Pacifica Student News
Black History Month invites us to hold multiple truths at once. It is a time to celebrate the rich history, resilience, and contributions of Black individuals across generations. It is also a time to reflect on the ongoing struggles for justice and equality, recognizing the depths of our shared history and the work still ahead. I am learning that my growth relies on me not ignoring my emotions and instead taking time to embrace and reflect on them 鈥攁cknowledging both the weight of the past and the possibility of a more just future.
2025 Commencement Ceremony address聽by Dylan Francisco, PhD, is Co-Chair of the M.A./Ph.D. in Depth Psychology with Specialization in Jungian and Archetypal Studies program.
Elena Degel and Sarah “Mosey” Brown are both students in Pacifica’s M.A./Ph.D. Program in Depth Psychology with Specialization in Community, Liberation, Indigenous, and Eco-Psychologies Program. They attended the 10th International Conference on Community Psychology at the University of the Republic in Uruguay. We’re delighted to hear about their experience.聽
Heather Taylor, Ph.D., Lydia Griffiths, M.A., Jason Batt, Ph.D., Selena Madden, Ph.D., and Talia Harris, all students and alumni of Pacifica, created the International Society of Mythology, which this weekend is hosting Myth Fest 2025.
The Mythological Studies Journal is an entirely student run publication that emerged out of a desire to share some of the scholarship that comes directly from students鈥� coursework in the Mythological Studies Program at PGI. The journal has evolved through the years and currently follows the rhythm of an annual publication cycle spearheaded by rotating Co-Senior Editors, typically one second- and one third-year student in the Myth program. Submissions are accepted from students in coursework and dissertation and peer reviewed by a team of volunteers currently active within the program, as well. The 2025 cycle will open for submissions later this spring.
Black History Month invites us to hold multiple truths at once. It is a time to celebrate the rich history, resilience, and contributions of Black individuals across generations. It is also a time to reflect on the ongoing struggles for justice and equality, recognizing the depths of our shared history and the work still ahead. I am learning that my growth relies on me not ignoring my emotions and instead taking time to embrace and reflect on them 鈥攁cknowledging both the weight of the past and the possibility of a more just future.
Christiena Paulette Auguste, who performs under the nom de plume CHRIS [THE] ALCHEMIST, is enrolled in our new M.A./Ph.D. in Psychology, Religion, and Consciousness, which is now accepting applications. We’re delighted to hear more about our new student and what led her to start our completely online degree.
As we approach the December holidays鈥攁 season rich with traditions around the world like Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, 艑misoka, and the celebration of the New Year鈥攊t鈥檚 a fitting time to pause and reflect on our shared journey. This moment invites us to honor the diversity of our community, the beauty of the traditions we carry, and the collective mission that unites us: animae mundi colendae gratia鈥� (tending the soul of and in the world).
As we entered the introspective winter months, Pacifica reached out across our community of students, faculty, staff, and alumni, asking for reflections on our core values: Logos, Eros, Consciousness, Integrity, Service, and Stewardship.
Pacifica will be launching a fully online track of the M.A./Ph.D. in Depth Psychology with Specialization in Jungian and Archetypal Studies in Spring of 2025. Enrollment is now open. We’re delighted to speak with Dylan Francisco, Ph.d., Co-Chair of the program.
鈥淥n Veterans Day, we pause to acknowledge and honor the courage, sacrifice, dedication, and needs of those who have served in our Armed Forces. Veterans hold a unique perspective shaped by profound experiences and challenges, and their commitment to defending our freedoms has paved the way for countless opportunities. In our depth psychological community, we also recognize the immense effects of war on the individual and collective psyche and aim to positively support the needs of our veterans, particularly in mental health, as we work toward a peaceful society.鈥�-Deneatrice A. Lewis, PGI Vice President of People, Culture, and Belonging
Minh Tr岷 is in the Ph.D. in Depth Psychology with Specialization in Integrative Therapy and Healing Practices at 51社区. He is currently in the final writing and editing phase of his dissertation. We’re delighted to catch up with this dynamic scholar and hear about his travels and research.
Leigh J. McCloskey is an artist, author, and actor, most well known for his role in the television show Dallas. Pacifica was fortunate to have Leigh give the commencement address of 2024.
Marybeth Carter, Ph.D., is a Pacifica Adjunct Faculty in the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program, who will be participating in 鈥淭he 21st Century Queer Psyche Through a Jungian Lens鈥� panel during Journey Week, along with colleagues Naomi Azriel, LMFT, and Chema Jim茅nez Orva帽anos, M.A.
Austin Chandler is a student in Pacifica鈥檚 M.A./Ph.D. Clinical Psychology. I鈥檓 delighted to speak with him about Pacifica, Clinical, and the upcoming Journey Week 2024. Journey Week is an immersive week of learning and connecting at 51社区, September 26th 鈥� 29th, 2024.
Dylan Martinez Francisco, Ph.D. is Pacifica Co-Chair & Core Faculty-Jungian & Archetypal Studies MA/Ph.D. Program at Pacifica and will be giving the talk 鈥淲hy Humanism Is Dehumanizing and Why Posthumanism and AI Return Us to an Indigenous Cosmology鈥� at Journey Week 2024.
Monica Mody is an award-winning poet and scholar and Core Professor in the M.A/Ph.D. Mythological Studies with Emphasis in Depth Psychology Program, who will be presenting at Journey Week on 鈥淲here We Might Go in Lieu of Posthumanism: Building Indigenous and Decolonial Epistemologies.鈥� I鈥檓 delighted to speak with Monica about her upcoming talk at Journey Week, as well as her two recent poetry collections and book tour in India. Journey Week is an immersive week of learning and connecting at 51社区, September 26th 鈥� 29th, 2024.
Dr. John Bucher is the Executive Director for the Joseph Campbell Foundation, as well as a celebrated author and an alumni of the Mythology & Depth Psychology聽program at Pacifica. He will be presenting 鈥淭he Oracle and the Algorithm: Our Search for Mythos in the Machine鈥� as a keynote speaker at Journey Week 2024. Journey Week is an immersive week of learning and connecting at 51社区, September 26th 鈥� 29th, 2024.
Naomi Azriel, LMFT, is a Jungian analyst, scholar, activist and poet, who will be one of the presenters in the panel discussion 鈥淭he 21st Century Queer Psyche Through a Jungian Lens鈥� at Pacifica鈥檚 Journey Week. Journey Week is an immersive week of learning and connecting at 51社区, September 27th 鈥� 29th, 2024.
Peter T. Dunlap is not only the Co-Chair of Pacifica鈥檚 M.A./Ph.D. Clinical Psychology program, he will also be part of the three-scholar panel 鈥淏elonging and Changing Together: Transforming our Ideologies into Practices of Shared Becoming鈥� during Pacifica鈥檚 Journey week. Journey Week is an immersive week of learning and connecting at 51社区, September 27th 鈥� 29th, 2024. We’re delighted to speak with Peter about his work and Journey Week.鈥��
Dr. John Bucher is the Executive Director for the Joseph Campbell Foundation, as well as a celebrated author and an alumni of the Mythology & Depth Psychology program at Pacifica. He will be teaching in the 鈥淛oseph Campbell: Myth & Storytelling as a Gateway to Psyche and Soul鈥� certificate program, offered by Pacifica Extension in partnership with the Joseph Campbell Foundation, August 22, 2024 鈥� November 7, 2024. We’re delighted to speak with him.
Dr. John Bucher is the Executive Director for the Joseph Campbell Foundation, as well as a celebrated author and an alumni of the Mythology & Depth Psychology program at Pacifica. He will be teaching in the 鈥淛oseph Campbell: Myth & Storytelling as a Gateway to Psyche and Soul鈥� certificate program, offered by Pacifica Extension in partnership with the Joseph Campbell Foundation, August 22, 2024 鈥� November 7, 2024. We’re delighted to speak with him.
Pacifica Extension and International Studies will offer 鈥淢ind of State: Politics, Psyche and Soul in Turbulent Times鈥� on August 28, September 4, 11, 18, 25, October 2, 2024. [https://bit.ly/3y6ovWu] This six-week course is based on the recent book, Mind of State: Conversations on the Psychological Conflicts Stirring U.S. Politics and Society. We’re delighted to speak with co-editors Betty Teng and Dr. Thomas Singer, the instructors of this course.
Pacifica Extension and International Studies will offer 鈥淢ind of State: Politics, Psyche and Soul in Turbulent Times鈥� on August 28, September 4, 11, 18, 25, October 2, 2024. [https://bit.ly/3y6ovWu] This six-week course is based on the recent book, Mind of State: Conversations on the Psychological Conflicts Stirring U.S. Politics and Society. We’re delighted to speak with co-editors Betty Teng and Dr. Thomas Singer, the instructors of this course.
Pacifica Extension and International Studies will offer 鈥淎 Jungian Analysis of Toxic Modern Society: Fighting the Culture of Loneliness鈥� on July 30, August 6, 20, and 27, 2024, consisting of four classes taught by Erik Goodwyn, a renowned Jungian scholar and psychiatrist, as well as a fiction author. We’re delighted to speak with him about his upcoming seminar, as well as his creative endeavors. This is Part II of II of this interview
Pacifica Extension and International Studies will offer 鈥淎 Jungian Analysis of Toxic Modern Society: Fighting the Culture of Loneliness鈥� on July 30, August 6, 20, and 27, 2024, consisting of four classes taught by Erik Goodwyn, a renowned Jungian scholar and psychiatrist, as well as a fiction author. We’re delighted to speak with him about his upcoming seminar, as well as his creative endeavors.
Rebecca Ramsey is a first-year student in the M.A. Depth Psychology and Creativity with Emphasis in the Arts and Humanities Program. She is also an acclaimed violinist. We’re delighted to speak with her about her work.
Rebecca Stein is a therapist with a practice that helps women build resiliency, focusing on ADHD and chronic pain. She is also a first first-year student in our Depth Psychology with Specialization in Jungian Psychology and Archetypal Studies (DJA) Ph.D. program. We’re delighted to speak with her about her professional experience and her first year at Pacifica.
Rebecca Stein is a therapist with a practice that helps women build resiliency, focusing on ADHD and chronic pain. She is also a first first-year student in our Depth Psychology with Specialization in Jungian Psychology and Archetypal Studies (DJA) Ph.D. program. We’re delighted to speak with her about her professional experience and her first year at Pacifica.
Pacifica鈥檚 annual culminating events for graduating students are coming up this weekend! On Saturday, May 25th, Pacifica will once again host its Commencement ceremony at the beautiful Hilton Santa Barbara, where approximately 160 graduates of the over 250 total graduates of Pacifica鈥檚 class of 2024 will fill the main ballroom along with their family, friends, and our staff and faculty. Delivering this year鈥檚 commencement address is Leigh J. McCloskey, who is an artist, author, actor, and visual philosopher.
Diane M. Goodman is Judge to the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, and she is also a graduate of our Ph.D. in Depth Psychology with Specialization in Jungian Psychology and Archetypal Studies (DJA). We’re delighted to speak with her about her time at Pacifica and her career.
Dr. Elizabeth Nelson teaches courses in research design, process, methodology, and dissertation development as well as dream, archetypal psychology, and technology at 51社区. Her latest book is The Art of Inquiry: A Depth Psychological Perspective, and she also brings a background in somatics and dance
Dr. Elizabeth Nelson teaches courses in research design, process, methodology, and dissertation development as well as dream, archetypal psychology, and technology at 51社区. Her latest book is The Art of Inquiry: A Depth Psychological Perspective, and she also brings a background in somatics and dance
Nicholas S. Literski is a lecturer in psychology, a professional spiritual guide, and an alumni of Pacifica鈥檚 Depth Psychology with Emphasis in Jungian and Archetypal Studies program. I鈥檓 delighted to hear more about their work and perspective.
Nicholas S. Literski is a lecturer in psychology, a professional spiritual guide, and an alumni of Pacifica鈥檚 Depth Psychology with Emphasis in Jungian and Archetypal Studies program. I鈥檓 delighted to hear more about their work and perspective.
With Diversity Equity and Inclusion policies, programs, and initiatives under the microscope of legislative and political pressures across the higher education landscape, 51社区 鈥� with its motto to 鈥渢end to the soul in and of the world鈥� – maintains its unwavering commitment to nurturing an environment in its depth psychological academic community where diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) are integral. 聽This dedication is embodied in the announcement of its new Vice President of People, Culture, and Belonging, Deneatrice A. Lewis, MS.
Loralee M. Scott is the Senior Director of Pacifica Extension and International Studies, bringing over two decades of successful organizational leadership and a proven track record of post-graduate, Jungian informed curriculum design, development, and delivery. But she is also a dancer and an award-winning choreographer.
Sharon Blackie is a psychologist, mythologist, and author of the best-selling If Women Rose Rooted, among her many other publications. The Sunday Times says of her, 鈥淪he knows her archetypes, knows her Jung, knows her fairytales, and knows her neuroscience, and is sick of being patronised by men who don鈥檛.鈥� She is also teaching Pacifica Extension and International Studies鈥� 鈥淕raduate Certificate: Finding Ourselves in Fairytales: A Narrative Psychological Approach鈥� May 18th 鈥� December 7th, 2024. I鈥檓 delighted to speak with Sharon about her work and perspective.
Sharon Blackie is a psychologist, mythologist, and author of the best-selling If Women Rose Rooted, among her many other publications. The Sunday Times says of her, 鈥淪he knows her archetypes, knows her Jung, knows her fairytales, and knows her neuroscience, and is sick of being patronised by men who don鈥檛.鈥� She is also teaching Pacifica Extension and International Studies鈥� 鈥淕raduate Certificate: Finding Ourselves in Fairytales: A Narrative Psychological Approach鈥� May 18th 鈥� December 7th, 2024. I鈥檓 delighted to speak with Sharon about her work and perspective.
Connie Alexander-Boaitey is the co-founder of Gateway Educational Services, advocating for Santa Barbara鈥檚 underserved students through education. She is also the current president of the Santa Barbara NAACP. On April 20th, the NAACP is holding the 鈥淏lack Women鈥檚 Health Equity Conference鈥澛� in Santa Barbara, a free event for Black women from Santa Barbara, Ventura, Santa Maria & Lompoc. PGI President & CEO Dr. Leonie H. Mattison will be speaking at and participating in the conference. We’re delighted to hear more about Connie鈥檚 work in Part I of II of this interview, which is part of the Pacifica Soul Promise Series.
Connie Alexander-Boaitey is the co-founder of Gateway Educational Services, advocating for Santa Barbara鈥檚 underserved students through education. She is also the current president of the Santa Barbara NAACP. On April 20th, the NAACP is holding the 鈥淏lack Women鈥檚 Health Equity Conference鈥澛� in Santa Barbara, a free event for Black women from Santa Barbara, Ventura, Santa Maria & Lompoc. PGI President & CEO Dr. Leonie H. Mattison will be speaking at and participating in the conference. We’re delighted to hear more about Connie鈥檚 work in Part I of II of this interview, which is part of the Pacifica Soul Promise Series.
Juliet Rohde-Brown, Ph.D., is the Chair for the Depth Psychology: Integrative Therapy and Healing Practices doctoral specialization program at 51社区, and a mentor to many. She will be teaching the Pacifica Extension course, 鈥淪hadow and Society: The Forgotten Child in Collective Contexts,鈥� on April 3, 10, 17, and 24, 2024. The class will be offered live on Zoom.
Gather a hundred people in a room and ask them to name a woman who they admire, and you will likely get a hundred different answers. Ask a Pacifica scholar to do the same, and you have Pacifica Extensions 鈥淭railblazers, Renegades and Mystics鈥� Series, featuring PGI faculty members delving into the lives of extraordinary women who have shaped history. In this thought-provoking, five-part series, Mary Wood, David Odorisio, Camille Harris, Emily Lord-Kambitsch, and Dylan Hoffman offer a depth psychological snapshot of trail-blazing women. These half-hour long talks, available free on Pacifica鈥檚 YouTube channel, illuminate the complexities, contributions and relevance of these women鈥檚 lives and work for the contemporary challenges we face today.
Caroline Anton is a third-year student in our Counseling Psychology Program, who was one of four students who was awarded a scholarship through Pacifica Extension and Student Services to attend Pacifica鈥檚 鈥淚ndividuation and Psychedelics Conversations with Jungian Analysts鈥� conference, which was held Dec 15-17, 2023. We’re delighted to speak with Caroline about the conference and also her professional experience prior to coming to Pacifica.
Patricia O. Katsky is a core faculty member of the Specialization in Integrative Therapy and Healing Practices and was formerly provost at Pacifica. We’re delighted to speak with her about her experiences in becoming a therapist and also about her years of service at Pacifica.
At Pacifica, we choose to honor women every day of the year, and to invite inclusivity always. But as Women鈥檚 History Month and March 8鈥檚 International Women鈥檚 Day invite us to highlight the contributions of women and encourage inclusivity, we wanted to focus on something near to our hearts and minds, which is 鈥淲omen Making History in Depth Psychology.鈥�
Maureen Murdock is the author of the best-selling book, The Heroine鈥檚 Journey, which explores the rich territory of the feminine psyche. She was also the Chair and Core Faculty of the MA Counseling Psychology Program at Pacifica. She will be co-teaching Pacifica Extension鈥檚 鈥淲riting Down the Soul: An Archetypal and Mythological Approach to Memoir Writing鈥� with Jennifer Selig March 23, 2024 鈥� December 8th, 2024
As part of 51社区鈥檚 observance of World Teen Mental Wellness Day, we are delighted to be speaking with Dr. Myka Hanson, a PGI alumni who is the founder of Teen Forward.
Dr. Rajan is a graduate of Pacifica鈥檚 M.A./Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with Emphasis in Depth Psychology as well as an adjunct Professor at Pacifica. Her work focuses on mental health care to survivors of human trafficking, and she is an advocate and educator on the global human trafficking crisis. This topic may be a trigger for some readers, so please consider that before reading. and Psychedelics Conversations with Jungian Analysts鈥� conference, which was held Dec 15-17, 2023. We’re delighted to speak with Caroline about the conference and also her professional experience prior to coming to Pacifica.
Isha Lucas is a second-year student in Depth Psychology with a specialization in Integrative Therapy and Healing Practices. She is also the creator of the tarot deck Woman of Light, as well as having a psychotherapy practice. We’re excited to speak with her about her tarot deck and her psychotherapy work.
Paul Redwood is an experienced board member & industry technology leader well-versed in the art of policy-setting, governance, & strategic direction for Fortune 500 corporations. His tenure as Chairman of the Organization of Machine Automation and Control (OMAC) showcased his ability to influence technology policy and drive change at a strategic level. He is currently the Managing Director for Redwood Design Engineering LLC. He earned his Masters degree in Engineering from NJIT and his Bachelors from Hofstra university.
Sierra Warren is a fourth-year student at Pacifica in the Clinical Psychology Program, who was one of four students who was awarded a scholarship through Pacifica Extension and Student Services to attend Pacifica鈥檚 鈥淚ndividuation and Psychedelics Conversations with Jungian Analysts鈥� conference, which was held Dec 15-17, 2023. We were delighted to speak with Sierra about her experience at the conference and also her academic work.
Isha Lucas is a second-year student in Depth Psychology with a specialization in Integrative Therapy and Healing Practices. She is also the creator of the tarot deck Woman of Light, as well as having a psychotherapy practice. We’re excited to speak with her about her tarot deck and her psychotherapy work.
Grace Hiu Phong is a licensed massage therapist, a first-generation immigrant, and a first-year student in Pacifica鈥檚 Ph.D. in Depth Psychology with Specialization in Integrative Therapy and Healing Practices. I鈥檓 delighted to speak with her about her work. ***Please note, one of the things we鈥檒l be discussing is Grace鈥檚 internship at REST (Real Escape from the Sex Trade). Although the content of our conversation is not graphic, it is, nonetheless a topic that may be traumatic for some. It is also timely, as January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Please feel free to skip reading this article if the topic is likely to be a trigger for you. Our intent is to show how professionals in psychology can assist in treating this global pandemic.**
Lindsay Fauntleroy is a second-year 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. January is Mental Wellness Month, and I鈥檓 delighted to speak with Lindsay about her work and perhaps glean some tips on self-care to share with everyone.
Kira Kull is a student in the MA/PhD Mythological Studies Program with a specialization in Depth Psychology, as well as being the Co-Senior-Editor of the 2023 Mythological Studies Journal (Volume XI), which is now available to read online and print! MSJ is entirely student run and edited, featuring pieces by students enrolled in the MA/PhD Mythological Studies Program.
Laurel Bergsten is a fourth-year Ph.D. student in our MA/Ph.D. Mythological Studies Program with a specialization in Depth Psychology, as well as being the Co-Senior-Editor of the 2023 Mythological Studies Journal (Volume XI), which is now available to read online and print! MSJ is entirely student run and edited, featuring pieces by students enrolled in the MA/PhD Mythological Studies Program.
Minh Tran will be mixing it up with our relational and object-relational friends for his first international “musical-lecture” presentation with the International Forum for Psychoanalytic Education.
One teachable aspect of this emerged in my dissertation work. The focus of that was racial disparities in maternal healthcare. On the surface, that is read as there being something about these particular bodies that maintains this symptom of early maternal death, but this 鈥渞acial group鈥� is not the root cause, unlike the approach of…
Decolonizing is moving away from silos to more conceptual understandings. Depth psychology has that. I was invited to read the Art of Inquiry, the principles around psyche we had to learn and incorporate. Psyche, something we can鈥檛 see is real, is a radical departure from what you would call colonial logic, which is materialistic, which…
Phil Garrity is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Depth Psychology at 51社区. He recently had a piece in the book聽Gemini and the Sacred: Twins and Twinship in Religion and Mythology.聽I鈥檓 delighted to speak with him about twinship, otherness, and his work and experience with critical illnesses.
