International University
of Professional Studies

Somatic and Spiritual Psychology - Selected Course Descriptions

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(Please note: All Doctoral coursework (600 courses) involve more advanced research and in-depth study.)

 

REQUIRED CORE COURSES​

SSP 501  Foundations of Somatic and Spiritual Psychology

This course emphasizes the integration of body, mind, and spirit in therapeutic practice. Students will examine theoretical frameworks, including somatic experiencing, mindfulness-based approaches, and transpersonal psychology, to understand how embodied awareness and spiritual perspectives inform mental health and healing.

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SSP 502  Somatic Awareness

An exploration of deepening the mind-body connection, enhancing emotional resilience, and fostering holistic well-being. Experiential movement practices, sensory attunement, and breathwork will be supported with theoretical framework in somatic psychology.​

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SSP 503  Principles of Conscious Relationships

Contemporary literature on interpersonal relations and intimacy is surveyed, including the most recent research and theory on relating with awareness and cultivating love.  An experiential component to this course is optional.  Some focus on the connection between conscious relationships and individual somatic-spiritual practices is included.

 

SSP 504  Somatic Centered Therapies

Students will explore various somatic therapies including practical applications of techniques such as Somatic Experiencing, Body-Mind Centering, and sensorimotor psychotherapy. One will learn to develop skills to address psychological and physical distress by practicing bodily awareness.

 

SSP 505  Spiritual Therapy Approaches

An integration of spiritual framework into therapeutic practice is pursued, emphasizing the role of spirituality in mental health and well-being. Students will examine diverse spiritual therapy approaches such as mindfulness-based interventions, existential therapy, and culturally sensitive practices that incorporate diverse spiritual belief systems.

 

SSP 506   Neuroscience and Somatic Spiritual Psychology

This interdisciplinary course approaches the intersection of neuroscience, somatic psychology, and spiritual practices, examining how embodied experiences shape mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Student will investigate the neural mechanisms underlying various mental states, in addition to spiritual frameworks that promote self-awareness and resilience. This course bridges scientific inquiry with holistic approaches, exploring neuroplasticity, body-mind integration, contemplative practices, and the psychophysiology of spiritual experiences.

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SSP 507   Tantric Traditions of Healing and Cosmology

Students will become acquainted with the rich tapestry of Tantric traditions, focusing on their approaches to healing and cosmological frameworks. Students will examine key texts, rituals, and practices from Hindu and Buddhist Tantric lineages, analyzing their philosophies of the body, energy systems, and the cosmos. Topics include the role of mantras and yantras within meditation, the interplay of the macrocosm and microcosm, and the integration of esoteric knowledge with practical healing. 

 

SSP 590  Masters Thesis Project (Masters program only)
A Masters level thesis is required and the proposal must be submitted to the mentor and department chair. Upon approval, students will work with their mentors to gain direction for research, format, and editing. This project may be an extended essay on a topic of special interest, a comprehensive literature review on a specialty issue, a write-up of some research undertaken, or a report of a project such as a workshop that the learner has designed and facilitated. The thesis will be a culmination of the student’s knowledge, making a significant contribution to the field of Somatic and Spiritual Psychology.

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SSP 601  Spiritual Traditions
This course introduces students to the world’s spiritual and religious traditions, with their different cosmologies and practices. It focuses in particular on how these traditions view the human body and how the body is involved in spiritual practices. An experiential component of the course is optional if students wish to experience physical spiritual practices like meditation techniques, fasting, and yoga.

 

SSP 602  Readings in Embodied Spirituality
This course reviews spiritual texts and research on the experiences and practices of embodied spirituality. Readings include Yogic, Hindu, Buddhist, Tantric, Christian, Jewish, and other texts that give insight into different spiritual traditions’ views of the body and its role in spiritual practice. They also include studies on the physical and psychological effects of these practices.

 

SSP 603  Theory and Practice of Therapeutic Relationships
A good therapeutic relationship is the basis for all psychological work with a clients. This course acquaints students with the basic theories on how the therapeutic relationship both succeeds and fails. It provides tools for creating beneficial therapeutic relationships with clients, and addresses ethical issues presented in all therapeutic relationships, but particularly when the treatment involves physical techniques and sexuality.

 

SSP 604  Principles of Yoga
This course provides an overview of the theory behind the different types of Yoga and how those theories have been implemented in the form of physical spiritual practices. Readings will include Yogic texts, modern interpretations of Yoga, and studies on the effects of Yogic practices. An experiential component of Yogic practice is optional.

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SSP 605  Introduction to Shamanic Practices
This course surveys the literature on anthropological and psychological studies of shamanic practices and how they evolved in various cultures. It also looks at the shamanic practices found in modern Western culture. Students may opt to add an experiential component to the course and attend or participate in shamanic rituals.

 

SSP 606 Approaches to Somatic Human Sexuality
Completion of SSP 504 is prerequisite for this more comprehensive training to acquaint individuals with the erotic potential of their embodiment via methods of breath-work, touch, massage, and pelvic release.
 

SSP 607  Practicum / Internship in Somatic and Spiritual Psychology
Under the guidance of the Program Director, learners design and undertake a practicum or internship experience within the general area of Somatic and Spiritual Psychology.

 

SSP 690  Dissertation Research Project
A dissertation is required and the proposal must be submitted to the mentor and department chair. Upon approval, students will work with their mentors to gain direction for research, format, and editing. The dissertation will be a substantial and original contribution to the literature in the field of Somatic and Spiritual Psychology.

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ELECTIVE COURSES

Elective courses may be recommended by the university to ensure the student receives a well-rounded education and students are encouraged to take electives that focus on their core areas of educational interest. Alternative electives to the courses below may be designed by students and submitted to their mentor and the university for approval, truly giving students to opportunity to customize their education. In addition, with prior university approval, students can receive course credits for certain relevant workshops and conferences attended.

 

SSP 650  Readings in Embodied Spirituality

Exploring the body as a sacred gateway to spiritual awareness, this course examines how embodied experience provides direct access to the divine. Students engage with key texts in tantric philosophy and related contemplative traditions that emphasize the unity of body, mind, and spirit. Through scholarly readings and reflective dialogue, participants deepen their understanding of embodied spirituality as an integrative path of consciousness, healing, and self-realization.

 

SSP 651  Progressing in Meditation

Designed for students seeking to advance their contemplative practice, this course explores progressive methods of meditation with a focus on embodiment and somatic awareness. Participants experiment with approaches that integrate breath, movement, and sensory presence to cultivate mindfulness through the body. Emphasis is placed on developing stability, clarity, and spiritual depth as foundations for ongoing inner transformation and transpersonal realization.

 

SSP 652  Theories of Bodywork

This course provides an overview of foundational theories and methods in somatic healing and body-centered therapy. Students explore major approaches such as Rolfing, the Feldenkrais Method, the Alexander Technique, and related modalities that emphasize posture, movement, and energy flow. Through comparative study, participants examine how bodywork supports psychological integration, emotional release, and spiritual awakening within the framework of somatic psychology.

 

SSP 653  Readings in Shamanic Practice

Through selected readings and reflective study, this course explores the core principles, rituals, and healing methods of shamanic practice across diverse indigenous traditions. Students examine the role of the shaman as healer, guide, and mediator between worlds, with attention to altered states of consciousness, soul retrieval, and nature-based spirituality. Emphasis is placed on understanding shamanism as both an ancient healing art and a foundation for contemporary transpersonal and spiritual psychology.

 

SSP 654  Advanced Study of Interpersonal Relationships

Focusing on the dynamics of conscious connection, this advanced course explores the psychological and spiritual dimensions of intimacy, communication, and relational growth. Students examine key theories of attachment, empathy, and vulnerability within the context of somatic and transpersonal psychology. Through reflective and experiential learning, participants deepen their understanding of how authentic relationships serve as catalysts for healing, self-awareness, and spiritual development.

 

SSP 655  Advances in Somatic Human Sexuality

This course offers an in-depth exploration of the psychological, physiological, and spiritual dimensions of human sexuality through the lens of somatic awareness. Students study major theoretical frameworks and embodied healing practices that honor sexuality as a vital expression of life energy and consciousness. Depending on individual focus, the course may emphasize conceptual understanding or experiential engagement with topics such as intimacy, desire, and sacred embodiment as pathways to personal and relational transformation.

 

SSP 656  The Impact of Repression on the Human Experience  
This course examines the psychological and cultural consequences of emotional, spiritual, and sexual repression on both individual and collective levels. Students explore how repression contributes to global crises such as violence, alienation, and ecological imbalance. Readings and discussions include influential thinkers from Herbert Marcuse to contemporary voices in ecological and depth psychology. Emphasis is placed on restoring wholeness through awareness, embodied expression, and the reclamation of authentic human potential.

 

SSP 657  Practicum in Embodied Spirituality

In collaboration with their IUPS faculty mentor, students design and carry out an individualized practicum that deepens their direct experience of embodied spirituality. This self-directed project may involve a vision quest, intensive training, a contemplative retreat, or other integrative practice that unites physical, emotional, and spiritual awareness. The practicum encourages experiential learning, personal transformation, and the integration of somatic and transpersonal principles into one’s life and professional path.

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SSP 658  Practice of Living in Meditation

This course offers an in-depth exploration of meditation as a lived, integrative practice for spiritual and personal development. Students examine the teachings and practices of contemporary spiritual leaders while engaging with current research in the psychology and neuroscience of consciousness. Emphasis is placed on cultivating continuous awareness, embodied presence, and transformative insight, bridging contemplative practice with scientific understanding of mind-body-spirit integration.

 

SSP 659  Advanced Study of Yoga

Designed for students seeking a deeper engagement with yoga, this course explores both ancient traditions and contemporary practices as paths for physical, mental, and spiritual integration. Participants study the philosophy, techniques, and experiential aspects of yoga, including asana, pranayama, meditation, and contemplative inquiry. Emphasis is placed on using yoga as a tool for self-awareness, embodied presence, and transpersonal growth within the context of somatic and spiritual psychology.

 

SSP 660  Practicum in Bodywork

This practicum provides students with an immersive, hands-on opportunity to deepen their understanding of a chosen somatic healing modality. Learners select a specific approach and engage in guided practice to refine technique, enhance embodied awareness, and explore its therapeutic applications. The course emphasizes experiential learning, personal growth, and the integration of body-centered practices within somatic and spiritual psychology frameworks.

 

SSP 661  Practicum in Shamanic Practice
Students engage in an apprentice-style practicum with a qualified shamanic practitioner, gaining direct experience in traditional healing methods and ritual practices. The course emphasizes embodied learning through observation, participation, and guided mentorship, offering insight into altered states of consciousness, ceremonial techniques, and spiritual guidance. Participants deepen their understanding of shamanic principles and their application within contemporary somatic and spiritual psychology contexts.

 

SSP 663  Advanced Methods of Embodied Meditation

This course explores meditation practices that actively engage the body as a gateway to heightened awareness and spiritual insight. Students study and practice methods that incorporate breathwork, movement, dance, and somatic techniques to cultivate mindfulness, presence, and energetic integration. Emphasis is placed on deepening the connection between body, mind, and spirit, supporting both personal transformation and the application of embodied meditation within therapeutic or contemplative contexts.

 

SSP 664  History and Philosophy of Yogic Practice

Intended for students who teach or plan to teach yoga, this course provides an in-depth study of the historical and philosophical foundations of yogic practice. Focus is placed on the eightfold path of yoga as articulated by Patanjali, with exploration of how these principles have evolved and been applied in contemporary practice. Students examine classical texts, philosophical frameworks, and practical applications to integrate traditional wisdom with modern somatic, spiritual, and transpersonal approaches.

 

SSP 665  Neuroscience and Meditation
This course examines contemporary research on the effects of meditation on brain function, neurochemistry, and cognitive-emotional regulation. Students explore findings from neuroscience, psychology, and contemplative studies to understand how meditation influences attention, emotional resilience, neuroplasticity, and overall well-being. Emphasis is placed on bridging scientific knowledge with practical meditation practice, highlighting the mind-body-spirit integration central to somatic and spiritual psychology.

 

SSP 666  Altered States of Consciousness

This course explores the study of altered states of consciousness through both traditional and contemporary lenses. Students review literature on states induced by pharmacological agents, breathwork, meditation, and other somatic or psychological methods. An understanding of the neurological, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of these states is key, with attention to their therapeutic potential, transpersonal insights, and applications in somatic and spiritual psychology.

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SSP 667  Neuroscience and Somatic-Spiritual Psychology

For students interested in the intersection of brain science and spiritual development, this course delves into contemporary neuroscience research relevant to somatic and spiritual psychology. Topics include neuroplasticity, mind-body integration, emotional regulation, and the neurological underpinnings of meditation, embodiment, and consciousness practices. Students explore how these scientific insights inform therapeutic approaches, contemplative practices, and the understanding of human potential.

 

SSP 668  The Body in Human Experience

Students investigate the lived experience of embodiment, drawing on phenomenology, existential philosophy, and related philosophical traditions. The course explores how bodily awareness shapes perception, identity, and consciousness, highlighting the interplay between physical sensation, emotion, and cognition. Emphasis is placed on understanding the body as a central medium for personal growth, somatic insight, and spiritual development within contemporary somatic and transpersonal psychology.

 

SSP 669  Aspects of Somatic and Emotional Growth

This course examines the evolution of somatic and emotional development theories within the context of twentieth-century psychotherapy. Students compare diverse approaches to body-centered and emotion-focused therapeutic methods, analyzing their contributions to personal growth, self-regulation, and transpersonal awareness. Emphasis is placed on understanding how somatic and emotional integration supports psychological resilience, spiritual development, and holistic well-being.

 

SSP 670  Teaching Embodied Processes to Solo Practitioners   

Focusing on the one-on-one healing relationship, this course explores the fundamentals of guiding embodied practices in individual sessions. Students investigate key concepts such as the intersubjective field, transference and countertransference, and strategies for addressing challenges or breakdowns in the therapeutic process. Through study and practice, learners develop skills for creating a safe, supportive, and transformative environment that integrates somatic awareness, emotional attunement, and spiritual growth.

 

SSP 671  Teaching Embodied Processes to Partnered Practitioners

Building on the practicum in embodied spirituality as a prerequisite (SSP 657), this course explores the unique dynamics of coaching couples in somatic and spiritual practices. Students examine relational patterns, communication, and shared embodiment, addressing challenges that arise when guiding partnered experiences. Through experiential exercises and case study discussion, participants develop skills to facilitate safe, transformative, and integrative practices that enhance connection, awareness, and mutual growth.

 

SSP 672  Teaching Embodied Processes in Workshop Settings

Following the foundational practicum in embodied spirituality as a prerequisite (SSP 657), this course guides students in designing and facilitating workshops that integrate somatic and spiritual practices. Participants explore curriculum development, group dynamics, and techniques for fostering engagement, safety, and transformative experiences in a group setting. Students learn how to lead workshops that cultivate embodied awareness, personal insight, and collective growth.

 

SSP 673  Ethics of Healing Relationships

Exploring the foundations of professional integrity, this course investigates the ethical responsibilities inherent in healing and therapeutic relationships. Topics include informed consent, boundary-setting, transparent communication, and the maintenance of safety and trust. Students analyze real-world scenarios and case studies to develop practical strategies for upholding ethical standards while fostering effective, compassionate, and transformative connections.

 

SSP 674  Sexuality and Culture throughout History

This course examines how diverse cultures across history have shaped, restricted, and influenced human sexual expression. Students explore social, religious, and political factors that have curtailed sexual freedoms, considering their psychological, emotional, and spiritual implications. Through historical analysis and critical reflection, learners gain insight into the interplay between culture, sexuality, and human development within somatic and transpersonal psychology frameworks.

 

SSP 675  History of the Hindu-Jain Lineages

Students explore the historical development, distinctive teachings, and embodied spiritual practices of Hindu and Jain traditions. The course examines philosophical frameworks, ritual practices, and meditative disciplines that emphasize the integration of body, mind, and spirit. Through scholarly study and reflective engagement, learners gain insight into the ways these lineages have cultivated ethical living, mindfulness, and spiritual realization.

 

SSP 676  History of the Buddhist Lineages

This course explores the historical development, key teachings, and embodied practices of Buddhist traditions. Students investigate meditation techniques, ethical frameworks, and contemplative disciplines that integrate body, mind, and spirit. Through scholarly analysis and reflective engagement, learners gain a deeper understanding of how Buddhist lineages have cultivated mindfulness, wisdom, and spiritual transformation across cultures and historical periods.

 

SSP 677  History and Practices of Taoism

Delving into the embodied spiritual practices of Taoism, this course examines its historical development, philosophy, and techniques for cultivating harmony, vitality, and inner balance. Students explore Taoist meditation, movement, breathwork, and ritual practices, emphasizing the integration of body, mind, and spirit. Through study and reflective practice, learners gain insight into the ways Taoist traditions support health, self-awareness, and spiritual growth.

 

SSP 678  History and Practices of Sufism

This course explores the historical development, mystical philosophy, and embodied practices of Sufism as a path of spiritual transformation. Students study techniques such as movement, chanting, breathwork, and contemplative ritual that cultivate presence, devotion, and inner awareness. Through both scholarly inquiry and experiential reflection, learners gain insight into how Sufi traditions integrate body, mind, and spirit to foster personal growth and transcendent consciousness.

 

SSP 679  Embodied Spirituality in Abrahamic Traditions

Students explore the role of embodied spiritual practices within Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, examining how movement, ritual, prayer, and contemplative techniques foster spiritual awareness and integration. The course investigates historical, theological, and practical perspectives, highlighting ways that body-centered practices support devotion, mindfulness, and personal transformation. Through reflective study and experiential engagement, learners gain insight into the intersection of embodiment, faith, and transpersonal growth within the Abrahamic traditions.

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SSP 680  Advanced Readings in Somatic and Energetic Psychology 
This course offers an in-depth examination of the development and evolution of somatic and energetic psychology in Western thought. Students engage with key texts and critical analyses that trace the integration of body-centered, energy-based, and transpersonal approaches into contemporary therapeutic practice. Through scholarly study and reflective discussion, learners explore how these methodologies inform psychological understanding, embodied healing, and holistic personal transformation. 

 

SSP 681  Images of the Goddess

This course explores the symbolism, mythology, and transformative power of the Goddess across cultures and spiritual traditions. Students examine the archetypal energies of the Goddess and their relevance for personal growth, creative expression, and therapeutic practice. Through reflective study, ritual, and experiential exercises, learners engage with these feminine spiritual principles to deepen embodiment, intuition, and holistic awareness.

 

SSP 682  Advanced Readings in Ecology and Spiritual Practice

Students investigate the interconnection between somatic spirituality and ecological consciousness, exploring how embodied awareness can inform sustainable living and environmental stewardship. The course examines key texts and contemporary perspectives that highlight the relationship between human consciousness, intentional action, and the health of the planet. Through reflective study and discussion, learners gain insight into integrating spiritual, somatic, and ecological practices to support holistic well-being and planetary care.

 

SSP 683  Readings in Liberation Psychology

This course examines foundational texts in liberation psychology, focusing on their relevance to embodied spirituality and transformative practice. Students explore themes such as social justice, oppression, and collective healing, considering how personal and societal liberation intersect with spiritual and somatic development. Through critical reading, discussion, and reflection, learners gain insight into applying liberation psychology principles to support ethical, conscious, and embodied approaches to personal growth and therapeutic practice.

 

SSP 684  Witnessing Embodied Spiritual Practice

This course guides students in developing the skills necessary to articulate, teach, and share somatic and spiritual psychology practices. Emphasis is placed on reflective writing, effective communication, and pedagogical techniques that support the transmission of embodied spiritual principles. Through experiential exercises and practice-based feedback, learners cultivate confidence and clarity in presenting these practices for personal, professional, and community growth.

 

SSP 685  Diversity and Embodied Spirituality

This course explores the adaptation of embodied spiritual practices to meet the needs of diverse populations, including LGBTQ+ communities and other historically marginalized groups. Students examine transgender-inclusive approaches, and culturally sensitive methodologies that honor identity, embodiment, and spiritual growth. Through critical study and reflective engagement, learners gain insight into creating inclusive, ethical, and transformative somatic and spiritual practices.