The Institute of Imaginal Studies, longtime OPEN EXCHANGE lister, offers unique degree programs for psychologists. Please inquire about public lectures, open houses and two-day introductions to advanced degree curricula.

The Institute offers Masters and Doctoral degree programs in Imaginal Psychology, as well as public programs and activities that support the creation of learning communities. These programs emphasize the role of transformative learning in catalyzing the emergence of key human capacities. The capacities of self awareness, collaboration, responsibility, and empathy are given special emphasis in the Institute's graduate programs. The Institute seeks to educate psychologically aware leaders with the knowledge, skills, and capacities essential to empower individuals, organizations, and communities. The curriculum in the graduate programs embodies this intention.

The Institute's curriculum in Imaginal Psychology offers a distinct orientation to the discipline of psychology. This orientation reclaims soul as psychology's primary concern. The soul expresses itself in images. Care of the soul asks that we pay close attention to the images we inhabit. This orientation to psychology has its roots in the transformative practices that are at the core of many spiritual traditions and the creative arts. The Imaginal Psychology curriculum in all programs draws on spiritual traditions, somatic practices, creative arts, mythology, indigenous wisdom, deep ecology, and social critique.

At the Institute, care and attention have been given to the how of teaching and learning, as well as on what information should be transmitted. Toward this intent, the Institute has chosen particular formats and practices in constructing its learning environment. For example, the graduate programs are conducted in a Weekend Format. Classes meet at a retreat center, one weekend a month Friday through Sunday for nine months (September through May) and for one week during the Summer quarter. The residential plan supports and nurtures the development of a collaborative learning community. A collaborative learning community catalyzes experiences that are transformative and integrative. Collaborative learning supports the inherently active and social nature of knowledge. Learning how to learn is at the heart of this approach.

When collaborative learning is practiced in a supportive community, we are able to inhabit vulnerability and mystery. Through the recognition of each other's unique potentials and limitations, we deepen the process of soul-making and care of the soul. This approach builds relationships of reciprocity and mutuality; it is especially suited to the transformative dimension of adult learning.

Like the curriculum in our graduate programs, the Institute's public programs draw on spiritual traditions, somatic practices, creative arts, mythology, indigenous wisdom, deep ecology, and social critique. Contributing faculty at the Institute include notable authors such as Thomas Moore, author of Care of the Soul, Soul Mates, and The Soul of Sex; Jean Houston, author of Search for the Beloved, Jump Time, and A Mythic Life; and Malidoma Somé, author of Ritual: Power, Healing and Community, Of Water and The Healing Wisdom of Africa: Finding Life Purpose Through Nature, Ritual, and Community.

Here are just a few brief excerpts from working professionals who have graduated from the Institute:

"The workplace offers a context for community-building in a world that is hungry for what we have to offer as attendants of soul. The Institute has opened my heart and sparked my imagination to take creative action in meeting these challenges effectively."
Craig Garfinkel, MA
California Pacific Medical Center

"The Institute's programs provide a careful weaving of theory, practice, and leadership development out of which each student tailors her or his own unique garment of meaning. As a diversity consultant for many years, I longed for a way to bring depth, complexity, and respect to the mystery of my work. The Institute's curriculum provided a crucible wherein my imagination was ignited, enabling me to bring fresh ideas and my own unique contributions to the communities in which I work."
Isoke Femi, MA
Founding Director, Todos Alliance Building Institute

"The experiential learning environment at the Institute of Imaginal Studies has allowed me to develop my effectiveness as an educator and administrator. My varied interests in movement, art-making, leadership, and working with children have come together seamlessly."
Elizabeth Schreiber, MA
Executive Director, Cornerstone, Inc.