, and the interconnectedness of life.
Sigmund Freud
Carl Jung
Why Now THE MOMENT WE ARE IN We are living in a time of rapid change and increasing complexity—socially, culturally, and psychologically. Many of today’s challenges cannot be addressed through technical expertise alone. As mental health needs rise and technology reshapes how we live and work, the need for reflective, discerning leadership has never been more pronounced. At Pacifica, students are prepared to meet this moment through interdisciplinary study, close faculty mentorship, and community-centered learning. They learn to explore the psychological, cultural, and symbolic dimensions of experience—developing the capacity to navigate complexity with creativity, insight, and care.
A DEEPER KIND OF LEARNING The world of work is evolving quickly. Traditional paths are shifting, and new roles are emerging in response to a changing world. Adaptability and imagination are no longer optional—they are essential. At Pacifica, vocation is not a fixed destination, but a living response to the needs of the time. Depth psychology reminds us that what takes shape in the world often begins in the inner life.
EMERGING QUESTIONS Who will help communities build resilience? Who will support mental health in an increasingly complex world? Who will bridge cultural and generational divides?
"The seeds of the future grow in the fertile dark of the unconscious. Long before they become visible in the world."
C.G. Jung
Rather than preparing students for a single path, Pacifica cultivates the awareness, creativity, and discernment needed to respond to what is unfolding.
This is education for meaningful work—now and into the future.
FIND YOUR PATH Graduate Education Rooted in Depth Psychology
Pacifica Graduate Institute offers master’s and doctoral programs rooted in the tradition of depth psychology, an interdisciplinary field that explores the symbolic, mythological, cultural, ecological, and spiritual dimensions of the human psyche. Pacifica’s programs are designed for adult learners and working professionals and are offered in low-residential, hybrid, and online formats.
LICENSURE / LOW-RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS These programs combine intensive residential learning sessions with coursework completed between residencies. Students gather on campus in focused learning communities while maintaining their professional and personal commitments. M.A./Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology A depth-oriented clinical psychology program preparing students for licensure as clinical psychologists while integrating contemporary clinical training with depth psychological perspectives. M.A. in Counseling Psychology A LPCC or LMFT licensure-track program preparing students for careers in counseling and psychotherapy through the integration of clinical practice, theory, and depth psychological understanding. Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology A professional doctoral program designed for students seeking advanced clinical training and leadership in counseling psychology, emphasizing applied practice and depth psychological approaches to therapeutic work. This program leads to licensure as a clinical psychologist.
HYBRID PROGRAMS Hybrid programs combine online coursework with periodic in-person learning intensives, allowing students to engage deeply with faculty and cohort while maintaining flexibility.
HYBRID PROGRAMS CONTINUED M.A. in Depth Psychology and Creativity with Emphasis in the Arts and Humanities Explores the relationship between creativity, imagination, culture, and the psyche through interdisciplinary study in the arts and humanities. M.A./Ph.D. in Jungian and Archetypal Studies Explores the work of C.G. Jung and archetypal psychology, focusing on the role of symbols, dreams, myth, and imagination in understanding the psyche. M.A./Ph.D. in Community, Liberation, Indigenous, and Eco-Psychologies Explores the psychological dimensions of social transformation, ecological relationships, and cultural healing, examining how psyche, community, and environment are deeply interconnected. Ph.D. in Integrative Therapy and Healing Practices An interdisciplinary doctoral program exploring integrative approaches to healing, including expressive arts, somatic awareness, contemplative traditions, and mind-body practices.
ONLINE PROGRAMS Pacifica’s online programs offer flexible access to graduate study while maintaining the Institute’s depth-oriented scholarship and cohort-based learning experience. M.A./Ph.D. in Psychology, Religion, and Consciousness Examines the relationship between psychology, spiritual traditions, and the study of consciousness through interdisciplinary scholarship. M.A./Ph.D. in Jungian and Archetypal Studies Explores the work of C.G. Jung and archetypal psychology, focusing on the role of symbols, dreams, myth, and imagination in understanding the psyche. M.A./Ph.D. in Mythology and Religious Studies Investigates myth, storytelling, and symbolic traditions across cultures and historical periods, exploring how myth continues to shape individual and collective life.
A DISTINCTIVE GRADUATE EXPERIENCE Pacifica students pursue graduate study as both an intellectual and personal journey. Through small learning cohorts, mentorship with distinguished faculty, and interdisciplinary scholarship, students explore psychology as a field that connects mind, culture, imagination, and the living world. Guided by Pacifica’s motto “tending soul in and of the world,” our programs prepare graduates to bring depth psychological insight into their professions and communities.
APPLICATION AND ADMISSIONS PROCESS 11 S U B M I T A N O N L I N E A P P L I C A T I O N
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COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION FILE
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS To Complete Your Application File
DEGREE PROGRAM M.A. in Counseling Psychology**
DEGREE PROGRAM
Personal Resumé Statement or CV
Yes 3-5 pgs
Yes
Personal Resumé Statement or CV
Academic Writing Sample 3-5 page APA Format Academic Writing Sample
Academic Writing Sample
Letters of Official Recommendation Transcripts 1 Letter with Recommendation Form
Yes
Letters of Recommendation
Official Transcripts
Psychology** M.A. in Counseling Psychology**
Psy.D. in Counseling
Yes 3-5 Yespgs
Yes Yes
3-5 page APA Format 3-5 page APA Format Academic Writing Sample Academic Writing Sample
1 Letter with 1 Letter with Recommendation FormYes Recommendation Form
Yes
Psy.D. in Counseling M.A./Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology** Psychology**
Yes Yes 3-5 pgs
Yes Yes
3-5 page APA APA Format 3-5 page Format Academic Writing Sample Academic Writing Sample
1 Letter with with 1 Letter Yes Recommendation Form Form Recommendation
Yes
M.A./Ph.D. in Depth Psychology M.A./Ph.D. in Clinical with Specialization in Jungian Psychology** and Archetypal Studies
Yes Yes 3-5 pgs
Yes Yes
page Format 3-53-5 page APAAPA Format Academic Writing Sample Academic Writing Sample
1 Letter 1 Letter with with Yes Recommendation Recommendation Form Form
Yes
M.A./Ph.D. in Depth Psychology M.A./Ph.D. in Community, with Specialization in Jungian Liberation, Indigenous, and and Archetypal Studies Eco-Psychologies
Yes Yes 3-5 pgs
Yes Yes
3-5 page APA Format 3-5 page APA Format Academic Writing Sample Academic Writing Sample
1 Letter with 1 Letter with Yes Recommendation Form Form Recommendation
Yes
M.A./Ph.D. in Community, Ph.D. in Depth Psychology Liberation, Indigenous, and with Specialization in Integrative Eco-Psychologies
Yes Yes 3-5 pgs
Yes Yes
3-5 page APA Format 3-5 page APA Format Academic Writing Sample Academic Writing Sample
1 Letter with Yes 1 LetterForm with Recommendation Recommendation Form
Yes
Ph.D. in Depth Psychology in Mythology and withM.A./Ph.D. Specialization in Integrative Religious Studies Therapy and Healing Practices
Yes Yes 3-5 pgs
Yes Yes
3-53-5 page APAAPA Format page Format Academic Writing Sample Academic Writing Sample
1 Letter with with 1 Letter Yes Recommendation Form Form Recommendation
Yes
M.A./Ph.D. Mythology and M.A. ininDepth Psychology Religious and Studies Creativity
Yes Yes 3-5 pgs
Yes Yes
page 3-53-5 page APACreative Format or Academic Writing Sample Academic Writing Sample
1 Letter with with 1 Letter Yes Recommendation Form Form Recommendation
Yes
M.A. in Depth Psychology M.A./Ph.D. Program in Psychology, and Creativity Religion, and Consciousness
Yes Yes 3-5 pgs
Yes Yes
3-5 page Creative or 3-5 page APA Format Academic Writing Sample Academic Writing Sample
1 Letter with with 1 Letter Yes Recommendation Form Form Recommendation
Yes
Therapy and Healing Practices
M.A./Ph.D. Program in Psychology, 3-5 page APA Format 1 Letter with *Please submit all application documents portal. Yes(transcripts, Yes letters of recommendations, personal statements etc.) in your applicant Yes Religion, and Consciousness
Academic Writing Sample
Recommendation Form
**Official transcripts must be sent from the school directly to applicant@pacifica.edu. ***Programs preparing students for licensure also require an Acknowledgement of Licensure Requirements Information Form.
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REVIEW BY ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE
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ACCEPTANCE
Faculty Review
Admissions Interview
Acceptance
After you have submitted the
Interviews are a required step in
Applicants who have been
required application
the Pacifica admissions process.
accepted submit a non-
documents, your completed
The interview addresses a number
refundable deposit and
application file will be sent to
of important topics concerning
enrollment agreement forms for
the Admissions Committee for
the applicant’s potential to
confirmation. The deposit and
review and consideration for
engage in graduate studies.
forms must be received within 14
an interview. Upon
Applicants will be invited to virtual
days of receipt of acceptance.
recommendation by the
interviews. Notification of the
Those who are unable to attend
committee, you will be invited
Admissions Committee’s decision
the current academic year must
to interview.
will be sent after the interview.
submit a new application and updated documents in order be considered for acceptance at a later date.
Need Assistance?
International Applicants
Pacifica’s Office of Admissions has designated advisors for each degree program who are happy to assist throughout the application and admissions process.
International transcripts must be evaluated to determine U.S. equivalency.
applicant@pacifica.edu 805.879.7305
We will accept evaluations from current members of NACES and AICE. Where applicable, international applications must submit English Language results during the application process for admissions and prior to acceptance. We accept the following test scores and services:
IELTS: 7; TOEFL: 230 computer-based test; 570 written test; or 90 Internet-based test; or 4.5 on the new scale; and Cambridge Exam: Pass at Grade B. Duolingo English Test (DET) 120 or higher
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UNIQUE AUDIENCES A global community of scholars, practitioners, and changemakers
FULBRIGHT PROGRAM
PEACE CORPS
Pacifica is proud to be recognized as a “Top Producing Institution” for the prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Program.
Pacifica collaborates with the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program to provide graduate school scholarships for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers.
As the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange initiative, the Fulbright Program aims to enhance mutual understanding between nations. Opportunities are available to students who hold a Bachelor’s degree, but have not yet earned a doctorate. Visit our website for eligibility and details.
VETERANS Pacifica is committed to supporting veterans in their educational pursuits. We have partnered with the Veteran’s Administration to offer up to ten Yellow Ribbon Scholarships annually for veterans eligible under the Post 9/11 GI Bill®. For more information, please visit our website.
Programs participating include: Community, Liberation, Indigenous, and Eco-psychologies Counseling Psychology (M.A. & Psy.D) Clinical Psychology Program (M.A./Ph.D.)
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Pacifica welcomes students from around the world. As a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified institution, Pacifica is authorized to issue Form I-20 for F-1 visa applicants enrolled in full-time programs. Additional visa pathways may apply depending on a student’s current status om the US. Visit our website for requirements and guidance.
Questions about Your Eligilibty or Pathway?
Connect with our Admissions team to explore your options and next steps pacifica.edu/admissions
FINANCIAL AID Updates to graduate financial aid are expected beginning July 2026 New federal regulations will adjust how graduate funding is structured, including the phase-out of the Grad PLUS loan and the introduction of borrowing limits. The U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Direct Loan program, including Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, will continue to be available for eligible students. In addition, Pacifica provides guidance on private lending options that may help bridge funding gaps created by these changes. We encourage students to plan ahead and explore all available options, including federal aid and Pacifica scholarships. Every situation is unique, and our Financial Aid team is here to help you understand how these updates may shape your funding path and next steps.
FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS Pacifica is pleased to offer a range of institutional scholarship opportunities, including renewable program-specific scholarships and educational assistance awards for eligible students. These awards are designed to help support students throughout their academic journey. Eligible students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.studentaid.gov using Pacifica’s school code: G31268. In addition to federal aid, Pacifica offers scholarships for eligible students. To be considered, applications must be submitted by August 15.
SCHEDULE A FINANCIAL AID CONSULTATION For specific questions and personalized guidance, we encourage you to schedule a one-on-one consultation with our Financial Aid team. pacifica.edu/financial-aid
STUDENT SERVICES
Supporting Your Success at Pacifica Joseph Campbell’s idea of sacred space as a place for self-discovery deeply informs Student Services at Pacifica. We are committed to the holistic development and success of every student, offering mentorship with alumni, academic planning, disability support, professional development, writing assistance, and more. Serving a diverse, post-traditional student body, we accompany students throughout their academic journey. Our philosophy centers on lifelong learning and empowerment—helping students build essential skills in writing, research, and critical thinking that extend beyond the classroom into their careers and lives. Accessibility is central to our approach. With 24/7 access to library resources, research support, and our learning management system, we reduce barriers to education. Accommodations ensure an inclusive environment for students with disabilities. We prioritize both digital and relational connection, meeting students where they are— online or in person. Through personalized guidance and support, we honor each student’s unique background and goals, fostering a community grounded in care, respect, and a shared love of learning.
WRITING TUTORS Pacifica offers free writing support to currently enrolled students, including ESL assistance. Our tutors can help with grammar, structure, MLA and APA formatting, and more—and may also review resumes, CVs, and cover letters as time allows. Sessions are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
COMMUNITY AT PACIFICA Many Pacifica students describe a strong sense of calling and belonging. In a recent survey, 80% of first-year students felt a sense of belonging, and 87.25% said the cohort experience met or exceeded expectations— reflecting the strength of our community, supported by spaces like the library and classroom facilities.
LIBRARY SERVICES Pacifica’s Library serves as a dynamic hub for learning, offering extensive collections, research support, and quiet study spaces to enhance the student experience. With access to digital resources, knowledgeable librarians, and areas for both independent and collaborative work, it provides a supportive environment throughout each student’s academic journey.
STUDENT SERVICES Continued Pacifica’s classrooms support transformative learning with modern technology and an inviting, interactive environment—creating space for intellectual exploration and holistic student growth.
STUDENT CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS Student Clubs are now active at Pacifica, offering opportunities for students to connect across cohorts and programs through shared academic, professional, and personal interests. These student-led spaces foster community, belonging, and meaningful engagement across the Pacifica experience.
DINING SERVICES & RESIDENTIAL HALL Beyond the classroom, our Residence Hall offers three student lounges for relaxation, connection, and study. The dining hall serves a variety of options—including vegetarian and vegan dishes— sourced locally and organically whenever possible, creating a comfortable, nourishing environment for students to thrive. Our Residence Hall, situated in the picturesque Ladera Lane campus, aims to provide a warm and inviting atmosphere. Each room is designed for comfort and convenience, equipped with either a double or twin-sized bed, a wellappointed desk, and a small desk fan for a pleasant stay.
Student Spotlights Voices from the Journey
Pacifica students and alumni are visionaries, scholars, and changemakers whose paths are as varied as the work they go on to do. They come to Pacifica from many different backgrounds and academic disciplines, some already shaped by years of experience, service, creativity, and inquiry, and others just beginning to discover a vocation or answer a deeper calling. What unites them is a desire to engage more deeply with the psyche, the imagination, and the complexities of the human experience. Through their education at Pacifica, they continue to grow into therapists, writers, artists, educators, leaders, and advocates whose work brings depth, insight, and transformation to the communities they serve.
Monica Gangwar is a student in the Counseling Psychology Program, she is also a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, who currently works in a BIPOC LGBTQ+ therapy practice.
Monica Gangwar
“I really value the structured organization of this program. It’s incredibly helpful to know that it only takes up three days each month and to have a clear understanding of when my assignments are due. This has made it much easier for me to organize my life around these commitments. Plus, I’m genuinely excited about delving deeper into depth psychology.”
Lindsay Fauntleroy is a student of the Ph.D. in Depth Psychology with Specialization in Integrative Therapy and Healing Practices program and currently runs thespiritseed.org, creating flower essences and offering healing services. “Coming into Pacifica, I knew I was interested in depth psychology, but I really didn’t know how much it aligned with Indigenous thought until after I got here. There is a bridge that connects ancestral medicine with contemporary mental health counseling, and it’s a bridge that I believe the world needs now. I feel like my time at Pacifica has widened that bridge.”
Lindsay Fauntleroy
Devin is a student in the M.A./Ph.D. in Mythological Studies program. Her studies at Pacifica have deepened her engagement with myth, depth psychology, religious studies, and ecological imagination, helping shape a scholarly and creative practice rooted in story, mystery, and belonging. Through her work, she explores the intersections of Catholic eco-mysticism, Indigenous cosmologies, and poetic storytelling as pathways toward healing and reconnection with the living world. Devin Nicole Johnson
“[The program] has invited me into a deeper attunement with mystery itself, transforming not only how I think, but how I move through and relate to the world around and within me.”
Alumni Spotlights
Where Depth Meets the World
Kamee is an artist, writer, and filmmaker whose work explores ancestral reclamation, visionary fiction, and diasporic futurism. Born into an Armenian family with roots in the SWANA region and raised near Toronto, they bring a multidisciplinary background in cinema, political science, art therapy, and community/liberation psychology.
Kamee Abrahamian Comm., Lib., Indig, and Eco-psych
Their writing has been recognized by VONA and the Banff Centre and nominated for a Pushcart Prize. Their plays have appeared in Lambda-honored anthologies, and their films have been supported by Sundance, Visions du Réel, HotDocs, and Catapult. Their recent film, Transmission, premiered at BFI FLARE.
Je’Rel is a depth psychologist, creative director, and scholar-artist whose work lives at the intersection of psychology, photography, and storytelling. Based in Los Angeles, he is the founder of Knew Aeon, a creative studio and cultural platform devoted to mindful experiences, storytelling, and the transformative power of art and culture. His work centers on the inner worlds of introverts, dreamers, and creatives who often feel out of place in today’s fast-paced society. Through photography, film, writing, and facilitation, Je’Rel creates spaces for belonging, reflection, and self-expression. His work explores transformation, spirituality, identity, and the relationship between creativity and the psyche, offering creative expression as a pathway to inclusion, imagination, and inner awakening.
Mary McDonald Counseling Psychology
Je’Rel Smith Depth and Creativity
Mary is an LCPC in Montana, an LMFT in California, and a licensed teacher with master’s degrees in counseling psychology and culturally responsive pedagogy. She studied depth psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute, where her education deepened her understanding of healing through the unconscious, creativity, and the repressed parts of the self. Her time at Pacifica also helped shape her calling as a therapist and writer, with her thesis on PMDD later becoming the foundation for her book, Our Sacred Cycle.
Roland is a writer, DJ, impresario, and emerging Jungian scholar whose time at Pacifica helped deepen both his creative and professional path. A longtime advocate for marginalized communities, he serves as Community Benefits Director and corporate trainer at L.A. Care Health Plan and has held leadership roles with organizations including Equality California, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and Clinica Monseñor Oscar A. Romero. A founder of the LGBTQ Latin@ movement in Los Angeles, Roland has received numerous honors for his decades of activism, including Pacifica’s 2021 Chancellor’s Award for Service.
Roland Palencia Depth and Creativity
VISIT PACIFICA ON CAMPUS Attend a Pacifica Extension on campus program. Please contact Admissions to schedule a tour. For additional information on application and admissions procedures, call the Office of Admissions at 805.879.7305 or via email at applicant@pacifica.edu
VISIT PACIFICA ONLINE
at pacifica.edu
Create a personalized Viewbook. Read Pacifica’s News Feed. Access Pacifica’s Social Media. Attend an upcoming Admissions or Pacifica Extension Program. Download Pacifica’s current Course Catalog and Financial Aid Guide. Submit an Online Application. Take a virtual tour of our campus.
Connect with Pacifica Join us for an upcoming Ask an Advisor session or our Virtual Pacifica Experience to explore programs, chat with faculty, meet alumni, and get your questions answered. Visit pacifica.edu for upcoming dates and information.
Pacifica Graduate Institute is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501, 510.748.9001, and is approved by the State of California Board of Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) and the U. S. Department of Education.
in The U.S. Department of Education requires institutions offering distance education to comply with state regulations. At Pacifica Graduate Institute, we understand that regulations for distance education vary by state. Visit our website for current status of our authorizations (or exemptions) at pacifica.edu/future-students/state-authorizations/
Office of Admissions 805.879.7305 applicant@pacifica.edu
Ladera Campus 801 Ladera Lane Santa Barbara, CA 93108
www.pacifica.edu